My question is for the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

Animals and animal-related agriculture are crucial to the economic stability of Ontario’s rural and remote communities. However, many regions across the province are experiencing a shortage of veterinarians who care for livestock, and this shortage puts a strain on the entire agricultural system. Unfortunately, there are service gaps in rural, remote and northern Ontario that put farmers and their operators at a disadvantage. These gaps create risks to farmers and their livestock, as well as jeopardizing the security of our food supply chains.

Can the minister please explain how our government is supporting veterinary care to underserviced regions of this province?

I also want to thank my uncle Chuck Lockton, who has been a large animal vet not just here in Ontario, but also in Alberta. He was also a member of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and he has done so much great work for our farmers across this great country.

It is encouraging to see our government’s commitment to funding investments that will increase enrolment in veterinary medicine programs to support Ontario’s livestock farmers. The need for large animal veterinarians is pressing for many communities across our province. Therefore, it is essential that our government steps up to implement measures to recruit and retain veterinarians across Ontario.

As a government, we must do all that we can to support our farmers.

Can the minister please elaborate more on how this veterinary medicine incentive program will assist rural, remote and northern communities?

I want to pose a question to either of the independent members who just spoke. I know in my riding of Essex people are very, very concerned about the carbon tax. I speak to my greenhouse growers and it’s driving up the cost of vegetables; I speak to my grain farmers and it’s driving up the cost of grain. I’ve spoken to the Minister of Agriculture and she’s shared the same concerns with me about the carbon tax driving up the cost of food every day.

My question to the independent members is this: Since you have influence with the federal Liberal Party, which is imposing the carbon tax, will you meet with your colleagues at the federal level and ask them to pause the carbon tax?