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WOODSTOCK – Ontario Premier Doug Ford is leaving little doubt his government will scrap plans for a multibillion-dollar high-speed rail corridor between Toronto and Windsor.

Speaking Thursday in Oxford County, where opposition to the proposed line that would carve up prime farmland and disrupt local traffic has been fierce, Ford said he stands with rural residents who’ve urged the province to look at other options to improve rail service.

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“I stand shoulder to shoulder with you,” Ford said during a visit to Veldale Farms near Woodstock.

“I have your backs and I’ll never waver. I support the farming and agriculture community 1000 per cent. We’ll listen to you and we’ll do what the best thing is for you and your companies and community,” Ford said.

“I don’t like going through farmers’ fields, taking land off them. It’s very simple. That’s my personal opinion. I don’t like going in and taking people’s land,” he said. “It’s not the right thing to do and that’s what would happen, so there’ll be a further announcement.”