Search
Better Farming OntarioBetter PorkBetter Farming Prairies

Better Farming Ontario Featured Articles

Better Farming Ontario magazine is published 11 times per year. After each edition is published, we share featured articles online.


Conservatives pledge supply management protection, small business bill of rights

Friday, September 30, 2011

by SUSAN MANN

Strong farms are vital to a strong Ontario, according to the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario.

Changebook is the PC’s plan to bring change for Ontario’s families. The agricultural platform includes plans to:

•    deliver the business risk management program;
•    protect supply management for farmers;
•    have a ‘buy Ontario’ food policy with the party leading by example at provincial institutions, such as hospitals and schools;
•    increase market access for Ontario’s VQA wines.

For businesses, the party plans to eliminate job killing red tape and introduce a Small Business Bill of Rights to recognize that they are the engine of growth, job creation and prosperity.

Questions:
We asked the main provincial political parties to respond to three mandatory questions and respond to one other question of their choice among a list or visit our website to respond to one of our readers’ questions. The elective questions were: What priorities do you think the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs' budget should have? What is your position on farm workers having the right to strike? What is your position on the proposed Melancthon Quarry?

BF: How would you convince the federal government to support Ontario’s risk management program and pay its 60 per cent share?

PC:
Risk management is not only about peace of mind, it is about correcting a competitive imbalance that gives farmers in other jurisdictions an unfair market advantage. Our program will be based on the cost of production. And unlike the Liberals – our support will be predictable and permanent. We will strengthen our agriculture industry by making the risk management program a dedicated fund to ensure premiums go to support for our farmers.

Instead of implementing this program for farmers, Dalton McGuinty used the federal government as an excuse for two years to delay the implementation of this program. If we are elected government we will continue to negotiate with the federal government for support for farmers but we won’t let anyone else’s actions be an excuse for neglecting Ontario’s farmers.

BF: How would you attract young farmers to the industry?

PC: We need to ensure that young people see the agriculture industry as one where there are opportunities to succeed. Under Dalton McGuinty support for farmers has not been a priority. His sneaky tax grabs, excessive red tape and skyrocketing hydro bills have increased farmers’ cost of production. We understand that in order to compete with farmers in other provinces and other countries that our farmers need insurance programs that work, the elimination of needless red tape and a government that listens to their needs.

BF: What will you do to get Ontario companies back into processing Ontario-grown food?

PC: Food processing industries have been hit hard by Dalton McGuinty’s red tape and skyrocketing hydro bills. Under his government we lost the last canning plant this side of the Rocky Mountains. Companies that try to invest here in Ontario have been complaining about red tape and conflicting rules from different ministries. We will help food processing companies by introducing a one-window access to government for farmers and agri-businesses to save time, avoid duplication and help farmers and agri-businesses get one clear, consistent answer from government. We would also create an environment that encourages investment by cutting corporate tax rates and appointing a cabinet minister responsible for cutting red tape by 30 %.

BF: What priorities do you think OMAFRA’s budget should have?

PC: We need to focus our resources where it matters and provide support for farmers, research and the services that actually help our agriculture industry to grow.

We will implement a risk management program with a dedicated fund to ensure premiums go to support for our farmers, implement a strong Buy Ontario policy and create one window access to government for farmers and agri-business. BF

Current Issue

June/July 2025

Better Farming Magazine

Farms.com Breaking News

Ontario Funds 28 Agri Food Research Projects

Thursday, July 17, 2025

Ontario has announced $5.4 million in funding for 28 innovative research projects at the University of Guelph, aiming to protect farmers, enhance the food supply chain, and foster environmental sustainability. This investment comes from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness... Read this article online

Boost Crop Yields with Smart Fertilization

Thursday, July 17, 2025

Soil testing is a valuable tool for managing crop nutrition, especially in Ontario where nutrient levels play a crucial role in crop yields. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFA), fertilizer recommendations based on soil test results can vary depending on... Read this article online

HJV Equipment Now Full-Line PTx Trimble Dealer

Thursday, July 17, 2025

HJV Equipment is thrilled to announce its designation as a full-line PTx Trimble dealer. This strategic move enhances the company’s capability to offer advanced precision agriculture technology, catering to the growing needs of modern farmers. As part of this expansion, HJV Equipment... Read this article online

Ontario Tender Fruit Season off to a Strong Start

Monday, July 14, 2025

Ontario's 2025 tender fruit and table grape season is off to a promising start reports the Ontario Tender Fruit and Fresh Grape Growers. While the weather may be too hot for some farmers, it has has been ideal for producing a sweet and juicy crop. A cooler-than-usual spring delayed the... Read this article online

BF logo

It's farming. And it's better.

 

a Farms.com Company

Subscriptions

Subscriber inquiries, change of address, or USA and international orders, please email: subscriptions@betterfarming.com or call 888-248-4893 x 281.


Article Ideas & Media Releases

Have a story idea or media release? If you want coverage of an ag issue, trend, or company news, please email us.

Follow us on Social Media

 

Sign up to a Farms.com Newsletter

 

DisclaimerPrivacy Policy2025 ©AgMedia Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Back To Top