By Mark Wales, President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture Ontario’s Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (ONCA) is one step closer to being amended with the recent second reading of Bill 85 (2013) Companies Statute Law Amendment Act, 2014. ONCA affects all organizations currently incorporated under the Ontario Corporations Act as not-for-profit. OFA supports ONCA’s intentions to provide more transparency and accountability by not-for-profit corporations to their members. But we also have several concerns. Since Fall 2013, OFA has voiced our concerns with this proposed act to the government and our members. We believe many of the proposed changes will be, at best, confusing. At worst, they will negatively affect our ability to provide fair member representation by geography, fair and equitable voting protocols and resolution policies and fully transparent fiscal reporting. OFA’s greatest concern with ONCA is the loss of geography-based electoral regions, directly affecting geographic representation of our province-wide organization. As representatives of 37,000 family farm members, we know farmers need local representation to their provincial farm organization. Farm issues vary significantly from region to region and only a local representative can do the job of bringing those issues forward to the provincial group for assistance and resolution. In a recent letter to Hon. Tracy MacCharles, Minister of Consumer Services, OFA outlined these concerns and made a clear recommendation – maintain geographic representation of members and voting directors. Next on our list of concerns with the proposed act is proxy voting. OFA is concerned that an ambitious single member or non-member, with the help of technology, could assemble sufficient proxy votes to significantly change the outcome of a vote. In other words, a single individual could possibly elect or remove a director from office or pass or quash a resolution. OFA recommends that proxy voting be an option under ONCA but not a requirement. Bill 85 will also change the policy on how resolutions (the act refers to resolutions as proposals) are handled. In its current form, the proposed act is unclear on whether or not a resolution requires a membership vote. It also unclear on whether or not a resolution is binding on the organization. OFA is recommending a membership vote be required on all resolutions and that they be non-binding to the organization. OFA’s recommendations to Ontario’s Not-for-Profit Corporations Act are in the best interests of our members. We’ve worked hard to ensure fair representation for our members, having undergone several changes in our own governance structure over the years. OFA will continue to work with the government and related ministries to make sure our recommendations are addressed. For more information contact: Mark Wales President Ontario Federation of Agriculture 519-773-6706 Neil Currie General Manager Ontario Federation of Agriculture 519-821-8883
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Guelph, ON [April 22, 2014] – Today’s $2 million funding announcement by the Ontario government is welcome news to the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA). The new funds extend select skills training programs for one academic year, beginning September 2014, at the University of Guelph’s Kemptville campus.
According to the government announcement, the funding will provide skills training in trades that support the agricultural sector in eastern Ontario, including agricultural equipment technician, heavy duty equipment technician, truck and coach technician, welder, horticultural technician and dairy herdsperson. “This is the first positive message we’ve had since the announcement was made to close the college less than a month ago,” says Mark Wales, OFA president. “Our industry, together with eastern Ontario communities, is grateful for the program extensions. We are still hopeful a solution can be found to continue offering the associate diploma and degree programs in agriculture at Kemptville College too.” Students already enrolled in the campus’s associate diploma programs in agriculture, equine care and food science will be able to complete their programs in Kemptville for 2014-15. OFA believes our industry needs a plan, continued investment and support for agricultural training institutions like Kemptville College. According to recent University of Guelph research, there are two jobs waiting for every diploma graduate in Ontario and three jobs waiting for every degree program graduate. These job opportunities demonstrate the strength of Ontario’s agri-food sector and the promising future it offers the next generation. Ontario Minister of Training, Colleges, and Universities, Hon. Brad Duguid recently announced a new facilitator position will be appointed to assist in the development of a long-term solution to keep Kemptville College operating. OFA supports the minister and looks forward to working with the provincial facilitator, industry stakeholders and the Kemptville College Renewal Task Force to continue delivering agricultural and skills training courses at the college. The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) is the largest general farm organization in Ontario. 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, 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. -30- For more information contact: Mark Wales President Ontario Federation of Agriculture 519-773-6706 Neil Currie General Manager Ontario Federation of Agriculture 519-821-8883 By Mark Wales, President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
In a well considered move, Minister of Natural Resources David Orazietti recently announced a pilot spring bear hunt. The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) commends and supports the ministry’s decision to launch the hunt across eight northern Ontario wildlife management areas this spring. Since the annual spring hunt was cancelled in 1999, the rising bear population has put human safety at risk and caused increasing damage to agricultural crops and rural properties. The new six-week spring bear hunt pilot will run in select northern Ontario areas known for having the most public safety incidents involving the animals. According to the government, this project is aimed at cutting the number of emergency calls and instances when police are forced to shoot nuisance bears after failed trap-and-relocation efforts. A pilot project approach to the bear hunt is a responsible and effective way to get the population under control, while examining the response and effectiveness of the hunt. The pilot will be strictly not for profit and further details on the anticipated 2015 hunt are expected to be announced later this month. The 1999 cancellation of the annual spring bear hunt in Ontario was never clearly explained by the Ministry of Natural Resources. The hunt generated millions of dollars in economic activity annually across Northern Ontario. OFA believes reinstating the spring bear hunt will offer economic opportunities to northern communities while preventing damage, danger, and expense to rural communities and Ontario farm families. OFA is launching an online campaign at actnow.ofa.on.ca to show our support of this spring’s bear hunt pilot. OFA members can send an electronic letter of support to their MPP, Premier Wynne, Minister Orazietti and other key policy makers. OFA believes this hunt is important because it provides the means to manage potential threats to our safety and livelihoods, making for stronger farm businesses and rural communities. OFA is pleased to work with the provincial government to find practical solutions to issues like wildlife damage and control. -30- For more information contact: Mark Wales President Ontario Federation of Agriculture 519-773-6706 Neil Currie General Manager Ontario Federation of Agriculture 519-821-8883 Guelph, ON (April 11, 2014) – Ontario farmers now have additional marketing options for crops with the introduction of the new Greener Diesel mandate by the Ontario government. This initiative supports two key priorities the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) has for Ontario agriculture – economic growth and environmental sustainability.
Effective April 1, 2014, the new regulations require at least 2% biodiesel be blended into petroleum diesel. Rules for the blended fuel will be phased in over a three-year period, resulting in an average of at least 4% biofuel blend into regular diesel by 2017. The new regulations are expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 600,000 tonnes per year by 2017 – that’s equivalent to taking 140,000 cars off the road. An immediate result of this new mandate will see greenhouse gases reduced by 30% in 2014 and 70% by 2017. “When new markets, like the new biodiesel blended fuel, are opened for Ontario-grown products, it’s good news for the agri-food sector and the overall provincial economy,” says Mark Wales, OFA president. “The new Greener Diesel mandate will boost domestic marketing opportunities for Ontario farmers, especially in the soybean sector.” The OFA supports this new initiative because it will help support growth and sustainability in Ontario – by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, encouraging investment in the fuel industry and mandating the use of an agriculturally-derived product. The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) is the largest general farm organization in Ontario. 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, 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. -30- For more information contact: Mark Wales President Ontario Federation of Agriculture 519-773-6706 Neil Currie General Manager Ontario Federation of Agriculture 519-821-8883 By Mark Wales, President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
Agriculture rang through the halls of Queen’s Park on April 8, 2014 when the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) visited provincial politicians. Words like growth, economy, food, fibre and jobs were part of every discussion between OFA representatives and more than 80 MPPs and key decision-makers across all three political parties. OFA’s message was simple and clear: We need to work together if Ontario agriculture is to grow and help our province prosper. That’s why our discussions outlined four areas where we need government support to continue to grow the potential for food, fibre and jobs in the province. These Queen’s Park discussions kicked off OFA’s new Growing Ontario 2014campaign and the four key priorities that will drive our government relations efforts throughout the year. Our first priority for Growing Ontario is securing a long-term commitment to provide farms, rural businesses and constituents with access to natural gas. OFA has proposed a multi-year project that will require only a modest annual public investment. And we are confident that access to natural gas will attract new businesses and fuel economic growth in rural communities across Ontario. Second, we told MPPs to remain competitive and grow our industry, Ontario farmers must have fair property tax assessments. Property taxes must only be used to cover the cost of services provided to properties. Municipal services provided to residents, like recreation facilities and health care, must be financed by other funding sources – including adequate provincial funding transfers. Our third priority focuses on improving food literacy. OFA believes Ontarians need to understand the nutritional value of their food, where their food comes from and how to prepare basic meals from scratch. Getting food literacy programs back in Ontario schools will help young adults make better, healthier, lifelong choices. And improved food knowledge and appreciation will help students see agri-food as an exciting career choice, ultimately benefiting Ontario farm businesses. And our fourth priority builds on agriculture education and career awareness. Students need to be aware of the breadth of job opportunities in agriculture and the great hiring rates for graduates. With two jobs waiting for every agri-food diploma graduate, and three jobs waiting for every agri-food degree graduate, Ontario’s agri-food industry has a lot of growth and opportunity ahead. But we also need support for training institutions to grow and move our industry forward. Ontario needs fundamental agricultural education, training and skill development to meet the growing job opportunities in our sector. The next generation of farmers and skilled workers must be encouraged to continue producing food, fibre and jobs. Our overriding message to policy makers was clear: The Wynne government must include key items for the agri-food sector in its 2014 budget. Ontario farmers are up to the task of growing our agri-food industry. We look to the Ontario government for the investment, support and collaboration we need to make it happen. -30- For more information contact: Mark Wales President Ontario Federation of Agriculture 519-773-6706 Neil Currie General Manager Ontario Federation of Agriculture 519-821-8883 North Grenville, ON – After meeting with representatives from three colleges, the Kemptville College Renewal Task Force continues its work in finding a local solution to ensure the long-term success of the University of Guelph Kemptville Campus.
In meeting with representatives of Algonquin College and St. Lawrence College on Monday, and a private sector group on Friday, Task Force members underscored the need to continue to provide agriculture and agri-food related education along with selected skilled trades. “Over the past week we have had a number of productive meetings with groups that are quite attracted with the potential of the Kemptville campus”, said Brian Carré, Chair of the Kemptville College Renewal Task Force. “It is quite interesting to see the range of possibilities that exist and potential that others see in the campus.” “We are optimistic that a local sustainable solution will emerge from these discussions”, added Mr. Carré. “We are particularly heartened to see the commitment of Premier Kathleen Wynne that every effort must be made to explore options for the continued availability of academic programs currently offered at Kemptville Campus beyond 2015.” Over the course of the coming weeks the Task Force will continue dialogue with the three college representatives as they undertake their due diligence. As well, meetings have been established with the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities this week. A dedicated website and social media presence are being established to assist in communicating the Task Force’s progress. - 30 - For more information: Brian J. Carré, Chairman Kemptville College Renewal Task Force 613-258-9569 ext. 155 [email protected] By Mark Wales, President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
Being the voice of Ontario farmers is not an easy task. With more than 200 products grown in Ontario alone, as well as a multitude of livestock commodities, production systems and choices in farming practices, Ontario farmers have a lot on their minds. And as the organization advocating for 37,000 farm businesses in geographic regions across the province, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) has a big job to do. That’s why the OFA is conducting its general membership survey – to find out what we’re doing well, and where we can improve services to our members. As an organization, we have committed to conducting these surveys every two years as a way to benchmark our progress, member satisfaction and key areas of concern. The last time we did a survey like this in 2012, we took some important insights forward to shape our organization’s direction. In 2012 we learned our members strongly believed that lobbying governments and building public awareness about issues affecting farmers were the most important activities OFA could do for its members. We’ve taken that message to heart and focused on strengthening our relationship with policymakers at all three levels of government. Last year, we hosted a successful Field Day for MPPs and their staff. The day provided an opportunity for key policymakers to see agriculture in action on a working farm. Many reported later that they gained a better understanding of some key challenges and opportunities that exist on the farm. The OFA has also worked hard to focus our messages around key issues our members have told us are important to them. And, when it’s time to act, OFA is now able to employ its easy-to-use petition website to call our members to action. This online tool – actnow.ofa.on.ca – allows our members to share messages about hot button agricultural issues with their MPs and MPPs quickly and effectively. In our initial benchmarking member survey two years ago, we learned that overall, members were satisfied with OFA’s performance across all categories. But the largest area for improvement was on-farm/local support. OFA heard that call and focused even more of our resources on local support, through our Member Service Representatives (MSRs). We also gained key insights into communication technology in use on Ontario farms. We found 43% of our members used a smartphone at that time, and we are interested to see how that number has changed in two years. The OFA is ready to hear from its members about how we can continue to build profitable and sustainable farms, together. This year’s member survey runs from April 2 until May 9, 2014. Completing the survey earns participants a chance to win one of five iPad Air tablets. Participants can complete the survey online, by following the link from www.ofa.on.ca, or phone the office at 519-821-8883 to request to have a copy mailed. -30- For more information contact: Mark Wales President Ontario Federation of Agriculture 519-773-6706 Neil Currie General Manager Ontario Federation of Agriculture 519-821-8883 |
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