January 17, 2005
For Immediate Release

Standing Room Only at Pre-Budget Consultations Tobacco farmers topic of discussion at London meeting

London – Tobacco farmers made their way to London this morning to attend pre-budget hearings as part of the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs.

“I’ve never seen standing room only at a pre-budget consultation,” said Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant MPP Toby Barrett who sits on the committee. “This proves that farmers are tired of patiently waiting and never receiving promised compensation.”

Following a presentation from Fred Neukamm, Chair of the Ontario Flue-Cured Tobacco Growers’ Marketing Board, MPP Barrett tabled a motion that read:

Given the tobacco is deteriorating faster than farmers can deal with, there are two courses of action that are required -- fulfill the Liberal promise and provide immediate help to those that need to leave; take action to sustain the industry to minimize the damage

Following Neukamm’s deputation, Paul Mistelle made a presentation on behalf of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture. In response to remarks made by the OFA vice-president, MPP Barrett tabled a motion before the Finance Committee calling for the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to establish an all-party ‘Task Force on the Viability of Agriculture in Ontario’.

"The McGuinty government has stopped listening to farmers," said Ontario PC Party Leader John Tory. "Farmers across Ontario are being neglected and this government is not competently managing the agriculture sector."

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