To Premier Wynne and members of the Liberal cabinet:

   Congratulations on your appointments and the resumption of the Ontario Legislature. While you are extremely busy with your new portfolios, I'm writing to urge you to address an issue that is a growing concern for thousands of Ontarians: the protection of our prime farmland and source water regions. I strongly believe we need a Food and Water First policy to ensure these strategic and perpetual resources are preserved for the benefit of our economy and food sustainability.

   As you are aware, the Highland Companies withdrew its application for a controversial mega quarry north of Shelburne in November. The mega quarry was to be the largest in Canada, on the best agricultural land in the country and at the headwaters of five river systems. A diverse grassroots movement fought the mega quarry for 18 months, arguing that the rarest farmland in the province and water for up to one million people downstream should be protected. Your government wisely ordered an unprecedented Environmental Assessment for the application and a review of the outdated Aggregate Resources Act. It was clear the mega quarry fight had exposed the many flaws in current legislation, including the lack of protection for prime farmland and source water regions. Last spring, several agricultural stakeholders made detailed presentations before the Standing Committee on General Government studying the ARA. They also participated in the review of the Provincial Policy Statement in the fall. I am asking you to reconstitute the Standing Committee on General Government as soon as possible so the review of the ARA will proceed. I am also asking you to ensure the updated PPS reflects the concerns raised by agricultural stakeholders and the general public.

   You have also stated the Local Food Act will be introduced. This piece of legislation must include protection for prime farmland. Ontarians cannot enjoy the benefits of local food if local prime farmland continues to disappear. For too many years our agricultural land and its bounty have been taken for granted. A mere .5 percent of Canada is comprised of Class 1 farmland and more than half of it is in southern Ontario. According to the Ontario Farmland Trust, our farmland is a strategic resource and the single most important agricultural resource in the country. Ontario's agri-food sector is the largest in Canada, contributing $33-billion to the provincial economy every year and employing nearly 700-thousand people. Yet, the land that sustains this vital sector is not protected and is lost at an annual rate of 51,000 hectares or 127,000 acres to non-farm development. Ontario Farmland Trust estimates the province could lose food self-sufficiency within 25 years. This must not happen. 

 Given the importance of Ontario's prime farmland and water resources to our economy and food security, it's time for a Food and Water First policy. The grassroots movement that stopped the mega quarry will be working towards this goal. I hope your government will support our efforts and help us create this lasting legacy. 

 Warm regards,