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Lakeshore Advance, 2012-07-18, Page 116 Lakeshore Advance • Wednesday, July 27, 2011 MPPs fight on behalf of Ontario farmers Local MPP Maria Van Rommel is applaud- ing Agriculture Minister, Carol Mitchell, for fighting on behalf of Ontario farmers and refusing to sign a federal farm framework plan that doesn't include Risk Management. "The Conservative Government in Ottawa is trying to stick Ontario farmers with a rine deal that refuses support for Ontario's new risk management program. So Ontario's Lib- eral government has not signed the federal - provincial agreement on agriculture released last week," said Van Rommel, MPP for Lamb - ton -Kent -Middlesex. "Our RMP has overwhelming support from farmers — because we listened to farmers and created a "Made -in -Ontario" solution:' said Van Bommel. "Our permanent risk management program is the single biggest commitment to the family farm in 25 years" "When the Hudak -Harris PCs were in gov- ernment, they had eight years to create a permanent program but never did it. The PCs and NDP are keeping their mouths shut on risk management because they don't South Huron Trail Run for BIGS It's not too late to register for the RBC South Huron Trail Run scheduled for Sunday, August 7th, 2011, in Exeter. The eight kilometre run is part of the Run- ners' Choice Runpiker Series of eight races throughout Southwestern Ontario. Over 225 runners from across Ontario came to Exeter last year for this unique run. Most races in the series are on city streets but this race follows the Ausable River through the MacNaughton- Morrison Trail and the Morrison Dam Con- servation Area. The runners love the shaded, scenic course, according to race director, Tracey Boitson, of Exeter. Runners from Exeter, London, Stratford, Seaforth and Goderich have already registered. The run has official timers and gives every- one a chance to see how quickly they can complete a two -kilometre or an eight -kilome- tre race. Historically the winning time for the eight -kilometre run is less than 28 minutes. For many, this is a chance to run with family and friends. The oldest runner in the eight - kilometre run last year was 83 years old, the youngest runner in the two -kilometre run was 2 years old. The top racers of the 8km race receive cash prizes and there are also many prizes for top runners and draw winners donated by area businesses. Each participant receives a gift. Last year the event raised more than $4,800 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Huron (BBBSSH). As was the case in the first 7 years of the event, runners can also chose to direct their donations to the South Huron Trail where the run is held. Donations of $20 or more are eligible for tax receipts and the entry fee is waived if runners raise $75 or more in pledges. This is the fourth year the Exeter branch of RBC has been the main sponsor. Both the 9:OOam two -kilometre fun run and the 9:30am eight -kilometre trail run start at the South Huron Recreation Centre. Specta- tors are welcome to line the route to cheer on the athletes. The races add even more excite- ment to the Exeter Rodeo week -end. Runners can register on-line at www,onlin- eregistrations.ca/southhuron. Entry forms are also available at the Big Brothers Big Sis- ters of South Huron office, the Ausable Bay- field Conservation Authority office or Run- ners' Choice in London. Same day registration is also available at the event. For more information, please contact Tracey Boitson (Race Director) at 519-235- 2610 or Any Wilhelm (Big Brothers Big Sisters of South I luron) at 519-237-3554 The Munieipallty of Lambton Shores LIVING IN LAMBTON SHORES... A weekly Update on tho Municipal Events in your Community Administration Department - 7889 Amtelecom Parkway, Forest, Ontario NON 1J0 Tel 1-877-786-2335, 519-786-2335, Fax 519.786.2135, Email administrabon@lambtonshores.ca Visit our Web Site et www lembtonshores ca A Heartfelt to our Crossing Guards who ensure that our children safely cross our busy roads throughout the school year and are often the unsung heroes of our community by braving all kinds of weather from sleet and snow to pouring rain, seanng heat and humidity to keep our children safe. NOTICE OF UPCOMING MEETING: Sewer Ad Hoc Advisory Committee August 2, 2011 at 7.00 p.m Grand Bend Community Health Centre Community Room Regular Council Meeting Summer Schedule: Please check website for changes In start times Mon „Aug 8,2011©7.00pm & Tues ,Aug 16, 2011© 3 00 p m Thedlord Village Complex Come for Coffee... Meet County of Lambton Warden Steve Arnold and have a tour of the new Legacy Centre in Thedford Please drop in and loin us on Wednesday, August 3, 2011 between 8 am & 10 am at the newly renovated Legacy Centro, 16 Allen Street, Thodford Ontano and enjoy an opportunity to meet the County Warden and tour the Legacy Centro want to go off -side with their federal colleagues," Van Bommel suggested. Mitchell refused to sign a statement of principles for future Growing Forward pro- grams issued last week from the federal, provincial, terri- torial agriculture ministers meeting in New Brunswick. In a written statement, Mitchell says Ontario farm- ers want the federal govern- ment to support the prov- ince's risk management programs. The federal gov- ernment said no. "1 did not sign on to this flawed agreement on future programs because Ontario farmers told me it would take us in the wrong direc- tion and not provide our family farms what they need to continue to bring quality, locally grown foods to Ontario tables," said Mitchell in her statement. David Spencer, executive director of Mitchell's office, says she didn't sign the com- muniques or the St. Andrews Statement of Principles, "which is where they go from here in terms of the next round" The Minister will still work with the federal government and the other provinces to "put forward Ontario's posi- tion on the need for greater flexibility," Spencer said. "We're still going to be talk- ing to them but the State- ment of Principles that came out of the FPT (federal, pro- vincial, territorial agriculture ministers' meeting) and that the federal government is supporting is not one Ontario can support for now. That doesn't mean we don't continue to push." Mitchell says in her state- ment farmers and agri-food industry officials told her in a time when many farms and farm businesses are just starting to recover from losses, "we cannot cut sup- port to programs like AgriSt- ability as is being proposed by the federal government." Provincial farm leaders support Mitchell's position. Ontario Federation of Agriculture president Bette lean Crews says they support Mitchell in her decision to not sign the St. Andrews statement. "We're behind her 100 per cent:' The Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario is also supporting her. Presidj Henry Stevens says ht's �. gratulates Mitchell. "It s,.,.ws that she was listening to her constituents and 1 was hop- ing that was exactly what she would do." Stevens adds he thinks every farm group in Ontario is behind Mitchell on this matter. It's time someone stood up to the federal gov- ernment. "They have to rec- ognize that a one -size -fits -all program doesn't work in Canada and we need regional flexibility" Stevens hopes the federal government will get the mes- sage that they're not going to push Ontario around any more. Contact: Maria Van Bom- mel, MPP @ 519-245-8696; 1-800-265-3916 Cool tips for hot dogs Shawn Jeffords QMI Agency Think Rover would make a great jogging companion on a sweltering summer day. Think again, says a local ()SPCA agent. Becky Dillion said with warm weather upon us, pet owners need to put their dog's heath before exercise. A pooch's typical tempera- ture is 39 degrees Celsius, and they don't respond well to heat. Even a little exertion can bring on trouble, she said. "A dog can only with(stand) their body temperature at 41 degrees celsius for a very short period of time because of their inability to sweat it out like we do," she said. "Their bodies are like ovens:" Dillion said on hot days, pet owners need to consider how much strain their dog can take. "Instead of jogging, just head out and throw the ball around in the backyard for some exercise," she said. To ward off heat -related ill- nesses leave out lots of water to drink and ensure a cool shaded place to lay down. An overheated dog can suffer brain damage or death quickly. Sadly, the Sarnia & District Humane Society gets a few calls ever week in sum- mer reporting a dog left unat- tended in a hot vehicle. "They were people who thought they'd only be a few minutes and 20 minutes or a half hour later (they return). I just stand back and monitor the animal before I take action." That has included smash- ing car windows to rescue trapped animals. Owners can face criminal charges and fines if convicted. Dillion said when con- fronted, some people are bel- ligerent, but most are embar- rassed to have placed their pet in danger. "The sad thing is, they knew," she said. "They were decent people who just thought they'd he a shorter amount of time than they were."