For immediate release: 23 June 2006

Mcguinty Government Speaks Up For Ontario Farmers
Agriculture Minister Presents Province's Position At National and International Meetings

QUEEN'S PARK - The Government of Ontario will do what it takes to ensure that agricultural decision makers at both the national and international levels consider the needs of Ontario's farmers, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Leona Dombrowsky said today.

"We're working on the side of rural families by creating opportunity so they can find success for themselves and their family - that includes a balanced approach when developing new agricultural trade commitments," said Ontario Premier McGuinty. "Our government will speak up for farmers and show our commitment to supply management."

Trade and agriculture ministers from 25 countries are expected to come together in Geneva at the end of the month to conclude an agreement on agricultural subsidies and trade. Dombrowsky will work with the Canadian delegation, which will include the federal minister of agriculture along with several provincial ministers, and with Ontario agricultural representatives attending at the WTO to monitor the talks.

"I will make sure that my federal and provincial colleagues fully appreciate the unique nature and needs of Ontario's agri-food sector while at the meeting of ministers of agriculture next week," said Dombrowsky. "This province accounts for approximately one-fifth of the country's total agricultural production and nearly one-quarter of the agri-food exports. That has to be recognized and respected on both the national and international stages."

Federal, provincial and territorial ministers of agriculture will be meeting in St. John's, Newfoundland from June 25 to 27, 2006.

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Contacts:
Christopher Flavelle
Minister's Office
(416) 326-3072

Dave McLeod
Communications Branch
(519) 826-3198