For Immediate Release
September 15, 2008

TORY & PC CAUCUS STAND UP FOR RURAL ONTARIO
PC Leader says Ontario farmers deserve better than
‘Made-in-Toronto’ programs

(Bright, ON) – Ontario Progressive Conservative Party Leader John Tory and PC Agriculture and Food Critic Ernie Hardeman (Oxford) today said Ontario’s farmers deserve respect and a real partnership from the province.
“Farmers are the backbone of Ontario’s rural communities,” said Tory. “Our agricultural products come from the farm and our rural economy is based on the farm so our government programs should be founded on the needs of farmers. Dalton McGuinty’s ‘Made-in-Toronto’ programs drive the cost of agricultural business too high and many farmers are struggling just to stay afloat.”

Tory made the remarks after visiting Vehof Farms in Bright, Ontario. He pointed out that under current provincial rules, new farms like the one run by the Vehof’s have not been adequately compensated under the Ontario Cattle, Hog and Horticulture Payment program. The program didn’t accurately reflect the challenges, such as the high dollar, facing Ontario farmers or those who are new to the industry or have expanded their operations. Tory said this is yet another example that the McGuinty Liberals don’t understand the day-to-day issues facing Ontario’s agriculture industry.

“We’ve heard farmers loud and clear and they’re not getting the help they need,” said Tory. “Whether it’s listening to the province’s tobacco farmers or supporting Ontario’s struggling tender fruit growers, our Caucus is committed to being the strong partner our farmers need.”

Tory repeated his Party’s long-standing call for the McGuinty government to show more leadership when it comes to buying Ontario produce for use in the province’s schools, hospitals and jails. He also cited legislation recently put forward by Hardeman that will allow farmers to promote their products on highway signs as an example of the PC Party’s commitment to providing realistic solutions and cutting red tape for farmers.

“In the case of some provincial programs, you don't live long enough to see any benefit and with others it costs more to apply than what farmers get back. They're set up not to work,” added Tory.

“Our Caucus will act where Dalton McGuinty and his government have failed to do so,” said Hardeman. “We will continue to lead by example and work with farmers to preserve Ontario’s rural way of life.”

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For more information:
Catherine Pringle
(416) 325-2202