OFA Commentary #2704
Canadians have voted and the results will mean a considerable difference to the way business is done in the House of Commons in Ottawa. Many of the changes brought about by the election will not make significant difference to the way the Ontario Federation of Agriculture and the Canadian Federation of Agriculture approach government.
Both organizations take a non-partisan approach to dealing with government because our leaders know they must be prepared to work with winners selected by the electorate – and this is always subject to change.
When all the votes were counted June 28, Bob Speller, Canada’s most recent minister of agriculture, had been defeated in his riding. OFA appreciated Mr. Speller’s work and his desire to improve agriculture in Canada, and now it will be up to Prime Minister Martin to name a successor.
Then, it will be up to farmers and their organizations to work with the new minister.
Because agriculture spans the mandates of a number of ministries, OFA and other farm organizations will also end up working with ministers and government officials dealing with environment, taxation, labour, international trade, and the list goes on. The business of agriculture has become increasingly complex.
Now that Canadians have elected a minority government, farmers and their organizations will also spend more time working with the other parties to ensure they clearly understand and support the farm position.
During the election campaign, OFA and its county and regional federations made contact with all rural candidates, providing them with details of agriculture and its issues. With that preliminary material in their hands, OFA looks forward to furthering the development of working relations with these Members of Parliament.
Agriculture has experienced some difficult times in recent years – low commodity prices, unfair international trade, and the devastating impacts of BSE. We have been able to secure significant improvements in the safety net programs provided by our Federal and Provincial Governments working in partnership. That work will have to continue.
OFA will continue its work with CFA to ensure Canadian farmers are properly represented as World Trade Organization negotiations continue. We have set our sites on expanding access to international markets during these negotiations, and we will continue to insist on maintaining the supply management marketing systems that have been so valuable to our country for farmers producing dairy, eggs, chickens and turkeys.
At recent WTO talks, Canada’s representatives came away feeling they had achieved a certain level of success, getting the message into the minds of other countries’ delegates that the Canadian balanced position is good for all nations – developed and developing.
Another critical issue for Canadian farmers is the harmonization of regulations with competing countries for the use of pest management products. For too long our producers of fruits and vegetables have seen their competitors in other countries using superior products while our government holds off granting the necessary approvals.
At OFA, we understand the need for good, ongoing relations with our MPs and we’re prepared take all the necessary steps to ensure the next agriculture minister and the country’s new MPs understand and support our industry. Make sure you introduce you MP to the business of farming!
~Bill Mailloux~
Vice-President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture