Mr. Ted McMeekin (Ancaster–Dundas–Flamborough–Aldershot):

I rise today to share the McGuinty government record on agriculture and to speak proudly of our continued commitment to rural Ontario and our farmers.

Our government believes that supply-managed commodities not only help to stabilize income for Ontario’s farmers, but also serve to ensure a reliable supply of Ontario-based foods. Our government recognizes the need for long-term planning and the importance of putting the tools in place to help ensure the future success of our agri-food sector. That is why farmers all across Ontario are expressing concern about the weekend nomination of Randy Hillier as a candidate for the PC Party. A right-wing radical extremist, Hillier is an outspoken critic of supply management and Ontario’s nutrient management strategy—something the previous government introduced, never delivered on and failed to fund. In contrast, our government has delivered some $23.7 million in nutrient management support.

While the new Conservative candidate brags openly in the Colborne Chronicle of his intent to shape Tory agricultural policy, for many farmers this is a frightening thought. It is clear that no one wants to see a return to the regressive tax cuts of the Harris regime. It’s our duty to continue moving forward and to work with our agricultural partners to embrace positive change.