For Immediate Release
March 29, 2005

Tobacco funding is too little, too late: Barrett

Queen’s Park – Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant MPP Toby Barrett hopes that today’s announcement of $35 million for Ontario’s tobacco growers, is a first step in establishing a long-term solution.

The $35 million (part of the overall $50 million pledge) will be transferred to the Ontario Flue-Cured Tobacco Growers’ Marketing Board, while the remaining $15 million will be provided to tobacco-growing communities to assist with diversification and innovation.

“Keep in mind that the $50 million pledged by the Liberals was announced during the 2003 election campaign,” Barrett said. “A great deal of water has passed under the bridge since that time. Tobacco country is in a much worse situation than it was two years ago; therefore, the $50 million is just the beginning.

“I also hope this government has a plan for this $15 million because I think communities are tired of hand-holding exercises that accomplish nothing,” Barrett said.

The Ministry of Agriculture did not provide details as to how or by when the money will be distributed to farmers.

“Unfortunately I think today’s announcement is more about the Liberals being able to claim they have kept a promise,” Barrett said. “It should have been a first step of many to establish a long-term plan for Ontario tobacco growers.

“I also find it disturbing that Dalton McGuinty and his Liberal caucus provided the promised funding only after farmers protested at Queen’s Park – not once, but twice,” Barrett continued. “Had this government done the right thing, this money would have been delivered late in 2003.”

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