For Immediate Release
March 12, 2007

Sterling urges continued support of Hershey products
Progressive Conservative Leader John Tory providing real leadership

March 12, 2007 (Smiths Falls) - Lanark-Carleton MPP Norm Sterling today encouraged his constituents and all residents of Eastern Ontario to show their strong support of the Town of Smiths Falls and employees at Hershey's by continuing to buy the company's products and visiting the 'Chocolate Shoppe'.

"The people of Smiths Falls and Eastern Ontario are extremely proud of their association with Hershey's and over the years the company has become an important and valued corporate citizen. I would venture that, over the past 40 years, the Hershey's brand and the Town of Smiths Falls have become synonymous throughout Ontario." said Sterling. "At this time, it is very important that it is made abundantly clear to Hershey's that the company is wanted and supported by the community. I for one intend to continue to enjoy this excellent product and encourage my constituents and residents throughout Eastern Ontario to do the same."

In the past week the town has been visited by Ontario Progressive Conservative Leader John Tory, who has taken action to facilitate a dialogue between the town, the union, and Hershey's management in order to bring some sort of positive result for the families of employees and the people of Smiths Falls.

"While Premier McGuinty has only been able to bring himself to call the Town of Smiths Falls, our Leader John Tory has shown real leadership actually visiting the town and taking immediate steps to help. I hope that Premier McGuinty will follow the example set by John Tory and become more engaged in this serious situation."

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For more information please call Norm Sterling MPP at: 613-253-1171