MPP Ted McMeekin, Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale
In a recent speech to the Canadian Club in Toronto, Premier Dalton McGuinty made clear our government’s priority to eliminate the deficit. Our government will protect health care and education, and will not raise taxes. Instead, we will find ways, through reform, to deliver government services more efficiently. We will position Ontario to create more jobs, have an even stronger economy, and better public services.
With that said, 2012 will be an important year for Ontario, and we want everyone’s input. Last week, I participated in a live tele-town hall with Finance Minister Dwight Duncan. More than 38,000 people from across the Golden Horseshoe area took part in the discussion.
As Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs one of my biggest thrills is driving down a farm lane and introducing myself. I enjoy touring farming operations, and seeing firsthand why Ontario is known for producing the best tasting, most nutritious and safest foods.
I had the opportunity to tour Loewith Dairy Farm in December, as well as Beverly Greenhouse and Terra Greenhouse operations. I also attended AGMs for the H-W Federation of Agriculture and the local beef producers. Since being appointed minister in October, I have met with more than 60 agriculture stakeholder groups and several small town mayors. Something I learned at these meetings is there is a common drive to increase production, consumption and export of Ontario agricultural products and to focus on research and innovation that will help grow our agricultural economy and create more jobs.
I was also pleased to hear directly from constituents at my New Year’s Levee, as well as at Mayor Bob Bratina’s and councillor Lloyd Ferguson’s levees. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts. I welcome further input and ideas. If you would like to reach me, don’t hesitate to contact my office either in person at 299 Dundas St. East, Waterdown, by phone, 905-690-6552 or by email at tmcmeekin.mpp@liberal.ola.org.
More Amazing People
I would like to congratulate Judy Langsner (Ancaster H.S.) and Rick Hart (Highland H.S.) for receiving top honours as two of Canada’s Outstanding Principals for 2012.
On the sports scene, Michael Ciccarelli, gold medalist in snowboard slopestyle at the Winter Youth Olympic Games in Austria, and Waterdown sprinter Christian Brennan, one of three finalists for the Bill Sturrup Golden Horseshoe Athlete of the Year award, make us so proud.
Lastly, Happy 100th birthday to Vera Tomlinson (Jan. 27), who resides at Amica in Dundas.
