Hansard Issue L077A

Session: 38:2
Date: May 16, 2006
FOOD SAFETY

http://hansardindex.ontla.on.ca/hansardeissue/38-2/l077a.htm

Mr. John Wilkinson (Perth-Middlesex): My question is for the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care. As you know, farmers' markets are integral to our rural way of life. Food preparation and food services often occur at these venues and are an important part of the local economy. We all know that food safety is of the utmost importance, but my constituents are confused as to what the guidelines will be. They're concerned that the new guidelines will not take into account the unique characteristics of farmers' markets, and consequently may cause some of them to close.

Minister, my constituents in Perth-Middlesex deserve to know, does the McGuinty government appreciate the importance of farmers' markets as an integral part of Ontario's livelihood?

Hon. George Smitherman (Minister of Health and Long-Term Care): I'm pleased to take the question. In doing research today on this issue, I've been pleased to note that while farmers' markets are well established in rural parts of Ontario, those of us who live and celebrate life in urban areas also celebrate the opportunity to access farmers' markets. In fact, 40% of all the farmers' markets in Ontario occur in urban areas. In my own riding, at Toronto city hall and at the north market of St. Lawrence on Saturdays, we have the benefit of these things.

I do think we've seen some unequal enforcement across public health units on this matter. Accordingly, the chief medical officer of health, Dr. Basrur, has been working on a strategy with public health units to proactively educate and inform so that enforcement is much less of a requirement. We believe this is the appropriate way to move forward to protect the important farmers' markets, which are vital to the culture in local communities, not to mention the economy, and in so doing to offer the appropriate protections related to food safety. This is ongoing on a proactive basis and we're working in consultation with all affected parties.

Mr. Wilkinson: On behalf of my constituents, we do appreciate the McGuinty government's continued commitment to the health and safety of Ontarians.

The holding of special events where food is prepared at churches, service clubs and fraternal organizations is also a key component of my constituents' livelihood in rural Ontario. Without question, the need for safe food preparation is paramount. I have, though, received concerns from my constituents about the application of regulation 562. It has proven unclear, Minister. I believe the regulations need clarification. What is your ministry doing to address these immediate concerns?

Hon. Mr. Smitherman: First and foremost, I would commit to renewal of regulation 562 after an appropriate consultation period has occurred. We've been working closely with the organization called Farmers' Markets Ontario, which is the representative voice of farmers' markets. We are committed to bringing in a new reg. That wouldn't occur until the fall at the very earliest, and not until we've had the appropriate opportunity for consultation. The medical officer of health is guiding public health units through the production of a booklet to proactively help to educate and inform, to show people that there are risks. Last summer, we encountered young kids in Ontario, north of Toronto, whose parents secured unpasteurized milk. They ended up with very serious hospitalization at Southlake hospital in Newmarket.

Our obligation is to ensure safe environments, of course. We believe we can do that in a fashion, through proactive education, that does not affect these very important institutions. This is important in rural and urban Ontario alike. Accordingly, we're going to work very hard to ensure that these institutions are --

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Thank you. New question.