For Immediate Release
April 27, 2005

Barrett encourages government to listen to alternate plans on tobacco compensation

Queen’s Park – Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant MPP Toby Barrett had a tough time in the Ontario Legislature today as Ag Minister Steve Peters heckled him as he asked the current government to listen to the plan of Tobacco Farmers in Crisis.

“Tobacco Farmers in Crisis have a plan that includes both short-term and long-term assistance to tobacco-growing families and their communities,” Barrett said. “This plan in my view is much more fair and dignified than those that have been offered up by both this government and the federal government.”

Barrett’s remarks followed a news conference held by Tobacco Farmers in Crisis at Queen’s Park; where the group made it clear that many farmers share common goals with government when it comes to public health.

“Why can’t the members opposite see that preserving a tobacco program that controls supply, maintains minimum prices, places production permits into the hands of growers and includes health and safety protection will be in the best interests of both farmers and the general public?”

After Barrett made this point to members of the Legislature, Ag Minister Peters continued yelling. Once Barrett was able to continue he explained the strict guidelines Ontario’s farmers are subjected to and then questioned who will regulate off-shore tobacco once Dalton McGuinty puts the province’s growers out of business.

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