For Immediate Release
October 24, 2006

Too many unanswered questions in tobacco country

Queen’s Park – Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant MPP Toby Barrett stood in the Ontario Legislature again to raise awareness of the devastation occurring in tobacco farm country.

This came on the heels of news that the Ontario Flue-Cured Tobacco Growers’ Marketing Board has sent out notices to all 150 employees of the Delhi auction exchange indicating that the 2006 market will be their last season.

“The McGuinty government has waged war on tobacco farm families…through increased taxes and the smoke-free Ontario legislation,” Barrett said. “This has eliminated farms and resulted in lost jobs, not only for local labourers but, as well, for offshore workers, who spend their hard-earned dollars in our small towns.”

Barrett continued to explain that small towns in his riding and in neighbouring ridings are suffering and he sees little sign of anyone lending a helping hand. He then asked if Premier Dalton McGuinty and Agriculture Minister Leona Dombrowsky were working with the Federal government to deliver a fair and equitable exit plan.

The local MPP is aware that tobacco growers are confused by this recent announcement and wonder if it is a sign that an exit plan is imminent, and whether or not there will be a 2007 crop.

“There are too many unanswered questions,” Barrett concluded.

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