QM eta/saw HE NEWS McGuinty Government Exempts Farmers’ Markets And Community Groups From Rigid Regulations Public Education to Support Food Safety The McGuinty government is ensuring that farmers’ markets and community groups will be able to operate as they have for decades, while at the same time protecting the public‘s health, Health and Long»Term Care Minister George Smitherman announced in June. The government has exempted community groups from rules that apply to restaurants and other commercial establishments through amendments to Regulation 562 (Food Premises) under the Health Protection and Promotion Act (HPPA). This will ensure that farmers’ markets and community groups are not held to unrealistic standards developed for very different types of retail establishments like grocery stores and restaurants. The exemption does not apply to laws prohibiting the sale of uninspected meats, unpasteurized milk or ungraded eggs. “We know Ontarians grow, sell and enjoy eating locally produced foods,†said Smitherman. “We have heard the concerns raised by people who operate farmers' markets and run community events. The exemption we're creating allows them the freedom to continue their proud tradition of providing a wide range of high quality goods to the public." Beginning this summer the ministry will undertake a $1.5 million education campaign to widely promote safe food handling and preparation practices at farmers’ markets and community» 8 21am “‘“.‘ï¬ï¬‚’&§§fld ' “gs/1033's based events. Local public health ofï¬cials will continue to investigate complaints, and take appropriate measures if a health hazard is identiï¬ed. Public health inspectors will also be working with farmers’ markets and local community groups to provide outreach and advice on food safety. @iz STAY TUNED! FWlO is going to be working with the Ministry of Health! Public Health Units will be hosting education sessions for WI Members and other community volunteers. lt will be a great opportunity to learn about the regulations for your Branch hosting events that involve food. More information will be available soon! Lucky lady Pat Salter poses with the handsome Tom Jackson at the FWIC conference in Red Deer, Alberta this past June. Appointed an Ofï¬cer of the Order of Canada in 2000 for his music and humanitarian work, Tom is well known to Canadians as an accomplished musician and actor dedicated to helping the less fortunate. “Jada; Our Institute Tree An excerpt from a poem written By Grace Leakey, Pittsburgh WI. The WJ. is like a tree With branches that reach from sea to sea. The seed was planted years ago Each member works to make it grow. Thanks Erland Lee and Adelaide Hoodless For the Institute, and all its goodness. The branches wave a friendly greeting Come and join our monthly meeting. Call for a friend along the road We'll open with our gracious Ode. Mary Stewart Collect we'll repeat Then each membertakes her seat. The W.I. is like a tree With leaves so green and blowing free. Leaders are taught to demonstrate They give us instructions, a quilt to mak We’ll make a block and sew will we . Then we’ll hold a quilting bee. We’ll take it to the fair some day Show it there with our display. We’ll send you all an invitation Stop by, have tea in celebration. At Christmas time, you are a winner Just down the road, our Senior's dinner. For these branches, let’s all salute The members of Women’s Institute. £111" " @21033’5‘ “-