You know, the chuckling that I’m hearing coming from the opposition really points to the fact that they are completely disconnected, so I so look forward to sharing my next comment.

Interjection.

With that said, I want to continue talking specifically as to why we need to continue to do everything we can to advance the agri-food industry in Ontario, because we’re getting handcuffed by federal and provincial Liberals on carbon tax. Clearly, the NDP have no clue what it’s really like to actually produce quality crops on farms, and they don’t understand the costs of production. That was just proven moments ago.

The fact of the matter is, when we developed our Grow Ontario Strategy, we made a commitment to listen to everyone, and I’m so proud of the feedback that was facilitated, not only by fellow MPPs in government but also by the team at OMAFRA, because they too understand that for a prosperous overall industry we needed to get out, hit the road and seek input, so that the proposed changes in Bill 155 are well informed. And we’ve done just that.

Some industry organizations that have participated—I know that my colleagues mentioned some of them, but I want to give a shout-out and give you a sampling of the individuals and organizations, commodity organizations and businesses that have participated: the Beef Farmers of Ontario, Dairy Farmers of Ontario, Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers, Livestock Research Innovation Corp., Ontario Apple Growers and Ontario Tender Fruit Growers. That’s just a handful of everyone who gave of their time to make sure we got it right. And as we heard from my colleagues, we did get it right, Madam Speaker, because we took time to be informed. Everyone has supported this, and we have moved through in a very thoughtful manner.

During our extensive stakeholder engagement, it was clear that the industry was aligned for the need of research that is forward-thinking, forward-looking, all the while addressing the realities and the goals that we have today. Again, it makes me so incredibly proud of how far we’ve come with this particular piece of legislation, and just like my colleagues, I want to share some experts’ written feedback that we received.

The Ontario Federation of Agriculture, the province’s largest general farm organization with 38,000 members, said this, and I’m quoting President Drew Spoelstra. He said, “OFA supports the updated language in Bill 155. The modernized definition of research removes the previous narrow focus and provides scope. The addition of innovation in the ARIO name, and as a defined team, is reflective of current research and innovation initiatives and aligns with the focus of the Grow Ontario Strategy to strengthen the agri-food sector.”

In addition to this, during our committee hearings OFA had a deputation and OFA’s very own and ARIO board member, Jennifer Doelman, comes from eastern Ontario, and we’re so lucky to have her around.

Interjections.

The Beef Farmers of Ontario also supported written feedback. Executive director Richard Horne wrote, “With respect to Bill 155, BFO is broadly supportive of the proposed modernization of the Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario Act, and would like to commend the government of Ontario for initiating this long-overdue process.”

As you can hear, Speaker—and our committee heard this loud and clear as well, I would dare say. Thank you to the members who are here today who participated on that committee. I appreciated it very much.

At the end of the day, what the committee members heard was enthusiasm about modernizing the ARIO Act. All in all, stakeholder reaction has been very positive to the modernization effort that we’ve facilitated, and again, it’s a demonstration and a proof point that our government takes time to consult and to listen, because we need to get it right.

As we did that, industry stakeholders relayed that they see the proposed modernization of the ARIO Act as an opportunity for the organization itself, ARIO, to play a larger, more high-profile role in the advancement of agri-food research in Ontario. We heard about the 14 research stations we have across Ontario moments ago, and I’m really proud of the corridor of excellence that we’re growing and fostering near Elora. I would dare say, not only are we going to be setting the tone in terms of advanced research and innovation for Ontario, but the rest of Canada and jurisdictions around the world will be looking to what we’re doing in Ontario when it comes to thoughtfully growing our agri-food industry.

Stakeholders also expressed that ARIO can help to shape a stronger industry and, more importantly, supply chain. If ever before, and on the heels of the pandemic, did we come to realize how important a robust, secure supply chain is, and I would dare say—and I think the farmers across the province, our commodity organizations, and our food and beverage organization would echo this—our sector worked so incredibly hard to ensure that the pandemic had minimal impact on the production of good-quality, safe food, not only grown but processed and manufactured right here in Ontario. That speaks to our Grow Ontario Strategy as well, because it’s our plan to strengthen the agri-food industry and ensure an efficient, reliable and responsive food supply chain to address ongoing vulnerabilities through new innovations.

Just yesterday, I visited the port of Hamilton, and it’s amazing what’s happening there. Overall, HOPA understands and values the prominent role that agriculture has in that particular port. There are hundreds of value-added businesses that are processing in the Hamilton area.

We visited Bunge in particular. They take truckloads of soybeans from across Ontario and a little bit of canola, but they also, by boat and truck and rail, bring in canola from western Canada. At that port, right on site, to minimize the cost of production, Bunge receives the raw commodity and processes it so that, ultimately, not only oil for livestock feed but edible oil is processed right there in the port lands. That’s a thriving, prosperous, thoughtful connection within the supply chain. Then, once it’s processed, that oil makes its way to Oakville and makes its way into what has been deemed the food and beverage manufacturing hub of all of Canada, which is the GTHA. I would dare say—I’ll give a plug, because they deserve it. How many people enjoy a nice, crispy French fry from McDonald’s? Okay, there are hands going up.

That said, I can tell you that I learned that edible oil that Bunge produces right there, after receiving the raw commodity in the port lands in Hamilton, actually is used by McDonald’s across Canada to fry those french fries. That’s something that soybean producers in Bruce county and Huron county and counties all over Ontario can be really proud of.

That’s why we work 365 days a year to produce raw commodities that can be realized, and that realization is something we can all be so incredibly proud of.

Interjections.