- by Melissa Schneider, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture

Queen’s Park MPPs left Toronto last week, returning to their local constituencies for an extended summer break. That means your local politicians will be in and around the community over the next five months, providing a great opportunity to talk with them about the issues impacting the agri-food sector and the action and support we need when the house sits again in the fall.

The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) continues to focus on four key areas that have a direct influence on the sustainability, competitiveness and profitability of our farm businesses. If you aren’t sure where to start a conversation with your local MPP during the summer season, or what questions to ask, you can start with the need for key investments across rural Ontario.

Rural Ontario needs affordable, accessible energy. Find out where your MPP stands on extending natural gas infrastructure across all parts of Ontario. Be sure they are aware that if natural gas was available across the province, Ontario farmers, local businesses and rural residents in their ridings could save more than $1 billion in annual energy costs.

Ontario’s agri-food sector is an economic leader. We want to continue to grow the economy, and that means reliable, high-speed internet for everyone. Ask your local politician about the plans and timelines for reliable broadband in every corner of the province so we can all be connected and competitive in our farm businesses, rural schools and communities.

Investments in infrastructure are an ongoing need for any community. When you are in the business of growing and producing food, you depend on sound roads, bridges and proper drainage systems to support growth and transportation of agricultural goods and services. Talk to your MPP about areas in your region that need upgrading.

Schools provide a critical community hub in rural areas. They attract and retain employees by providing quality, local education and a gathering place for the next generation of Ontarians. What’s the status of the schools in your area? If you are concerned, be sure your MPP hears your voice.

There are also many proposed changes for various regulations and legislation that will be back on the books in Queen’s Park this fall. OFA is tracking these issues including changes with the Endangered Species Act, Environmental Assessment Act, wildlife damage compensation and farm property tax. OFA’s comments and submissions on any of these issues are posted at ofa.on.ca under Resources and Submissions & Correspondence.

When the summer season finally arrives, look for opportunities to meet with MPPs in your local community to discuss what you need from them, as your representative, when they get back to Queen’s Park on October 28.