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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes Advocate, 1992-02-26, Page 2Pape 2 Times -Advocate, February 26, 1992 1 R NF.W.S Thousands iIIy at nation's capita • it LET CANADIANS FEED CANADIANS OUR FARMS ONTARIO CHICKEN PRODUCERS SAM WANTS YOU TO EAT AMERICAN MEN SAY "Na" TO GATT OUT Robert andHeather Williamson from Walton. It seems Brian Mulroney and George gush did make the dem- onstration. Huron County farmers join over 30,000 in Ottawa Photos and story By Fred Groves Continued from from page "I'm just here because I care about the farmers and where this is going." He added it could be an educational -experience for:him since he was a "city boy" "The solidarity feeling here must encourage thew. Who knows what will come out of this. Surely it has to have some effect in Ottawa?" stated Rob- inson, who said he has told members of his farming congregations to keep a stiff upper lip. "They're not saying a lot to me. They do admit to me that things are tough and it's the roughest they've ever seen," he said of the farming con- ditions today. MPP's join in demonstration: Whep the Huron County delegation, which was up to eight bus loads, arrived akPariiament Hill the demonstra- tion had just begun. But a walk through the crowd revealed several familiar faces, including Huron MPP Paul Klopp. When asked what the Zurich farmer was doing at this rally, he said, "I'm here because I care about farmers, about Canada and small business." Many Canadians may be under the impression that United States farm- ers woulli benefit from freer trade of farm produce, but a large group of over 200 from the U.S. made it clear this was not true. "Seventy-five percent of the dairy farmers in the United States want your system," said the group's spokesperson. Klopp said it was a "nice touch" to we the Americans there and said the 'Canadian farmers should not get discouraged. "Well just keep banging away acid do the best we can," said Klopp. Middlesex MPP Irene Mathyssen said, "we are here today to tell Brian Mulroney that the future of Canadian farm families is not on the trading table." Robert Williamson of Walton is involved in the drainage business. He was concemed that if Article XI changed, his livelihood could be in jeop- ardy. Heather Williamson joined her husband on the trip, coming on the re- quest of a dairy farmer. "How can they (Mulroney government), ignore a large number of people like this? Several agricultural representatives gave speeches, one saying that Cana- dian products are for sale but our country is not. Taking a united stand: Among the speakers was Ralph Jespersen, President of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture. "I am proud to stand before you today. I am proud because it is here we farmers stand united." He said the Canadian farmer stood united to express his pride and sero mon heritage to feed a multiple of people. "1t is no secret our future depends on international trade." Friday's demonstration was felt nation wide. Not only did farmers dem- onstrate in Ottawa, but those who live in New Brunswick went to their leg- islature in Moncton and protested. It is estimated some 38,000 farms could suffer and as many as 100,000 related jobs from food processing plants to farm supply stores could be lost There were several politicians at the rally, including Liberal leader Jean Chretien and former agriculture minister Eugene Whelan who received a very loud ovation. Deputy Prime Minister Don Mazankowski said the demonstration would "strengthen the government's position and our resolve to fight on your be- half." Upon return from the rally, Seaforth's Brenda McIntosh, the president of the Huron County Federation of Agriculture said it will be hard for the government to ignore a rally that size. "I think everyone thought it was a great day and a super rally," she said. McIntosh added that the Huron farmers should not get discouraged. "You have to trust these people who are negotiating for us." Ron Baer, left; and John Feagan carried the Huron County banner. A sign of the times. Doug Regier of Mt. Carmel. An adventure 1 will never forget I've never seen anything like it. As far as the eye .could see, thousands of people protesting the Canadian government. This was solidarity at its finest moment. Thursday night, well rather early Friday morning, I joined hun- dreds of Huron County residents and journeyed to Ottawa. Although I was there as a reporter, I felt strongly in favour of what the Canadian farmer was saying. What we have to remember here is that farmers are not union- ized. If it was 25,000 school teachers or postal workers flashing plac- ards and lifting their voices in unison you have to know that they would be heard. Don't get the Canadian fanner wrong here, however, they are very well organized. From the press releases I received (tom the Huron,County Fed- eration of Agriculture to our bus captain who made sure we were all present and accounted for, this,trip was very well organized. -For those who belong to local federations, 4-H clubs and wom- en's institutes, you are what keeps farming organized. In Ottawa, I was impressed at how well disciplined the large cmwd was. When we ar- rived on Parliament Hill at about 10:30 a.m. there were only a few thousand. But a large stage had been erected and bands played to entertain those who waited for their compatriots from across the nation. They marched do the street from Alberta, riga') Columbia, Prince Edward Island, Quebec rand Qatario. . The more they cause Ike fonder their message became. Thele were not only fanners but urban dwellers who knew aooaediag had soba dome to preserve the way Canadian food mak- ers market obeli viaducts. On the Road by Fred Groves It was a day of unusual sights. A person dressed as a chicken, another as a cow and the biggest statement of them all, a Brian Mglroney character being led on strings by a George Bush impersonator. I even heani there were live chickens running around. The weather co-operated and the only act of disobedience might have been the burning of placards. No one minded this, including the dozens of RCMP officers who watched from a distance. Whether or not the voice of the farmer was heard Friday is still a question mark. But as one individual told me, "I just can't sit home and do nothing." To those *ho made the trip from Huron County, hats off la- dies and gentlemen, you were orderly, disciplined and you got the message across. Doh't be discouraged if you are not heard immediately. be- cause sooner or later, the backbone of this nation has to be Heard.