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For immediate release Minister Tries to Avoid Question QUEEN’S PARK – Today when questioned by Ernie Hardeman, Oxford MPP and PC Critic for Agriculture and Food, the Minister of Agriculture refused to address the need for a new safety net program requested by the Ontario Cattlemen’s Association. “Minister, they have asked you for a 20 million dollar safety net fund to guarantee a floor price for producers; will you stand up today and commit to them that you will create such a fund?” asked Hardeman during question period. In her response Minister Dombrowsky talked about old programs and never mentioned the $20 million Corn-Fed Beef Ledger Account Pilot Program that the Cattlemen’s Association have said is needed by the industry. Hardeman also used the opportunity to acknowledge the difficulties beef farmers are facing and the need for support. Hardeman thanked the Ontario Cattlemen’s Association for all the work they do for their members and for keeping MPPs informed of the concerns of their industry. “Minister, people who know what is going on in the beef industry know that the CAIS program isn’t working for beef farmers because prices are just steadily declining,” said Hardeman. “They know that a lot of farmers in need were missed by your Cattle, Hog and Horticulture program. The Cattlemen are here. They told us the type of program their farmers need.” The Ontario Cattlemen’s Association was at Queen’s Park for their annual day of meetings with MPPs. The Cattlemen also provided a BBQ lunch for MPPs on the front lawn of the Ontario Legislature which featured delicious Ontario corn-fed beef. “We know that our beef farmers are having a difficult time with the high dollar, increasing input costs and lingering effects of BSE. The Ontario Cattlemen’s Association came to Queen’s Park to tell us what Ontario’s beef farmers need. They deserved better than an Agriculture Minister who simply ignored the question,” said Hardeman.
- 30 – For more information, contact: Ernie Hardeman, MPP Oxford (416) 325-1239
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