FARMERS LEFT OUT OF ONTARIO'S STICKER REBATE PROGRAM

All pickup trucks with farm-vehicle plates are still required to pay as before Premier (Doug) Ford's announcement of refunds and cancellation of the sticker program.

Farmers in Ontario have suffered along with other small businesses and welcome any financial relief available.

It appears the provincial government has ignored this important segment of voters by failing to include farm plates on any small pickup trucks and referring and comparing them with heavy commercial vehicles.

Emails to MPP Doug

Downey went unanswered, and the Ontario Federation of Agriculture can't seem to get any answers from government.

The Highway Traffic Act describes a heavy commercial vehicle as one weighing 10,000 pounds. A half-ton (truck's) weight is 3,300 lb., a three-quarterton 6,000 lb.

Farmers use their trucks for transportation to the store and church, etc. Most farmers don't own a car, as most driving in the country and farm lanes is too difficult with a car.

Please consider this as a "burning issue" to put to our local candidates for Oro-medonte and Barrie, but it is applicable to any candidate serving an agricultural riding.

PAUL THOMPSON