The Rural Voice, 1978-03, Page 10Food
for
thought
The Huron Federation of Agri-
culture's Member of Parliament
dinner is much more than just a
free lunch
PG. 10. THE RURAL VOICE/MARCH 1978.
Every year for over a dozen years the Huron County
Federation of Agriculture has h. id an interesting session on
participatory democracy.
The event is the annual Members of Parliament dinner where
the Federation invites local members of Parliament, the press,
and representatives of all farming commodity groups in the
county. After the meal briefs are presented to the members and
discussed concerning the latest problems for the farm
community.
The event serves many purposes. letting the farmers tell the
politicians their problems. keeping the politicians informed
about the grass roots of their riding, letting the assembled
people have a real session of discussion during which new ideas
and conclusions may arise. and last but notes least. getting
publicity for farm concerns. 7f
Publicity it does get. At this year's session held in Clinton on
February 4. about 10 representatives of the v.eekly and daily
press were present (a free meal does it every time). It's a
gruelling session. though. By the end of the day. six hours later.
only one writer was left. A total of 19 briefs v.ere presented.
This year for the first time in many years Bob McKinley. federal
member for Huron -Middlesex was not able to atten&Ieaving only
provincial members Murray Gaunt. Huron -Bruce and Jack
Riddell. Huron -Middlesex. to take part.
The Huron Federation President Alan Walper led off the
discussion with his brief. He called for a renewed effort to keep
Canada together. "It is true that some repeat the time honoured
boast that Ontario has more thatl' paid its v:ay in Confederation.
and the loss of Quebec would only lighten our burden. Let us
minimize neither the intensity of these feelings. nor whatever
truth they express. But let us be clear that what ever economic
costs Ontario would incur upon any Quebec seccession would be
in addition to a sharp loss of pride and identity as Canadians.
Ontario farmers do wish to continue to look on their Quebec
counterparts as Canadian brothers and partners."
He also dealt with the proposal to delete rural mail delivery on
Saturday's saying it would hurt the farm community. "It is
difficult to see why when our post offices boast of their modern
equipment. that a reduction in service is necessary".
He argued that instead of the tighter controls of drugs given to
livestock as asked for by the Ontario Veterinary. Association. the
emphasis should be put on identification of all animals
slaughtered so that failure to comply with drug withdrawal
requirements prior to selling for slaughter can be traced back to
the owner.
Finally he said, "I would like to have the importance of
food -land preservation more clearly impressed on the minds of
urban' member". He said that while he is sure that both
governments are concerned with preserving farmland, he wished
they would think more about preserving farmers first. "If the
farmer is able to earn a competitive income from this land. he
will, be nature, preserve the land itself for future generations."
Next up with her presentation was Gerry Fortune, O.F.A.
regional director for North East Huron and a director to the
Huron Federation who spoke on agriculture and the role in
employment. She pointed out that one in four Canadians is
employed in .a food -related industry. She said that the local
members, from a rural riding, understood the importance of
agriculture but wondered how many of their urban counterparts
"understand the complexities of farming and the vast effects
agriculture has on the livelihood of so many of their urban
constituents."
"At this time, when unemployment is high in this country,
support for an industry which is the originator of so many jobs is
both desirable and necessary."
Answering Mrs. Fortune's question about urban members
knowledge of the importance of farming, Mr. Gaunt said that he
was afraid not too many urban members knew the importance of
farming to the total economy.
Mr. Riddell, in his comment, made the first of many shots
taken at the urban media during the afternoon. He said there
was hope that urban members could be taught more but the