For Immediate Release
August 8, 2008

Barrett sets the record straight on
Dombrowsky’s promise to tobacco country

Simcoe – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett says Agriculture Minister Leona Dombrowsky should reconsider denying she once said she would be part of a federally-led tobacco exit.

Barrett has a letter dated October 10, 2006, sent to a Delhi resident, which Barrett was copied, stating: “I am willing to discuss an industry solution with my federal colleague and industry representatives, and can assure you that Ontario will be an active participant in a federally-led process to address this issue.”

“In this letter, there are no qualifiers or strings attached to that statement Minister Dombrowsky made,” Barrett said. “Once again we see a member of the McGuinty government saying one thing, and then saying another.”

Despite Dombrowsky’s statements to the media this week, Barrett is not willing to give up fighting for the province’s 40 per cent contribution to a tobacco farmer exit package but says time is of the essence.

“I know farmers are tired of writing letters and making phone calls to politicians; however, we only have this fiscal year to secure the $156.9 million the province received through the civil settlement,” Barrett said. “Once this year is over that money will be gone and so too will be any chance of more help for tobacco country.”

Barrett said that his office can provide telephone numbers for relevant MPPs – call 519-428-0446.

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