For Immediate Release
March 11, 2005

If you ate today, thank a farmer - and if you farm, thank a police officer

Simcoe – “Last night, at the Fisherville Lions Stag, I made a point of thanking a retired police chief for the cooperation of officers looking after this winter’s tractor rallies” reported MPP Toby Barrett

“When I address tractor rallies I always thank the OPP, and rural demonstrators always join in showing their appreciation of the direction and discretion shown by officers.”

The Ontario Provincial Police presence was crucial over this winter of tractorcades and 401- blockades, including the Quebec border, the US border and the Culloden and Putnam interchanges.

As all will know, the Toronto Police and the Toronto Firefighters put their lives on the line to prevent a van from smashing through the crowd at the March 9th rural demonstration.

In addition to the OPP, the Toronto Police were indispensable in getting hundreds of tractors in and out of downtown Toronto on March 2nd, and March 9th.

At both rallies, MPP Barrett played a role in liaising with Queen’s Park Security. “I can attest that the co-operation of all concerned – Queens Park security officers, police, farmers and other rural demonstrators – guaranteed the success of the rallies,” Barrett stated. “As with elsewhere across the province, the Queens Park rallies went without a hitch – ever bearing in mind the unexpected can happen.”

We all should be thankful for our farmers, and as farmers and rural residents we should all be thankful for the safety and security provided by those in uniform.

As the RCMP tragedy attests – never leave it too late to say thank you.

-30-

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