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FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE TORIES CONSULT WITH AGRICULTURAL LEADERS (Woodstock) – Presidents and Directors of agricultural groups from across Ontario voiced their concerns about the state of the agricultural industry with John Tory, the new Leader of the Ontario PC Party, Ernie Hardeman, MPP for Oxford and the PC Critic for Agriculture and Food and other members of the PC Caucus Wednesday on the opening day of the International Plowing Match in Meaford. Hardeman initiated the roundtable to introduce stakeholders to the new P.C. Leader and to provide an opportunity for Tory to hear first-hand how recent changes to agriculture by the McGuinty government have negatively affected different commodities. “It was important for our new Leader to meet with the agricultural industry immediately because so many things are happening right now. He needed to become informed of their situation,” said Hardeman. “The McGuinty government is systematically tearing away at agricultural and rural programs, ignoring the real needs of sectors in crisis and farmers need to hear how we, as Opposition, can help agriculture’s voice be heard.” During the discussion, farmers spoke to the government’s lack of concern over the BSE crisis in the beef industry. Most were shocked the government chose the International Plowing Match to make an education announcement when beef farmers across the province are losing their life savings waiting for provincial aid. “I spoke with many farmers at the plowing match who were absolutely angry about being ignored once again by the McGuinty government,” said Tory. “I feel even more of an obligation to honour the trust placed in our Party by farmers, now that I’ve heard from farmers that McGuinty has done nothing whatsoever to help them.” The successful roundtable will result in further meetings with individual stakeholder groups to discuss needs that are specific to each group. -30- |
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