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| For Immediate Release Hardeman Critic for Agriculture and Rural QUEEN’S PARK – Today Tim Hudak, the new leader of the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party, announced that Ernie Hardeman, MPP for Oxford, has been asked to continue as opposition critic for Agriculture and Food, as well as take on new responsibility for rural affairs. “The McGuinty government has demonstrated that they simply don’t understand the agriculture sector and aren’t willing to take action to help our farmers,” said Hardeman. “I am pleased that Tim has asked me to continue working with farmers to make sure that their voices are heard at Queen’s Park.” This appointment recognizes Hardeman’s extensive involvement with rural communities and the agriculture industry. Hardeman has previously served as Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and Minister of Municipal Affairs – rural. While Warden of Oxford Hardeman was chair of the Rural Ontario Municipal Association. Previous to being elected Hardeman owned and operated Hardeman Feed Ltd for almost 30 years. Hardeman has also been asked to take on the role of chair of the Legislative Standing Committee on Government Agencies which reviews the operation of government agencies, boards and commissions. Hudak’s shadow cabinet, which was announced today, will ensure the PC party is ready to hold the government to account on issues that matter to Ontarians such as the economic challenges. Among the changes is the creation of a new critic for revenue and government accountability who will focus on fighting the McGuinty government’s HST tax grab. “There are so many ongoing issues in agriculture – from the hog farmers who are losing their farms to the government negotiating away the point of sale exemption to the need for more processing capacity – I’m pleased that I can continue to work with stakeholders to get them the support they need to ensure a strong agriculture industry in Ontario,” said Hardeman.
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