To the Editor:

I will be quick to the point. The Premier refusing to meet with Warden Fred Whalen to accept the pork petition document on behalf of concerned Valley residents is shameful. Rodney McDonald has insulted the residents of Kings County and our pork producers. The current Tory Government is without wisdom or fiscal morality regarding the farming industry in Nova Scotia. The Premier's actions are disappointing given the urgent need for help for our Valley pork farmers. I would like to thank all those who took part in this important issue.

Furthermore, we are currently wittnessing a straggering level of out-migration in this province and region. This Tory government and the Premier owe it to Valley communties and taxpayers to say how they’re ensuring Valley residents won't be forced to leave home for a decent-paying job.

There are serious issues with the retention of workers here in the Valley and it's only going to get worse if this government and this Premier don't take steps to do something like supporting the hog industry.

We don't create economic drives by watching our young people head out west with their hopes and dreams. I’ve said it before and I'll say it again; I wouldn’t have gotten a college education without working on Charles Keddy's farm in Lakeville.

Where would I have gotten a job in my local community without farming as a young boy?

In addition, I know Warden Whalen and I have different opinions on municipal issues for District 4. But I applaud his effort of trying to reason with the Premier.

The province can't have it both ways: they can’t on one hand say we’re trying to retain business and workers and then kick up a huge stink when the residents here in the Valley want our farming industry to be protected with government investments.

Sincerely, on the side of Valley farmers,

Jason Langille

Black Rock