The Canada and Manitoba governments through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) are investing $450,000 over 3 years towards the Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program (MFWP) to provide access to professional counselling services to Manitoba’s agricultural community, federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay, Premier Wab Kinew and Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn announced today.

“Farmers face unique stressors and challenges, but they don’t complain, and they always get the job done. If they’re struggling with their mental health, we need to be there for them. Through this shared investment under Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, farmers across Manitoba will have better access to the tools and supports they need to continue producing the high-quality products we depend on.”

-The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

“We support the hard work that farmers have committed their lives to, and know that with that, there are many difficult moments specific to this industry that can take their toll. This is why it is so important to have specialized, mental health resources available specifically for farmers and their families, and why we are proud to partner with the federal government on this key initiative.”

- Wab Kinew, Premier

“The Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program is a pivotal resource for farmers, their families and their workers. Extreme weather conditions, market fluctuations and disease outbreaks often isolate and challenge the mental health and wellbeing of farmers and their families. These funds will support the expansion of professional counselling services to increase access to mental health support.”

- Ron Kostyshyn, Manitoba Minister of Agriculture

“This new investment will allow The Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program to continue our important work of providing free counselling to Manitoba producers, their families and workers. We understand the many challenges that come with farming and how difficult it can be to know where to turn for help when stress on the farm begins to feel overwhelming. This funding will allow us to continue our focus on getting the support producers need without the worry of incurring additional costs.”

- Marcel Hacault, chairman of The Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program

• The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a 5-year, $3.5-billion investment by Canada's federal, provincial and territorial governments that supports Canada's agri-food and agri-products sectors. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5 billion commitment that is cost-shared 60% federally and 40% provincially-territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories.

Associated links

• Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership - agriculture.canada.ca
• Province of Manitoba | Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (gov.mb.ca)
• Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program

Francis Chechile
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Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
francis.chechile@agr.gc.ca

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