A letter from MPP Ernie Parsons to CREEK chair Linda Roberts.
Below is the transcript of the letter.

February 3, 2003

Dear Ms Roberts,

I want to thank your organization for keeping me informed of the issues that are of concern to CREEK.

Although we live in a world where the general thinking appears to be that 'bigger is better', I am convinced that this is not the case.

I am a farmer and I support family farms. It is clear to me that the 'factory farms' that exist or are in the process of being established, are creating a tremendous problems for their host communities. We must recognize that the amount of manure being produced is simply beyond what can be disposed of in an environmentally sound manner.

I believe that in order to appropriately regulate issues of nutrient management, it is first necessary to differentiate between 'family' farms and 'factory' farms. I believe that any Nutrient Management legislation enacted must reflect the different problems created and experienced by these two entirely different types of business operations. The provincial government has a role to play in this process because the current onus on municipalities to restrain these operations is neither feasible or sustainable.

I will continue to share my views and recommendations with my colleagues in the House. I hope that you will advise me of any information that you may feel might be relevant and influential.

Thank you for your letter,

Best regards,

Ernie Parsons, MPP
Prince Edward - Hastings