Ernie Hardeman PC Agriculture and Food Critic

(Queen's Park) March 30, 2005 - PC Agriculture and Food Critic, Ernie Hardeman asked the Minister of Agriculture, Steve Peters why he won't do more for Ontario farmers.

Yesterday's announcement of $79 million going to the grain and oil seed farmers and $35 million to tobacco farmers is only a short-term band-aid solution.

While the $79 million to the grain and oil seed farmers covers some of their 2004 loans and debts, this does not deal with farmers' 2005 crops or any long-term solutions to the farming crisis. This government has no commitment to reforming programs into what farmers really need.

"Steve Peters and the McGuinty Liberals were quick to cancel provincial support programs to farmers, but the government was irresponsible by not having a new plan in place", Ernie Hardeman said. "Will they commit to an adequately funded replacement for Market Revenue Insurance for the 2005 crop-year and beyond?"

In today's Question Period Hardeman took Minister Peters to task, asking him why he would settle for our farmers getting only 40% of the 2004 benefits. Hardeman asked, "When are you going to do more? Why did the casinos get $400 million and the grain and oil seed farmers are only worth $79 million?"

Farmers are saying much more needs to be done, and are concerned that this government isn't talking to the federal government at this critical time for farmers in Ontario.