QUEEN'S PARK – Ontario Progressive Conservative Agriculture Critic Ernie Hardeman (Oxford), Finance Critic Tim Hudak (Niagara West-Glanbrook) and Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett today demanded to know when the provincial Liberals will step up with their share of money to help struggling tobacco farmers trying to get out of the tobacco industry.

“Dalton McGuinty is blowing smoke at Ontario’s tobacco farmers,” said Hardeman. “Despite promising to help these farmers transition out of the tobacco industry, McGuinty has done precious little during his five years in office.”

In light of the federal government announcement today that provides money towards an exit strategy for tobacco farmers, the MPPs want to know when the McGuinty Liberals will do the same.

“If the McGuinty government was truly committed to an anti-tobacco strategy, then they should do more to help farmers transition out of the product,” Hudak said. “They take in over $1 billion in tobacco taxes each year. They should use some of that revenue to help get Ontario farmers out of the tobacco business.”

"Now is not the time for farmers to pause – they have to put pen to paper or pick up the phone to let their MPP know that we are only half way there,” said Barrett. “These hardworking farmers are already struggling and it’s time the McGuinty Liberals step up to the plate.”