Take Action to protect Farmland (Editorial)

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Published on Wednesday, 17 April 2013 18:53

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The recently launched Food and Water First campaign is calling on the province to do exactly what its name suggests – create a policy protecting two of Ontario’s most valuable resources.

In fact, everyone is invited to take the pledge at the group’s website foodandwaterfirst.com. So far, the campaign has drawn the support of a wide cross section, from municipal governments to businesses to environmentalists.

Published in the "Orangeville Banner", Apr. 17, 2013

By The Editor

However, despite an 11th hour election promise, the provincial Standing Committee on General Government has switched its focus to gridlock and auto insurance instead of finishing its review of the Aggregate Resources Act (ARA) — legislation with the potential power to save vital farmland.

It's unfortunately ironic that the committee's first two priorities literally have a foundation built on aggregate, while the extensive work completed on the ARA review collects dust on a shelf.

This is unacceptable.

When the Highland Companies withdrew its application for a licence to mine 2,316 acres of land for limestone in Melancthon, they cited a lack of “sufficient support to move forward with the approval process.” If a foreign $6 billion hedge fund can bow down to widespread public outcry, why can’t our provincial government step up?

After assuming the role of premier in January, Kathleen Wynne appointed herself as Minister of Agriculture and Food. Wynne says she is focused on the priorities of Ontario’s farmers and the province’s $34 billion agri-food industry.

It’s time to show us that ‘Minister’ is more than just a title.