For Immediate Release
October 21, 2004

Barrett asks: “Where are applications for BSE set-aside program?”

Queen’s Park – During the agricultural debate on Wednesday, Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant MPP Toby Barrett said that the Liberals are “exposing a disappointing litany of promises broken and promises yet undelivered.”

Barrett pointed to the fact that unlike Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, Ontario has not yet sent out BSE set-aside application forms to cattlemen.

Secondly, Barrett stated that farm families affected by the BSE crisis may be waiting until Christmas to receive any of the $30 million in provincial funding, and can’t understand why Ontario is dragging its heels on this critical issue.

Barrett stated in the House, “Ottawa announces close to a half-billion for BSE – September 10th – Alberta immediately ponies up a quarter of a billion. Farmers then went to the Plowing Match – no announcement – no money Premier McGuinty said. A few boos later, miraculously $30 million is announced.”

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