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14--Champion Country, Tuesday, September 7, 2004 P P e p e W ho l k i s a id training roduco inuries by un le030%. +Canadian Red Cross STop of the une dey eare witli emnpha *being one on one with ehild end pareii Wecore aeeeptilig ncw vceitrations for *u ehildren ages 6 monta to 12 years of 3We offer a ibefore & after séboIl pro*m Hrnprâint'dfo KUN ê5ff4, Currently Accepting Thank you ta ai wha have [ E.C.E. Teachers applmad for the positions OFA urges McGu'nty to step up to the plate Last faîl when Ontario voters were preparmng to cast their ballots in the provin- cial election, farmers were told by the leader of the Liberal party, Dalton McGuinty that the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food (OMAF> would be a lead minitry in his governuent. We understood he made that declacaîton because of the importance of agriculture to thc province's economy. Now, 10 montbs later. the Ontario gov- erument justifies tbe province's $500) mil- lion'special automotive fund'by saying the auto mndustry is the province's largest cn- nomic englue. At the saune lime he's cutting the budget of their so-called lead minîstry, forgetttng that faruers and agriculture ace thc province's second largest economic contributor. Ontario farmers are very angty with this ftckle goverument, and directors of thc Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA), at their Augnut meeting, gave unanininus support 10 a motion calling for OFA to develop "an action utrategy 10 addcess Uic provincial govemment's disregard and apa- Uiy toward Ontario farmers and Uieir envi- ronnal issues and Uic sectorls economie contribution 10 Ontario society." We have serious difficulîy understanding why Uic premiers "lead ministry" can't come up wiUi $5 million to continue fund- ing Uic Municipal Outiet Drainage pro- gramu, which increases agriculture produc- lion, but bas millions te, help other sectors. 'fli Municipal Outlet Drainage prograro bas proven to be a valuable incentive 10i help fariners everywhere in the province increase Uieir production efficiency wiUi tIle drainage systcms. AIl of this was accomplished with a minimal investruent of less Uian $ 10 million per yeae. The OMAF's 2000 review of the drainage prograro stated: "Drains bave proven to be a key infrastructure tn the developinent of a compelitive and efficient agriculture seclor in Ontario." The onîy change since that was written is the goveroment's commitment tu fariners. If the Ontario govemment is serious about creaîing jobs and economic growth OEA Ron Bonnett Commentary 1n al parts of Uic province. il needs t0 rec- ognize that agriculture is the key econonic driver in rural Ontario. li*s sot jusi facmers and their lamilies wbo suifer whcn cols are made 10 the OMAF budget. These lamîly farming operations are critical 10 Uic survival of inosi rural Ontario communilies. If the leed milîs or Uic equîpmenî dealers canit selI product, those businesses will suifer and rural Ontario will continue 10 be Uic big lose. OMA.F Minister Peters 15110W encourag- ing Uic province's fanners 10 consider and support a new vision for Ontario agricul- ture someUiing Uiaî will take Uic indus- toy into Uic future in strong shape. The OFA wiIl work 10 help Minister Peters and Premier McGtsmty understand Uiat if Uic province's farmers aren't given a few good reasons tu have confidence in their future, a new vision won'î be enough 10 keep agriculture going. Ontario farmers have been unable 10 secure a significant commitrocot from, Uic govemment for even Uic basics. TMe last provincial budget promnised $20 million for the implementation of the Nutrient Management Act and ils regulations, but wiUi Uie goverument's failure 10 gel details of Uiose regulations out 10 fariners, we don't know il that fundîng will help wiîh Uic cosîs farmers will be expected 10 pay. Fariners need 10 bave confidence in tbe Ontario goveromenî's abiliîy to demon- strate the necessary leadership 10 ensure a healîby îndusîry and a vibrant rural Ontario. The OFA is calling on Premier McGuinîy 10, remember bis eleclion prom- ises and sîep up Io the plaie. Roîî Boîîîett î. presideîîî f t/le Onîtarijo Fedeî ation ?f Agrîic lir'. FaN Numli _______________ Check Out Our Fali GIftwreI a Anivlng Soon!!! Fan Bulbs Learn about bugs at Mountsberg Wildlife Centre Take a c/oser look at insects Sure, bugs can be creepy and crawly. But Uiey can also be fasci- nating if you know a linfle bit about Uiem. Saturday night aI Mountsberg Wildlife Centre, Uic young and young-at-heart %vifl have an opportunity 10 take a dloser look ai musecta. Prom 7 10 9 p.m., Mountsberg staff and Steven Marshall froro Uic University of Guelph's entomology department wil lead an evening searching for Uiose noisy insecîs Uiat call in Uic early fall. 'Ihere are many différent species Io fmnd, and lots 10 fmnd out about Uiemn with Uic help of an expert. Bring a flashlight Each participant is asked 10 bring along a flashlight and a con- tainer 10 hold and view bis or ber discoveries, as Uic group hikes Uic Mountsberg traîls ai night. The rost of Uic event is $7 for adulîs and $5 for chitdren. Pre-registration is required. Information and tickets are available by callîng (905) 854-2276, ext. 221. Mountsberg is located halfway between Guelph Line and Hwy. 6 South, just norUi of Catnpbellville Road, off Milburough Line.