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HomeMy WebLinkAboutZurich Citizens News, 1976-03-10, Page 7Huron OFA talk to politicians Seat belts are debated The new Ontario seat belt legislation received support and opposition at Saturday's annual briefs to members of Parliament meeting sponsored by the Huron Federation of Agriculture. The subject was brought up during a brief from the Huron Pork Producers who indicated the scat belt laws infringe on individual freedom. Huron North MPP Murray Gaunt said he was supporting the legislation but added, "It shouldn't have been made compulsory. There is no doubt it will save lives. We should be entiled to our freedom, but we must remember the extra costs involved. Huron Warden -Jack McCut- cheon is a stong advocate of seat belts saying, "it was in the best interest of everybody. At least 65 per cent of our population are now wearing them." Huron -Middlesex MPP Jack Riddell said, "I'm not in favour. The Minister must have 12 bushel baskets full of objecting letters. The legislation was unnecessary. Some amendments are now being made. Riddell said the seat belt issue was never brought to a vote in the House. Gaunt added, "Many in -our Liberal caucus were in favour of seat belts. How can you vote against saving a life?" The only comment from Huron MP Bob McKinley was, "1'm not very fussy about seat belts. They tried then in Australia and you know what happened to the government there." The discussion concluded when Huron F of A president Adrian Vos who was the chairman said, "This is an emotional issue. Let's change the subject." TALK ABOUT FARMING - Three Huron members of Parliament attended a Huron Federation of Agric- ulture meeting Saturday in Clinton. Shown above are Huron -Middlesex MPP Jack Riddell, Huron F of A information officer Bev Brown, Phil Durand and Allan Walper, News Photo Want farm land protected A brief on assurance for future economic growth present- ed Saturday by Allan Walper of Stephen township to the annual Huron Federation of Agriculture members of parliament meeting developed plenty of discussion. Walper contended that. "if we continue to allow our farm land to be taken out of production we will lose the most important industry that we have and find ourselves trying to compete on the world market with some products that cannot be produced as cheaply as our food products." The Stephen farmer suggested the best agricultural land which is situated in the southern part of the province should be kept for its present purpose and encour- age tourism for the north. Huron-Middiesex MPP Jack Riddell said "farmers in general can't seem to agree on preser- vation of land. Fruit farmers in the horseshoe belt can produce more of their products than the country can use. But, the land seems to be broken up too much for other crops." Riddell was strong in calling for, "maintaining our viability Let u help you own your home Member Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation RIA and GREY TRUST COMPANY SINCE 1889 Kurt Bowman, Manager Main St., 235-0530 Exeter in the farming industry." Ontario F of A president Gordon Hill said, "We get cheaper fruits and vegetables because of our competition." Hill continued, "The auto industry couldn't exist over an open border. Canada has to decide what to expect from each industry. Sonie countries have more favourable climates and cheaper labour•." "We should continue to try and protect our farm land from development but the cost of that protection is falling on the farmer," continued the Ontario president. Hill suggested two methods to improve conditions for the farming community. They were better border protection which would include escalating tarrifs or import quotas or an income protection plan. Huron MP Bob McKinley agreed saying, "We have to renegotiate our tariffs on pro- ducts both ways. Other countries not only have cheaper labour but closed borders. We have to get tougher in negotiations." A former chicken farrier, McKinley cited the broiler business as an example, saying, "today you can't find a broiler house in Michigan. We would have the same situation without the five cents per pound tariff at our border."' On the subject of farm income protection plans, MPP Jack Riddell said, "I'm all for it, but Ontario Agricultural Minister William Newnan says a stabil- ization plan must be at the national level. Eugene Whelan has a plan ready but can't get it rolling. You can't pit provinces against provinces.' Riddell continued, "Some older farriers don't want inter- ference with the market place but we must help our young farmers. 'rhe consumer has to take a risk to he assured of continuing top quality products.' Gordon Hill said the Federation of Agriculture suggests the legislation be put in place and let the farmer decide if it be used and how," -In presenting the brief for income protection, Maurice Bean said, "Farmers can no longer assume all the risks involved in producing food. Rapidly rising input costs, coupled with falling commodity prices underline the necessity for risk slowing if farmers are to continue producing." He continued, "Society wants optimum food production so that the world can be fed, but it will not he forthcoming unless society shares risks with farmers. Farmers arc prepared to produce all the food possible with available resources and to market their production in the most efficient manner possible, but they must have assurance of a fair return for their efforts." Citizens News, March 0176 - Page 7 Shop for your credit "Farmers should shop around for credit." That was the advice handed out by Ontario Federation of Agricul- ture president Gordon Hill Satur- day in Clinton at the annual Huron F of A briefs to members of parliament meeting. Hill continued, "Some farmers seem to think a bank is doing them a favour in lending money. That's not true. He needs to loan us money to exist. You should shop around for the best deal in the same way as buying feed or a tractor." He added, "We have a respon- sibility to get to know our banker better. Invite him out to the farm and let him know what you are doing." Still A Few Left PORTABLE ELECTRIC GENERATORS Run your furnace, freezer, sump pumps, etc. 500 Watts 2000 Watts 3000Watts $329.95 $415.00 $529.00 Be Ready If It Happens Again! DRYSDALE HOME HARDWARE 262-2015 HENSALL N© Reasonable Offer Refused The Inventory Must Be Cleared immediately Save SSS JOHN ELDER ENTERPRISES R. R.2 Hensall