Regionalization another form of control for rural N.L.

Regionalization is another form of control. Government is pushing more services down our throats we don’t want or need. We are doing just fine. Ask the people that live in these remote places: life is good. Government is trying to control us and tax us more.

If I want water, I drill a well; if I want sewer systems, I would install it. If I want my garbage hauled, I will pay for it. If I want a fire truck, I ask for it or pay for it. If I need an ambulance, I pay for it.

If municipalities are in the red, don’t drag my community into your problems and add it to ours. Freedom is my choice; we don’t want town water unfit to drink.

If we need to unite, yes, but only the local service district communities together — not the Town of Cape St George or Lourdes or Port au Port, Uniting Sheaves Cove, Lower Cove, Ship Cove, Abraham’s Cove and Campbell’s Creek as a local service district is the only way we are safe and protected.

Inherited cultural and institutional traditions matter and must be considered. We are doomed when decentralization occurs in the following manner: (1) deconcentration (administrative authority); (2) devolution (political authority); (3) delegation (managerial authority) and (4) privatization with government task force.

It boils down to take our money, take control of our lands and how we live. How can we promote urban farming or farming when our farmlands will be taxed? I think all people that are trying to farm livestock or grow your own crops on your land should not be taxed — farmlands should be exempt if you are using the lands.

Subsistence farming is a form of farming in which nearly all the crops or livestock raised are used to maintain the farmer and the farmer’s family, leaving little, if any, surplus for sale or trade. Preindustrial agricultural peoples throughout the world have traditionally practised subsistence farming.

The goal of sustainable agriculture is to meet society’s food and textile needs in the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Practitioners of sustainable agriculture seek to integrate three main objectives into their work: a healthy environment, economic profitability, and social and economic equity. Every person involved in the food system — growers, food processors, distributors, retailers, consumers and waste managers — can play a role in ensuring a sustainable agricultural system.

I am afraid what happened to the Aucoin family farm in Kippens could happen elsewhere or to me. I am wondering about people like me (who are) farming — small, hobby or homesteaders — or will I have to sell and pack up and leave? How will it affect my life or theirs?

Sam Jesso Livestock farmer

Ship Cove