USE COMMON SENSE IN ENFORCING LAWS: RUNCIMAN
QUEEN'S PARK - Use some common
sense in enforcing regulations on farm market
vendors, Bob Runciman, MPP for Leeds-Grenville
challenged the McGuinty Government in a statement
in the Ontario Legislature today.
Runciman’s remarks were based on recent
edicts from district health units warning farmers
against selling products such as jams, relishes,
preserves and baked goods at local farm markets.
Recently, the Lanark, Leeds-Grenville Health
Unit warned vendors at the Brockville Farmer’s
Market against selling these products unless
they were produced in special licensed kitchens,
separate from family kitchens. The same warning
has gone to vendors of other markets across
the province.
“This McGuinty government has little
understanding of and no empathy for, the rural
way of life in our province and the history
and traditions associated with it,” added
Runciman.
While market products are in the gun sights
now, these requirements also apply to food prepared
for church dinners, potluck suppers and even
bake sales held to raise money for school activities.
Runciman said: “I have never heard of
anyone becoming ill from products bought at
a country market, or people attending church
dinners or potluck suppers. Incredibly while
I was hearing about the assault on market producers,
provincial media were blasting reports about
160 diners becoming ill in Burlington after
attending a buffet prepared by a professional
caterer who prepares his meals in a licensed
kitchen, regularly inspected by the area health
unit.”
The Leeds-Grenville MPP said the Toronto-centric
bias of the McGuinty government is at the root
of this assault on small-town, rural traditions.
“Anger is growing and I urge the government
to step back and bring common sense to our laws
and their application,” said Runciman.
Media Contact
Bob Runciman, MPP
(416) 325-1522
