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December 1, 2011
QUEEN’S PARK — Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett says the lack of government commitment to environmental, agricultural and wildlife concerns highlights the McGuinty government’s ongoing indifference to rural values.
Barrett spoke following the release of the Environmental Commissioner’s report indicating the Ministries of Environment and Natural Resources, “can’t handle core responsibilities”. Commissioner Gord Miller indicates that while environmental pressures have forced the ministry mandates to expand, government allocates them, together, less than 0.8 per cent of Ontario’s total operating budget.
Miller’s report, Engaging Solutions, goes on to note that, “the day-to-day activities of these ministries touch the lives of all Ontarians.”
“When you add in the fact that the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs also receives less than 0.8 per cent of the operating budget you get a clear picture of this government’s lack of attention to rural priorities.” Barrett charged. “For every dollar spent on government operations, only one and a half cents goes to the Ministries of Agriculture, the Environment, and Natural Resources.”
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For more information, please contact MPP Toby Barrett at: (416) 325-8404,
(519) 428-0446 or 1-800-903-8629