Councillor Mark Tadeson continues to support the agricultural community in Ward 11 and across Hamilton-Wentworth through his involvement with the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA). As a strong advocate for both urban and rural issues, he is committed to ensuring that our farmers also receive the support and resources they need to thrive.
OFA Initiatives and Farmer Support
The OFA plays a crucial role in addressing the concerns of farmers, from property tax programs to advocacy on development impacts and regulatory changes. Recent updates highlight key areas of interest:
Farmer Wellness Initiative: Mental health is a growing concern in the agricultural sector. This program provides Ontario farmers, their families, and farm employees with free, unlimited mental health counseling tailored to their unique challenges.
Federal Support for Agricultural Trade Disruptions: In response to U.S. tariff threats, the Canadian government has introduced financial aid programs, including:
Farm Credit Canada’s $1 billion Trade Disruption Customer Support Program, offering additional credit lines and new term loans.
Business Development Bank of Canada’s $500 million in new lending opportunities.
Export Development Canada’s $5 billion Trade Impact Program to help Canadian exporters find new markets.
Extended work-sharing measures under Employment Insurance, increasing eligibility and length of agreements from 38 weeks to 76 weeks.
Agricultural Development and Policy Webinars: The OFA continues to provide valuable resources, including discussions on balancing housing growth with farmland preservation.
Advocating for Rural Communities
Councillor Tadeson remains engaged in addressing pressing issues such as stormwater flooding, the impacts of new developments on farmland, and the challenges of obtaining building permits for barns and other agricultural infrastructure. Through collaboration with the OFA, he is working to ensure that rural voices are heard in municipal decision-making. He was one of the first councillors to speak up about the unfair burden of stormwater charges on rural residents without city water/stormwater system access.
For more information on the OFA’s work and resources, visit www.ofa.on.ca.
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