December 3, 2003

Where there’s smoke, there’s fire in tobacco country

Last week, the McGuinty Government announced tobacco tax hikes, and a smoke-free Ontario in three years. On top of this double whammy, farmers in all fields will be forced to pay higher energy bills now that the electricity rate cap has been scrapped. Further, storeowners are concerned a ban on the display of tobacco products is just around the corner.

Don’t kid yourself; a decline in the tobacco industry affects us all. Simcoe and Ohsweken are involved in tobacco processing -- the economic spin-off from tobacco permeates Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant. Agriculture is not a business like any other and tobacco seems to be treated as a class on its own. Farming and the production of tobacco are businesses worthy of our understanding, appreciation and support.

During Question Period in the Ontario Legislature, I took the opportunity to address these financial pressures on our community and asked Finance Minister Greg Sorbara how the Liberal Government could turn its back on some of Ontario’s hardest working people. In my supplementary question, I asked the minister to live up to his party’s promise of compensation for tobacco farmers. I found it interesting that Minister Sorbara deflected my question to the Agriculture Minister, in spite of the fact compensation ultimately rests with the Finance portfolio.

As with all farm communities, tobacco country has weathered a number of crises over the years – specifically, tobacco has suffered natural disasters like hail, wind and blue mold, and man-made tribulations like nitrosamines – each time farmers dig in their heels.

Recently, the situation for area tobacco farmers has taken a turn for the worse. Growers today are receiving poor market prices, are hauling more tobacco from the warehouse back to the farm, and are now facing new obstacles from the McGuinty Government.

Meanwhile, the team working on the Tobacco Community Action Plan have presented an interim report to 200 stakeholders at the Delhi German Home.

I have read the report and I commend all involved for their good work – work that will help the people of our area deal with the impacts of a declining industry.

The Action Plan reports that in 2003 the tobacco industry, in Norfolk County alone, provides in excess of 2,500 full-time equivalent jobs and supplies $158 million in value-added incomes within the area.

Earlier this year, tobacco growers were surveyed regarding production, employment, personal and family information, as well as their future plans. Over 50 per cent of growers expect to quit growing tobacco completely within the next five years. Of this number, 68 per cent reported they will be unable to afford to continue farming tobacco.

The question that plagues farmers and key stakeholders remains -- how will those exiting the industry earn an income? There are farmers who owe the banks money for unforeseen expenses like nitrosamine conversion. How will folks already facing financial difficulties bankroll switching to an alternative crop?

I have signed an application made to the Ontario Legislative Assembly authorizing a special event at Queen’s Park. On December 10th, I will welcome folks from Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant and surrounding ridings to Queen’s Park. As MPP, I recently signed a security application for those organizing the rally at Queen’s Park. Those attending, plan for a peaceful rally opposing tax hikes, a smoke-free Ontario and the ban on tobacco display. They understand where there’s smoke, there’s fire. Farmers may see additional supporters at the Legislature. Stay tuned and spread the word!