Candidates running in the upcoming provincial election addressed key agricultural concerns at an all-candidates meeting hosted by the Lambton Federation of Agriculture on February 19 at the Brigden Fairgrounds.
"It's important to us that candidates understand our issues," said Mike Belan, a delegate with the Lambton Federation of Agriculture who attended the event.
Seven candidates attended the meeting: Keith Benn (New Blue), Rachel Willsie (Liberal), Mark Lamore (Ontario Party), Candace Young (NDP), Tom Stoukas (Populist), Jacques Boudreau (Libertarian), and Independent candidate Nathan Colquhoun (owner of The Sarnia Journal).
Candidates were given 2 minutes each to answer questions regarding their support for green energy projects in farmland, grain-based renewable fuel production, new rural economic development, expansion of supply management, and expropriation.
Green Energy on Farmland
The first topic focused on the role of green energy projects in agricultural areas.
Independent candidate Nathan Colquhoun argued that farmers should control green energy projects rather than have them mandated by the province. "Green energy projects on farmland should be led by farmers, not dictated by Toronto," he said. "Too often, these projects are developed without farmers in mind."
New Blue candidate Keith Benn raised concerns about the long-term effects of green energy installations. "Once you do that [install solar panels or wind turbines], farmland is ruined," he said. "Farmland is a non-renewable natural resource."
As candidates discussed their stance on green energy, the conversation shifted to broader views on climate change, continuing a debate that had begun the previous day at the all-candidates meeting at the Dante Club.
Grain-Based Renewable Fuel Production
Candidates were also asked how they would support Ontario's production of grain-based renewable fuel, such as ethanol made from corn or biodiesel made from soybeans.
Populist candidate Tom Stoukas expressed skepticism, stating his support would depend on "the business case."
Libertarian Jacques Boudreau took a stronger stance, calling subsidies for grain-based fuel a "hard no," and Benn echoed this view, saying subsidies were "out of the question."
In contrast, Colquhoun advocated for investment in a local processing infrastructure and provincial incentives to "further bolster this industry."
Liberal candidate Rachel Willsie and NDP candidate Candace Young both affirmed their parties’ support for grain-based renewable fuel but did not elaborate on specific policy measures.
New Rural Economic Development
Colquhoun emphasized that supporting rural development requires expanding grant access for small businesses and farmers, investing in rural infrastructure, and advocating for increased local processing and manufacturing. "If we want real economic growth, it needs to start with investing in people and the small businesses that are already here."
Benn proposed establishing agro-food hubs in rural communities to process food close to the source. He clarified that while he believes this approach would create jobs for the community, it should be implemented without subsidies.
Willsie called agro-food hubs an "excellent way of sustaining within our own rural community without outsourcing" and emphasized the importance of encouraging agro-tourism.
Expansion of Supply Management
Ontario Party's Mark Lamore and New Blue's Keith Benn opposed expanding supply management but highlighted the importance of supporting farmers who have built their businesses around it.
Willsie affirmed her party's support for expanding supply management, highlighting the importance of "ensuring there is an equitable or stable balance between those that are producing and those that are marketing."
Expropriation
When asked whether they supported the expropriation of farmland, all candidates stated they did not.
Young remarked that it was unfortunate the question even needed to be asked.
"I think that it's due to the Ford government's track record of behind-the-scenes, shady land grabs for his wealthy developer friends," said the NDP candidate.
Subsidies
The next question asked candidates about their stance on agricultural subsidies, such as the Risk Management Program, and how they would support Lambton farmers against global market pressures and climate goals.
Ontario’s Risk Management Program (RMP) supports farmers through market fluctuations by providing financial support when prices drop. The program is funded by both farmers and the government.
Colquhoun explained that he believes subsidies can be used as a "powerful tool to bring balance back and to create healthier communities."
Willsie suggested that if a risk management program is necessary, it indicates that "the current programs are not working."
Young affirmed the NDP's support for the Risk Management Program and outlined plans to remove its current 40% funding cap. "There will be no cap if we are elected," she stated.
She also criticized the current carbon tax system, arguing that it fails to recognize the sustainable practices farmers already have in place.
"We don't agree with penalizing farmers. They are already sustainable," Young emphasized.
Rising Cost of Food Production
The final question of the evening asked candidates how they or their parties would support farmers in offsetting the rising costs of food production, including trucking, taxes, carbon tax, and fertilizer.
Benn stated that his focus would be on reducing taxes that drive up food production costs.
Willsie explained that her party plans to remove the Carbon Tax and emphasized the need for tax credits that reflect seasonal variations, acknowledging the unpredictability of farming.
Lamore responded, "The Liberals have no intention of removing the Carbon Tax. They will repackage it and call it something else."
Young highlighted the financial burden of the carbon tax, stating that by 2030, Ontario grain and oil seed farmers are projected to pay up to $2.7 billion in carbon taxes. She argued that this acts as a penalty on farmers who are already implementing sustainable practices.
Young said her party would adopt a cap-and-trade model similar to British Columbia’s NDP government, allowing farmers to earn carbon credits for their existing sustainable practices.
Benn closed the evening with a call to action:"'Please, do not sit out this election. The stakes are far too high."