Ontario Agriculture

The network for agriculture in Ontario, Canada

Political stick handling gone bad

This past week I was fortunate enough to be part of a "roundtable" discussion about the issue in agriculture in Huron and Bruce Counties. I say "roundtable" because the discussion was limited to stating out name, what group we are with and our issue.  No debate or other discussion.  So much for that.
My issues were biodigester regulations, unfavourable zoning on property tax assessment and the resolution put forward by the PC party a couple weeks ago.  Oh - we were meeting with the PC Caucus.
They showed no interest in lobbying the Federal government to pony up the 60% Federal portion.  All they were interested in was getting the Province to set up the 40% portion and wait for the Federal side.
Little did they know that we have already waited 3 years for the Federal portion on the Grains & Oilseeds RMP.  Relying on Transfer Payments is no good since they fluctuate from year to year.  We need commitment from the Feds to fund the other 60%.  Instead we get - No interest from the Feds.
Four MPP's come to the largest Agricultural County in Ontario telling the farmers what they do not want to hear?  One of them even claimed to be a part of the second largest Agricultural County in Ontario - not even close (his county ranks fourth in Western Ontario).  There was no MPP from Perth County in attendance.
Not only do we have to lobby the Federal Conservatives to come on board with the request from OASC, we have to educate the Provincial PC party about what exactly Agriculture in Ontario is about and what we want.
Quit the Political crap and get on board - lobby the Federal Government to step up to the plate, and if you think the Province is waiting for the Feds - call their bluff.
The PC Caucus obviously does not care about working for the farmers when they are more interested in "trying" to make the provincial Liberals look bad when it is not what the Farm Leaders have been asking for. Even the media picked it up easily:

Views: 151

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by JoAnne Caughill on June 15, 2010 at 2:19am
Part of the problem with the OASC 'ask' has been the Grains and Oilseeds Representation.

Membership of the Livestock sectors have been adament about 100% funding for BRMP - regardless of who does it - Feds or Prov or Feds AND Prov.

Grains and Oilseeds have consistently stuck to their request of 40% funding saying this what their membership wants - in hopes of the Feds coming on board. Like you said, the Feds have had 3 years to think that one over and didn't come on board - and with this economy the Grains Guys are living in la la land if they think the Feds are coming onboard now with their debt levels and everyone else at the door for $$$$. WAKE UP! So it seems that Grains Guys are ok with their 40% coverage - and their extra money last year going back into the Government vault. The silence from Grains membership endorsed their support for their leadership going forward with this ridiculous 40% ask.

We'll see what FPT Meetings in July gain us. My guess - is exactly what we have gotten in the past. Coalition or no coalition - all it has done is bought the Government more time and brough more heart ache to Rural Ontario.

My 2 cents worth......................
Permalink Reply by Joann on June 15, 2010 at 7:10am
Thank you Joanne for articulating the sentiments of many. You are absolutely right.

The other problem I have with Wayne's message is centered on the operative word "ask". What makes people think the government would respond to farmers "asking" for things they "want"? The government does not have a fiduciary obligation to agricultural "wish lists". The public has become intolerant to the incessant pleading of public funds to prop up a "perceived lifestyle" of a minority class of people.. the farmer. Where is the validity of Wayne's statements?

Until farmers understand WHY government have a constitutional mandate to support agriculture... and when farmers have the ability to articulate such.... the government will continue to ignore farmers' "wish lists" and also continue to disrespect Crown obligations towards farmers.

Farmers need a full understanding of "agriculture" to ensure that the Minister of Finance makes FIPA work properly.

JoAnne Caughill said:
Part of the problem with the OASC 'ask' has been the Grains and Oilseeds Representation.
Membership of the Livestock sectors have been adament about 100% funding for BRMP - regardless of who does it - Feds or Prov or Feds AND Prov.
Grains and Oilseeds have consistently stuck to their request of 40% funding saying this what their membership wants - in hopes of the Feds coming on board. Like you said, the Feds have had 3 years to think that one over and didn't come on board - and with this economy the Grains Guys are living in la la land if they think the Feds are coming onboard now with their debt levels and everyone else at the door for $$$$. WAKE UP! So it seems that Grains Guys are ok with their 40% coverage - and their extra money last year going back into the Government vault. The silence from Grains membership endorsed their support for their leadership going forward with this ridiculous 40% ask.

We'll see what FPT Meetings in July gain us. My guess - is exactly what we have gotten in the past. Coalition or no coalition - all it has done is bought the Government more time and brough more heart ache to Rural Ontario.

My 2 cents worth......................
Permalink Reply by Joe Dales on June 17, 2010 at 10:21am
Hi Wayne:

Thanks for trying to get through to the Ontario PC politicians.........I guess they don't see their role as trying to influence the Federal PC party...this is unfortunate because it is really the only political power they have at present....

"A thousand strikes with the hammer crack the stone...."

While it might feel like a lost cause, we need more people like you to keep pushing the Ontario Agriculture agenda.

Thanks,

Joe
Permalink Reply by Wayne Black on June 17, 2010 at 10:55am
Joe - Thanks for your support.
With the Provincial Liberals pushing the Federal government to get "on-side" and with the Provincial PC's pushing the Provincial Liberals - my next question to the PC Caucus, if I was given the opportunity, was going to be - if you are not going to help Ontario Farmers push the Federal government now, why would we expect the Provincial PC's to push the Federal government when in opposition?
The Provincial PC's are barking up the wrong tree and they do not realize it. With the responses they gave to some other "facts" it showed they were not concerned about the Ontario Farmer and more concerned about their paycheque.

Joe Dales said:
Hi Wayne:
Thanks for trying to get through to the Ontario PC politicians.........I guess they don't see their role as trying to influence the Federal PC party...this is unfortunate because it is really the only political power they have at present....
"A thousand strikes with the hammer crack the stone...."

While it might feel like a lost cause, we need more people like you to keep pushing the Ontario Agriculture agenda.

Thanks,

Joe
Permalink Reply by Roadrunner on June 20, 2010 at 5:49am
Politicians and thier own self interest????

Wayne, have you met any that don't think about getting elected first?

I want names if you have....

▶ Reply to Discussion

RSS

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

Minister’s statement on Canadian Council of Forest Ministers chair appointment

Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests, has released the following statement on the annual meeting of the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers (CCFM): “This week, I met with federal, provincial and territorial forest ministers from across Canada to discuss shared priorities, challenges and emerging opportunities for Canada’s forestry sector. “It’s an honour to take on the role of incoming chair of the CCFM for the upcoming year. I want to thank the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Fisheries, Forests and Agriculture for Newfoundland and Labrador, for her leadership over the past year. “As British Columbia’s minister of forests, I’ve seen first-hand the importance of working together across jurisdictions to strengthen Canada’s forest sector in the face of persistent and new challenges. From global trade dynamics and U.S. tariffs, to ever-intensifying wildfire seasons and shifting labour markets, these challenges don’t stop at provincial or territorial boundaries, and neither can our so

Farmers’ market program delivers another bountiful harvest

People in British Columbia will continue to have improved access to nutritious, locally grown foods through the B.C. Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon Program. “As the weather warms up and more people take advantage of British Columbia’s amazing farmers’ markets, we are helping people and families on lower incomes access fresh and nutritious foods grown in their communities,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “The Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon Program promotes healthy eating and gives people an opportunity to connect with and support local farmers and producers.” The B.C. Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program is operating in more than 90 communities throughout the province, reaching families, seniors and pregnant people from more than 8,500 households. “We all want people to be able to access nutritious, healthy food in their communities,” said Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. “Our funding will help more people, including seniors and fami

Pulse Market Insight #277

Weather Market or Not? There’s no shortage of question marks about 2025 crop production. StatsCan will issue updated acreage numbers on June 27 and the USDA will release its latest acreage estimates on June 30. These reports should provide some direction for the 2025/26 crop outlooks. It will be interesting to see whether all the trade uncertainty caused farmers to shift acreage, including for pulses. But that’s just the beginning of the story. We’re still just in the first month of the growing season and already, it’s been a roller coaster in many parts of the prairies, in some ways similar to 2024. Prior to seeding in late March, there were a few dry areas on the prairies but overall, conditions seemed positive and there was some early optimism. Move forward to the end of April though and the AAFC Drought Monitor map showed expanding areas of drought, particularly in the northern prairies, where pea acreage is concentrated. By the end of May, the drought situation had spread across

Saskatchewan Topsoil Moisture Improves, but Some Crop Damage Too

Saskatchewan topsoil moisture conditions improved following heavy rain in some locations this past week, although crop damage also occurred in the worst-hit areas. In addition to the rain, with localized amounts in excess of 100 mm, some areas also experienced minor to severe hail and wind damage, “with producers still assessing which crops will be able to recover,” said Thursday’s weekly crop report. On the other hand, some crops also continue to suffer from dryness and drought, with the Northwest Region seeing only limited rainfall in the past week. Areas in the west-central and pockets in other regions received significant rainfall. The Macklin area received the highest rainfall at 108 mm, followed by the Wilkie area at 107 mm. The Semans area reported 99 mm and the Luseland area reported 96 mm for the week. Rainfall significantly increased topsoil moisture in all regions (see map below). Provincially, cropland topsoil moisture was rated as 6% surplus, 74% adequate, 16% shor

Betting on America: How WorkSaver Tripled & Thrives in U.S. Manufacturing

In this episode of The Germinate Podcast, Joe Sampson and Tim Burenga take listeners on a 45-year journey of WorkSaver—from its founding by Tim’s father in 1980 to its evolution as a dual-focused manufacturer and OEM contract specialist.

© 2025   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service