Finley's no Vote Stirs Anger From Tobacco Belt

Source from:  Posted By Chris Thomas - Special to News-Record 06/19/2008

Delhi hasn't pushed the panic button yet, but MP Diane Finley may be getting the finger. Finley is taking flak for voting last week against a quota buyout program for beleagured tobacco farmers. A motion from Brant Liberal MP Lloyd St. Amand and backed by all three Opposition parties called for Ottawa and the provinces to provide $465 million to buy out quota and obsolete equipment using a special tax levy. The Conservatives, including Finley, voted against the motion that was passed in the House of Commons by a 150-114 margin. "I was rather surprised she didn't support it," said Coun. Mike Columbus, Delhi's representative on Norfolk County council. "It's hard to say, but it could come back to bite her." Finley was quoted last week as saying the motion only dealt with people who want to get out of tobacco. "We have to take care of all of the people," she said. Columbus concurs, but said numerous assurances have been made in the past with nothing concrete proposed, as yet. "I hope there's something better available for the community," he said. "Personally, I know of several farmers who are suffering mental anguish and desperation." Mike Jiggens, past chair of the Delhi District Chamber of Commerce, said Finley's partisan stance has "rubbed a little more salt in the wound." While the business community has not spoken out directly, Jiggens said bloggers are taking their shots at Finley. "It's going to be rough on her in general," said Paul Ryder, a local farmer. Ryder, who left the industry under a previous quota buyout program, said farmers are disappointed by the lack of government activity on the plight of the industry. "It's seen that she (Finley) hasn't been able to deliver," he said. Personally, Ryder is happy that he got out. "There are probably only about 100 farmers left and those poor buggers don't know what will happen," he said. Jiggens said the local business community is "hanging in there for the moment." "People aren't panicking just yet and pulling up stakes," he said. "There's still some optimism." Despite the acknowledged uncertainty and frustration within the industry and tobacco communities, he said businessmen are taking a "wait and see" attitude about possible spin offs for Delhi from the Toyotetsu plants in nearby Simcoe and Woodstock. "There might be opportunities connected with both of those," Jiggens said. In the meantime, farmers and the local community is fervently hoping that government assistance is forthcoming. "Hopefully, she (Finley) has something better than the Liberal proposal," Jiggens said. "Supposedly there's been discussions, but nothing has come through, not even a hint." Enditem