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August 4, 2004 Hon.
Steve Peters Dear Mr. Minister: I write to you today on behalf of rural municipalities and the farmers in this province, to voice opposition to your government’s cut of the Municipal Outlet Drainage Program. Municipalities and farm organizations in Ontario have told me they are appalled by the lack of consultation and the 18-hours notice given this program would be cut. I agree with these organizations that this action proves how little the McGuinty government understands or cares about the impact its policies have on the daily lives of average citizens. When a 20% cut to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food’s budget was announced in May of this year, it was obvious farmers would not enjoy the support they had from previous governments. However, I think everyone believed there would be some consultation about priority funding and that stakeholders would have some real input into decisions made. Unfortunately, we see now this will not be the case. Also, by cutting this program, the government has once again taken funding away from rural Ontario and has deepened the rift between rural and urban areas it had already created. I encourage you to take a stand at the Cabinet table, let your colleagues know how important this program is to the people you represent and fight for this program’s continued funding. As your own ministry communication states, drains “are a vital component of local infrastructure. Without them, many areas of the province would be subjected to regular flooding, reduced production from agricultural land and increased public health risks.” At the very least, make good on your government’s election promise and hold stakeholder consultations so those effected can have practical input on the way this program will be phased out. Sincerely,
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