For Release: June 30, 2005

Premier Makes Agriculture A Lead Ministry

New Minister Dombrowsky Joins "Inner Cabinet"

TORONTO -Premier Dalton McGuinty is giving farmers and rural Ontario a strong voice in his government by fulfilling a campaign commitment to make Agriculture a lead ministry, says new Agriculture Minister Leona Dombrowsky.

"I grew up on a farm and represent a rural riding so I am delighted at this opportunity to lead the ministry in its new, high-profile role," Dombrowsky said.

The Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs is now part of the powerful Priorities and Planning Committee of Cabinet.

Often described as the "inner cabinet," the P and P committee sets the strategic direction of the government. It considers major initiatives before they go to the full Cabinet and includes key ministries such as Health and Long Term Care and Education.

In addition, the government is once again integrating rural affairs and agriculture, recognizing the deep links that connect rural communities and farmers and food production.

"I'm looking forward to building on the strong foundation built by my colleague Steve Peters during a very challenging time for the sector," Dombrowsky said.

That record includes:

• Delivering up to $396.5 million in federal-provincial funding for farmers and industry affected by mad cow disease - with as much as $138.5 million coming from Ontario
  
• Providing $79 million to grain and oilseed producers (over and above the Market Revenue Insurance payments of $94 million) in the face of severely depressed commodity prices and unfairly subsidized competition
  
• Investing $35 million to assist tobacco growers to exit the industry and transition to new endeavors, and $15 million for tobacco-growing communities to encourage economic diversification and innovation
• Delivering $20 million under the Nutrient Management Financial Assistance Program to assist large livestock operations to better protect the environment
  
• Helping to pass on the farming tradition to future generations by waiving the land transfer tax for farms that change ownership between members of the same family
  
• Introducing a $520-million, 12-year fund to boost ethanol production in Ontario.

"Agriculture and rural Ontario are essential to the prosperity of all Ontarians, and I'm grateful for this opportunity to work on their behalf, at the highest levels of government, where key decisions are made," Dombrowsky said.

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Contact:
Art Chamberlain
Minister's Office
416-735-9021