For
immediate release:
March 2, 2005
Barrett paves
way for farmers at Queens Park
“government
is about to discover, farmers are far from ‘alone’”
Queen’s Park
– Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant MPP Toby Barrett fired an opening volley
in preparing for the Ontario Federation of Agriculture “One Voice
March” to Queens Park.
In his ‘member’s
statement’ at the Legislature yesterday, Barrett pointed to the
thousands of rural Ontarians about to arrive on the government’s
doorstep over the next week as evidence of unity in the face of a government
that refuses to listen.
“I am reminded
of the words of Helen Keller who said, ‘alone we can do so little;
together we can do so much’ - as this government is about to discover,
farmers are far from ‘alone’,” Barrett stated. “When
farmers suffer, everyone around them is affected. A small business goes
under when a few farmers can’t pay their bills. Schools, hospitals,
and churches all feel the effect.”
In citing the reasons
for recent rural unrest, Barrett quoted OFA president Ron Bonnett:
“Farm incomes
have been devastated by the BSE crisis, poor crop conditions, trade actions,
record low crop prices, rising energy costs, and a crushing regulatory
and legislative burden initiated by the Ontario government.”
“Mix in unfair
property tax assessments; and an unaccountable bureaucracy, and you have
a rural farm and non-farm alliance,” Barrett continued.
Before concluding,
Barrett pointed to the audience and thanked Randy Hillier and John VanderSpank
of the Lanark Landowners’ Association for their attendance in advance
of the Rural Revolution Rally at Queens Park March 9th.
Later in the day,
Barrett again questioned Agriculture Minister Steve Peters on promised
tobacco compensation.
“Your government
has jacked up tobacco taxes three times since being elected - Minister,
open up your purse and share the wealth!” Barrett exclaimed. “Will
you have a funding answer for tobacco farmers before they have to decide
to seed their greenhouses and before they leave Queen's Park next week?”
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For more information please contact MPP Toby Barrett at: 519-428-0446,
416-325-8404 or 1-800-903-8629
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