From the office of MPP Bobbi Ann Brady
To The Haldimand Press
In her first statement to the Ontario Legislature, Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Bobbi Ann Brady spoke about the annual Farms of Norfolk Football Association Tournament.
Last weekend, Brady attended the soccer tournament hosted by the Norfolk Seasonal Agricultural Workers Community Committee in conjunction with the local legal clinic.
“The tournament developed after workers expressed they wanted additional community engagement,” Brady said. “This year, nine teams competed, and it was serious business with a tremendous display of athleticism.”
“Sunday morning, farm families were on the sidelines cheering on their team. It was just one of those events that left you feeling good.”
Brady paid tribute to the athleticism of the workers. “These men and women are in great shape considering their days are physical. Many farms in my neck of the woods are not complete unless they have a practice field. And even after a long day’s work, it’s common to drive by a farm and see a practice or a scrimmage breaking out.”
The local MPP also pointed out that 20,000 migrant workers arrive in Ontario each year, 5,000 in Haldimand-Norfolk, all of whom play a vital role in ensuring fresh food makes it to Ontario tables.
On a sombre note, an offshore worker died following an accident involving farm machinery on the day of the tournament. Brady wishes to express condolences to the co-workers and family of the deceased.
