| MPP
Arnott Meets with Dairy Farmers then Tells Legislature
About their Contribution to Waterloo-Wellington’s Economy
Waterloo-Wellington
MPP Ted Arnott has again expressed his support for supply
management in the Ontario Legislature. Citing the huge
positive benefit that dairy production makes to our
local economy, he delivered his remarks on December
4, 2002.
Just
before his speech, Mr. Arnott had met with Dairy Farmer
representatives Bart MacLean, Hans Vink and Bill Mitchell
whom he introduced to members in the Legislature while
they watched from their seats in the gallery.
He
spoke about the considerable economic and social contributions
made by dairy farmers.
“In
Waterloo-Wellington, we understand that the success
of our dairy farmers means success for us all: for our
economy, our rural way of life, our nutrition and our
health. The Dairy Farmers' own newsletter recently explained
the significance of this sector by stating that the
riding of Waterloo-Wellington is one of the largest
areas for dairy farming in Canada, with milk having
a huge economic impact,” Mr. Arnott informed MPPs.
“The
Dairy Farmers noted that last year Waterloo-Wellington's
731 dairy farms shipped about 284 million litres of
milk, worth about $170 million. To give a sense of how
dairy farmers provide opportunities to people in Waterloo-Wellington,
they stated that dairy farms directly employ 1,000 dairy
families and provide jobs for nearly 2,900 workers.”
“The
income value of Waterloo-Wellington's dairy farms is
also massive. If we ever had to replace the income from
milk, manufacturing plants would have to create jobs
for over 5,600 workers with salaries of more than $30,000
a year,” he stated.
Mr.
Arnott concluded by sharing some of the key reasons
why Waterloo-Wellington’s dairy farmers have been so
successful.
“This
success in Waterloo-Wellington is a credit to the entrepreneurial
drive of our farm families, and it's a clear and positive
result of our supply management system. In the 12 years
I have been privileged to serve in this House, I have
always maintained that supply management is fair to
both producer and consumer -- quality and stability
at a fair price.”
“The
maintenance of supply management is absolutely crucial
to our rural economy in Ontario. I will continue to
support it and encourage all members of the House to
help keep this system strong.”
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