Lisa Thompson

Q&A with Ontario’s Minister of Rural Affairs

Lisa Thompson intends to build growth in rural Ontario in her new role

Newly appointed Minister of Rural Affairs Lisa Thompson wasn’t surprised that Premier Doug Ford prioritized rural affairs as a new standalone ministry during a June 6 cabinet shuffle. “I’ve always […] Read more

The minister is on the case: federal Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau checks out the cab of a new Case IH Magnum tractor during her visit to the Ag in Motion show on July 20, 2022. (Greg Berg photo)

New policy framework receives a mixed response

Climate resilience and production will now be tied into farm risk management programs

Federal and provincial agriculture ministers have agreed on a new five-year policy framework for agriculture and it contains climate action goals on fertilizer disliked by some ministers. Lisa Thompson, Ontario’s […] Read more

Lisa Thompson.

Q&A with Minister Lisa Thompson

Farmtario sat down with Lisa Thompson, recently reappointed as Ontario’s Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), to ask how she will tackle pressing issues facing the Ontario agri-food […] Read more




Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, left, and Amy Fee, MPP for Kitchener South-Hespeler, share a quick conversation before a funding announcement in Kitchener, July 29, 2021.

Ontario ag minister Thompson steps into new role

Focus on growing efficiencies, market share and innovation top new ag minister’s to-do list

Lisa Thompson has a quick, warm smile and a penchant for direct eye contact when engaging in conversation.  Her open nature can momentarily eclipse her razor-sharp observational skills and the […] Read more





Lisa Thompson. (Lisathompsonmpp.ca video screengrab via YouTube)

Ontario names new ag minister in shuffle

Lisa Thompson replaces Ernie Hardeman

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has drawn another aggie from his existing cabinet to replace Ernie Hardeman as his agriculture minister. Ford on Friday announced a major cabinet shuffle, dropping Hardeman, […] Read more