 |
| For immediate release Time for Action, Not Excuses QUEEN’S PARK – Today in the Ontario Legislature Ernie Hardeman, Oxford MPP and PC critic for Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, questioned the Agriculture Minister on why the government had ended the grain and oilseed program that farmers were relying on. “The former Agriculture Minister directed Ontario commodity groups to come together to create a consensus proposal for a risk management plan - modeled on the grain and oilseeds program that, for the last three years, was jointly funded by the province and farmers,” said Hardeman during his questioning. “Unlike other programs to help farmers, this one actually works, but you’re cancelling it—leaving farmers without protection.” Minister Mitchell talked about the need for federal involvement in the program but failed to explain why the provincial government was withdrawing their support. The grain and oilseeds risk management program is similar to an insurance program in that farmers pay into the program to protect against such factors as a volatile Canadian dollar and collapses in commodity prices. “The McGuinty government has already ended this program – meaning that the winter wheat in the ground today is not covered,” said Hardeman. “Yet they still seem unable to explain why they have scrapped the one program that was working or provide any solutions for farmers who no longer have that protection.” Grain and Oilseed farmers have repeatedly requested that the McGuinty government extend the program. The Ontario Agriculture Sustainability Coalition, which represents non-supply managed commodities in Ontario, submitted a proposal for risk management programs on January 19 which called for the grain and oilseed program to be continued immediately. “Ontario farmers aren’t looking for more promises of support. They don’t want processes. They expect you to keep the promises you have already made,” said Hardeman in the Legislature. “Minister, why don’t you stop making excuses and take action to help Ontario farmers?” - 30 - For more information, contact:
|
 |