Wynne anxious to get started as agriculture minister

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

by DIANNE FETTERLY

Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne is anxious to get started in her new role as the province’s minister of agriculture.

Speaking to a group of agriculture and rural journalists earlier today, Wynne said that while she’ll be very busy taking on both the premier job and the agriculture portfolio, she’s confident that she is up for the challenge.

“This is not an unprecedented situation. There have been premiers who have done it in the past,” she said.

Wynne explained her own reasons for taking on the dual role. “It is important to have a focus on agriculture and food in the province . . .  Agriculture and rural issues are critical to the province.”

Wynne explained she listened to the concerns of rural residents while travelling across Ontario during her leadership campaign. They felt that the government wasn’t listening to them. She wants that to change.

Wynne said she has a lot of respect for farmers, and plans to take on the agriculture portfolio for one year to ensure the focus needed is in place. “I can bring the perspective to cabinet that I am speaking as the agricultural minister as well as the premier.”

Wynne explained that since her short time as Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture and Food, she has started meeting with industry stakeholders and will continue to reach out to other groups as the days go on. She noted that she spoke at the Ontario cattlemen’s association annual meeting recently, also telling them that taking on both roles is not just a symbolic gesture.

According to a press release, Wynne told the crowd of beef producers, in both English and French, “I want you and your members to know how important your work and your families are to our government.  I, too, understand how essential your industry is to our economy and our character.”

She also told reporters today that she hopes to set up a meeting with Canadian Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz in the near future and will re-iterate that she is working on behalf of the province’s farmers. Adding, “if government and rural residents work together, we can make a lot of progress.”

On her website, Wynne listed several priorities for agriculture and rural Ontario with the re-introduction of local food legislation topping that list.

“I believe the work done (regarding the proposed Local Food Act) was very important. We want to work to further promote food grown here. I believe people in Ontario, want to buy products grown in Ontario. Local products should be front and centre in the stores,” she explained, adding more work can be done to create further awareness.

Another top priority for Wynne is the streamlining of regulations and creating a single window approach to the government.

“I’d like to continue to work with the industry so accessing government services is easier for farmers,” she said, adding it’s the government’s responsibility to provide easier, more efficient access so farmers will be able to find what they need.

When questioned about the difficulty some eastern Ontario producers are having with paperwork regarding assistance following last year’s drought, Wynne said she has made note of the issue and will discuss the topic during her meeting with the federal agriculture minister. Also, during that meeting she said she wants to make it clear that she is a strong supporter and believer in supply-management.

Ensuring a sustainable Ontario horseracing industry is also on Wynne’s to-do list.

“Horseracing has to play an active role in providing a sustainable industry for itself. . . It will be smaller, but we are committed to making it work.” Funding is already in place to help the industry make the transition and to ensure a 2013 racing season, she added.

Agricultural research is also “very important to agriculture as well as to the economy of Ontario,”  said Wynne. Agri-food is one of the largest sectors in the province and research provides producers with support and  the ability to innovate.

Other priorities include:  developing a regional and community transportation strategy; reviewing small municipalities’ share of provincially-mandated programs; and local control on the siting of green energy infrastructure.

Wynne has split the former Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs into two portfolios. While she will handle the agriculture and the food sector, Peterborough MPP Jeff Leal will be in charge of rural affairs.

Wynne was elected as Ontario Liberal leader at a convention in Toronto last month. She was sworn in as the province’s premier shortly after. BF