BONVILLE, Ontario – On Tuesday, Feb. 11, Stormont, Dundas and South Glengarry MPP Jim McDonell met with the Parliamentary Assistant (PA) to Ontario Minister of Agriculture Ernie Hardeman, Randy Pettapiece, at the Lion’s Club in Bonville.
Pettapiece was in Bonville to meet with members of the region to discuss growing the rural economy.
“Our government understands that a strong and dynamic rural Ontario is essential for the health of the province’s economy,” said PA Pettapiece. “By working together and meeting with businesses, rural organizations and municipal partners, we’ll ensure the economic development programs, resources and tools our government develops for rural communities help support and strengthen rural Ontario.”
This meeting comes one week after Minister Hardeman came to the Bonville Lion’s Club to discuss harsher penalties for those who trespass on farms.
READ MORE: Agriculture Minister pitches new trespass bill to SD&G farmers
MPP McDonell praised PA Pettapiece and their government’s commitment to rural Ontario.
“I’m pleased to have PA Pettapiece here today to sit down with eastern Ontarians,” said MPP Jim McDonell. “It’s important that we listen and learn from people where they live, work and play, and understand what is important to them so that we can make the best informed decisions possible and find ways to support, stimulate and strengthen economic development that will enhance and grow vibrant rural communities.”
As a part of its goal of supporting Ontario rural communities, the Ford Government has invested $26 million in the Main Street Revitalization Initiative, which is funding that can be used to improve small town main streets.