Foodland Retailer’s Award

Province’s economy. Our retailers put fresh Ontario produce into the hands of our community members, and for that, we’re very appreciative.”

The annual Foodland Ontario Retailer Awards celebrate excellence in retail display and promotion in support of local Ontario foods.

Quick Facts

The Ontario government is investing an additional $3,435,400 in 2023-24 to ensure stable and sustainable hospital operations across Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes. This includes a $2,726,200 investment in Brockville General Hospital, along with a $709,200 investment in Kemptville District Hospital ($347,900 of which is allocated from the Small and Northern Hospital Stabilization Fund).

“This welcome funding demonstrates our government’s commitment to the health and security of people living in Leeds and Grenville,” said Steve Clark, MPP for Leeds-GrenvilleThousand Islands and Rideau Lakes. “We continue to provide historic levels of support for health care services and are working hard to ensure our hospitals have the staff and funding they need to deliver the services residents expect and deserve.”

The Ontario government is investing $850 million across the Province in 202324 to ensure stable and sustainable hospital operations. All public hospitals, regardless of size or type, will receive funding increases to maintain base operations, ensuring Ontarians will be able to easily connect to high-quality care, regardless of where they live.

“Both the Brockville General Hospital and Kemptville District Hospital are part of the lifeblood of our communities,” said Nancy Peckford, Warden of the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville and Mayor of

North Grenville. “They play invaluable roles in maintaining the quality of life of our residents in the region. We are fortunate to have fabulously talented staff who are committed to highquality care. The additional operational dollars from the Government of Ontario are crucial to the long-term future of both hospitals.”

“Brockville General Hospital and its dedicated team are steadfast in their commitment to providing quality health care for our community,” said Matt Wren, Mayor of Brockville.

“We applaud this additional investment from the Province which greatly helps our community hospital in its mission.”

In recognition of the unique challenges faced by small and northern hospitals in the Province, the government is making an additional one-time investment of $22 million to establish a Small and Northern Hospital Stabilization Fund. This fund will support ongoing efforts to build a strong and resilient health system by easing pressures faced by small and northern hospitals, including Kemptville District Hospital.

“Thank you to the Province of Ontario, Ontario Health, Ministry of Health and MPP Steve Clark for your continued investment in Brockville General and for recognizing the growing financial pressures felt by Ontario hospitals,” said Nick Vlacholias, President and CEO of Brockville General Hospital. “Beyond supporting our growing hospital, this $2,726,200 investment will allow us to deliver more surgical procedures, invest in nursing and further support hospital programs that our community has come to rely on. Our friends, family and neighbours expect highquality health care. This investment ensures Brockville General continues to play a vital role in the community’s health and well being.”

“Kemptville District Hospital is grateful for both the base budget adjustment of $361,300 and the one time Small and Northern Hospital Stabilization Funding of $347,900,” said Frank Vassalo, CEO of Kemptville District Hospital. “This funding is welcome as we are experiencing extraordinary financial pressures due to the lingering impacts of COVID-19, inflation and other mounting costs. I have been CEO at Kemptville District Hospital for eight years and throughout my tenure, as well as prior to it, MPP Steve Clark has been a tireless advocate for and supporter of Kemptville District Hospital and the communities we serve.” submitted by MPP Steve Clark

On June 19, Steve Clark, MPP for LeedsGrenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, recognized Jarrod Duncan of Jonsson’s Your Independent Grocer of Kemptville with a Gold-Creative award for creativity in building produce displays that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to Ontario’s local food industry.

“Jarrod Duncan’s produce displays highlight some of the best that Ontario’s food retail sector has to offer,” said MPP Clark. “The hard work of grocers like those at Jonsson’s support hardworking farmers and our vital agriculture and agri-food sectors.”

For more than 35 years, the Foodland Ontario Retailer Awards have been celebrating the creative expression of produce managers and staff for their unique and innovative displays that promote locally grown food. This program runs between January and November and includes four categories of displays that retailers can enter to showcase their efforts to promote in-season, Ontario grown fruits and vegetables.

“Congratulations to this year’s winners, and to everyone who sent in a submission. Your efforts encourage shoppers to choose fresh Ontario produce that is grown right here at home” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “Buying local supports our farmers, local food businesses across our food supply chain, helps strengthen our communities, and boosts the

- This year, Foodland Ontario Retailer Awards are recognizing 61 grocery stores across the Province for their innovative promotion of fresh Ontario food. For a list of the 2022 Retailer Award winners, visit Foodland Ontario’s website.

- Ontario has one of the most diverse agrifood industries in Canada, producing more than 200 commodities, such as asparagus, berries, tender fruit, apples, greenhouse tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers.

- For more than 45 years, Foodland Ontario has connected with families on how to recognize, prepare and enjoy locally grown foods.

- To know when all your local fruits and vegetables are in season, visit Foodland Ontario’s Availability Guide.