Date: March 13th, 2006
For release: Immediate
STECKLE RENEWS CALLS FOR OTTAWA TO IMPLIMENT MEASURES SUCH AS THE PRODUCER CONCIEVED RMP
SEAFORTH – Paul Steckle, the Member of Parliament for Huron-Bruce, today extended his compliments to his provincial counterpart, Carol Mitchell, for her part in securing $125 million for Ontario farmers. Moreover, Steckle applauded the Premier of Ontario for his commitment to the establishment of a long-term, stable, support programme for primary producers. “While I don’t think that $125 million will solve the problems facing agriculture, I do believe that it demonstrates a commitment to the industry… In the same vein, the $755 million in agriculture funding that the federal Liberal government announced last November was never intended to act as a fix-all. Contrarily, these ad-hoc announcements should be viewed as bridge funding as we move forward with long-term solutions… In my opinion, the RMP would serve as an essential first step for the grains and oil seed sector,” Steckle noted.
Steckle concluded by saying, “While I don’t think that the RMP is the only solution to the problems facing agriculture; nor do I see it as perfect, I do believe that it represents the best option at this time. It was conceived by producers and it is crafted with their unique knowledge of their industry. I would again call upon the new Minister of Agriculture and the new Prime Minister to move on this proposal without delay. The Premier of Ontario has signalled his willingness to work on these matters and I would urge the federal government to do the same.”
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For information please contact:
Greg McClinchey
Executive Assistant to Paul Steckle
(613) 995-9848 or steckp0@parl.gc.ca