For Immediate Release - July 9, 2025

Ontario Greens Leader Mike Schreiner was joined by Independent MPP Bobbi Ann Brady and OFA President Drew Spoelstra at Hamilton Council General Issues Committee on Bill 21: Protect Our Food Act.

Schreiner and Brady, who jointly introduced Bill 21: Protect Our Food Act during the most recent legislative session at Queen’s Park, were joined by OFA President Drew Spoelstra to delegate on the bill at a meeting of Hamilton Council’s General Issues Committee.

The General Issues Committee is currently reviewing a motion introduced by Councillor Ted McMeekin, which would formalize the City of Hamilton’s support for the bill to the provincial government and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, as well as agricultural organizations in their efforts to establish an Ontario Foodbelt.

In his remarks, Schreiner stressed the urgency of protecting farmland, “Ontario farmers grow more than 200 different crops on 49,600 farms across the province, and the sector contributes over $50 billion to the provincial economy and employs over 875,000 people. All of that is at risk because Ontario loses 319 acres of farmland every day–the equivalent of losing 9 family farms each week– to urban sprawl, major highway projects, aggregate mining and other developments.”

He commended the City of Hamilton for its ongoing farmland protection efforts and highlighted that endorsing the motion would align with the city’s efforts to build more homes without paving over farmland.

“Now is the time to protect our farmland, support farmers, and grow more food right here at home. Food security is national security - because without farms, there is no food, no future.”

 

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