OPPOSITION AGRICULTURE CRITIC

For immediate release:
January 30, 2006

Barrett / Hudak continue to question government inaction on corn

Niagara Falls – Two months after questioning Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture on corn tariffs PC Agriculture Critic Toby Barrett and Finance Critic Tim Hudak are still left wondering where the government stands.

Barrett commented today after hearing testimony regarding the cash-crop crisis and countervail impacts at Finance Committee pre-budget hearings in Cornwall and Niagara Falls.

“Today, Casco told us the decision to impose countervailing duties on corn is having a direct and dire impact on their ability to conduct business,” said Barrett. “This $1.65 US a bushel decision has added $100 million a year to their costs – that’s not chicken scratch!!”

Opposition Finance Critic Tim Hudak says Minister Dombrowsky has provided few answers since November 16th when he and Barrett first outlined the need for action.

 “The lack of an effective support plan in Ontario for our corn producers puts them in a very difficult situation,” Hudak stated. “And then countervailing duties may result in the closure of Casco, including Casco in Cornwall and Port Colbourne, - we need immediate leadership.”

Barrett went on to point out that the complete lack of assistance from the province coupled with the lacklustre one-time federal Liberal announcement –yet to receive funding – has not helped the current countervail situation now directly threatening CASCO and other jobs.

Barrett and Hudak continue to call on Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture to play a role in supporting farmers and resolving the competing interests.

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For more information please contact MPP Toby Barrett at: 519-428-0446, 416-325-8404 or 1-800-903-8629