Healthcare affects all Ontarians and regardless of where we live in this province, its services and resources are something we all depend on from time to time.

The deadline for Canadians to file their first return under Canada’s new Underused Housing Tax (UHT) is fast approaching. Originally set for April 30, the federal government extended the filing deadline this year to October 31 to give Canadians who own housing other than their main residence enough time to complete the process for the first time.

This week marks Ontario Agriculture Week. Strategically selected to be just before Thanksgiving, it’s a perfect time to celebrate the abundance of locally produced food, fuel, fibre and flowers that we are lucky enough to have easy access to here in Ontario.

As climate change dominates conversations, there is widespread understanding that action should be taken to minimize its impact. However, how exactly Ontarians are experiencing and will continue to experience impacts of climate change has until now been difficult to assess.

As harvest time in Ontario ramps up at this time of year, all of us are likely to see a lot more tractors, combines, and other farm-related vehicles on our roads and highways. In fact, next to spring planting season, harvest is the busiest time of year for farmers as we travel on roadways between multiple locations.

September means fall harvest on the farm. And while that’s a busy time of year, the Ontario agriculture industry also makes time for two of the biggest agricultural shows on its calendar: Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show (COFS) and the International Plowing Match and Rural Expo (IPM).

This year’s Association of Municipalities of Ontario annual general meeting and conference attracted over 2,500 municipal leaders, government officials, civil servants as well as other interested stakeholders. Among those other stakeholders were a wide range of companies and organizations who are connected to municipalities in some capacity – including the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA).

For livestock farmers, it’s an unfortunate reality that sometimes, animals die on the farm from causes beyond human control. When that happens, it’s important that those animals are handled and disposed of responsibly and properly, and without impact on human or animal health, or the environment.

The strength of organizations lies in the commitment and passion of their members and volunteers. That’s particularly true for an advocacy organization like the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA).

We represent the interests of our farmer members all across the province, whether it’s to all levels of government or other stakeholders, media, consumers or in local communities through the activities of our 51 county and regional federations.

A sure sign that the end of summer is approaching has always been the opening of the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) in Toronto. This year’s kick-off at the Exhibition grounds alongside Lakeshore Boulevard is only a few days away – and although it’s in a thoroughly urban location, the CNE is actually one of North America’s top agricultural fairs.