Agriculture now part-part-time job?

WOODSTOCK – Today, Ernie Hardeman, Oxford MPP and PC Critic for Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs expressed concern that Premier Wynne has taken on another portfolio leaving even less time for agriculture and food.

On June 23, following the resignation of Minister Laurel Broten, Premier Wynne announced that she was taking on the portfolio of Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs as well as serving as Premier and Minister of Agriculture and Food.

“Being Minister of Agriculture and Food is about much more than attending events and photo-ops– when there are issues such as the recent flooding on farms it’s being available to see the damage first-hand and its taking the time to really understand challenges facing our farmers, such as red-tape, so you can fix them,” said Hardeman.

Hardeman pointed to the weaknesses in the Local Food Act as an example of where the part-time Minister has failed to deliver.

“Agriculture and local food groups were looking a comprehensive act that address the challenges our agriculture industry and food system are facing,” said Hardeman. “Despite Wynne’s commitment to introduce a strengthened act she once again introduced legislation that does nothing to increase consumption of local food outside of government buildings. We deserve a Minister of Agriculture with the time to get it right.”

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For more information, contact:
Ernie Hardeman, MPP Oxford
(416) 325-1239