The numbers might be a few years old, but a recent Statistics Canada report confirms the significant economic contributions made by our agriculture and food industry. Statistics Canada data released last month reports on economic numbers from 2015, but it demonstrates the importance of the overall agricultural industry to the Canadian economy.

Despite commitments to support Canadian agriculture through this challenging year, the federal government is falling short on supporting farmers facing financial stress as a result of global trade disruptions.

The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) welcomes the long-awaited news of a public investment in broadband and cellular service. The announcement, made this week by the Ontario government, detailed a 2019 provincial budget line of $315 million over the next five years for broadband and cellular expansion.

County and regional federation of agriculture meetings are being scheduled for late summer and early fall. These local meetings ‘kick off’ the Ontario farm meeting season in the lead up to the Ontario Federation of Agriculture’s (OFA) annual general meeting in November.

When the federal, provincial and territorial agriculture ministers gather next week in Quebec City, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) wants to ensure Ontario’s Minster Hardeman addresses our key issues with his colleagues. We’ve provided Minister Hardeman with issues to resolve when he meets with his peers at the annual conference.

A new temporary solution to respond to animal protection issues in Ontario was announced last week by the Solicitor General. To fill the gaps left by the withdrawal of Ontario Society for the Prevention of Animals (OSPCA) in April 2019 – and its animal protection investigative and enforcement services – the Ontario government has created a new model as they transition to a new animal protection system.

Last week the Ontario government reassigned some key ministerial positions. The shuffle saw some champions of Ontario agriculture and rural communities reassigned, while newer faces are assuming leadership positions. The cabinet change also saw the creation of five new associate ministers and a new Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions, expanding the cabinet from 21 to 28 ministers and associate ministers.

Canada finally has a road map for a more sustainable food system with the federal government’s unveiling of its Food Policy for Canada on June 17. This is good news for all Canadians, and the agri-food sector. The national policy’s broad vision sets out to ensure all Canadians have access to enough safe, nutritious and culturally diverse food, and that our food system is resilient and innovative to sustain the environment and support the economy.

Queen’s Park MPPs left Toronto last week, returning to their local constituencies for an extended summer break. That means your local politicians will be in and around the community over the next five months, providing a great opportunity to talk with them about the issues impacting the agri-food sector and the action and support we need when the house sits again in the fall.

Mental wellness on the farm is gaining momentum as the industry draws attention to the impact silent suffering has on the health of our farms, families and rural communities. The federal government recently released a new report, Mental Health – A Priority for our Farmers, based on a six-month study conducted last year on the mental health challenges facing Canadian producers.