Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee

That the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee approve the addition of this item for consideration by the committee at today’s meeting, pursuant to section 84(3) of the Procedure By-law .

WHEREAS on March 12, 2014, the University of Guelph announced the relocation of academic and research programs from its Kemptville campus, ending a 97-year tradition of agricultural education, research and innovation in Eastern Ontario; and WHEREAS the decision by the University of Guelph, supported by the Province of Ontario, will result in the elimination of over 100 jobs at the Kemptville campus, effecting communities across the City of Ottawa, particularly in the City’s rural areas; and WHEREAS the City of Ottawa is home to the largest agricultural economy in Eastern Ontario and it is important for the long-term sustainability of the region’s food security that local farmers have the opportunity to send the next generation for agricultural education and research that is specific to local conditions and to be able to continue their own education while still working their farms; and WHEREAS the Alfred campus has been retained, which will provide the opportunity for local francophone farmers to continue to receive agricultural education and training and time should be taken to ensure that all options to retain the services and research provided at the Kemptville campus are explored; and WHEREAS the Municipality of North Grenville passed a motion at its meeting of March 17, 2014 urging the Honourable Kathleen Wynne, in her capacity as Premier of Ontario and Minister of Agriculture and Food, to issue a two-year moratorium on the closure of the University of Guelph’s Kemptville

That the Chair of the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee send the letter he drafted and read at the meeting of the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee of 3 April 2014 requesting updates to the D-5-5 Guidelines to the Minister of the Environment for Ontario.