For immediate release:
October 19, 2009

Lights Are on, No Thanks to The Minister

QUEEN’S PARK – Today Ernie Hardeman, PC Critic for Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and Toby Barrett, MPP for Haldimand-Norfolk, questioned the Minister why she wouldn’t step up to support Ontario’s hog producers, such as Wayne Bartels whose hydro was shut off last week.

“This is just the first of many farmers that will face this situation and be forced off their farms if you don’t help. Minister, is this how you plan to downsize the hog industry – by forcing new and beginning farmers out of business?” asked Hardeman.

Over the summer hog farmers held a number of demonstrations to convey to the government the urgent need for support.

Wayne Bartels is one of a group of farmers that were missed by the Ontario government’s Cattle, Hog and Horticulture program. Last week Haldimand Hydro cut off power to Mr. Bartels’ property, including the barns that housed 4,500. The federal government stepping in to offer support and get the hydro turned back on.

 “Minister, the lights are back on this morning at Bartside Farms, thanks to federal dollars, but no thanks to you,” said Barrett. “Calls to your office for over a year now about the Bartels’ predicament got nothing but sympathy letters and a briefing note that reeks of your failure on this file.”

Traditionally agricultural programs and support for farmers have been split 60/40 between the federal and provincial levels of government. However, despite the recently announced federal program the McGuinty government has offered no support for Ontario’s hog producers.

“The farmers need more than a cheerleader from the Ontario government, they need someone to step up to the plate and do something,” said Hardeman. “Other provinces have added to the federal program but Ontario farmers have received absolutely nothing from Ontario.”

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For more information, contact:
Ernie Hardeman, MPP Oxford
(519) 537-5222