Cabinet change means more ag opportunity

By Keith Currie, President, OFA

To The Haldimand Press

Last week the Ontario government reassigned some key ministerial positions. The shuffle saw some champions of Ontario agriculture and rural communities reassigned, while newer faces are assuming leadership positions. The cabinet change also saw the creation of five new associate ministers and a new Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions, expanding the cabinet from 21 to 28 ministers and associate ministers.

It’s been one year since the PCs won a majority government and this change in leadership presents an opportunity for the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) to work with new ministers and help them understand the role of the agri-food industry and Ontario’s rural communities. It’s our job to educate and advocate for agriculture and rural residents, while offering solutions that enable OFA to work with ministers, MPPs, and policy makers to drive Ontario’s economy and make it the best place to live and work.

We’re pleased to see Minister Hardeman will continue in his role as agriculture minister. He’s a great advocate for agriculture and rural Ontario and understands the importance of our sector to the entire province.