For Immediate Release
October 27, 2004

Ag Minister Peters cozies up to anti-tobacco lobbyists

Queen’s Park – A quick glance at the invitation advertising that Ontario Agriculture Minister Steve Peters will be the guest of honour at an Ontario Liberal Fund dinner November 16, in Toronto, reveals the regular fundraiser jargon. However, further scrutiny of the poster reveals that the host of the fundraiser is Bruce Davis – a lobbyist.

“Mr. Davis is not just your regular government lobbyist,” said Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant MPP Toby Barrett. “Mr. Davis is a lobbyist for the Ontario Campaign for Action on Tobacco – a group that lobbies for anti-tobacco policy and the demise of the tobacco industry and our tobacco farm families.”

Just minutes ago in the Ontario Legislature, MPP Barrett asked Minister Peters if his concern for tobacco farmers and their families is false. Further, Barrett pointed out that it is obvious Peters has turned his back on farm families who thought they could trust and depend on him, both as a MPP and as the Minister of Agriculture. MPP Barrett also questioned why Minister Peters would condone the practice of lobbyists, such as Davis, advertising access to a cabinet minister for a fee – in this case $300.

Barrett concluded by saying, “Why do you want to put tobacco farmers out of business? Barrett reiterated that, “It is the Minister of Agriculture’s job to defend farmers – this invitation makes it clear that tobacco farmers can no longer count on your support.”

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For more information please contact MPP Toby Barrett at: 519-428-0446, 905-765-8413 or 1-800-903-8629