OFA looks forward to working with the newly elected government

OFA looks forward to working with the newly elected government
By Mark Wales, Vice President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
Our recent provincial election reminded Ontarians how fortunate we are to live in a free, democratic province and country. And at least 37,000 Ontarians had agriculture on their mind when they voted.
The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) extends congratulations to all the successful candidates. We look forward to continuing to educate and advise them on the importance of our vibrant agriculture and agri-food industry – one that contributes $33 billion to the provincial economy every year and 13 per cent of the province’s gross domestic product (GDP). While fewer Ontarians than ever are working on the farm, the importance of the contributions that agriculture and the agri-food industry brings are one in seven Ontario jobs.
The OFA congratulates Premier McGuinty on his re-election. We look forward to working with all parties to ensure Ontario continues its support and encouragement of our agriculture and agri-food industry. They all understand that our food system is Ontario’s key economic driver contributing jobs, investment, environmental enhancement and, of course, safe and nutritious food. In fact, Ontario’s agri-food sector provides jobs for 700,000 people, generates $3.4 billion tax dollars and pays $7 billion in wages.
OFA is in business to ensure the issues facing Ontario farmers are understood, represented and considered when the provincial government makes decisions and creates policy. That’s why we focused our election efforts on five key agricultural issues – energy, environmental stewardship, regulatory reform, risk management programs and rural infrastructure.
It was gratifying to see that each of the party’s platforms addressed these issues, favouring the OFA approach. We will continue to work closely with our new provincial government – with policy advisors, party leaders, ministers and all elected MPPs.
On behalf of OFA’s 37,000 farm business members, we congratulate the newly elected provincial Liberal government. We often say that if you ate today, thank a farmer. And that’s a great reminder to all Ontarians – and all our newly elected politicians – of the vital role agriculture fills. And at OFA, it’s our role to keep the spotlight shining brightly on this vibrant industry that produces the safe, healthy and nutritional food that sustains us all.