A report containing 362 recommendations to create a more fiscally sustainable public service sector in Ontario was released on Feb. 15.
Commissioned to reform Ontario’s public services and help the provincial government eliminate the deficit and balance the budget by 2017-2018, the report was chaired by economist Don Drummond, former federal civil servant and chief economist at the TD Bank.
Report recommendations were met with some criticism, including those that could directly impact the strength of Ontario’s agricultural economy.
While it remains to be seen which of the Drummond report recommendations the Ontario government will accept and how it will respond, some of them affect the agri-food industry and Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) members.
The Risk Management program was highlighted in the report.
As our members know, that program is vital to farm business management, not as an income support program as noted in the report, but rather as a tool that helps producers manage risks beyond their control, such as fluctuating costs and market prices.
The report also recommended Ontario review the existing revenue sharing partnership between the province and the Ontario horse racing industry.
Drummond has recommended a value for money review of this agreement and other programs. We are confident the partnership with the horse racing industry will demonstrate its significant and valuable contribution to the Ontario economy and our rural communities.
OFA has developed and maintained a solid working relationship with the government. As plans for the 2012 provincial budget continue, we will be advocating to the government for the interests of Ontario farmers.
In addition to responding to the Drummond report recommendations, we will be advising the provincial government about the needs of the agriculture and agri-food sector, and our messages are simple and direct – make strategic investments and practice good government.
In the months ahead, we will continue working with provincial politicians to advocate for investments in risk management, environmental stewardship, ecological goods and services, and for further regulatory reforms.
With the Drummond report on everyone’s mind, the OFA will use the opportunity to reinforce the importance of the agriculture and agri-food industry with the provincial government. Our message will be clear – an investment in agriculture and food is a significant investment in a healthy, strong economy for all Ontarians.
Mark Wales is president of the OFA
