News Release Farmers’ Support for Lemieux Grows GPR Conservative Candidate Stands Up for Rural Canada Casselman (December 18, 2005) – On Friday December 16th dozens of local farmers braved a heavy snow storm to meet Glengarry-Prescott-Russell Conservative candidate Pierre Lemieux and discuss the issues facing agriculture today. The event was held at the Coulange dairy farm in Casselman where Lemieux was given a personal tour of the operation. During the discussions Lemieux expressed his support for Farmgate 5, a plan to protect local dairy, chicken, turkey and egg farmers. He also pledged to represent farmers, defend supply management and speak up for hard-working farming families in Parliament. Lemieux also enquired further about the problems facing grain farmers. During the discussions, the farmers were shocked to read a recent quote from Liberal International Trade Minister Jim Peterson, speaking for Canada at the World Trade Organization (WTO) talks in Hong Kong. Peterson said, “We are prepared to reduce our support for agriculture in a way that is very real, and would actually cut into our domestic programs.” Local farmer Jean-Marie Menard noted that, “Liberal Agriculture Minister Andy Mitchell refused to sign in support of Farmgate 5 when I met him.” Lemieux said, “The Liberals are selling out our local farmers. The Liberals say one thing and do another. Farmers deserve better and it is time to change for the better here in our riding.” One farmer after the discussions with Lemieux were over said, “I came here skeptical, but after having met you and heard you speak, you have my vote.” This meeting built on the support Lemieux has already received from farmers and other rural residents since his nomination. The Landowners Associations of Prescott-Russell and Glengarry County have also announced that they endorse Lemieux. For further information, please contact: |