Ottawa/Fraser Valley (Diego Flammini, Farms.com) – The new Agriculture Minister is a former dairy farmer and thos bodes well for the Fraser Valley. Someone who “gets it”.
Eyes across Canada focused on Ottawa, Ontario as Justin Trudeau was officially sworn in as Canada’s 23rd Prime Minister.
Part of the ceremonies included Prime Minister Trudeau naming his cabinet – 31 ministers of various industries and public policies who will help Canada going forward.
Lawrence MacAulay was officially sworn in as Canada’s new Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food on Wednesday morning.
MacAulay is currently the Member of Parliament for the riding of Cardigan, Prince Edward Island and has held the position since 1988.
Prior to entering politics, MacAulay spent his time as a dairy and seed potato farmer and he remains active in Prince Edward Island’s agricultural community.
During his time in Ottawa, MacAulay has served as the Solicitor General, Minister of Labour, Secretary of State (Veterans) and Secretary of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency). He also served as an Associate Critic for Fisheries.
Other ministers include:
- Ralph Goodale, former Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food under Jean Chrétien’s cabinet, will serve as Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
- Chrystia Freeland, a former journalist and Member of Parliament for Toronto Centre will serve as the Minister of International Trade
- Bill Morneau will serve as Minister of Finance
- Hunter Tootoo, from Nunavut, will serve as Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, and Canadian Coastguard
