Buying tires just got more expensive – much more expensive, a local MPP is pointing out.
Starting April 1, increases to the cost of replacing tires for farm equipment, in some cases by more than 2,100 percent, went into place.
The province’s newly established “off-the-road” category includes tires for agriculture and construction equipment including tractors and dump trucks. For just the front tire of a combine, the eco fee will jump from $15.62 to $352.80.
Perth-Wellington MPP Randy Pettapiece wonders why Premier Kathleen Wynne, who is also minister of agriculture, didn’t object to the steep hikes in the new Ontario Tire Stewardship (OTS) fee structure.
“Where was she when these new fees were approved?” asked Pettapiece. “Where was she when farmers needed her? If the premier wants to be minister of agriculture, she needs to stop this increase because farmers can’t afford it.”
Pettapiece continued, “This looks like just another attack on rural Ontario.”
The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) has also spoken out against the increase, adding that it was done with no consultation process for farmers or farm groups.
Recently the Municipality of North Perth passed a motion against the increases.
The Liberal government created Ontario Tire Stewardship (OTS) in 2009 and gave the organization a monopoly on tire recycling.
No one opposes recycling tires, Pettapiece says, but the sudden jump is totally unrealistic. Instead of looking for new revenue “to make up for failed programs,” he’s calling on the government to re-evaluate the current model of recycling in Ontario.
The Ontario PC caucus has advocated holding manufacturers and importers of tires responsible for recycling. They also say they would allow them to find the best way possible to carry out that responsibility.
Pettapiece serves as the PC caucus’ deputy agriculture critic.
A petition on the issue is available on Pettapiece’s website: www.pettapiece.ca.
