It is with great concern that the Agricultural Organizations of Wellington County have had to make the unprecedented decision to cancel its two scheduled all candidates meetings.
Those cancelled meetings were scheduled for the Perth-Wellington riding on Sept. 14 at the Arthur Community Centre and for Wellington-Halton Hills on Sept. 20 at Aboyne Hall.
Organizers state the cancellation is due to the escalating talk of rallies and protests.
In turn, organizers felt forced to take this step to ensure the safety of the candidates, the farmers entering the meeting, others using these public facilities, and our event organizers. There are also issues of potential liability to the hosting agricultural organizations.
Organizers offer their sincere thanks and apology goes out to the many candidates and their staff that have prepared for, and taken time out of their busy schedules to participate in, these debates. It is unfortunate that the agricultural organizations have been placed in this position – organizations comprised of tireless volunteers.
Instead, the agricultural groups will organize a meeting with the elected MPP in each riding to discuss the ag issues facing Wellington County farmers. Questions will also be forwarded to the candidates, and these responses will be posted on the Wellington Federation of Agriculture website at www.wfofa.on.ca.
