As political watchers predicted, Ontario is in the midst of a provincial election campaign.
In response, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) is ready to go to candidates with key messages for the sector before voters go to the polls June 12.
To draw candidate attention to the key issues that matter to OFA members and impact the overall health of the Ontario economy, the themed election campaign will be, “I Believe in Growing Ontario.” It’s a simple way to relate agriculture issues back to the overall economy because when agriculture is strong, every Ontarian benefits from the food, fibre and jobs the agri-sector provides.
There are four key issues to focus on with party candidates over the next several weeks. A special website, GrowingOntario.ofa.on.ca, is being launched to serve as election central. It will have information for candidates and OFA members about issues that matter to Ontario agriculture and why these issues should matter to every politician.
The first is energy. There should be access to competitively priced energy, including expanding infrastructure to deliver natural gas into more rural areas and ensuring affordable and competitive rates for electricity.
The second issue is property taxation. The government needs to improve property taxation for farmers, and address municipal funding, so farmland taxes reflect the services provided.
The third topic is food literacy. The OFA wants food literacy reintroduced into schools so Ontario’s young adults are taught how to make better, healthier food choices.
The forth election issue is agri-skills training. Ontario’s agri-food sector will remain strong, innovative and competitive as long as we continue to provide ongoing education and skills training.
For more detail, check out these short videos which explain these four issues more in depth. Visit the OFA’s YouTube channel at YouTube/OntarioFarms to learn more.
The OFA talks a lot about how agriculture is the biggest economic driver in the province. Together with local and regional federations, the message needs to be delivered to political candidates of every party stripe, in every riding.
As part of the election campaign activities, the OFA is looking for public support through the “I Believe in Growing Ontario” campaign. It’s one way to engage with political candidates and asking them to demonstrate their commitment to the Ontario’s agri-food sector. It’s a simple way to have candidates “sign on” to acknowledge their support of the industry. OFA members will be called on to help sign up local candidates.
Visit GrowingOntario.ofa.on.ca for more election information. Let’s get together and talk with political candidates about the innovation, opportunity and excitement that can happen through working together on key priorities, and when believing in growing Ontario.
Mark Wales is the president of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture.
