HANSARD

December 8, 2009

MEMBERS' STATEMENT
EGG FARMERS

Mr. Ernie Hardeman: I'm pleased to rise today to thank the Egg Farmers of Ontario for coming to Queen's Park this morning to provide members with a great omelette breakfast and to let us know what's going on in their industry. This is the 12th annual egg farmers' breakfast at Queen's Park, and as always, it was a great turnout.

I want to congratulate them on the great things that they are doing in their industry, including their commitment to research and innovation on production, animal health and advances like omega 3 eggs. I'm proud that some of the research that led to omega 3 eggs took place right here in Ontario in the laboratories in Guelph. I know that the Egg Farmers of Ontario are proud of their contribution to that research.

Recently in this Legislature, we have been debating animal health and traceability. Egg farmers are a great example of an industry that has taken steps to ensure food safety and quality among its members, with almost all egg farmers Ontario being certified under HACCP, or hazard analysis critical control points.

Egg Farmers of Ontario are working hard to let the people of Ontario know that eggs are rich in protein and a natural choice for an active lifestyle. But eggs are not only an important part of our diets; they are also an important part of our agriculture and provincial economy.

On behalf of the PC caucus and our leader, Tim Hudak, I want to reiterate our commitment to supply management, or orderly marketing, and thank the Egg Farmers of Ontario for coming to Queen's Park and serving eggs to us today.