OFA preps politicians for federal election

By Rejean Pommainville, Board Member, Ontario Federation of Agriculture

Canadians are going to the polls this fall for a federal election. When there’s an election in Ontario the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) spends a lot of time in front of policy makers to ensure they understand the significance of our agriculture and food industry. And when there’s a federal election the OFA has a similar role when it comes to policies and regulations that are developed at a federal level but felt at provincial and municipal levels.

The OFA is already gearing up for the fall election by consulting our members and industry representatives. And we’ve consistently heard about the importance of three key issues – risk management tools, funding for Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s research program and research stations, and federal funding for rural municipal infrastructure. All of these concerns include federal funding and relate to the business of agriculture, our communities and the overall economy.

We’re now making plans to take our messages to Parliament Hill. The OFA is getting a head start on election messages by talking to current Members of Parliament (MPs) this spring. The OFA board and county representatives will meet with MPs in March on Parliament Hill.  We want to be sure they understand the magnitude of our agricultural industry and the important role Ontario farms play in driving economic development throughout the food industry.

The agriculture and food industry is one of the largest economic contributors to Canada’s economy and generates 1 in 8 jobs. And most importantly, OFA wants to ensure federal politicians understand that an investment in farm businesses, rural communities and the future of agriculture is an investment that will pay dividends for all Canadians.