Crewson pledges Food & Water First

March 18, 2015 · 0 Comments

“Our health and our economy depend on it” – Ed Crewson
It would seem obvious that food and water must be the primary priority when designing provincial and federal development policies, but in recent decades, industry lobbyists have all too often influenced legislation and policy makers into putting development first, usually under the guise of job creation. As recently as 2012, Dufferin-Caledon soil and water faced a formidable foe, not just in the proposal by the Highland Companies to mine on prime farmland and a major fresh water source, but in the very provincial policies that should protect the soil and water. Despite this, not all local politicians are on board with the concept, nor have they all taken the Food & Water First pledge.
On March 10th, Ed Crewson, the newly nominated Federal Liberal Candidate for Dufferin-Caledon, determined to make his position clear, stood on the snow packed fresh waters of the Pine River, surrounded by some of Ontario’s rarest farmland, and signed a digital pledge, with North Dufferin Agricultural and Community Taskforce (NDACT) board member Carl Cosack, pledging to put Food & Water First.
Crewson said the federal government “must take leadership” in food safety and the environment. “Dufferin-Caledon farmers produce the healthiest, safest, highest-quality foods in the world. We need a government that will listen to producers and consumers, make decisions based on good science, and work with our provincial and municipal partners to protect our farmland and water resources – because both our health and our economy depend on it.”
NDACT board member, and former president, Carl Cosack said the organization was “very appreciative that Ed Crewson signed the Food & Water First pledge.” Cosack said the Federal Liberal candidate “realizes that land use planning is a provincial issue, yet a national food strategy, as is currently being worked on by the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, the federal NDP, Green and Liberal parties, needs his voice. “ Cosack added that “Water protection is a national issue and the “Navigable Waters Act” has removed important protections from 100’s of rivers (a Conservative Government initiative across Canada) including the Nottawasaga River, which is so very important in this region.”
Recently, Ontario’s Environment and Climate Change Minister Glen Murray responded to Food & Water First’s request for a 10-year moratorium on non-farming development impacting Class 1 farmland. Murray said he recognized “the important contributions that are made by Ontario farms and farming operations to our economy, to sustaining rural communities and to keeping our environment green. In fact, working with the agricultural sector is part of our climate change strategy.” Murray promised to look into progress on the province’s Farms Forever program. NDACT urged the minister to press the initiative at the cabinet table.
“If we are to have a healthier Canada, we need healthier eating, while also understanding the role food plays in our lives, our economy and our communities,’ said Ed Crewson. “Food production is a major economic force in Dufferin County and the Town of Caledon. Citizens are concerned that this industry is maintained and that local food is safe and available to them. Without a strong federal commitment to local food, farmland preservation, protection of our water resources and food safety, quality of life will lessen.”

By Marni Walsh