Food forum

The food and agriculture community are planning a grill of a different sort on Wednesday night.

Members of the Thunder Bay Federation of Agriculture and the Regional Food Distribution Association, to name just two groups, are planning to host an all-candidates’ forum at the CLE Heritage Building, with an eye on learning how potential MPPs will improve the lives of farmers and consumers.

"Food and farming issues are relevant to everyone, as we all need food to eat. Farmers grow that food. How do we balance the need for farmers to make enough money to make a living from the farm and still find ways for low-income families to access good healthy food?" said TBFA president  Brekveld in a release issued on Wednesday.

"These are issues that need to be addressed at the Provincial level, and now is the time to ask our candidates what they and their parties plan to do to address these issues."
RFDA spokesperson Volker Kromm agreed. 

"The use of food banks is continuing to increase," he said. 

"The number of small farmers serving regional populations is continuing to decrease.  Our clients need access to fresh, healthy foods and without enough of those small local farmers the rising costs of fuel will make it impossible for them to afford it.  Food brings us all together – whether you're eating it, growing it or in need of it, what we will learn Wednesday night applies to you."

Candidates have been supplied with a first round of questions. Organizers said they've confirmed at least four of eight candidates will be in attendance, including Liberal Michael Gravelle, Green Party hopeful Scot Kyle and NDP candidates Mary Kozorys and Steve Mantis. Conservative Fred Gilbert has said he won't be able to attend, while the organizers say they have yet to get a response from Conservative Anthony LeBlanc or Liberal Bill Mauro's campaigns.

The Green Party is expected to name a candidate in Thunder Bay-Atikokan on Monday, a replacement for Russ Aegard, who bowed out of the race on Friday.  

The forum is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. and wrap up at 9:30 p.m.