Interview With Minister of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs Ernie Hardeman

Friday, 6 November 2020 14:24

Local MPP Ernie Hardeman called into Heart FM this morning to share his thoughts on the budget and what it means for farmers and residents of Oxford County.

OXFORD COUNTY - Local MPP Ernie Hardeman says the budget released by Finance Minister Rod Phillips and the Conservatives is good news for people in Oxford County.

The budget is called Ontario's Action Plan: Protect, Support, Recover and it includes record spending and deficits as we try to get out of the pandemic. Phillips says the budget sets out a total of $45 billion in support over three years to make available the necessary health resources to continue protecting people, deliver critical programs and tax measures to support individuals, families and job creators impacted by the virus, and lay the groundwork for a robust long-term economic recovery for the province.

"The next phase of Ontario's Action Plan makes available every necessary resource to continue protecting people's health during the second wave of COVID-19 and beyond. We're providing new support to those who have been hardest hit, including parents, seniors and small business owners, while making sure we are removing barriers to enable the necessary growth for job creation and Ontario’s long-term economic recovery.”

Hardeman adds that the 2020 Budget is protecting frontline health care, supporting people and employers, and laying the foundation for economic recovery across the province, including people in Oxford.

“Our government is providing the necessary help and support for individuals, families and businesses in Oxford during the COVID-19 outbreak and beyond. Through record investments in health care, education and infrastructure as well as further removing barriers to job creation and economic growth, we're making sure Oxford and Ontario are able to recover from COVID-19 even stronger.”

You can listen to the interview with our local MPP and the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Ernie Hardeman below: