New Ag Minister, Let’s See What Happens

Queen’s Park – Ernie Hardeman MPP for Oxford and Agriculture critic for the official opposition would like to welcome Leona Dombrowski to her new portfolio as Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

“I am pleased to see that Premier McGuinty is finally listening to John Tory and the Ontario Conservative Party and is recognizing the importance of agriculture and rural Ontario by placing the new Agriculture Minister on the Priorities and Planning Committee of Cabinet,” commented Hardeman. “Since the election I have been concerned about the lack of importance of the agricultural community and rural Ontario to the McGuinty Liberals.”

Hardeman first raised concerns when Rural Affairs disappeared off the radar screen only to have its programs reappear under the jurisdiction of the Minister responsible for urban infrastructure. With today’s announcement it was good to see that Rural Affairs is once again being recognized in its own right.

This government’s record shows that it has consistently diverted dollars from rural to urban Ontario. After two consecutive budgets where the Agriculture Ministry saw major cuts to its budget, I would hope that the new Minister of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs will have a voice that is heard at the cabinet table and that they support the farmers of Ontario by reinstating funds to the Ministry budget.

McGuinty acknowledged today that, “Ontario's farmers rank amongst the very best in the world, but are faced with circumstances beyond their control, from BSE to falling commodity prices.” “Well it’s one thing to recognize the challenges faced by the farmers of Ontario; it’s another to do something about it,” stated Hardeman. “Will this be another broken promise, for the sake of Ontario’s farmers I hope not.”

Contact:
Ernie Hardeman MPP Oxford
P. C. Agriculture Critic
416-325-1239