For immediate release:
March 23, 2006

McGuinty misses opportunity to support farmers on his doorstep
Weary farmers met with $244 million slash in agriculture spending

Queen’s Park – A missed opportunity.

That’s how PC Agriculture Critic Toby Barrett summed up the lack of attention paid to the much-publicized farm crises in today’s budget – a budget that has cut Ministry of Agriculture spending by $244 million.

Barrett said the budget was a chance for McGuinty and Agriculture Minister Leona Dombrowsky to show farmers that have rallied across Ontario in recent months – including a week-long protest at Queens Park preceding the budget – that government has heard their plight and is ready to act. Instead weary farmers were met with the second cut in agriculture spending in as many years.

“We’ve been tapping this government on the shoulder for months now and yet the government still has its back turned,” said Barrett. “Farmers from all walks have rallied around Queens Park to make sure that this time around they wouldn’t be ignored by the McGuinty budget – yet again it seems government has turned a blind eye.”

“The Minister of Agriculture has talked of the need for a long-term plan, but when the rubber hits the road the cupboard remains bare.”

Considering the recent news that government is wading in higher than expected revenue from corporate and health taxes, Barrett says its unconscionable that they couldn’t find one penny more to spend on farmers who are losing their homes, their families, their livelihoods, and now their voices as they continue to call for support.

“Since this government was elected it’s like agriculture and rural Ontario dropped right off the map,” leveled Barrett. “Now we hear the money is there, and our farmers are still shut out.”

Hours preceding the budget announcement Barrett spoke to the assembled crowd of farmers outside the Legislature about the importance of their united fight and the example set by Stephen Webster’s week-long vigil on the Queen’s Park grounds.

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