I have a petition here entitled “Save Ontario Place,” again, signed by residents of Parkdale–High Park and, of course, supported by residents from across the province, not just in Toronto.

Speaker, this petition basically calls on the government to halt any further redevelopment plans when it comes to Ontario Place. It also calls on the government to engage in meaningful public consultation, which has not been done for the current redevelopment plan, and to conduct a comprehensive, sustainable environmental assessment for Ontario Place, and for it to be carried out in a manner that values public space, that has proper oversight and public input, and that respects the democratic process.

I fully support this petition.

Mr. Leardi, on behalf of Ms. Thompson, moved third reading of the following bill:

Bill 155, An Act to amend the Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario Act / Projet de loi 155, Loi modifiant la Loi sur l’Institut de recherche agricole de l’Ontario.

Thank you to the member from Essex for sharing his time and sharing his youth with us—much appreciated. I’m honoured, as well, to stand here for the first time as the PA to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs to speak in support of Bill 155, the Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario Amendment Act.

The Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario—ARIO—the University of Guelph and OMAFRA work together to oversee 14 research stations across Ontario. These stations play a valuable role in building and strengthening our agricultural industry. The research is around aquaculture, equine, poultry, swine, horticulture, beef production, dairy production, field crops, sheep.

One example is the Ontario Dairy Research Centre, where research has been conducted on better pain management for young dairy calves. This and other research leads to improved calf health, overall better herd health and productivity. One close to my riding is in Winchester; my colleague and friend from Stormont–Dundas–South Glengarry’s riding, it is in his riding—another PA who has a new position with the Minister of Health. I think we’d all agree he’s been thrown into the fire and doing a great job, so thanks to that member.

I want to take a moment to acknowledge that, in 2019, our government opened this new facility in Winchester, the Winchester research station, which allows for greater research into soil and water quality, climate change, nutrient availability and weed control. The scientific research that is being done into agriculture and food production across all 14 ARIO sites leads to discoveries that strengthen our supply of healthy, safe food and provides Ontario farmers and businesses with the information they need.

During the hearing at the Standing Committee on the Interior, various presenters spoke about the importance and impacts of the agricultural research taking place at these research stations. I want to spend some time sharing what the presenters told the committee.

Brian Lewis is a chicken farmer from Denfield, north of London, and a board member of the Chicken Farmers of Ontario. He says, “ARIO plays a critical role in supporting livestock research that advances farm practices for farmers in Ontario, Canada and beyond. All Canadian chicken farmers follow ... on-farm food safety and animal care programs. These standards are based on the best available science and research, and the chicken industry is continuously looking to improve animal welfare, food safety, biosecurity and efficiency in farm practices.”

He went on to say, “ARIO’s oversight in Ontario research programs, innovation, infrastructure and promotion is critical to supporting the chicken industry’s advancement, helping us to meet the evolving demands of Ontario’s consumers. To advance research and innovation priorities, the Ontario poultry industry requires in-barn research facilities that are modern and aligned with today’s strict on-farm infrastructure and production standards.

“That’s why Chicken Farmers of Ontario applauds the Ontario government for continuing to support Ontario’s agriculture and agri-food sector with the announced Grow Ontario Strategy. The Grow Ontario Strategy sets an ambitious and necessary goal to build and maintain world-class research infrastructure, including the announced poultry research centre.

“In April of 2023, Chicken Farmers of Ontario, along with our other board members—the Egg Farmers of Ontario, Turkey Farmers of Ontario and the Ontario Broiler Hatching Egg and Chick Commission—formalized an agreement with the Ontario government through ARIO and the University of Guelph to build a new poultry research centre. Following the establishment of” a memorandum of understanding, “Ontario’s four feather boards and ARIO began work on the planning and design of the new Ontario Poultry Research Centre in Elora. This research barn will not only support risk management and disease prevention but will also provide opportunities to improve on-farm efficiencies, enhance sustainable practices and introduce new, innovative technologies to Ontario’s farmers.” This is particularly relevant right now after Ontario has seen cases of avian influenza over the past couple of years.

Tom Heeman, a berry farmer and research chair of the Berry Growers of Ontario, came from his farm just east of London and told the committee: “I believe that we’re at a very pivotal moment today in agriculture. We’re at the precipice of a number of new emerging technologies. I think it’s important to highlight that ARIO is the very foundation upon which all innovation and research is conducted in this province.”

Later in his remarks, Tom went on to explain: “When I talked about this being a pivotal moment, we’re looking at emerging technologies such as autonomous vehicles, electronic tractors, drones, all those things that, through OMAFRA and private sector partnerships, are being” developed and tested “not only on growers’ fields but also on ARIO sites.

“An additional area of investigation is mRNA vaccines applied to pest-control, so you have highly, highly selective genetic mechanisms to silence pests, with almost no environmental impact. That’s work that is being done at Guelph and at ARIO facilities.”

Dr. Shayan Sharif, who is a professor at the Ontario Veterinary College and associate vice president of research at the University of Guelph, explained how research has improved agricultural output in Ontario:

“Let’s put this into some plain terms: The average dairy cow is producing three times more milk now than 50 years ago. The advances to make production more efficient are because of research—research into breeding, feeding, genetics, welfare and animal health.

“Another example is that major agricultural crops are now 50% more productive, meaning higher yields and more Ontario-grown food for everyone in Ontario and for export.

“That, too, is because of research—breeding research to develop new, better-performing varieties of crops like wheat, corn and soybeans, with higher yields and better traits, like disease and pest resistance.”

The agricultural research happening across Ontario is good for farmers, it is good for consumers and it is good for our society as a whole.

Later on during the question-and-answer part of the hearing, the doctor gave an interesting example. He told us, “One of my other colleagues, Dr. Christine Baes, is working on creating better solutions for genetic selection of dairy cows to produce less methane.

“My colleague here, my counterpart, who is talking about methane production and so forth—it’s still in the primordial stages of development, but I can tell you that within the next few years, we are going to see a made-in-Ontario, made-in-Canada solution that would be in the form of dairy cows that have less methane production.

“I think without ARIO facilities, this would not be ever possible.”

I’ve been learning more about the research happening at the various ARIO research stations and elsewhere across the province, and it is fascinating. It is an interesting ministry. This Friday, I’m planning to visit the Earlton Farm Show in the riding of the member of Timiskaming–Cochrane, and while I’m in the area I am planning to visit the SPUD unit to learn about the work that they do.

We have spoken a great deal about research and modernizing the definition of it in the proposed changes to the ARIO Act. Another important aspect of our proposed changes is about governance structure. The ARIO Act was created many years before directives governing provincial agencies were developed; I believe it first came in 1962. The current governance structure allows for well-considered financial and property decisions that enable the agency to provide long-term funding for agricultural research. The governance structure also addresses immediate or short-term financial and property needs and investments.

Several updates to the governance structure of the ARIO are being proposed in the modernization of the ARIO Act. These are updates that are just good governance and bring the ARIO up to speed with the governance and public appointment requirements that exist today and didn’t exist in 1962. Examples include:

The managing director would be appointed by the Public Service Commission under part 3 of the Public Service of Ontario Act, 2006, and not by the minister, as is the current case.

The board of directors’ composition would be clarified such that the minimum number of appointees would be seven and the maximum 15. Currently there is no minimum stipulated.

The crown agency status of the agency would be clearly specified, and the amended act would address matters such as liability and corporate governance.

The proposed updates would also include clear rules for making of bylaws, including financial bylaws, and set out the requirements for borrowing, temporary investment of funds and financial risk management activities undertaken by ARIO. Further bylaws pertaining to borrowing, temporary investing or managing financial risk would be approved by both the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Minister of Finance.

Put simply, the proposed changes would address current and future operational needs and streamline processes.

Consultations: The minister has informed me of the rigorous process of consultation with stakeholders and the ARIO board members that has taken place to gain their insights into current and future needs. Their insights directly shaped the proposed changes, and we appreciate everyone’s time and commitment in collaborating with us on this work.

There was strong interest among stakeholders in seeing the legislation modernized and made more relevant going forward. And as was seen at committee, the stakeholder response to this proposed bill was very positive. The ministry incorporated stakeholders’ feedback into proposed amendments to the legislation. We are also incorporating those ideas into the ARIO strategic plan, the ARIO infrastructure plan, and even into the agency’s memorandum of understanding.

The Grow Ontario Strategy: All of this work is in support of growing our agriculture and food industry and achieving the ambitious goals of the Grow Ontario Strategy—goals like increasing the production and consumption of Ontario-grown food by 30% by 2032, and increasing Ontario’s agri-food exports by 8% annually.

I’m going to share one last quote. This one is from Jennifer Doelman, a farmer from Renfrew–Nipissing–Pembroke and a member of the board of ARIO. Jennifer told the committee, “Modernization of the act will broaden the mandate of ARIO to allow the agency to build and maintain world-class agri-food research facilities, develop innovative technologies and ensure the translation and transfer of research into practical solutions for Ontario farmers. Those actions are reflected in the government’s Grow Ontario strategy, which outlines a vision for increasing agri-food innovation and adoption, and the ARIO plays a key role.”

Living in a farming community and operating a small farm—by the way, I don’t necessarily call myself a farmer; just a guy who farms, because the member from Timiskaming–Cochrane has that experience of relying on farming, and I have not—I’m proud to be part of an agency that strengthens the agri-food sector and that is taking action to be a world leader in agri-food research and innovation. And the changes that we’re proposing will accomplish that.

That is a great note to wrap up on.

As has been said during second reading and at committee, the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and her ministry did their homework before proposing Bill 155. As a result, I understand that no one spoke against this bill in committee, and the clause-by-clause hearing at the committee of the interior took a total of four minutes, thanks to the great work of the minister and the ministry staff.

I appreciate the opportunity to speak to Bill 155, and I am proud to speak in support of this bill.

Also, in closing, I’d just like to identify a few of the sites that are available, and to give you a perspective that it is across Ontario that these research centres exist—just a few examples: Cedar Springs, where they do horticulture research; Huron, another field crops research station in the south end of Guelph; Ridgetown, with more field crops research. Like I said before, there’s horticulture, beef, sheep—all kinds of research being done, and all to improve agriculture in Ontario.

With that, Speaker, I’ll turn it over to the great Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

Further debate?

I recognize the Minister of Agriculture.

It’s my pleasure to rise today and join two amazing parliamentary assistants who have jumped right in because they understand the importance of Ontario’s agri-food industry, not only throughout the province, but across Canada and North America and around the world.

Before I get really deep into my remarks, I’d be remiss if I didn’t give a shout-out to the amazing member from Chatham-Kent–Leamington as well as the Associate Minister of Housing. I want to share my appreciation and actually give virtual hugs to both of them for the amazing work that they have done, proudly carrying on the responsibilities bestowed to them as parliamentary assistants to agriculture, food and rural affairs.

You’ve done a great job, and I trust that you always will be champions for this industry that I know you love, so thank you so much for all you do.

With that, I also want to recognize that I have two amazing PAs that I have the pleasure of working with now. All I can say is, look out; we’re just going to continue to build on where we left off, and I just can’t wait to continue to demonstrate how we not only understand the agri-food industry in Ontario, but we care. We care enough to listen, to understand and, most importantly, take action where action is needed. And Speaker, I can confidently tell you that we heard loud and clear that, when it comes to the agri-food industry, research and innovation has to be a priority.

With that said, the member from Chatham-Kent–Leamington facilitated and led a number of consultations across the province and people were earnest in their remarks, humbled by the chance to have their voice heard because they trusted it would make a difference. Because adopting new technology and research is absolutely critical to not only maintaining our net exporter position around the world, but we need to make sure that Ontarians understand as well what’s truly needed to ensure that not only primary production on farm continues to prosper and thrive, but our related industries throughout the value chain also continue to thrive and be prosperous.

Through this proposed modernization of legislation, we also are marrying what we heard through consultation when we landed the Grow Ontario Strategy. Grow Ontario is a first. It was an initiative that, again, had robust consultation and in partnership with the industry, we identified three key priority areas that everyone collectively said, “If we’re going to continue to lead by example, we’re going to continue to increase production around this province and we’re going to continue to be a net exporter of food, we need to make sure we have three key pillars.”

First and foremost, one pillar is all about making sure that we have a secure and stable supply chain. A second pillar is making sure we attract the very best talent. The third pillar is all about making sure that we create a climate that enables every single player in our industry to have the ability and the capacity to embrace new technologies and new innovations. That’s why we’re proposing to amend the ARIO Act through Bill 155, if it’s supported.

It’s interesting. This particular piece of legislation came together in 1962 and, quite frankly, it hasn’t been looked at for 60 years. I would dare anyone in this House today to say that it doesn’t need to be modernized, because the fact of the matter is, farming today is very different from farming yesterday and, as we look ahead to tomorrow, we need to make sure we’ve got our cornerstones set so we can continue to grow and continue to build. The fact of the matter is, these updates better reflect the current and future needs that we have and the legislation, if, again, passed as proposed and presented, will serve to meet the industry’s needs today and for years to come.

This is where I’d like to pause for a moment and give a shout-out to the board and the people who invest their time, give their time to advise and lead priorities for ARIO. In particular, I want to give a shout-out to Lorne Hepworth, chair of the Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario, as it’s known today. Lorne has a vast foundation in agriculture and his experience and his passion have led him to so many opportunities to make a difference, not only in Ontario but in his home province and across Canada. I was never more happy for him than when, earlier this year, I learned that he will be recognized for his passion, for his leadership, by receiving the Order of Canada. That’s huge, and I’d like everyone to join me in congratulating him for that.

Again, we have a wonderful breadth of experience around that board table. They understand where we need to go and how we need to update. And so the proposed updates that we’ve suggested to go into this legislation will support innovative activities, commercialization—which is so, so important—new solutions, new relationships and, most importantly, always looking to how our farmers, and our food and beverage industries in this province can continue to increase productivity so that we can continue to compete globally.

We have to do everything we can in this province, quite frankly, Speaker, because at the federal level, they’re doing nothing but handcuffing our farmers and our processing manufacturing industry due to the carbon tax. It’s just a tax on top of a tax. Actually, that’s one thing that hasn’t been talked about in this House much. If you were to look at the propane bills that we receive on a monthly basis—

Interjections.

Sales tax on top of it.

You know, the chuckling that I’m hearing coming from the opposition really points to the fact that they are completely disconnected, so I so look forward to sharing my next comment.

Interjection.

With that said, I want to continue talking specifically as to why we need to continue to do everything we can to advance the agri-food industry in Ontario, because we’re getting handcuffed by federal and provincial Liberals on carbon tax. Clearly, the NDP have no clue what it’s really like to actually produce quality crops on farms, and they don’t understand the costs of production. That was just proven moments ago.

The fact of the matter is, when we developed our Grow Ontario Strategy, we made a commitment to listen to everyone, and I’m so proud of the feedback that was facilitated, not only by fellow MPPs in government but also by the team at OMAFRA, because they too understand that for a prosperous overall industry we needed to get out, hit the road and seek input, so that the proposed changes in Bill 155 are well informed. And we’ve done just that.

Some industry organizations that have participated—I know that my colleagues mentioned some of them, but I want to give a shout-out and give you a sampling of the individuals and organizations, commodity organizations and businesses that have participated: the Beef Farmers of Ontario, Dairy Farmers of Ontario, Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers, Livestock Research Innovation Corp., Ontario Apple Growers and Ontario Tender Fruit Growers. That’s just a handful of everyone who gave of their time to make sure we got it right. And as we heard from my colleagues, we did get it right, Madam Speaker, because we took time to be informed. Everyone has supported this, and we have moved through in a very thoughtful manner.

During our extensive stakeholder engagement, it was clear that the industry was aligned for the need of research that is forward-thinking, forward-looking, all the while addressing the realities and the goals that we have today. Again, it makes me so incredibly proud of how far we’ve come with this particular piece of legislation, and just like my colleagues, I want to share some experts’ written feedback that we received.

The Ontario Federation of Agriculture, the province’s largest general farm organization with 38,000 members, said this, and I’m quoting President Drew Spoelstra. He said, “OFA supports the updated language in Bill 155. The modernized definition of research removes the previous narrow focus and provides scope. The addition of innovation in the ARIO name, and as a defined team, is reflective of current research and innovation initiatives and aligns with the focus of the Grow Ontario Strategy to strengthen the agri-food sector.”

In addition to this, during our committee hearings OFA had a deputation and OFA’s very own and ARIO board member, Jennifer Doelman, comes from eastern Ontario, and we’re so lucky to have her around.

Interjections.

The Beef Farmers of Ontario also supported written feedback. Executive director Richard Horne wrote, “With respect to Bill 155, BFO is broadly supportive of the proposed modernization of the Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario Act, and would like to commend the government of Ontario for initiating this long-overdue process.”

As you can hear, Speaker—and our committee heard this loud and clear as well, I would dare say. Thank you to the members who are here today who participated on that committee. I appreciated it very much.

At the end of the day, what the committee members heard was enthusiasm about modernizing the ARIO Act. All in all, stakeholder reaction has been very positive to the modernization effort that we’ve facilitated, and again, it’s a demonstration and a proof point that our government takes time to consult and to listen, because we need to get it right.

As we did that, industry stakeholders relayed that they see the proposed modernization of the ARIO Act as an opportunity for the organization itself, ARIO, to play a larger, more high-profile role in the advancement of agri-food research in Ontario. We heard about the 14 research stations we have across Ontario moments ago, and I’m really proud of the corridor of excellence that we’re growing and fostering near Elora. I would dare say, not only are we going to be setting the tone in terms of advanced research and innovation for Ontario, but the rest of Canada and jurisdictions around the world will be looking to what we’re doing in Ontario when it comes to thoughtfully growing our agri-food industry.

Stakeholders also expressed that ARIO can help to shape a stronger industry and, more importantly, supply chain. If ever before, and on the heels of the pandemic, did we come to realize how important a robust, secure supply chain is, and I would dare say—and I think the farmers across the province, our commodity organizations, and our food and beverage organization would echo this—our sector worked so incredibly hard to ensure that the pandemic had minimal impact on the production of good-quality, safe food, not only grown but processed and manufactured right here in Ontario. That speaks to our Grow Ontario Strategy as well, because it’s our plan to strengthen the agri-food industry and ensure an efficient, reliable and responsive food supply chain to address ongoing vulnerabilities through new innovations.

Just yesterday, I visited the port of Hamilton, and it’s amazing what’s happening there. Overall, HOPA understands and values the prominent role that agriculture has in that particular port. There are hundreds of value-added businesses that are processing in the Hamilton area.

We visited Bunge in particular. They take truckloads of soybeans from across Ontario and a little bit of canola, but they also, by boat and truck and rail, bring in canola from western Canada. At that port, right on site, to minimize the cost of production, Bunge receives the raw commodity and processes it so that, ultimately, not only oil for livestock feed but edible oil is processed right there in the port lands. That’s a thriving, prosperous, thoughtful connection within the supply chain. Then, once it’s processed, that oil makes its way to Oakville and makes its way into what has been deemed the food and beverage manufacturing hub of all of Canada, which is the GTHA. I would dare say—I’ll give a plug, because they deserve it. How many people enjoy a nice, crispy French fry from McDonald’s? Okay, there are hands going up.

That said, I can tell you that I learned that edible oil that Bunge produces right there, after receiving the raw commodity in the port lands in Hamilton, actually is used by McDonald’s across Canada to fry those french fries. That’s something that soybean producers in Bruce county and Huron county and counties all over Ontario can be really proud of.

That’s why we work 365 days a year to produce raw commodities that can be realized, and that realization is something we can all be so incredibly proud of.

Interjections.

Tell us more.

Thank you for that.

We have very aggressive goals in our Grow Ontario Strategy, and we’re not going to apologize for it; we’re not going to make any excuses. We’re going to continue to keep our foot on the accelerator to make sure that we meet these goals by 2032, because not only do farmers, food processors, beverage manufacturers and processors need us to continue to increase our production, but the rest of the world is looking to us, as well.

It’s interesting. I visited another company in Port Colborne yesterday. They’re right along the canal: London Agricultural Commodities. They have the old Robin Hood facility. They receive and move tens of thousands of metric tonnes of crop every year. Historically, though, that particular elevator was set up by Robin Hood in 1939, where they received locally grown grains and, again, immediately milled it into flour that could be used not only to feed Ontario and other jurisdictions, but—did you notice the year I used? 1939. A lot of that flour was geared toward going over the Atlantic to support our troops. Being there was somewhat surreal, given that it was Vimy Ridge Day. I know that Vimy Ridge represents the Great War, but knowing how the agri-food industry, throughout the years, throughout the decades, has stood tall and supported really important efforts made by Canadians is just remarkable.

Interjections.

I jump around in my remarks—and I just saw, “Oh, talk about your farm here.” Well, I already did a bit.

It’s interesting—

I grew up on a cash crop, beef feedlot operation. My husband grew up—and it’s the farm I’m proud to call home now—on a cash crop, dairy hog operation. We work really hard.

I have to give a shout-out—

Interjections.

My husband has not been well for a number of months, and many of you know that in this House. He grew up in a family of seven. We could not have operated—oh, dear. They’re going to owe me a beer, because I’m going to bring them up in topic. We couldn’t keep doing what we’re doing. We were ready to disperse our herd, because we knew Dennis would be spending a lot of time in the hospital, but my brother-in-law and sister-in-law took our animals in. The animals spoke loud and clear, because clearly, by their progeny that they produced this winter, they’re saying, “You’re not getting out of the business anytime soon, because we just gave you a whole lot of young stock that you need to bring back to the farm.”

I can tell you, my husband is rehabilitating in London right now, and he’s starting to get really itchy—because people are going to want to get on the land. That’s who we are. You feel the need to be on the land. You want to get home. You want to get into that barn and see that young stock thriving. Again, you work together to get it done.

My example that I just shared with you is indicative of the type of spirit that we have throughout all of Ontario, and I’m sure the member from Temiskaming Shores can speak to his own examples of how farmers help farmers. Why? Because we love what we do, we’re proud of what we do, but we never, ever take for granted the responsibility we have and the honour we have to be producing good-quality food 365 days of the year.

So that’s why, as Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, I am absolutely committed to working as closely as we can with industry to make sure we get things right and that we’re looking ahead and that we’re laying down the cornerstones for the next generation of farmers who want to carry on a family legacy, to do what they can to continue to move that ball down the field.

We’re going to really, as I said, be aggressive in our strategy. We want to increase our exports of Ontario grown and manufactured processed food and beverage 8% year over year through to the year 2032. And, ladies and gentlemen, just by taking a look at some data that’s come in, looking at the year 2022-23 already, we’re already at 20%.

Again, I want to give kudos where it’s due. I want to give a shout-out to Premier Ford and our entire team at this government because we’re setting the climate, we’re creating the environment for which business can excel. We’re getting government out of their way as well.

Can we do more, faster? Absolutely we can, but what we’ve done to date is really making a difference for all of our sectors throughout this province, and just this case alone—I’m talking about the agri-food one but, again, I want to repeat: We’re increasing our exports and we’ve surpassed our initial goal, but that gives me every confidence that we will, by 2032, be in a position to not only celebrate a little bit but look ahead again and say, “Okay, how can we continue to increase exports?” Because, ladies and gentlemen, countries around the world are looking for food, beverage and primary commodities and, you know, I hear about it day in and day out.

I had the honour of taking some people to Mexico to see what kind of interest we could drum up in our grain industry as well as our value-added chain leading right to bakeries. The team that we took was amazing: grain farmers, millers, commodity traders, bakers and even the port of Hamilton was represented. We told such an amazing, solid story—

Interjections.

With all that said, I can tell you the port is ready to grow with us as well. Ladies and gentlemen, the fact of the matter is, people look to Ontario because they trust the quality and they trust the standard that goes into food production that happens here. And with that—I can tell.

We were just at Restaurants Canada, which was hosted here in Toronto over the last three days, and one of the exhibitors was a participant in our trade mission to Mexico. And she’s continuing to build relationships, to secure more sales because, again, that particular bakery is diversifying: Not only are they looking at food service but they’re looking at the opportunity to export their baked goods as well. That’s just one of so many examples, you know.

The other thing is, I was at LAC yesterday in Port Colborne. We’re in their facility and they were talking about the relationships that they’ve realized as a result of participating in that trade mission. That’s what we need to be doing as a government: opening the window and letting business dive through to take up every opportunity that they can realize. All of that is for naught if we don’t have the right foundation. And that foundation is based on research and, more importantly, innovation, to make sure that we are driving efficiencies, driving increased yields and, more importantly, driving good-quality, nutritious production of food.

I think it’s safe to say that this particular legislation has really hit the mark. You know, I enjoy hearing and listening to everyone with regard to their comments.

I just realized I talked about my brother and sister-in-law to make sure that their name gets into Hansard. I want to give a shout-out to Teresa and Al Detzler, there. Thank you for all that you have done, and all the rest of Dennis’s family as well. You guys have been amazing. I can give a shout-out to my own immediate family, too.

But moving on, because it’s important that people hear this, I want to note that everybody has been supportive of updating this important piece of legislation. It’s forward- and thoughtful-thinking, and I want to give a little nod to the member from Temiskaming Shores. I enjoy his comments and his approach to things.

He was talking about a research station in the north, Emo. He’s going, “Maybe people don’t even know where it is,” but I can tell you, one of the first trips I took as Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs was to northwestern Ontario with the Minister of Northern Development, and we went to that research station at Emo. It was in the fall, and to give you an idea of how important research is, they were harvesting hops.

Who would have thought even three or four years ago that hops could grow in northwestern Ontario? That’s why research matters, because ladies and gentlemen, not only do we want to focus research on increasing production, introducing more efficiencies, introducing innovations that will help offset the lack of labour that we have, quite frankly, not only in processing manufacturing but on the farm as well, and further to that, I think it’s very important that we also recognize that there’s so much opportunity in northern Ontario.

I’m so glad that our member is visiting the Earlton Farm Show and our station in New Liskeard in the next couple of days. I appreciate that so very much because the fact of the matter is, there is so much more we can do when we all collaborate, identify what’s working and what’s not, how we can improve, why research matters, and then we filter that all down and take it back to the board at ARIO so that we can identify priorities.

I’m so proud of the team at OMAFRA for absolutely being dedicated to making sure that these research priorities are heard loud and clear, and I’d be remiss though—I’d like to give a call-out to the federal government as well, to make sure that they understand the importance of investing, not only in certain agricultural commodities, but the pork industry in Ontario just asked for a meagre $2 million of investment in their research centre in Elora and, unfortunately, they haven’t had a positive response yet from the federal government.

So I would like to say to the Liberal government in Ottawa: Please, I hope you embrace the importance of research and innovation as much as our government has, here in Ontario.

We all should be investing in forwarding our food industry here, not only in this province, but it benefits all of Canada as well.

Leave it to the NDP to never leave a chance to absolutely go off the page and talk about something that is not being debated today in Bill 155. What the member opposite was referencing was actually a decision that needs to be made at the regional level.

But let me tell you, as we continue to move forward, we’re going to continue to be dedicated to modernizing everything that we do in support of Ontario farmers right across this province. With Bill 155, we’re going to continue to drive innovation—innovation based on solid research—because that, at the end of the day, is going to generate a return on investment for all of Ontario.

With that, I’d also like to give a shout-out—and why we’ve landed it well—to the officials at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. They too see the opportunities that this industry has when it’s supported by a government that understands, listens and gets the job done on their behalf.

At this time, I’d like to give a shout-out to Christine Dukelow, Carm Hamilton and an amazing agricultural representative from the Lindsay area, Don Pullen, my home agricultural representative as well. They demonstrated to me time and again how important it is to take time to meet with people, to really clearly research and understand an issue or a situation. I think it was inherent when I had this opportunity—it was almost surreal in one way—to come into this chair as Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, to be able to, on their shoulders, effect change. We’re doing it with a team from across Ontario. We have a tremendous number of MPPs from rural Ontario who themselves take time to understand, because they meet with constituents and—

Questions?

I recognize the Minister of Agriculture.

I recognize the member from Kitchener–Conestoga.

Thank you to the Minister of Agriculture. You talked about farmers being handcuffed, so I’m sure you’ll be sympathetic to the farmers of Wilmot. Those farmers, who are now facing forced expropriation of their farms—770 acres of class 1 farmland. So we met—the official opposition NDP—with these farmers who were here at Queen’s Park yesterday, looking for answers from you, Minister.

They still don’t know why they are being threatened with expropriation. Some of these people have been farming these lands since 1880. The Christian farmers’ federation said, “It is shameful that our farmers, stewards of our land, are left vulnerable to such injustice. Our government should protect them....”

The Ontario Federation of Agriculture has called for a pause. Your Get It Done bill, schedule 1, fast-tracks expropriation of farmland without an environment assessment, and certainly, the question is: Are you using this bill to fast-track this expropriation?

Finally, Minister, my question to you is: why is there such secrecy and why are you allowing farmers to be left in the dark when they are being forced to sell their land?

I want to thank the minister not only for speaking on the bill today, but also, I had the opportunity at committee to hear what you had to say as well. What was really remarkable about this bill—as you say, it’s something that hasn’t been addressed since 1962. The opposition are bringing up something that has nothing to do with this bill. They actually support this bill, and it essentially went through committee without amendment as well, which is really remarkable in this House, so I want to say what a great job of the preparation, the consultation, going to the people across the board in Ontario to see what will work as we update this act. Maybe you could expand a little bit on some of those consultations that took place so that we could bring a bill that everybody supports without amendment—great job.

I want to thank the members for their contribution to the debate this afternoon, third reading of this bill. Actually, I want to commend the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, as well as her parliamentary assistants the members from Elgin–Middlesex–London and Chatham-Kent–Leamington. I think that it is unfortunately rare when a bill comes forward that has all-party support.

We have seen through committee work and, of course, through the advice of our in-house expert on rural and agriculture issues, the member from Timiskaming–Cochrane, who is part of our caucus, and everything I’ve heard, everything I’ve read and learned—this is a piece of legislation where I believe the process of good, solid public consultation was done before bringing the bill. I think that’s very important. I want to thank you for doing that.

I was wondering if you would share with the House a little bit more about that process, how much work went into the consultation. I ask this because it is so important—

I’ve had the pleasure of knowing the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs for many years now, pre-politics. I just wanted to thank her for her continued advocacy for rural Ontario, because she truly embodies it, lives and breathes it every day, and is a huge champion.

I know that one of the things that we’ve talked about a little bit—and I know the member from Timiskaming–Cochrane, in second reading, was very much in favour of the new veterinary pieces that are in this bill and looking at some of the ways that we can incentivize new vets to get involved and serve underserved communities, like parts of northern Ontario and, certainly, more rural areas near yourself and myself as well, eastern Ontario. I wondered if you could talk a little bit more about what those grants look like and how you think that they’ll impact the industry and communities.

Absolutely. I appreciate that question from the amazing member who’s working so hard in the Kitchener–Conestoga area. When we were in consultation around ARIO, we also heard about the need to increase the number of, particularly, large animal vets in areas of Ontario that were underserviced. Because of that, we spun off an entirely different act, Bill 171, to address that very thing. So again, to the member opposite, thank you for recognizing that.

During consultation, we also heard about the need to make sure that rural communities, remote communities were well served.

Interjection.

But long story short, by being out there and consulting with ARIO, the agricultural research innovation, if it should pass, has led us to introducing and debating and going to committee very soon with another act, Bill 171, and that’s—

In short, I think this particular bill demonstrates that farmers are more than—

Thank you.

Further questions?

Further debate?

I too grew up on a farm where I saw miracles grow before my eyes and learned the appreciation for new life. I grew pumpkins as well. I grew cucumbers and flowers. I think that the member for Essex painted us a very nice picture in that regard. That’s why we should be most proud of those who work the fields every day, in various weather, various storms, to produce the very best food for us—the very best food in the world.

I do support this bill, modernizing ARIO to reflect the current agri-food research environment as well as the research and innovation needs of the agri-food sector. My question, however, is to the minister. I just would like to know how Bill 155 will ensure farmers are recognized and included as key participants and not merely as stakeholders.

It’s always an honour to be able to speak in the House on behalf of the residents of Timiskaming–Cochrane and on behalf of my colleagues in the NDP, and today on the Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario Act. Before I get into the remarks too far, I’d like to congratulate the member from Lanark–Frontenac–Kingston and the member from Essex on their new roles as parliamentary assistants.

I’d like recognize the minister and her remarks, and I’d like to extend our heartfelt appreciation for her talking about the challenges in her personal life. It’s never easy. We all know what it takes to give up what you give up. I felt it too, the pain. What I was thinking about as the minister was speaking was the last time I drove out the driveway of my dairy farm, the last time I milked the cows. I know that feeling.

We wish your husband well. We certainly hope that your herd comes back. Goats—are they are herd or a flock?

Anyway, in your personal endeavours, we wish you well.

Actually, politically, agriculturally, we usually work together very well. There are issues that we disagree on vehemently, but there’s a way to work in the country, and I think we exemplify that in the House as well. We can agree to disagree vehemently, but still, at the end of the day, we can also agree to work together where we can work together.

I heard a couple of mentions of the Earlton Farm Show. I’m glad that the member from Lanark–Frontenac–Kingston is coming.

I have to relay a personal story. As most of us are aware, the one event that the Legislature stops for is the International Plowing Match. We all have history with the International Plowing Match; I know the minister does. The minister and I have some shared history with the International Plowing Match. One day, I was in the cafeteria—I love the cafeteria in this place, by the way; everybody knows that it’s my favourite spot—and one of the cafeteria staff members asked me, “Mr. Vanthof, I know you go to this International Plowing Match every year and the Legislature stops, but what exactly happens there? Should I be interested in going there?” He had worked here a long time, and he didn’t have a clue. My explanation for the International Plowing Match is that it’s a plowing competition, something that has historical and current importance to agriculture, but it’s also a celebration of the rural lifestyle—and that’s what it has become. I said, “Do you live in a city?” He said, “No, I’ve got a couple of acres.” I said, “You will love the International Plowing Match.”

The member from Lanark–Frontenac–Kingston and I know exactly what a farm show is, but a lot of other people might not—millions of people in Ontario. They’re open farm shows—the one I know the best. There are 60 exhibitors, and they exhibit their wares, so, basically, their tools or seed or—the tools of the trade for agriculture, and always the most advanced ones, because as we all know, agriculture is advancing rapidly. Just as an example, there will be a booth with guidance systems. When I started farming, you would start your tractor and you would drive the tractor. Now, tractors—they’re not autonomous yet, but you’re sitting there as a troubleshooter, not necessarily as an operator. Soon, they will be autonomous. It’s things like that that you see at farm shows.

What makes the Earlton Farm Show incredible is—it’s not the biggest farm show in the province. It’s a long way away from here, and a lot of people—I see the Minister of Northern Development and Mines is here too. He’s very interested in agriculture, as well. A lot of people don’t realize how advanced agriculture is in the north. Their own farm show is an eye-opener. To anyone who is thinking about maybe looking at agriculture in northern Ontario, maybe expanding into northern Ontario: I couldn’t think of a better time to come than this weekend, this Friday and Saturday, to the Earlton Farm Show.

Not everyone may know how to get to the Earlton Farm Show, so I’ll give you a few directions. I’m hoping that everyone across Ontario, whoever is watching, can find their way to Highway 400. Ontario is a big province, but you take 400 and you go as far as 400 goes, and you take 11 and you keep going, and in the city in North Bay you take a right and you keep going up 11. That’s where 11 goes to two lanes, but you keep going. You will go through—before you get to North Bay and for about an hour, hour and a half after, you will go through Canadian Shield: old growth white pine, beautiful lakes and a lot of rock. If you’re an agri-farmer, anyone in agriculture, you are going to wonder what you are doing there. You really are.

Then you will crest a hill by the town of New Liskeard and you will see a couple of hundred thousand acres of farmland open before you. If you know where to look, you’ll see the Sollio feed mill; on the other side, you’ll see Pederson Construction. You keep going, you’ll go to the little town of Earlton, and Koch Farms is on one side, Earlton is on the other side, and there’s kind of a competition which one’s bigger. I think on certain days, Koch Farms looks a little bigger than the town of Earlton. Norm and his kids will have a big sign pointing to the farm show. It’s in the arena. The arena was recently dedicated to Wilfred and Rosaire Paiement, two very famous hockey players who were born and raised in Earlton and played in northern Ontario. That’s where the farm show will be.

Please, if you’re thinking about—that’s why I’m so glad that members from the government side come, because if you’re thinking about farming in northern Ontario or wondering what it’s like to farm in northern Ontario, and if you’ve got the itch and if you’re not quite ready to seed your own fields yet, we’ve got a couple of weeks yet in northern Ontario. Please come to the Earlton Farm Show. We will welcome you with open arms. We’re there for the whole time. We will welcome you with open arms. Thank you very much for saying you’re going to come. Thank you very much.

The Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario Act, I don’t think this act has been changed for years and years and years—60 years. Basically, the Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario controls 14 sites. There are about 200 buildings, in a partnership with the University of Guelph, in most cases, and the Ontario government, where research is critical to keeping agriculture current and keeping Ontario as a leader. That’s where it’s conducted.

This is one of the few acts—it has sailed through the Legislature. For good reason. I give credit where credit’s due. I said this at the second reading, but it’s worth saying again: This act is singularly focused. There’s no poison pill in that, there’s no wedge issue in it. It’s focused. It’s well consulted. I think that showed at the committee hearings. It was well consulted. As a result, we’re having good debates. We’re actually talking about—I will bring up a couple of issues that came up in the committee. I’m not opposed to rancorous debate, but I think the debate here is constructive. We’re talking together to move an industry forward.

I would like to quote the minister, and I agree, “Consultation equals results.” This act is an example. I hope that the government uses this as a template, because I’ve got to say that not all of the government’s legislation, even regarding agriculture, has been like that. I don’t think that during the greenbelt fiasco—that bill had to be rescinded—I don’t think that anyone in agriculture is going to say that they were consulted. When it was proposed to subdivide agricultural properties into three, that never made it to the House, but no one is going to—that was not consulted well at all. As a result, I think everybody paid a price. So this is an example of: The government of the day knows how to do it, but sometimes whoever’s running the show chooses not to do it.

I commend the minister on this act. I do. I give credit where credit is due, and the Minister of Agriculture—you know how to do it. On this one, you did it, and as a result, we’re having a good conversation about it.

So, in Ontario, there are 14 sites, and I remember in my second reading debate, I did a whole tour of Ontario, where all these sites were. I don’t think I’m going to make people suffer through that again, but there’s a few sites that are special to us all.

I’ll get it yet without having to read, but the member from Lanark–Frontenac–Kingston mentioned one that was close to his riding, and I’m going to mention one that’s very close to my riding—not close to my riding; it’s in the centre of my riding. The member from Lanark–Frontenac–Kingston—I’m going to get it yet—is actually going to go visit that site and specifically the SPUD unit at that site, right? And I commend him for that.

The SPUD unit is—we just say it’s the SPUD unit and then people go, “What is the SPUD unit?” It’s a tissue—and I have no science background—a tissue propagation facility. Basically, they take in seeds of plants, not just potatoes, but strawberries, garlic, asparagus. They actually create a very prolific and very popular type of asparagus at the SPUD unit, and it’s grown in many places.

An example is—so there’s something called a—and anyone scientific is going to think, “Oh, man, Vanthof, what are you talking about?” but I try to explain things in lay terms, the way I understand them. So, you take a potato and there are—in Prince Edward Island, they recently had something called potato scab, a disease on potatoes. You don’t want to grow potatoes that have potato scab. The SPUD unit can take those potatoes and somehow go down to the genetic material and the resulting seed will be virus-free, so you’re starting with pure, clean stock. That’s really important—incredibly important.

Now, the SPUD unit has been operating for 40 years in New Liskeard, and New Liskeard is very close to where—I just told you where the farm show is. I forgot to tell you that the farm show, from here, if Toronto traffic is good, is about seven hours. The SPUD unit is about six and a half hours, right? And the reason it’s so far away: Because of prevailing winds and because of—the area itself is relatively clean as well, like, the air. There’s not a lot of other things being grown around it. It’s easier to keep it sterile when the outside air isn’t full of virus, full of disease. It’s not without challenge, but it’s easier. It’s really important.

So what happened to the SPUD unit—I’m going to have to back up for a second. At one point, the research farm in New Liskeard, which is an ARIO site—it was about 10 years ago, when I was first elected. I guess it was maybe my first or second year. There was a very strong direction from the University of Guelph to close the site in northern Ontario. They were hoping to focus everything closer to Guelph, and we fought back because—and I talked about this at the committee—conditions are different in different parts of the province, and so it’s relevant to do research in an area that, in northern Ontario, is growing in importance and in size in agriculture. It’s relevant to do research there.

So we fought back, and we cut a deal with the then Minister of Agriculture—at the time, it was Ted McMeekin—to hold on that decision and give us some breathing room to come up with a solution. As a result, we cut a deal to sell half of the research stations and build new research facilities on the other side of the road.

The problem is, the SPUD unit is on the half that was sold. That’s, quite frankly, what happened. The SPUD unit is a rented facility, and it’s worn out. Quite frankly, it’s worn out. It needs to be rebuilt, and we’ve been pushing to have it rebuilt for quite a while.

Last year, at the estimates for agriculture, it came up. I brought it up to the minister, and to her credit, the minister, I believe last year, toured the SPUD unit when she came to the farm show. Everyone’s welcome at the farm show. We would love it if you came to the farm show, Speaker. We’d give you the royal treatment.

So this year at the hearings, the berry growers came to hearings on the ARIO bill. The SPUD unit is an ARIO facility. I’m going to quote directly from the representative from the Ontario berry growers. His name is Mr. Tom Heeman. I’m going to talk about what he said about the SPUD unit:

“It breaks my heart that this past fall we had to stop shipments of genetic material from New Liskeard because the HEPA filter was not replaced and there wasn’t a budget to do so.” Like, they didn’t have the budget to change the HEPA filter. “So our samples got contaminated with mould. I know that sounds like a small thing—a couple of plants had to be thrown out and started over again”—that’s what people on the outside world think—“but it takes over three years to replace those dozens of plants into millions and millions of plants. Those plants go throughout the country. They go throughout the United States. You may not buy Ontario berries all the time, but the technology in New Liskeard helps create those Florida berries that get imported during the winter as well.

“I just want you to” know “about these changes. Adding intellectual property I think would be a benefit so that you can work with the university and have a clear guideline on intellectual property.”

But the main problem here is that this facility is worn out. I’m very proud of agriculture in Ontario—extremely proud. I made my living at it most of my life. I am much more qualified as a farmer than I ever will be as a parliamentarian, I guarantee you that. But this facility is worn out. Everyone knows it, and we waited until nothing—now we’re having to import that genetic material. We can’t say we’re leaders and we can’t say we’re research leaders when facilities are breaking down.

So I asked Mr. Heeman about the challenges that we’ve had trying to get the SPUD unit rebuilt. We have a perfect site for it on the ARIO research land across the road, where the provincial government helped build a brand new research station for field crops. That is the perfect spot for it. Everyone agrees that that’s a perfect spot.

I’m not going to read my whole question; it’s not about me. So to Mr. Heeman: “You mentioned some frustration, but just how important is the tissue culture centre and where are you in the process?” And I’m going to quote exactly what he said:

“Thank you. I don’t think anything has changed. I was at this 10 years ago because we had a hard time getting contracts renewed. We’d call and call because we’re a client and we didn’t know who to talk to, and we’ve been able to expand that process up to the minister’s level.

“Again, these facilities are good but we need to have stakeholder dialogue. That whole mandate on technology transfer and expansion—OMAFRA does a tremendous job”—give credit where credit is due, “but they need to have the people in place. It all started when we lost the faculty member”—so when Guelph kind of didn’t pay attention to the SPUD unit. “The faculty member retired and was never replaced. Now we just have a technician with an overseer in Guelph, so there’s not active research being advanced at that facility” today.

“I brought an example today of what it means. I don’t know if you’ve all heard about the Ontario hazelnut story,”—so we’re going to talk about the hazelnut story, a direct quote—“but this is something that is a homegrown success story. It required the tissue culture in the New Liskeard plant in order to make sure that the varieties they were breeding and bringing into nurseries were clean of virus. Now we have delicious Ontario hazelnuts ... something we never had before.” Something we wouldn’t have had without the SPUD unit in New Liskeard.

He goes on to say, “What has been communicated to me is that the challenge is the funding for the joint partnership agreement.” And that is a challenge for this act. This act is good. We have supported this act from day one. But you also have to have funding to actually replace some of these facilities, have the funding to manage these facilities. And it was identified in there that that is not the case—so now I lost my place—“where you can have funding for the facilities, but if you don’t have the funding for the faculty to operate the facilities, then you get a shortfall. Again, you don’t have a lab director for that facility. They’re under another individual out of Guelph who doesn’t physically visit that spot, and you have a technician who is very skilled but close to retirement. She communicates with us, because she’s very exasperated at times for not being listened to. I think it’s a very difficult position, where she has all these plants to keep alive and she knows that growers are counting on her, but I don’t think that—because it’s basically an orphaned facility.”

That’s why I’m bringing it up today: because this is an ARIO facility, and someone who depends on it. We’ve all been talking about research, and someone, a group who depends on this facility is basically saying, “It’s orphaned.” And that came up at committee.

There was also, at the same committee, a representative from the University of Guelph. In response to the same question—and it’s the first time I’ve been at committee that someone answered a question that I didn’t ask—he was obviously very impacted. I give credit where credit is due. I respect, by Mr. Heeman’s comments, when he said that that facility was orphaned. It was Dr. Shayan Sharif—he was the representative from the University of Guelph. He said, “If I may just to diverge here and just point out one big important thing in regard to the SPUD unit, because it has been discussed quite significantly and very extensively: I just wanted to tell MPP Vanthof that I don’t really think that that SPUD is orphaned.... We hope to lease out to industry to have a sustainable plan for the operations of SPUD. SPUD is not forgotten; it will never be forgotten. It is really critical for the industry and for the north. We recognize that, but we need to have a sustainable plan that would ensure its viability for the future.”

I couldn’t agree more. We’re just getting frustrated. And the member from Essex—where are you from, then?

Interjection: Kent.