Premier Wynne Receives Warm Welcome From Ontario Cattlemen

TORONTO, Feb. 20, 2013 /CNW/ - Members of the Ontario Cattlemen's Association were honoured today to host the Premier, acting in her capacity as Minister of Agriculture and Food, at their annual banquet.

"Premier Wynne's decision to attend our AGM and Award Banquet was a wonderful way for our new board to start the year," said OCA President Dan Darling. "Our members understand that the Premier is coming off one of the busiest months of her life. The fact she could adjust her schedule to spend the evening listening to cattle farmers speaks volumes to her commitment to ensure her government reconnects with rural Ontario," Darling added.

Also present at the banquet were Rural Affairs Minister Jeff Leal and Parliamentary Assistant of Rural Affairs, Grant Crack. A large number of MPPs attended including Opposition PC Critic and Former Minister Ernie Hardeman and NDP Critic John Vanthof.

Joining Dan Darling for an informal meeting with Premier Wynne before the banquet were Amy Cronin, Chair of Ontario Pork; Judy Dirksen, President of Ontario Veal and Henry Van Ankum, Chair of Grain Farmers of Ontario.

The four farm leaders took the opportunity to express their great support for Ontario's Risk Management Program and they informed the Premier of their desire to continue to work with the government to ensure the program meets the ongoing needs of Ontario's farmers.

The Ontario Cattlemen's Association (OCA) is a grassroots organization representing 19,000 beef producers in the province and provides leadership to cattlemen from all sectors of the industry. OCA is involved in a wide range of issues that are of concern to Ontario's beef producers. These include industry sustainability, trade, animal health, environment and animal care. In addition, OCA works closely with other sectors of the agriculture and food industries on matters of mutual concern.

SOURCE: Ontario Cattlemen's Association

LeaAnne Wuermli
OCA Communications Manager
519.824.0334 ext.230
[email protected]