The best way to respect and appreciate Ontario’s farm families is to protect their land. And in my opinion, to get things done like protecting our land and farm families means when I see a good idea at Queen’s Park that does just that, I jump on board.
In this case, the good idea came from collaboration between me and the Ontario Green Party leader Mike Schreiner. As an Independent, I’m in the unique position of supporting or playing a role in creating legislation that is good for the people of Haldimand-Norfolk—doesn’t matter whose idea it is. I was proud to provide farm organization and your feedback for the tabling of The Protect our Food Act, 2025. The Act is designed to protect farmland, support farmers, and grow more food in Ontario. The Bill proposes to create a task force of farmers, agricultural experts, and land-use planners to develop recommendations for a strong Foodbelt Protection Plan.
The proposed legislation received support from the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, the National Farmers Union – Ontario, the Ontario Farmland Trust, and the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario.
Recently, MPP Schreiner and I launched the legislation at a Queen’s Park news conference. I told those in attendance this matter is close to my heart because I represent Haldimand-Norfolk, which, as we all know, is a significant agricultural region in Ontario, known for its diverse crop production and livestock farming. Our home has numerous farm families who not only contribute significantly to the local economy but to the Canadian economy.
I can’t overstate the urgency of this proposed legislation: Ontario is losing 319 plus acres of farmland each day. To be domestically self-sufficient in food production, Ontario must cease the constant subtraction of arable land. This legislation will help prevent further land degradation and protect farmland and arable land while also respecting farmers who want to create succession plans and re-invest in their farms.
Hopefully, this legislation will help hammer home that Ontario agriculture and food annually contribute $50 billion to the province’s economy and employs almost one million Ontarians. If we don’t protect our food-producing land, we will also send shockwaves across our economy with the loss of STEM, labour, technological jobs, and even damage rural main streets.
As I see it, the Doug Ford government has rammed through destructive legislation like Bill 5, which seeks to make it easier to pave over farmland and, in doing so, ruining the future for many farm families and future generations. The Ford Government has bent over backward for manufacturing as it stares down the threats from the south. It’s time he does the same for agriculture. And this piece of legislation would be the best place to start.
This bill likely will not be debated until next year. Meanwhile, MPP Schreiner and I look forward to hearing from farm families before this legislation moves through the House.
