May 22, 2020
Bob Bailey
MPP for Sarnia-Lambton
102-805 Christina Street, North
Point Edward, Ontario N7V 1X6
Marilyn Gladu
MP for Sarnia-Lambton
1000 Finch Drive, Unit 2
Sarnia, Ontario N7S 6G5
Monte McNaughton
MPP of Lambton-Kent-Middlesex
81 Front Street, West
Strathroy, Ontario N7G 1X6
Lianne Rood
MP for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex
65 Front Street, West
Strathroy, Ontario N7G 1X6
RE:Impact of COVID-19 on Lambton County
On March 23, 2020, Canada’s Prime Minster spoke fleetingly about the nations plan to support the agriculture industry in fighting the effects of COVID-19. Prime Minister Trudeau expressed his sympathy to the country stating: “when it gets hard, know that your government is right there with you.” Two months into the pandemic, and Lambton County’s agriculture industry is alone.
Lambton County, 650 kilometers from the Prime Minister’s home in Ottawa, grossed $582 million in 2016 between its 2,091 farms. On those 2,091 farms, 60% reported lost revenue and less consumer spending since COVID-19 became a reality. This damage comes in many forms such as loss of restaurant contracts, emergency adjustment of crop plans, loss of market access, and the decline in commercial sales.
In addition to farmers, 9,995 Lambton County residents employed in agriculture related industries are uncertain about their future. Once the restrictions are lifted for the rest of the province, the agriculture industry will still be fighting the COVID-19 pandemic battle. The decisions made right now will affect the industry for the next several years. We are trusting our government to make the right decisions to help our families through this.
We ask our political leaders to consider the labour gaps our industry faces with lack of migrant worker availability. For instance, Quebec has introduced wage subsidies for their province to employ workers to assist farmers this summer. This act will lower unemployment rates, support the farmers, and introduce young workers to careers in the agricultural industry.
We, as farmers, have faced many difficult moments in our lives. We’ve spent exhaustive hours helping a cow in labour only to have our efforts be fruitless. We’ve sent silent prayers hoping the rain will stop long enough to get our crops in the ground. We’ve struggled with being away from our families so we can provide for the world. Now, we, as farmers, face our most difficult action yet: asking for your help.
Respectfully yours,
The Lambton Federation of Agriculture
cc: Marilyn Gladu, Member of Parliament: Sarnia-Lambton, Special Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic