Ontario Agriculture

The network for agriculture in Ontario, Canada

Will Kathleen Wynne be a good minister of agriculture?

I thought this was a good idea when I first heard it.

But judging by the negative comments and stories I am not too sure.

What does everyone else think?  Will she have time to be Premier of Ontario and also do the job as Minister of Agriculture justice?

Views: 1080

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Joann on February 15, 2013 at 4:51am

Will Ms. Wynne be a good minister of Agriculture?  It would depend on her agenda to whom. 

Will she protect and serve farmers that have Sovereign duties and obligations to the domestic public or will she bow to freer global trade by dissolving our present systems, throwing domestic obligations out the window?

It would appear (if my information is correct) Mr. McGuinty signed an agreement with Mr. Harper late June of 2008.  From what we understand, a portion of the agreement affects agricultural marketing in Ontario. As Ms. Wynne was a cabinet member, I would find to hard to believe she would not know about the agreement.

Did Mr. Harper buy the very 'soul' of domestic marketing in Canada?

We have been told that the agreement does not exist only to be told by a 'friend' in CRA that the document does indeed exist but is "privileged" information and therefore cannot have access to it.

How much does Ms.Wynne know about agriculture and who will she serve?

Permalink Reply by OntAG Admin on February 15, 2013 at 10:30am

Media Release from Ag Critic Ernie Hardeman

 

Farmers Concerned about Part-Time Minister

“Wynne needs to realize that if agriculture is to survive in Ontario it does indeed need a full time Agricultural minister and one that is definitely in tune with where agriculture is and how important it is to the province.”

Eastern Ontario Farmer

 

 

WOODSTOCK – Today Ernie Hardeman, Oxford MPP and PC Critic for Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, said that he has heard from farmers from all across Ontario this week that are concerned about Premier Wynne's decision to be a part-time Minister of Agriculture.

 

“We have hundreds of different commodities here in Ontario, understanding their issues as well as the food processing industry requires a lot of time,” said Hardeman. “I’ve heard from farmers in Niagara, the Greater Toronto Area, Southwestern, Northern and Eastern Ontario who all expressed concern that the job of Agriculture Minister could not be performed part-time.”

 

Hardeman received the emails and calls from farmers following his February 11 open letter to Premier Wynne expressing reservations about her decision to serve as both Premier and Agriculture Minister and requesting a meeting to discuss agriculture issue. To date there has been no reply.

 

“Given the challenges the Premier needs to address, such as the $14 billion deficit, she will not have sufficient time to focus on the agriculture industry,” said Hardeman. “From my time as Minister of Agriculture I know that you need time to travel across the province to talk to farmers and meet with the different organizations to ensure you understand their concerns.”

 

A professional Agrologist wrote in his email: “I know from my experience working with Mr. William Stewart, Mr. Jack Riddle, Mr. David Ramsey, Mr. Elmer Buchanan and other agriculture ministers, that this responsible position requires full-time representation and long hours of work 7 days per week.”

 

The emails that Hardeman received were from farmers in a number of different commodities including: beef, pork, dairy, chickens, sheep, apples, plums, grapes, asparagus, onions, potatoes, sugarbeets, corn, soybeans, canola, ginseng, strawberries, maple syrup and flowers.

 

“The common theme in the messages is that Agriculture Minister requires a full-time commitment,” said Hardeman. “Some farmers were quite upset that they felt her decision to be a part-time Minister showed she didn’t understand or value the industry.”

 

 

 

Permalink Reply by John Schwartzentruber on February 24, 2013 at 3:10pm

The fact that we have been given a part-time and totally urbanized  Agriculture Minister merely continues to reinforce the disdain that the Liberals perennially hold for our rural ridings.

This "appointment" is clearly nothing more than a misguided attempt to ingratiate a disenfranchised segment of the electorate to a pestilent party with poisoned policies.

We have some good herbicides for the undesirable growth in our fields, but we have yet to discover the treatment for the sickening condescension and mistreatment that streams down from the big smoke into the countryside.

Permalink Reply by Roadrunner on February 24, 2013 at 5:46pm

I don't disagree with you John.

But isn't it better to have her at least briefed and spending some time on agriculture?

I am hoping that she does some good for farmers and the food industry, it is important to Ontario, it is just that Toronto people don't care or know where their food comes from.

 

Joann,

I would hope that Wynne will do what is best for Ontario and not have a predetermined agenda.

 

 

Permalink Reply by Joann on February 25, 2013 at 5:31am

That is my hope also Roadrunner..... but.... Ms. Wynne declared from the onset that she would be 'Minister of Agriculture' along with her duties as Premier.

When sworn in, she swore to uphold her duties as 'Minister of Agriculture'. 

4 days later, she saw fit to conduct a secret ceremony to uphold her duties as Minister of Agriculture and Food.

I thought it was wonderful that she at first declared to minister of "Agriculture" as the true meaning of agriculture concerns a "class of people (the farmer) working with natural resources (food).  Adding the word "food" actually takes away from domestic natural production (food).... and the word is also redundant.   Its like when she responded to the question about a heifer.  She defined a heifer as a young female cow.    I thought all cows were female.......redundancy for the sake of the urban mentality?

Where is she getting her advice concerning agriculture? If it is from the previous Premier's circle.... then we still have a HUGE problem.

Permalink Reply by OntAG Admin on February 25, 2013 at 1:01pm
Today's Twitter Post by @Kathleen_Wynne a Positive Sign

Agriculture will be a priority across our gov. We’ll soon be putting fwd a new local food act—good for our farmers, our economy, our health.

Our government will work collaboratively with Ontario’s municipalities. We’ll continue to improve roads and infrastructure.

Joined  conf. delegates this afternoon, and 20 other ministers, to share rural & agricultural perspectives:

Permalink Reply by Joann on February 25, 2013 at 2:25pm

Sorry.... been to Roma many times..... I've heard the talk about rural and local food issues.

Its just idle chatter at this point.................again.

This government needs to show a shred of respect to agriculture (farmers and the land).....enough of the talk.....now walk the walk.

I've asked 2 former ag. ministers a few questions and have not been answered to date.  Maybe our new minister can enlighten us?

1. How many Sovereign marketing licenses exist in Ontario?

2.What is the value of those licenses?

3.If all marketing licenses are dissolved and all those farmers experience a one-time capital loss, how will it affect the Province?

Two more for our new minister as she was in cabinet:

4. Explain to us why 'agriculture' in Ontario is a Public Trust? (Hint; ask Mr. Dave Hope)

5.Did Premier McGuinty sell the very soul of Ontario's agricultural marketing rights to Mr. Harper in June 2008?

I look forward to meeting Ms. Wynne some time... maybe she will have some answers.... hopefully right answers.

Permalink Reply by John Schwartzentruber on February 26, 2013 at 8:07am

"Swedes Debate Meat Tax Proposal - Western meat consumption must decrease, says Swedish Board of Agriculture"

http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/world/swedes-debate-meat-tax-propos...

"Rules, taxes, and subsidies can push things in the right direction. But it's imperative that these are at an international level, otherwise there is a risk production will simply be moved where the regulations and tax burden is lightest, not where production is sustainable," Gabriella Cahlin, the board's head of marketing, said in a statement." ( http://www.thelocal.se/45746/20130122/#.US0BWTdVySo )

How many livestock producers, do you suppose, sit on the "Swedish Board of Agriculture"?  See where it leads? We already know that Wynne was in full support of forcing municipalities to accept wind turbines, through the imposition of "rules and subsidies".

Gotta cut those CO2 emissions, you see? Fight that Global Warming! (They don't seem to be aware of the increasing data that indicates that rising CO2 is a result of climate change, rather than the cause. Nor do they want to be aware of it.)

“We need to get some broad based support, to capture the public’s imagination… So we have to offer up scary scenarios, make simplified, dramatic statements and make little mention of any doubts… Each of us has to decide what the right balance is between being effective and being honest.”
- Prof. Stephen Schneider,
Stanford Professor of Climatology,
lead author of many IPCC reports

Wynne was there when the gas plant was cancelled and she was there when the GEA was imposed on rural Ontario.

"Agriculture will be a priority across our gov." - with the Liberal track record in mind, that should scare the heck out of farmers.

"Our government will work collaboratively with Ontario’s municipalities" - just like they did when they stripped the municipalities of any authority when giving wind turbine companies the right to plant their industrial turbines anywhere they wanted.

"...to share rural & agricultural perspectives..."  Really? Friendlies only who will kiss the ring, as usual? Or did she hear the perspectives of those who are tired of having misguided and unaffordable Liberal ideology forced on them?

Color me bitter, but when a government has spent 10 years forcing an agenda that our grandchildren will not be able to pay off, I call a spade a spade.

Permalink Reply by Joann on March 13, 2013 at 1:17am

Sad to say.. but you may very well have expressed the sentiments of more farmers than I care to admit.

I believe the pattern has been set already with Ms. Wynne.

When she was sworn in as Minister of Agriculture she said she would wear 2 hats.... Agriculture and Premier of Ontario.

Yesterday, as an example, she was in London promoting jobs.  The media said the Premier of Ontario was in London.... no mention that she was also the Minister of the largest economic sector of Ontario....Agriculture.  She must have left that hat at home.

No.... Ms Wynne is commonly referred as only the Premier with little to no mention of agriculture.

It is obvious Agriculture has no representation right now as the Premier only wears the Agriculture hat during sporadic coffee breaks at best.

It is totally shameful and dishonourable that the largest economic sector has only leadership of 'convenience'.

John Schwartzentruber said:

"Swedes Debate Meat Tax Proposal - Western meat consumption must decrease, says Swedish Board of Agriculture"

http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/world/swedes-debate-meat-tax-propos...

"Rules, taxes, and subsidies can push things in the right direction. But it's imperative that these are at an international level, otherwise there is a risk production will simply be moved where the regulations and tax burden is lightest, not where production is sustainable," Gabriella Cahlin, the board's head of marketing, said in a statement." ( http://www.thelocal.se/45746/20130122/#.US0BWTdVySo )

How many livestock producers, do you suppose, sit on the "Swedish Board of Agriculture"?  See where it leads? We already know that Wynne was in full support of forcing municipalities to accept wind turbines, through the imposition of "rules and subsidies".

Gotta cut those CO2 emissions, you see? Fight that Global Warming! (They don't seem to be aware of the increasing data that indicates that rising CO2 is a result of climate change, rather than the cause. Nor do they want to be aware of it.)

“We need to get some broad based support, to capture the public’s imagination… So we have to offer up scary scenarios, make simplified, dramatic statements and make little mention of any doubts… Each of us has to decide what the right balance is between being effective and being honest.”
- Prof. Stephen Schneider,
Stanford Professor of Climatology,
lead author of many IPCC reports

Wynne was there when the gas plant was cancelled and she was there when the GEA was imposed on rural Ontario.

"Agriculture will be a priority across our gov." - with the Liberal track record in mind, that should scare the heck out of farmers.

"Our government will work collaboratively with Ontario’s municipalities" - just like they did when they stripped the municipalities of any authority when giving wind turbine companies the right to plant their industrial turbines anywhere they wanted.

"...to share rural & agricultural perspectives..."  Really? Friendlies only who will kiss the ring, as usual? Or did she hear the perspectives of those who are tired of having misguided and unaffordable Liberal ideology forced on them?

Color me bitter, but when a government has spent 10 years forcing an agenda that our grandchildren will not be able to pay off, I call a spade a spade.

▶ Reply to Discussion

RSS

Agriculture Headlines from Farms.com Canada East News - click on title for full story

Nine years after near-fatal accident, court rules Napanee farm had duty to warn of hidden bridge hazard

The cab had filled with water. The door was pinned shut. Only an air pocket inside the submerged machine allowed him to breathe. If the water had gotten in, there had to be a way out. Denyes felt around in the darkness, slicing his fingers on broken glass, until he found an escape route through the wreckage. He made his way out and swam to shore. Nearly nine years later, the accident that nearly claimed his life has ended in an Ontario Court of Appeal ruling. In a decision released on May 27, the court found the farm on which the incident took place, Sutton Farms (Nacona) Ltd. in Napanee, liable for more than $423,000 in damages. This ruling overturned an earlier trial decision that had dismissed a lawsuit brought by Deynes’s employer, the agricultural spraying company TCO Agromart Ltd., and its insurer. The court concluded the farm failed to disclose a hidden structural danger beneath a private bridge crossing the Napanee River. “This appeal engages the issue of when and in what

Labor expenses push farmers to automate

Before almond orchards are planted across the Central Valley or apple trees take root in the Pacific Northwest, many of the plants begin their lives at Sierra Gold Nurseries in Yuba City. The Sutter County tree nursery is a one-stop shop, propagating the plants from orchard cuttings and in a tissue culture laboratory, then potting, suckering and budding the trees, and nurturing them for more than a year before shipping them to growers across the country. The labor-intensive operation, which produces millions of trees each year, requires more than 300 employees during its peak season, with labor making up about 60% of the nursery’s input costs. Josh Puckett, vice president of operations at Sierra Gold, said rising labor costs combined with a depressed farm economy in recent years threatened the nursery’s profitability. To adapt, the company invested in new technologies to reduce manual labor and make its operation more efficient. “We’ve implemented a lot more automation,” Puckett sa

Two J’can farm workers die in Canada crash

Two Jamaican farm workers travelling together, Rupert Bell and David Lindsay, died in a traffic crash in Canada about 5:00 pm Thursday. “The death of these two workers is a painful reminder of the sacrifices many Jamaicans make to provide for their families. Today, two families have lost loved ones, communities have lost valued members, and our country has lost two hard-working citizens,” said Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr, who expressed profound sadness at the loss. “Mr Bell and Mr Lindsay dedicated many years of service through the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Programme, helping to support their families and contributing to the agricultural sectors of both Jamaica and Canada. The ministry mourns the loss of Mr Bell and Mr Lindsay and extends heartfelt condolence to their families, friends and fellow workers during this difficult time.” Bell had participated in the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Programme since 2013, while Lindsay had been a participant

Amid Rising Global Economic Pressures, New Report Spotlights the Greenbelt’s Key Role in Provincial Prosperity

At a time of rising economic insecurities and global uncertainties, Greenbelt Foundation’s new economic impact report, authored by Ernst & Young LLP (EY Canada), highlights the regional and provincial economic contribution of sectors supported by the Greenbelt. It reveals that the Greenbelt generates $17 billion in Ontario’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and sustains over 247,000 full-time jobs. The report highlights prevailing economic trends, provides a breakdown of key sectors’ economic contributions, and elevates strategic opportunities enabled by the Greenbelt’s unique strengths and economies.   Key Findings: Greenbelt-dependent economic activity now generates $17B of Ontario’s overall GDP while sustaining 247,000 full-time jobs across primary and secondary sectors. Since the Greenbelt Foundation’s earlier economic impact assessment (2020), the Ontario Greenbelt has seen a 12% increase in province-wide economic contributions, adjusted for inflation, and a 17% increase in employme

Dubai Chambers discusses ways to develop bilateral cooperation in food industries with Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness

Dubai Chambers has discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in the food and agricultural industries between Dubai and Ontario, Canada, during a meeting in Toronto with the Hon. Trevor Jones, Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. As Canada’s largest provincial economy, Ontario represents an important partner for expanding cooperation, supporting business growth, and strengthening mutual investment. The meeting was attended by H.E. Eng. Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Chairman of Dubai Chambers, and H.E. Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers. The discussions focused on ways to strengthen cooperation across areas of shared interest, particularly food trade, agritech, and food technology. H.E. Eng. Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori commented: “Dubai and Canada are building a strong economic partnership shaped by shared interests and a common vision for future growth. As the global economy continues to evolve at pace, it is increasingly important to

© 2026   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service