Lack of full-time Ag Minister reflected in less than adequate budget

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 2, 2014

SIMCOE – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett is questioning how farmers are benefiting from a part-time Agriculture Minister given the low profile of farming and rural Ontario in the May 1 budget.

Barrett is adamant Ontario must return to having a full-time Agriculture Minister to lobby for agri-business and be there for farmers and rural Ontario. Agriculture wasn’t mentioned during the budget speech.
“The budget essentially shut out agriculture and rural Ontario from direct measures needed to improve competiveness and help grow Ontario’s economy,” OFA president Mark Wales wrote in a news release.
In February of this year, Barrett tabled a formal motion in the Ontario Legislature calling for the restoration of a full-time Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

OFFICIAL HANSARD
Toby Barrett – “That, in the opinion of this House, the Province of Ontario should have a full-time Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs to represent a sector that is a major employer and a vital contributor to the economy of the province.” February, 2014.

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For more information contact
MPP Toby Barrett at 519-428-0446 or 1-800-903-8629