Kenora-Rainy River MPP Howard Hampton wants to see more Ontario food used by government departments and agencies.
Hampton says the province is encouraging voluntary purchasing, but feels a procurement policy would better suit farmers.
"Why don't we start paying attention to what local producers can produce right now," says Hampton. "and put in place the purchasing strategies and the marketing strategies to make this happen in a way that benefits consumers and benefits our farmers."
Hampton says the province should follow the examples set by Nova Scotia and Illinois that require their agencies to purchase at least 20 per cent of foods from local sellers.
