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The Citizen, 1990-11-28, Page 34PAGE 34. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1990. Agriculture Finance Committee meets in Listowel A special committee has been assigned to obtain public input on agricultural finance, Pat Hayes (MPP, Essex-Kent) has an­ nounced. “We are looking for fresh, new approaches to help us develop policies which will strengthen the economic viability of farmers, their business partners and their rural neighbours,” said Hayes, parlia­ mentary assistant to Ontario Mini­ ster of Agriculture and Food Elmer Buchanan. Current high interest rates, coupled with low commodity prices, are creating hardship for thousands of Ontario farm families and rural businesses. The Agricultural Finance Review Committee will examine the availa­ bility and cost of credit. It will also look for innovative solutions to the problem of providing affordable, long-term financing for agricultural and rural enterprise. The committee will hold public meetings in 10 locations across Ontario. Also on the committee are Ellen MacKinnon (MPP-Lambton) and Fred Wilson (MPP-Frontenac- Addington). “We are inviting everyone who has a stake in the future of rural Ontario to attend the public meet­ ings and express their views on issues surrounding agricultural finance,” Hayes said. The meetings will begin with a discussion of several options for programs, followed by prepared briefs and presentations and an open discussion period. Discussion will focus on three questions: 1. What are the main factors that limit profits in farm and rural businesses? 2. How great a limiting factor is the availability and cost of credit? 3. And what role(s) should the Ontario government, farmers and rural communities play? Briefs and oral submissions made at the meetings or mailed to the committee will be used in the development of recommendations to the minister. A summary report is expected by February 1991. Persons interested in participat- ing have several options: •A formal brief can be presented at one of the public meetings; please phone or write the commit­ tee before the meetings; •informal remarks are invited at the meetings during the open discussion portion; or •ideas and opinions can be forwarded to the committee in a letter or written brief. To contact the committee call (416) 326-9893 or write: AGricultural Finance Review Committee 10th Floor, 801 Bay Street Toronto, Ontario, M7A 1B4 A meeting will be held Listowel at the Listowel Country Inn from 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. December 5. four Message Comes Across BLYTH LIONS & OPTIMISTS AT BLYTH MEMORIAL HALL * 10 a.m. SANTA CLAUS DAY Saturday, Dec. 1 Toy Garage Sale Film - 2 p.m. Santa arrives around 3 p.m. Top point winner Jayne Vincent, RR 1, Belgrave (left) receives the High Point Junior Exhibitor Award for having the most points at the County Horse Show. Presenting the trophy Friday night is Annette Aulinger from Hi-Test Ready Mix. Businesses, Groups, Couples... plan your Christmas Party Now! join the Bly th Lions Club '^5°^ on Saturday, Dec. 8, 1990 at the Blyth & District Community Centre Happy Hour 6:30-7:30 Roast Beef Smorgasbord - Dessert Wine Available-Meal at 7:30 Corsages Dancing 9pm to lam to Admission $26.00 per couple Reservations to be made by November 24 After this date $28.00 per couple For more information call: Gerry Kerr 523-9275