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The Citizen, 2000-09-27, Page 28PAGE 28. THE CITIZEN, WEQNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2000. Huron Bruce PCs hear Hardeman’s views By Pat Livingston Lucknow Sentinel Last Monday. PC supporters in the provincial riding of Huron Bruce had the opportunity to 'hear Ernie Hardeman review his government’s accomplishments since 1995. Hardeman, the minister of agricul­ ture. food and rural affairs, was guest speaker at the annual meeting at the Community Centre, in Lucknow. Hardeman acknowledged that the riding has the greatest farm receipts in the province, but said, “I want to tell you. that this year, .with the situ­ ation in agriculture, the farm gate receipts we have been seeing for some time may dramatically change.” “This is also the area of the province where we saw the greatest amount of adverse weather which will eventually mean a decline in the crops that we see in Huron Bruce. I know the numbers this year won’t be as good as they should be. I’m not sure that we will be able to rate our rivals in quite the same way with this problem we all face,” said Hardeman. He listed the accomplishments of his government as reducing the wel­ fare roll, lowering taxes, increasing employment and commencing a five year plan to balance the budget. “This year’s budget builds on that plan. Although our opponents wouldn't admit it, the plan is work­ ing.” Hardeman said that as a result of the 166 tax cuts initiated by the PCs since 1995, consumer confidence is up, individuals and business are ben- efitting from tax cuts, and there is more buying power for the con­ sumer. “We know that as much as people enjoy having money in their pockets, they are also willing to invest their money into things that really matter to them - things like health care. That’s why we are investing up to $23.5 billion in health care to make sure that we provide the type of health care the people want and have the right to expect,” Hardeman said. Agriculture Hardeman said the government has produced on its promise to get “our fair share from the federal fund­ ing for Ontario agriculture. In July we signed an agreement where the province will get 23 per cent (instead of 17 per cent) of federal funding which translates to $30 million more from the safety net money.” Combined with the province’s share, Hardeman said that this year $50 million more will be spent on farm safety net programs such as NISA, crop insurance, market rev­ enue insurance and disaster pro­ grams if and when needed. “The pro­ grams as they are set out will have sufficient funding that even with the year we are having, we will have suf­ ficient dollars there to pay them all out.” Hardeman said the $35 million promised during the election for Healthy Futures for Ontario Agriculture, to deal with water qual­ ity, food safety and increased mar­ kets in agriculture was expanded to a five year program and increased to $90 million. “We have quite a num­ ber of applications and have allocat­ ed between $10 million and $12 mil­ lion,” he said. Although not the least of issues in his ministry, Hardeman left nutrient management to the end. “Obviously nutrient management is a major issue, particularly in Huron,” he said. “We have had no other issue in our ministry that we have more correspondence on - both from the farm community and from our rural neighbours. 1 don't think there is one issue that I have received more letters on and I can honestly say there isn’t one area of the province I have received more letters from than Huron Bruce.” Hardeman cited the main recom­ mendations in the Galt report as: that there be a provincial standard for livestock operations, it should be municipally enforced and there be legislation that provides the ability for enforcement. MNR announces changes to deer hunting In response to a growing deer pop­ ulation, the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) is providing addi­ tional hunting opportunities for deer hunters. An increased number of deer has resulted in an increase in the number of deer-vehicle collisions, as well as complaints about agricultural crop damage. Local hunters have requested more hunting opportuni­ ties to help reduce the number of to our shopping spree winners in the “Groceries for Life 2000” Contest $25. gift certificate winners July 3 - Edith Pipe - Louis Ebel July 10 - Ruth Axtmann - Marlene Rutledge July 17 - Hope Lowe - Janet Engel July 24 - Joanne Stafford - Judy Thompson KNECHTEL TEEFT’S JHL.FOOD MARKET Turnberry St. S., Brussels 887-9740 July 31 - Valerie Bachert - William Ward Aug. 7 - Valerie Shortreed - Carol Stevenson Aug. 14 - Mary Mawhiney - Sandra Machan Aug. 21 - Joan Van Vliet - Joan Beuermann Aug. 28 - Peg Kropf - Karen Slater “I think the last of those was the most important,” said Hardeman. He said that it seemed quite evi­ dent that one could control the situa­ tion quite adequately through the nutrient management plan process, but the problem that arises is the ability to go back and actually see that was supposed to happen had in fact happened. “There seems to be no ability for anyone to enforce that if you are pro­ ducing the affluent for 1000 acres, deer. Beginning on Oct. 1 the MNR will allow a second deer to be taken by archery hunters in Huron and Perth Counties (WML 85 & 86). This is expected to result in an increased deer harvest of about 20 per cent in Huron County and the southern part of Perth County, and about five per cent in northern Perth County. that you literally have the 1000 acres available. So we are looking for a way to make sure that the municipal ity, or someone, has that ability.” Hardeman said the panel recom­ mended that the municipality do the enforcing but a just recently finished consultation will give the ministry more input on that area. A PC supporter cautioned Hardeman. “The more responsibility you are going to put on the munici­ palities, remember the dollars and To participate, hunters will have to purchase a second game seal at the Clinton Arpa Office for $31, the same price as a resident deer licence. To be eligible, hunters must have applied for either a controlled hunt tag or an antleriess deer tag in 2000, in the WMU where they wish to obtain the seal. Game seals will be valid for archery hunting only and will be cents to go along with it.” “There have been a lot of sugges­ tions that the answer to the problem is a cap on size,” said Hardeman. I just want you all to remember, that (whether it’s) a load or a tank of manure in a creek, the dead fish are not going to ask the size of the bam that it came from. Let’s be sure that we handle it all with care and con­ cern and not suggest that those who have more handle it differently than the rest of us.” available in late September. In WMU 85 and 86B, the game seals will be valid for antlered or antlerless deer. In 86A, only antlered deer can be taken. For more information call Mike Malhiot, biologist, Clinton, 519-482- 3601. /