The Rural Voice, 2003-04, Page 171
Westario Power Service Inc.
• Private Pole Line Construction
• Street Light Design & Installation
• Tree Trimming Services
• Commercial, Residential & Farm
rif • Free Estimates
Mir • 24 HR. Emergency
Westario Power Services Inc.
1-866-978-2746
1-519-396-3485
ext. 232
www.westario.com
Over 75 Years of Experience
When choosing an insurance company,
look for the one that's your neiboor.
As your needs change—so do our products. Because we're owned and
represented by local people—your neighbours—we understand the kind of
insurance protection you want.
In association with 48 Ontario farm mutuals, we make up one of the most
financially secure insurance networks in the world.
Place your trust in us—because we're YOUR insurance company.
Germania Farmers'
Mutual Insurance Co.
Ayton
519-665-7715 or 1-800-265-3433
aa AMembe,OfTe
Alm
Ontario Mutual Insurance Association
An Important
Message from
Helen Johns,
the Minister
of Agriculture
As Minister of Agriculture, I
have always worked
aggressively to protect the
interests of the Ontario Farmer.
In late 2002, the Ernie Eves'
government introduced Bill 210
to protect customers against
rising electricity rates.
Currently, this Bill protects
90% of our 60,000 farm class
customers. However, it has
always been the government's
intention to include all farmers.
I have been committed to this
from the beginning, and the
Minister of Energy John Baird
confirmed our approach on
Nov. 11.
He and I have since worked
closely with a variety of groups,
including the Ontario
Federation of Agriculture and
the Canadian Federation of
Independent Business, to find a
mechanism that would allow us
to do this without red tape. We
have now completed our
consultation process with a wide
range of electricity users and
heard their issues firsthand.
All those with a farm
registration number who self -
declare as farms will be eligible
for protection. The regulation to
permit this should be in place
shortly.
The Ernie Eves' government
will continue to assist consumers
with their electricity costs by
pressuring the federal
government into removing the
GST from electricity bills,
including from the debt
retirement charge.
For further information, please
refer to www.energy.gov.on.ca
or write to Minister
of Agriculture and Food,
77 Grenville St., llth
Floor, Toronto, Ontario
M5S 1B3 or email me at
helen.johns@omaf.gov.on.ca.
APRIL 2003 13