Now that the election has passed, it’s no surprise that many are feeling a mix of strong emotions—fear, anxiety, and uncertainty about what lies ahead. Concerns about rising food and gas prices, the state of the economy, housing costs, utilities, healthcare, education, and so many daily necessities weigh heavily on people’s minds. For some, the future feels bleak; for others, there’s hope.

In today's world, society seems to be more divided than ever. Whether it's political ideologies, social issues, or cultural differences, people often find themselves at odds with each other. This division isn't just a surface-level issue—it's deeply ingrained in our communities, our media, and even within families.

Spring has sprung, though it may seem a little optimistic to say so, especially as I write this commentary. There's not only snow on the ground here, but this morning's temperature was -11°C.

It is an unfortunate reality that the various “tit for tat” moves in international trade can pit Canadian agricultural sectors and farming regions against one another. Canada’s farming sector produces high quality goods for Canadian consumers and is one of few nations genuinely capable of producing significant food exports. This means trade is vital to the success of many farming businesses.

The annual Rural Ontario Municipal Association’s (ROMA) 3-day conference was held in Toronto, January 19-21, 2025. Over 2,000 municipal leaders from “rural” municipalities across the length and breadth of Ontario attended. I was fortunate to be a delegate representing the CFFO as I was able to attend numerous workshops and seminars held over the 3-day period.

This year CFFO participated in the 2025 Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) Conference, hosted in Toronto. This brings together leadership from rural municipalities across the province to connect with government and other stakeholders on issues impacting rural communities. On Monday Jan. 20, speakers included Premier Doug Ford, Minister Rob Flack, Minister Paul Calandra, and Leader of the Opposition Marit Stiles.

The Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario (CFFO) is writing this statement today in response to the recent news and events leading up to the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump.