NDP leader Howard Hampton has called on the Conservatives to buy hay from Ontario farmers to ship to struggling farmers in Western Canada.
“Ontario farmers in some areas are blessed with a surplus of hay, and have chosen to share that with western farmers,” Hampton says. “The government should pitch in and show its support for Ontario farmers’ generosity and buy some of the remaining hay to send West.”
Ontario farmers have already donated thousands of bales of hay that is to be sent West and distributed in a lottery system. Buying surplus hay would help producers in both parts of the country, Hampton says.
“It would be a win for everyone. We support our vital agricultural economy and Western farmers get much-needed hay,” Hampton says.
Hampton also urged the Conservatives to push the federal government to provide income tax receipts to those farmers who have already donated hay.
