Guelph, ON [February 21, 2018] – Four provincial organizations shared their voices at Queen’s Park today to strengthen the message to all political candidates that investments in rural communities offer benefits to all Ontarians. The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA), together with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus and Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus made a joint announcement on the value of spreading future economic development dollars across the province.

OFA’s election campaign – Producing Prosperity in Ontario – is encouraging greater investment in Ontario’s agri-food sector and rural communities to deliver economic growth and prosperity for all Ontarians

“Ontario’s agri-food sector is an economic powerhouse for the province, and we are encouraging the government to make greater investments in agri-food and rural communities as a sustainable and effective way to deliver growth and prosperity for all Ontarians,” says OFA President Keith Currie. “We have a strong collective voice on this position, announcing our partnership here today with organizations that represent the interests of Ontario businesses and communities in rural and urban areas across the province as part of our Producing Prosperity in Ontario election campaign.”

Rocco Rossi, President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce reiterated that “only bold action and leadership can strengthen Ontario’s position in the global economy. Ontario must leverage its existing strengths for a long-term vision for prosperity for the province,” says Rossi.

Eastern and Western Wardens’ Caucuses represent more than 400 communities across the province that need greater access to infrastructure investments for broadband, affordable energy, transportation, as well as education and medical facilities. “The role of the province is to help our rural communities invest in improving social and economic conditions to ensure our communities have the services and support they need to grow,” says Robin Jones, chair of the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus.

“We fully support OFA’s initiative to focus on new investments in rural communities that will assist existing businesses, attract new companies, and boost opportunities for residents and regional economic development,” says Gerry Marshall, chair of the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus.

The partnership announced today in support of OFA’s Producing Prosperity in Ontario campaign demonstrates the collective support that exists across the province to secure future investments for Ontario that benefit urban and rural areas. “We believe that spreading the investment dollars around the province is the solution to ongoing challenges that face rural and urban communities, and hold the promise of improving the quality of life for all Ontarians,” says Currie.

The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) is the largest general farm organization in Ontario, representing 37,000 farm families across the province. As a dynamic farmer-led organization based in Guelph, the OFA works to represent and champion the interests of Ontario farmers through government relations, farm policy recommendations, research, lobby efforts, community representation, media relations and more. OFA is the leading advocate for Ontario’s farmers and is Ontario’s voice of the farmer.

In the photo, from left to right: Gerry Marshall (WOWC Chair),  Keith Currie (OFA President), Robin Jones (EOWC Chair), and Rocco Rossi (OCC President and CEO).