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Officers’ Conference Timbrell praises Women ’s Institutes At the 35m Annual Officers’ Conference at the University of Waterloo in May, Minister of Agriculture and Food Dennis Timbrell addressed the FWIO members on the opening evening. Here are some of his remarks. It is always a pleasure for me to speak to the officers of the Federated Women’s Institutes of Ontario. It gives me the opportunity to thank you for your hard work and devotion to farm and family life. In these times of change and uncer- tainty, it is heartening to see your organization’s tireless efforts to better family life. 1 think it is appropriate that we meet during the month of May. This month, as you know, has been proclaimed by the premier as family unity month. Our government has proclaimed this month to salute the meaningful contributions the family makes to the province. But I don't have to explain the importance of the family to you. For almost a century you've dedicated hours of time and energy to the families of Ontario. From your beginnings a when 101 women and one man formed your organization in Stoney Creek â€" you have advocated the importance of a strong family unit. Almost a century later that commitment remains. We see it reflected in your on-going programs to help women acquire sound homemaking and leadership skills. The theme of this year’s family unity month is - invest time in your family. That’s an idea your group has upheld for more than 85 years. You’ve taken family unity month and made it a yearlong commitment. In these unsettling times, the need 10 for your stability is most importam- Stability depends on the preSErvatiOIl of tradition and respect for family life. That is why we fully SUPP"n your work to preserve our heritage in the Tweedsmuir Histories. Without your tireless efforts, the histories of Ontario‘s local communities would most certainly be lost. I am told your work will be on display as part of the local celeâ€" bration of Ontario‘s bicentennial in 1984. Your group is undertaking another large scale project for the celebrations, I look forward to seeing the large quilted wall hanging being planned. Your dedication and efforts to the people of this province are appreciated, believe you me. Through our long association, my ministry has come to rely on you. We rely on you as leaders and sponsors of the 4â€"H homemaking and agricultural clubs. And we’re proud that the enrolment in those programs is the highest in Canada. We also relied on you to support the rural seminars for vital people â€" R.S.V.P. â€" held throughout the province during the past few months. Again you came through with flying colors. I‘m told we had double the turnout expected â€" about 3,500 people â€" and nearly half of the participants were your members! We initiated the 27 workshops to give leadership training to rural organizations like yours since we believe you provide an invaluable service. And that is why I would like to reaffirm today my ministry’s on- going commitment to your work. You are no doubt aware of the significant organizational changes that have taken place in my ministry. As you know, the Rural Organiza- tions and Services Branch now represents the interests of the rural communities. We have rteâ€"organized and r: ug tured better to meet the chi mg needs of the Ontario agrim :ra] industry, We must not only top pace, we cannot afford tr 3|| behind. The agriculture and food '3) 155 of this province is an $11 bit a year industry. It is vital to as modern and up-to-date as the 1 is we serve or we can‘t serve then it. 1 want to assure you today th: or changes are geared to help a to strengthen our association ly ministry will continue to meet ur needs and assist in the imperial .1; you undertake Later this year, we are establ‘ lg a “Wise Money Management" n course that will deal with w financial aspects of managemen :e cash flow and credit. But it will 7 «n from there to include such he: is life and property insurance, . together, my ministry and r organization will meet the chair 7 of providing a better life Ontario’s rural people. Rural life in Ontario has ui gone many changes during the few years. The rural wont traditional responsibilities - F31 children, a spouse‘s ner bookkeeping, daily chores general operation of the farm - a - order alone â€" are even broai Today, the wife’s role gOES beyond the farmhouse walls. Her t as an equal partner is now absolu essential to maintaining a str‘ :- family-run business. Better fat 1 managed by better-educated farn? means putting more emphasis on ‘ role of the farm wife. It is up to it i be ready with answers and SP5“ ‘ educational programs like for 1 business management and agrit‘“ tural economics.