HANSARD

April 13, 2010

Assistance To Farmers Question

Mr. Ernie Hardeman: My question is to the Minister of Agriculture. Last week, the Ontario Agriculture Sustainability Coalition held a town hall meeting to reinforce their urgent need for your support. According to the Stratford Beacon Herald, even your Minister of Revenue says that this government needs to do more for the farmers.

I want to commend the coalition for coming together to speak with one voice on behalf of our farmers; that is their role. Your role, Minister, is to not be a lobbyist but to take action to help them. Will you commit today to reinstate the grains and oilseeds risk management program and to use the new money in the budget towards a broader business risk management program, as the coalition has requested?

Supplementary

Mr. Ernie Hardeman: Madam Minister, farmers don't need another lobbyist unless it's someone at the cabinet table lobbying your cabinet. They need action. It's not enough to talk about supporting them or to sing about the good things that grow in Ontario.

You asked farmer organizations to work together, as you mentioned, and they have. You asked them to put forward a proposal, and they have.

I'll ask you once again: Will you answer the question? That's all I'm asking. Will you commit today to reinstate the grain and oilseeds risk management program and use the new money in the budget towards a broader business risk management program, as the coalition has requested?