The Government of Ontario is launching a new round of the Meat Processors Capacity Improvement Initiative, with support of the federal government’s Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP) program. The $10 million program will provide funding to eligible free-standing meat plants and abattoirs to make short-term investments in meat handling and processing equipment, technologies, and practices that… Read More

The Ontario government has revealed its plans to help address veterinary shortages in the province, with a focus on large-animal practice in northern and remote communities. A $15 million spend will establish a new Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program with the University of Guelph and Lakehead University, at Thunder Bay, to train more veterinarians…. Read More

Premier Doug Ford’s government released its latest budget for Ontario, with a major focus on health care and housing. Tucked in the budget, however, are a few items directly or indirectly applicable to agriculture in the province, including a focus on improving veterinary access in under-serviced areas, support for trades, and a manufacturing credit. In… Read More

As of this week, the Ontario government is expanding its workplace safety COVID-19-compliance blitz to more businesses, including farms. The campaign began last week focused on big-box retail stores. More than 300 provincial officers will now be focusing on retail, restaurants providing take-out, gas stations, and farms, among other essential businesses. Officers will enter businesses to… Read More

Ontario’s government will roll out $150 million in cost-share funding through its Improving Connectivity in Ontario (ICON) program as part of its plan to build broadband and cellular service in rural areas. ICON is part of the province’s $315 million initiative called Up to Speed: Ontario’s Broadband and Cellular Action Plan. When leveraged, ICON has… Read More

It won’t be long until the government of Ontario decides the fate of Bill 132. It’s an act to reduce “burdens on people and businesses by enacting, amending and repealing various acts and revoking various regulations,” according to the government’s website. Currently, members of the standing committee are meeting to discuss the Bill, and will… Read More

Ontario’s government has released its proposed animal welfare model to replace the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) Act. Earlier this year, the OSPCA informed the province it would no longer carry out animal welfare enforcement in the province, necessitating a revamp of the current animal welfare enforcement model and rules…. Read More

Earlier this year, the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) informed the government it would no longer be carrying out animal welfare law enforcement. The announcement has spurred the need for an overhaul of Ontario’s Ontario Animal Protection Act, but also left a gap between the current set up and the… Read More

The Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario (EFAO) have won the inaugural Excellence in Agriculture Awards from the Government of Ontario. According to a news release, the award recognizes agri-food businesses, individuals and organizations that have raised the bar for agri-food excellence, demonstrated leadership in their field, undertaken strategic product development benefiting their sector, or advanced… Read More

Most people in rural areas across Canada have one unfortunate thing in common: slow internet. The Ontario government is hoping to change that for the people in Wellington County. Infrastructure Minister, Monte McNaughton announced up to $63.7 million will be given to the Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT), as part of the government’s commitment for… Read More

The Ontario SPCA’s (OSPCA) contract is set to expire at the end of the month, and the organization has informed the government it will no longer enforce the animal welfare legislation in the province of Ontario at that time. The OSPCA has offered a three-month transition phase of the current working arrangement that could see the charity… Read More

The Ontario government is proposing changes to the previous government’s recent overhaul of the rabies immunization rules as they apply to livestock headed to agricultural fairs. Ernie Hardeman, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, says the proposed amendments to the Health Protection and Promotion Act are intended to reduce “unnecessary red tape and… Read More

Ontario’s Premier Doug Ford began his western tour Thursday by visiting a kindred spirit, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe. Moe clearly indicated he’s glad to have Ford on his side on several issues, but particularly Saskatchewan’s long-standing opposition to the carbon tax. Ontario announced it is intervening in the Government of Saskatchewan’s reference challenging the federal… Read More

 

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