Simcoe North chooses

In the end, it was not a surprise. Progressive Conservative leader, Patrick Brown, easily captured the riding of Simcoe North in this week’s by-election. Congratulations to him and the candidates representing the Liberals, New Democrats and Green Party. It takes courage to put your name forward, not to mention the tremendous time and energy to run a campaign.

Only one of the candidates, Valerie Powell of the Green Party, focused on the need to protect Ontario’s best farmland and water resources. While the Liberal and NDP candidates stressed the importance of preserving the rare agricultural land that grows our food and supports the province’s $34-billion agri-food sector, they did not take the Food & Water First pledge when asked by the Packet & Times newspaper. Patrick Brown did not respond to the paper’s request. This was disappointing.

However, as the new MPP for Simcoe North, we hope Patrick Brown seizes the opportunity to speak up for not just his constituents, but for the land and water that sustain them. A suggested question to pose in the Legislature: What has happened to the government’s promised “Farms Forever” program? Best of luck in your new job!

 

Speaking up Down Under

Australia’s former Governor-General, who’s also a former army commander, says there’s a connection between food security and global strife. Michael Jeffrey points out in this article The World’s Real Security Crisis that when soil and water resources are in short supply, it triggers conflict.

 “As a soldier, I know that when people starve, they usually fight; that having sufficient food and water is fundamental to world peace.”

 Michael Jeffrey is also Australia’s National Soils Advocate. Will our next federal government create such an important role? Ask your federal candidates before October 19th!