Tobacco Board Wants More Action, Less Talk

Source from:  simcoereformer.ca 06/16/2008

It's time to get back to the table and "get the job done" when it comes to figuring out a strategy for tobacco farmers, the chair of the marketing board says. "We believe that all stakeholders, federal and provincial governments, tobacco manufacturers and tobacco board representatives need to get back to the table and get the job done," Ontario Flue-Cured Tobacco Growers' Marketing Board chair Linda Vandendriessche said in a press release, issued by the board late yesterday afternoon. Vandendriessche added they are taking the government's word that it is working with tobacco manufacturers and other stakeholders to come up with a solution, "but time is running out. "Desperation and debt-load are taking a toll on farm families and our communities," she said. Vandendriessche and vice-chair Fred Neukamm appeared before the standing committee of public safety and national security in Ottawa on Monday to describe the desperate situation facing tobacco farm families. The 2008 tobacco crop will be the smallest in history with a drop of more than 85 per cent in just 10 years. Part of the reason for the nosedive is contraband and counterfeit cigarettes don't include Ontario-grown tobacco. "We are encouraged by the government's commitment to action against contraband. We firmly believe that criminal activity will subside considerably when the laws of the land are enforced on all Canadians," Vandendriessche said. On Tuesday, there was debate on a Liberal motion, put forward by Brant MP Lloyd St. Amand, to create an exit strategy for tobacco producers. The vote passed in the Commons with a 150-114 vote, and was supported by all three Opposition parties. The Conservatives, including Haldimand-Norfolk MP Diane Finley, voted against the motion. Finley told the Reformer Wednesday that she voted the way she did because the motion wasn't in the best interest of everyone involved, including the farmers who want to get out of tobacco, the farmers who want to transition to another crop, the farmers who want to continue to grow tobacco and the community as a whole. Yesterday, Vandendriessche and Neukamm reappeared before the standing committee on agriculture and agri-food and again stressed the urgency of the problems facing tobacco farmers and their communities. Vandendriessche thanked St. Amand and others for putting the issue before Parliament and raising its profile. Now that everyone is aware of the situation, Vandendriessche said, everyone needs to work together. "We are ready and willing to participate and co-operate fully to reach a much-needed solution and immediate action," Vandendriessche said. Enditem