OFA Commentary: April 20, 2017
By Keith Currie, President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture Affordable housing is a very hot topic in the lead up to the provincial budget on April 27. The increasing housing prices in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) are also attracting plenty of media attention. But what if the real story lies outside of the city? The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) believes the solution to high cost housing could be found in our surrounding rural Ontario communities. Short-term solutions to solving the high housing costs and create affordable housing in the GTHA are on the table right now with city officials and the provincial and federal governments. We expect to see a suite of measures in the upcoming provincial budget to try to stabilize the market. The Minister of Finance is in a tough position and has vowed to avoid any unintended consequences like bursting a housing bubble. There may or may not be some short-term solutions that have impact, but OFA believes that the real long-term solution lies outside the GTHA. It is time to recognize that Toronto and the surrounding metropolis will never catch up with its infrastructure and housing needs at the current growth rate. The viable, long-term solution is to stabilize Toronto’s growth rather than just the housing market. This can be done by distributing economic development initiatives across the province – build up and invest in our rural communities. Only then will we relieve the pressure on the housing market for the long term. The solution lies in increasing investment in our rural areas to strengthen communities and provide new economic opportunities for families. Infrastructure investments like widespread broadband, access to affordable energy with natural gas and increased social infrastructure including local schools and medical care are needed to attract new businesses and new residents. The recent Barton report to the federal government highlighted agriculture and agri-food as an important and viable growth sector. It is time for the federal and provincial finance Ministers to start talking to the agri-business sector and mayors outside the GTHA to drive our economy forward while alleviating the GTHA housing crisis. Our rural municipalities are eager to attract new businesses, repair roads and bridges, bring in reliable broadband and install natural gas pipelines, but to do so we require a concerted effort on the part of business and governments. The Barton report provides the general objectives for growth, but we need to collectively focus efforts in the right direction. OFA and our partners across agriculture will be looking for the types of rural investments in the upcoming provincial budget that address the fundamental problem rather than just applying band-aid solutions to the GTHA housing problems. With the proper investments, our rural communities could relieve the strain on the GTHA housing market and offer less painful long-term economic growth. For more information, contact: Keith Currie President Ontario Federation of Agriculture 705-441-3362 Neil Currie General Manager Ontario Federation of Agriculture 519-821-8883
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By Mark Kunkel, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture As budgets go, the recent federal budget was seen as generally positive for the agri-food sector. We were identified as one of six key priority areas with the greatest potential to drive economic growth. Direct reference was made in the budget to the Report by the Advisory Council on Economic Growth (known as the Barton Report) – a document that identifies agri-food’s potential and calls for investments in agri-food to boost exports by 50% to bring the annual level to $75 million.
There may not be a lot of new money in the budget, but an overall innovation theme is consistent with the capacity and potential of the agri-food sector. Ten areas were specifically identified in the budget that relate to the agriculture and agri-food sector. There is $950 million over five years for six super clusters, including agriculture that’s been identified as a highlight innovative industry. Innovation Canada will lead the creation of Canada’s economic growth strategies that include agri-food. A new $1.26 billion, five-year innovation fund focused on the aerospace, defence and automotive industries will now include agri-food. The establishment of a Chief Science Advisor will help build trust in our science-based industry. To advance agricultural science specifically, $70 million will be invested over five years to support more discovery and innovation, including work on climate change, and soil and water conservation. The budget also included a repeat of the $500 million investment in broadband internet and $2 billion in rural and northern infrastructure – investments that are desperately needed to support further growth and innovation in the agri-food industry and our rural communities across Canada. OFA applauds the recognition of our industry’s potential in the 2017 federal budget. We will keep the spotlight on the Barton Report and include it in our work to build a national food policy while we continue to push for action on areas that serve and support our sector. -30- For more information, contact: Mark Kunkel Director Ontario Federation of Agriculture 705-492-4752 Neil Currie General Manager Ontario Federation of Agriculture 519-821-8883 |
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