For immediate release:
October 27, 2006

Barrett exposes Liberal divisions over agriculture
Deputy Premier, 31 Liberals oppose Supply Management

Queen’s Park—MPP Toby Barrett exposed divisions at the highest levels of the McGuinty Liberal government over supply management, yesterday in the Ontario Legislature.

“Yesterday, George Smitherman questioned Opposition support for supply management,” Barrett said in the Legislature before Question Period. “My question: Why hasn't he signed on his support for FarmGate5? It's not just him; 31 Liberals oppose supply management.

“I'm proud that every PC member has signed the FarmGate5 initiative supporting supply management.”

Farmgate5 identifies itself as “a group of supporters of Ontario’s dairy and poultry farmers who feel strongly that Canada’s government must continue to work to support a balanced trade position at the World Trade Organization.”

“I – along with the entire Opposition Caucus – have been unequivocal in our support for Supply Management,” Barrett said. “But I’m very concerned that 31 Liberals, and the Deputy Premier won’t sign on their support.”

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