Norm Sterling’s Members Statement on Maple Syrup Legislation

Delivered in Provincial Legislature -- April 1, 2004

Mr. Speaker:

I am the proud representative of the ‘Maple Syrup Capital of Ontario’ – The County of Lanark.

Right now, across my riding, the sap is running.

That means that those who tap our local woods are busy turning this natural nectar into pure maple syrup. However, Mr. Speaker, I’m sorry to report that there is trouble brewing in the woods of Lanark-Carleton and across Ontario.

You see, the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) has changed the way it assesses syrup operations in Ontario. This has cast a dark cloud over the industry.

MPAC says because maple syrup producers process sap into syrup on site, this part of their operation should be classified as ‘industrial’ instead of  ‘farm’. Many producers have received assessment notices that will dramatically increase the cost of producing maple syrup.

That’s why today, I am introducing legislation that will protect our maple syrup producers

from these crushing property assessments that are threatening the future of the industry. 

This bill would stop the change in the assessment classification from ‘farm’ to ‘industrial.’

I am pleased to report that this bill is supported by municipalities across my riding.

Quite frankly Mr. Speaker, the provincial response to this problem has been totally inadequate. I absolutely refuse to accept any stalling tactics by the government. I will not drop this issue until I see the province make the necessary changes in legislation or regulation.

That’s what my bill will do.

Mr. Speaker, maple syrup producers are a growing part of our economy. They breathe life into a valuable cultural tradition that was passed on by our forefathers.

Mr. Speaker, I am appealing to all members of this legislature to demonstrate their support for Ontario’s syrup producers and for this legislation.