Mr. Speaker, Canada's first Nobel Prize winner, Sir Frederick Banting, the discoverer of insulin, was born on a farm located in New Tecumseth in my riding of Simcoe--Grey. Thanks to his discovery, today diabetics worldwide enjoy a normal quality of life.
Edward Banting left the property to the Ontario Historical Society to maintain, preserve and protect as a place of historical significance. Instead, the OHS has allowed the buildings to deteriorate. The roof of the farmhouse leaks and the house is not insured.
I held a press conference at the homestead on October 29 and offered to work with the OHS to preserve this historic site. OHS lawyers responded by threatening to charge all those present with trespassing.
There are rumours that the OHS plans to sell off the land to a developer. I have requested a meeting with the Minister of Canadian Heritage to save this historic landmark. I look forward to her timely response.