The Rural Voice, 2005-07, Page 431
News in Agriculture
Murray Gaunt inducted into Hall of Fame
Agricultural
hall of Fame As
Jack Riddell (left) president of the Ontario Agriculture Hall of Fame, former
Ontario Minister of Agriculture and Food and one-time legislative colleague of
Murray Gaunt was on hand for the induction of Gaunt (right) into the hall.
Current Huron -Bruce M.P.P Carol Mitchell also took part.
Murray Gaunt, legendary former
farm director at CKNX Radio and
Television and long-time member of
provincial parliament for Huron -
Bruce was inducted into the Ontario
Agriculture Hall of Fame. Sunday,
June 12, 2005.
The following was used in his
induction:
Murray Gaunt provided a strong
voice for the agriculture community
in his roles as farm news broadcaster.
member of the Ontario Legislature,
and agricultural commodity group
leader for over forty years.
Mr. Gaunt was elected to the
Provincial Legislature in 1962.
During his 19 years in the
Legislature he served in a number of
key leadership positions such as
Chair of the Ontario Liberal Caucus,
Chair of the Standing Committees of
General Government and Social
Development and was a member of
numerous select committees and two
special standing committees. During
this time he was instrumental in
enacting legislation that set the
course of agriculture. He was an
advocate of the Capital Grants
program for farmers in the 1960s.
He persuaded the Liberal Caucus
to support the 1966 Milk Act that led
to the establishment of the Ontario
Milk Marketing Board. He used his
position as Agricultural Critic to add
support to the creation of other
supply management boards such as
the Ontario Egg Producers'
Marketing Board and the Chicken
Producers' Marketing Board.
For many years Murray Gaunt
served rural communities and
agriculture through his vibrant and
cheerful personality on CKNX radio
and television as Farm Director. He
was instrumental in the
redevelopment of several broadcast
programs and media material. He
carried the agricultural message
across the Pro‘, ince and Nationally.
His focus was always on people
Through his daily news, market and
special reports he kept the issues 01
agriculture and rural communities
before decision makers and in so
doing was a catalyst advancing the
health and well being of rural people.
He left a legacy in the industry by
serving as mentor to many
professionals in the agricultural
media today.
As Chairman of the Ontario
Broiler Hatching F�g and Chick
Commission Murray Gaunt steered
this organization from conception to
maturity with competence. shill and
leadership. Hi. honest. forthright
manner. sense of humour and
conciliation skills guided the people
and resolved the issues of the day.
In 2002. at the end of his 16 years as
Chair. the Commission represents
106 farmers producing 208 million
hatching eggs annually or 31 per cent
Continued on page 40
HELP FOR ONTARIO FARMERS IN CRISIS
Queen's Bush Rural Ministries
Provides - a free confidential service
to listen and offer a network
of helpful contacts.
Call Collect 1-519-369-6774
JULY 2005 39