Speech #620162269

I now read from the Canadian law: In case of sickness. and on that account Inability on the part of the new settler to perform the required duties. his homestead is protectedthat is to say. an extension period is granted him by the department of the interior. so that instead of performing all his duties in three years he may be permitted four or five. as the case may be. In any event. no advantage Is taken of his sickness to deprive him of the homestead upon which he has placed his labor and perhaps is capital. In case of sickness in his family and consequent destitution. due either to insufficient capital or to extra expenditure for medicines and medical help. the new homesteader has the right to appeal to the immigration .department of the interior. Infuiry is made Into the situation. and if It is found that the settler. through no fault of his own. is lacking in food. fuel. or clothing. this is provided by the department and a lien taken upon the homestead for the amount advanced to the homesteader with 6 per cent interest added. the homesteader understanding that be can not become possessed of the final title until he has met and liquidated all the advances of the Government. In cases where the homesteader has suffered partial or total failure of crop from hail. fire. or other untoward circumstances and where he is still upon land for which he has not received his patent. the department of the interior will advance him a reasonable quantity of seed wheat and seed oats to enable him to get upon his feet again and proceed with his spring sowing.