Re: Letter to the Editor “A Very Concerning Matter”

In the agenda package of the Melancthon council meeting of May 6,2010, was how council would appoint someone to fill the position of NVCA (Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority) representative. The position had become vacant due to the resignation of the current representative.

It had been suggested at previous meetings that, the newest member of the council Darren White should hold this position. He has made it known that he is an environmentalist, with background knowledge in ground source water & environmental management. This background was felt to be an asset to the municipal council and was one of the strong points of his being appointed to council.

At the council meeting of May 6,2010 Mayor Fawcett explained to the gallery that the

Recent media reports indicate Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz doesn’t seem to be as worried about farm income forecasts as are many farm leaders. The Ontario Federation of Agriculture has expressed grave concern that the Ontario forecasts for 2010 show a loss of $500 million. We have also provided solutions to alleviate a potential tragedy.

Minister Ritz is reported as saying the numbers represent only a worst-case scenario for the government’s own planning purposes. The minister needs to take a long, hard look at his department’s planning process. The initial 2009 forecast was for a loss of $143 million. The new numbers for 2009 show an actual loss of $330 million.

If his initial “worst-case scenario” is a $500 million loss for 2010, then Ontario should brace for an actual loss of at least $750 million if history is any indicator of performance.

Minister Ritz - you need to acknowledge the real situation in Ontario and across Canada and work with Canada’s farmers on he solutions before it is too late.

Bette Jean Crews

via e-mail