Point of Privilege Resolution No. 5-02M

WHEREAS, the Provincial Government has designed a program entitled "Herd Retention Program 2002" which provides livestock producers $12, $17, or $25 per animal; and

WHEREAS, the amount per animal is determined if the producer is in a sever, high or moderate drought region; and

WHEREAS, we recognize it is very difficult to divide the province into these regions;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that SARM ask the Provincial Government to review the allocation of drought more accurately so as to compensate those regions that have been severely affected but not recognized.

Response From Honourable Clay Serby:

The initial drought boundaries were drawn based on objective rainfall information that was available. However, it was recognized that there might be exceptions to the drought designations. Consequently, an independent review committee was established for the purpose of considering appeals to the boundaries of the drought regions. An information package was sent to all rural municipal councils and Indian reserve band councils outlining the requirements for an appeal request on behalf of the producers within a Rural Municipality or Indian Reserve.

The deadline for a Rural Municipality or Indian Reserve to appeal their drought designation was October 15, 2002. The review process is nearing completion and changes in the drought designations will be made public in the near future.