Ontario politicians visit rural Niagara for International Plowing Match

“When it comes to farmers, no matter if it’s a red team, blue team or orange team we all support our farmers,” says Ontario Premier Doug Ford.

The International Plowing Match is 106-years-old and it’s held in a different community each year.

Visitors from all over Canada, the United States and the world come to learn what’s new in agriculture.

Including members of each of Ontario’s political parties.

Tuesday started off with the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party making a big funding announcement.

“What I am here to announce is $400 million for OCIF funding, which is the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund,” says Kinga Surma, the Ontario Minister of Infrastructure.

READ MORE: Welland residents forced out of homes after apartment fire

These funds are ear-marked for rebuilding infrastructure in small, rural and northern communities.

This was welcomed by the crowd in attendance.

The International Plowing Match was really a chance for leaders to reconnect with rural voters.

“Farmers feed Ontario, it’s a huge economic driver. It’s often forgotten in some of the conversations people have about the tariffs and the toll and how it’s hitting farmers,” says the Leader of the Official Opposition, Marit Stiles.

READ MORE: Crombie bows out of public plowing match appearance after resignation announcement

But the big question on everyone’s minds? Where is Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie.

Crombie announced recently that she’s stepping down as party leader once a new leader is found. So technically she should have been present.

“For the last 36 hours it has been tough I would say for the party and for Bonnie,” says Rob Cerjanec from the Ontario Liberals.

Every member of the liberal caucus present was asked if they plan on running for the Ontario Liberal Leader’s job.
Many said “it’s too early to respond”.
The Ontario Green Party Leader was even asked if he would consider it.

“I’m just so focused on what the green party is doing. So many people say we punch way above the waist,” says Mike Schreiner.

The International Plowing Match runs until Saturday.

WATCH MORE: Liberal party needs someone popular who can ‘take Doug Ford’ says political analyst