Ontario’s farmers are fed up with the heavily regulated business environment in which they operate their businesses.
At the same time, society and government have become overly cautious, trying to out-smart common sense by putting more and more costly rules and regulations in place that are burdening our farming community.
This year’s CFFO seminar series is Enough is Enough and examines the case for an improved regulatory process. An annual event for 16 years, the organization’s seminar series aims at facilitating grassroots participation in policy development. This year’s edition will explore the reasons for the over-regulated farm business situation and will look towards alternative approaches to regulations that can be proposed to elected leaders, other organizations and the consuming public.
Long-time CFFO friend Bill van Geest will be the principal facilitator for the series. He is an executive coach and strategic planner and enjoys helping organizations and their leaders move forward with clarity and purpose. Nathan Stevens, the CFFO’s research and policy advisor, will also be on hand at selected locations to work alongside those in attendance.
Bob Seguin and Al Mussell, from the George Morris Centre, will draw on their experiences as members of Canada’s independent agri-food think tank to help attendees explore the rationale and complexities behind legislation and regulations. Seguin has first-hand knowledge in understanding regulations, having served as a senior manager in several government departments.
Explore and critique the frustrating and complex world of legislation and regulations. The CFFO seminar series is open to all who wish to attend. Log on to the CFFO’s website at www.christianfarmers.org for details on how to register and where individual seminars are being held.
John Clement is the General Manager of the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario.
