“I’ve always been consistent in representing rural Ontario and recognizing how our small towns and rural communities can continue to drive prosperity in the spirit of GDP and quality of life,” said Thompson. “I am honoured to have been included in the cabinet since we formed government in 2018.”

The former agriculture minister said a rural affairs ministry will build on momentum created by the Rural Economic Development Strategy consultations already in play.

“The premier has recognized we need to make sure that everyone’s moving forward in tandem, and I welcome the opportunity to have that stronger presence on behalf of rural Ontario,” said Thompson.

• RELATED: Q&A with Ontario’s new agriculture minister

The opportunity to focus solely on rural Ontario developments hearkens back to her early days as a rural community advisor within the agriculture, food and rural affairs department, which prompted her to get involved in politics.

“I was inspired and driven to seek political office at the provincial level in 2011 because rural Ontario did not have a strong enough voice,” she said, adding that the appointment will bring her career full circle to fulfil a commitment to bolster rural growth and sustainability.

Q: What will inform the basis of the Ministry of Rural Affairs?

A: “I’m a person who prides themselves in being part of a strong rural community,” Thompson said. “I always want to be part of the solution, be supportive, and celebrate what’s already happening on the ground in all our small towns and communities across this province.”

The ministry’s goal is to build sustainability and growth potential for rural Ontario, which stems from being informed and understanding the issues and community priorities. The Rural Economic Development strategy consultation, like Grow Ontario, will identify needs and avenues for support, she said.

“Participation, to date, has been phenomenal. People are going, ‘oh my goodness, with the cementing of a standalone ministry now, Thompson and Premier Ford are showing they understand the importance of a committed focus to small town, rural Ontario.’”

A status update will be presented at the Association of Municipalities of Ontario before the ministry finalizes a strategy this autumn, she said.

Q: What would you like to accomplish with the Ministry of Rural Affairs?

A: Thompson said her first goal is to build on the Rural Economic Development Strategy and develop a further strategy that reflects communities and their goals and propels rural Ontario forward.

“That’s what we achieved with Grow Ontario, and that’s my goal for our rural strategy.”

At May’s federal, provincial and territorial ministers meeting on rural economic development, Thompson said a University of Guelph speaker dedicated to rural development tasked his master’s students to work on submissions for the rural strategy.

“That excites me when we have young people thinking about where we need to go, not just sustaining small town rural Ontario but how can we grow and create that sense of excitement around the opportunities that lie ahead.

“I want to bring that enthusiasm into this new ministry as well.”

Additionally, consistent messaging about activities in the new ministry is critical so “people understand they have a chance to inform priorities for the ministry.”

Q: How will experience as Minister of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs influence your goals as Rural Affairs Minister?

A: Thompson said her ability to collaborate with all levels of government will continue to serve the new ministry.

“I’ll continue to work really closely with Minister (Rob) Flack and be mindful of our agriculture and food priorities, making sure the infrastructure in rural Ontario is in place to complement the opportunities that exist to continue to grow Ontario.”

Thompson said her fundamental drive is to recognize, celebrate and strengthen rural organizations and municipalities.

“According to Statistics Canada, 17 per cent of Ontario’s population live in rural Ontario, but as we identify trends, we’re continuing to see an out-migration to small towns in rural Ontario,” she said.

Thompson said she will work with northern Ontario colleagues to build solid foundations for families and businesses. That’s the goal, she said, regardless of whether people and businesses “choose to move to northern Ontario, eastern Ontario or even western Ontario.”

Q: How will a background in agriculture affect plans to entice more rural commercial investment?

A: The ministerial meeting in Niagara-on-the-Lake was held two weeks before Thompson was appointed to the new role, and she co-hosted the event with Gudie Hutchings, federal minister of rural economic development. Thompson told Hutchings that commitment to rural Canada doesn’t stop with broadband (connectivity).

“We need to consider how to continue expanding investments in small towns and rural communities. What other infrastructures do we need that will attract business and attract families? A prosperous rural Ontario, rural Canada will require all levels of government to work even better together.”

Q: How will you collaborate with Rob Flack, minister of farming, agriculture and agribusiness, in developing rural Ontario, given his former role as associate minister of housing?

A: Thompson said the mandate letter encourages MPPs to collaborate to achieve prosperity across Ontario, build a solid economic base, and be committed to core goals.

“Of course, there’ll be natural alignment not only with agriculture, food and agribusiness, but with municipal affairs and housing, and even the ministry of transportation,” she said.

Q: What do you consider to be your top achievements in OMAFRA, and how might they align with the rural affairs role?

A: “I’m really proud of my ability to negotiate a $1.7 billion, five-year agreement with the feds in terms of federal-provincial funding for the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.”

Thompson said building strong relationships lends itself to achieving goals, and she intends to maintain those at all levels of government.

“The other thing I reflect upon is the last two pieces of legislation we passed this past spring, the Agricultural Research Innovation Ontario and Enhancing Professional Care for Animals,” Thompson said. “We had unanimous support at every stage of that legislation working its way through the house.

“I’ll put the same effort I put into the Grow Ontario strategy into the rural strategy as well, so people see themselves and want to be part of the momentum of moving rural Ontario forward.”

The post Q&A with Ontario’s Minister of Rural Affairs appeared first on Farmtario.

Lisa Thompson, Ontario’s minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, said she was disappointed by the federal government’s imposition of fertilizer emissions reduction targets when food security is a global concern.

Why it matters: The five-year agriculture policy frameworks set the parameters for provincial and federal agriculture funding programs.

Agriculture ministers met this week in Saskatoon to discuss national agriculture issues, including finalizing the new Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. It includes the federal government’s goal of reducing fertilizer emissions by 30 per cent during the annual federal-provincial-territorial meeting.

“As our farmers work to feed Canada and the world, we need to work with them and support their ongoing efforts to grow and produce the food we need,” said Thompson. “The federal government needs to be true partners, rather than simply imposing targets that make it harder.”

Marie-Claude Bibeau, Canada’s minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, said that while the target is ambitious, the goal is to reduce fertilizer emissions, not fertilizers.

Thompson said ministers were disappointed by the lack of flexibility and consultation regarding the 30 per cent target.

 “Our farmers are dealing with significant and complex issues right now,” Thompson said. “I hope the federal government will work with us and our farmers to support and recognize the great strides they are making as responsible stewards.”

 There’s a focus on finding emission reductions through innovation, technology and research to grow production, but not fertilizer use, said David Marit, Saskatchewan’s Minister of Agriculture.

“A lot of farmers in Western Canada and right across this country are doing everything they possibly can to protect their land but still grow food to feed the world,” said Marit.

Bumped up funding

The new agreement provides half a billion dollars in new funding representing a 25 per cent cost-share increase in the partnership supporting sector sustainability and competitiveness. Business Risk Management programs will also undergo a one-year review to integrate climate risk and identify incentives and pilot programs for producers adopting environmental practices that reduce production risks.

“With this financial commitment, we are providing solid foundations to support our producers while providing the necessary tools for the sector’s sustainability and competitiveness,” said Bibeau.  

Canada’s AgriStability compensation will increase 10 per cent in 2023, from 70 per cent to 80 per cent and ministers will consult with the industry to craft a faster, more straightforward and predictable AgriStability model.

The $250 million cost-share Resilient Agriculture Landscape Program (RALP), proposed in the 2022 budget, will recognize the ecological goods and services provided by the agricultural sector and reward environmental stewardship and contributions to reducing sector emissions.

“Under this agreement, we will achieve a three-to-five megaton reduction in greenhouse gas emissions,” said Bibeau. “This will be measured by a more robust results strategy for the framework and include improved data sharing and results reporting amongst jurisdictions.”

Thompson said while she appreciates the federal government’s work with the provincial and territorial ministers on other issues impacting the ag sector, more is needed to find a fertilizer approach that won’t negatively impact yields and food security.

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Q: It’s clear you are proud to represent OMAFRA, especially considering the personal attachment you have with the agri-food sector. But still, agri-food is putting pressure on initiating provincial farmland protection and ensuring solid economic growth potential and sustainability for producers. How will OMAFRA address this concern?

A: “First, (regarding sustainability) we’re going to sustain our agri-food industry by bringing more manufacturing and processing closer to home and adding that stability throughout our supply chain.”

Thompson said she and Premier Doug Ford are dedicated to attracting investment in manufacturing and processing opportunities within Ontario to keep the raw commodities local and close to the farmers.

“That’s going to cut down transportation costs, provide more jobs and make consumers confident that they have great quality food being processed right here in Ontario,” she said. “That’s how our sustainability will continue to drive forward.”

 The goal is for Ontario to be the go-to for value-added processing provincially, nationally and internationally, in addition to providing a local quality food source for consumers.

“This sector is incredibly important, and we’re going to be embracing technologies and new innovations to continue to grow,” she said, adding that agri-food contributes $47 billion to the provincial GDP and accounts for 800,000 jobs.

“Our agri-food sector continues to grow,” she said. “We increased by over five per cent this last year in 2021 alone, and the total value of farm cash receipts have grown by approximately 40 per cent since 2016.”

Q: But the problem is, Minister, that the (daily) rate at which agricultural farmlands are lost has also nearly doubled in the last six years. All the processing in the world can’t do anything if we don’t have the land to grow the product.

A: “The important question here is whether these are production or fallow acres,” she said. “I need to drill down a bit more into that to determine whether they were acres taken out of production or just acres.”

Thompson said she needs full disclosure, and one of her priorities will be teasing apart the data to see where and what type of acreage is involved.

“We (need to) have the facts because what’s most important is yield and moving forward and growing our sector,” she said. “We’re going to work with the general farmer and commodity organizations to really strike a balance in terms of being on the same page and move forward together. That’s the important thing.”

Q: Another concern is risk mitigation for food production, whether that means increased biosecurity protection, business risk management improvements or other programs that strengthen production in the face of weather crises, economic instability or the rising costs within food production.

A: “I appreciate that perspective very much,” she said. “I would suggest our commodity organizations truly appreciate that both myself and Premier Ford stand with them when we talk about the importance of mitigating risks.”

Thompson pointed to increasing Ontario’s Risk Management Program by $50 million a year ahead of schedule, the AgriStability program and pressing the federal government to do its part within the available programs.

At the federal, provincial, and territorial agriculture ministers meeting this month, Thompson said she and her provincial peers would continue to emphasize that all levels of government must collectively manage unpredictable challenges.

“And, with that, making sure that farmers not only in Ontario but across Canada have that equity in terms of support.”

Q: Red tape is a massive bone of contention within the agricultural sector. What brought about the initiation of a dedicated Red Tape Reduction Ministry?

A: Thompson said the agri-food sector made the need apparent.

“When we formed the first mandate, (we heard) that people were being handcuffed by outdated and in some cases redundant red tape,” she said. “We need to review the opportunities to harmonize regulations instead of layering (them) on. We also need to look at what isn’t necessary, based on the realities in 2022, and how we move forward.”

The Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade had an associate Minister for Red Tape, but this mandate will allow ????Minister Gill ???to make strong strides forward.

 “I said to Minister Gill right out of the gate, “we will be working with you from an OMAFRA perspective to continue to get government out of the way as much as possible to enable our agri-food sector to continue to grow.”

Q: Minister, is there anything you want to discuss? A vision you have? A focus for your next four years as minister of agriculture, or a message you’d like to relay?

A: “I stand with our commodity organizations across this province when I say people are ready for Ontario to lead in the agri-food sector. We’re going to push research and new technologies and innovation to make Ontario the leading jurisdiction when it comes to an overall integrated agri-food sector.”

With Ontario’s community of research stations and innovation centres, Thompson said she will look at legislation to ensure its up to date and supports advancing those assets.

Ensuring Ontarians have confidence in local food security and a stable provincial supply chain will be a top priority.

“At the end of the day, we want to make sure OMAFRA is supporting Ontario farmers and agri-food businesses with the right policies that make sense for us to continue to grow,” she said. “And that’s what I’m looking to focus on in the days, weeks and months ahead.”

The post Q&A with Minister Lisa Thompson appeared first on Farmtario.

During her short 12 months as Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the Huron-Bruce MPP dealt with several sector challenges, including drought conditions in northwestern Ontario, agri-food labour shortage challenges and processing capacity issues.

Why it matters: Doug Ford swore in a new, slightly expanded Cabinet as his second term as Ontario premier.

Jack Chaffe, Beef Farmers of Ontario president, said the BFO established a good rapport with Thompson and praised her rapid efforts in addressing the drought’s impact on livestock producers and improvements to Ontario’s Feeder Cattle Loan Guarantee Program. 

“We value her affinity for farmers and look forward to getting things done,” said Chaffe. “With a specific focus on support for Ontario’s Risk Management Program (RMP) and all business risk management programming available to beef farmers.”

According to Chaffe, the BFO will ask the minister to focus on risk mitigation for food production, dedicated resources and policies increasing meat processing capacity investments, and farmland preservation. In addition, the BFO will push for a Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) Act review and accessible mental health services for farmers and agri-food workers, said Chaffe. 

Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) president Peggy Brekveld said the OFA is excited to continue its partnership with Thompson and develop relationships with new Cabinet members to build stronger agricultural and rural communities. 

“We are pleased to see Ministers reappointed in many portfolios critical to agriculture, and we welcome the opportunity to continue to strengthen our relationships with them as we work to tackle key challenges that face farmers and rural communities,” said Brekveld.

She said that climate change, supply chain resilience and preservation of local food production capacity are issues impacting all Ontarians, whether rural or urban. Adding, she’s keen to continue conversations and work collectively towards finding solutions. 

“Agriculture is a complex sector that not only touches many facets of daily life in Ontario but is also impacted by the decisions, policies and directions of a wide range of provincial ministries,” adds Brekveld. 

She said that agriculture is a significant contributor to Ontario’s economic recovery, with agriculture and rural communities providing a solid breadth and depth of potential that new and returning ministers can overlook. 

“We want to ensure our farmers have the tools, resources and support necessary to keep their businesses strong and profitable so that they can continue feeding families across the province,” said Brekveld.

Ford expanded his cabinet slightly from 28 members to 30, reconfiguring some ministries and introducing others. 

Parm Gill is the Minister of Red Tape Reduction, an issue that Ford has been strong on since his first campaign onward and one significantly impacting the agriculture industry.

Ford reappointed David Piccini as Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks, Steve Clark as Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and Todd Smith as Minister of Energy. 

Ford divided Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry into three ministries. George Pirie was appointed Minister of Mines with a mandate to develop the Ring of Fire; Graydon Smith as Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry; and Greg Rickford served double duty as Minister of Northern Development and Minister of Indigenous Affairs.

Monte McNaughton returns as Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, and Caroline Mulroney retains the Ministry of Transportation with the additional appointment as Minister of Francophone Affairs. 

Complete List of Cabinet appointments 

• Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs
• Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health
• Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance
• Paul Calandra, Minister of Long-Term Care, Minister of Legislative Affairs and Government House Leader
• Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility
• Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
• Doug Downey, Attorney General
• Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities
• Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade~, with an additional mandate for small business
• Michael Ford, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism
• Merrilee Fullerton, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services
• Parm Gill, Minister of Red Tape Reduction 
• Michael Kerzner, Solicitor General
• Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education
• Neil Lumsden, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport
• Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development
• Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation and Minister of Francophone Affairs
• David Piccini, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
• Graydon Smith, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry
• George Pirie, Minister of Mines, with a mandate to develop the Ring of Fire
• Kaleed Rasheed, Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery
• Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development and Minister of Indigenous Affairs
• Prabmeet Sarkaria, President of the Treasury Board, with an expanded mandate for emergency management and procurement, including Supply Ontario
• Todd Smith, Minister of Energy
• Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure, with an additional mandate for government real estate
• Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
• Stan Cho, Associate Minister of Transportation
• Michael Parsa, Associate Minister of Housing
• Michael Tibollo, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions
• Charmaine Williams, Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity

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Lisa Thompson, Premier Doug Ford’s minister of agriculture, food and rural affairs since June last year, easily held her southwestern riding of Huron-Bruce in Thursday’s provincial election by a spread of 15,594 votes over Liberal challenger Shelley Blackmore, a farmer and retired teacher, with all polls reporting.

With almost 99 per cent of polls reporting provincewide, and an expected voter turnout of just over 43 per cent, Ford’s Tories were elected or leading in 83 of 124 seats just after midnight Friday.

Andrea Horwath’s official opposition New Democrats follow with 31 seats and Steven Del Duca’s Liberals in eight. Green Party leader Mike Schreiner also returns to the legislature. One independent candidate, Bobbi Ann Brady, won in Haldimand-Norfolk.

John Vanthof, the NDP’s incumbent ag critic and chief whip, was expected to hold his northeastern riding of Timiskaming-Cochrane, leading by a spread of 1,601 votes over the Tory challenger, conservation officer Bill Foy, just after midnight Friday with 80 of 82 polls reporting.

Meanwhile, the Liberals’ incumbent ag critic, Amanda Simard, was trailing in her eastern riding of Glengarry-Prescott-Russell by 1,627 votes behind Tory challenger Stephane Sarrazin, the mayor for the township of Alfred-Plantagenet, with 87 of 99 polls reporting.

Simard, previously the PCs’ parliamentary assistant for francophone affairs, had left the Tory caucus in 2018 to sit as an independent and crossed to the Liberals in 2020.

NDP leader Horwath, who held her riding of Hamilton-Centre, and Liberal leader Del Duca, who was defeated in the riding of Vaughn-Woodbridge, each announced Thursday night they will resign as their respective parties’ leaders.

Ford’s Tories had pledged, if returned to power, to put up $10 million in 2022–23 for a Food Security and Supply Chain Fund to attract and retain workers, and another $10 million to expand its Enhanced Agri-Food Workplace Protection Program, in support of worker health and safety.

The party also said it will put $5 million in 2022–23 toward emergency supports such as set-asides for livestock producers in the event of processing disruptions. — Glacier FarmMedia Network

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Her open nature can momentarily eclipse her razor-sharp observational skills and the wealth of knowledge she brings to the table as a farmer, businessperson and politician. 

“I think the foundation to addressing any situation, whether it’s good news or a tough problem, (is) you need to take the time to do your homework,” said the newly appointed Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “And part of doing your homework is listening to the experts on the ground.”

Building on the work of former agriculture minister Ernie Hardeman, Thompson said she wants to support sustainable growth for the agriculture sector.

“He left big shoes to fill. I like to think that I brought my own pair of shoes, my own pair of ropers, to pick up where he left off,” said the Huron-Bruce MPP. “And I’m going to work very hard. I’m going to put everything I’ve got into this job.”

That statement packs a punch. 

Thompson’s experience on her parent’s farm in Huron County, as a 4-H member and active volunteer in her riding, provided a background in agriculture advocacy and political foundation. 

“You develop an eye, and you get to appreciate when people are truly bringing the best of the best forward,” she said. “Across the province, we have farmers and producers that are generating the best of the best, and it makes it very easy for me to be a champion on their behalf.”

Thompson’s vision for agriculture and agri-food growth includes increased access to markets, increased efficiencies and a push toward innovation and technology. 

“I feel strongly we can demonstrate how our farmers have been early adopters to technology,” said Thompson, who has a degree in Public Administration and Consumer Economics from the University of Guelph. 

She said there is an opportunity to embrace new technologies within Ontario agriculture to enhance food production and marketability on a North American and global platform. 

But before making investments, Thompson said she wants to identify what provincial farm organizations and commodity boards have embraced.

“We don’t want any redundant initiatives,” she said. “We want to enable our farmers and our organizations to be forward-thinking, through research and through market research as well.”

Thompson said investing in technology that enhances and adds value to Ontario products and provides farmers with increased returns is essential and helps increase awareness of Ontario agriculture’s quality production. 

“Then (we) help remove burdens and get the hurdles out of the way so Ontario farmers can access more markets and do what they do best — produce at home and add value to the chain, so ultimately, we’re helping drive the provincial economy, and that ripple effect in terms of the local economy is positively impacted as well.”

Thompson’s appointment may be fresh, but she knows her way around government ministries, having cultivated partnerships to help rural communities and agriculture businesses. 

As for the challenges facing agricultural land retention in the face of urban expansion, Thompson said the Ford government has shown a commitment to attainable housing while creating initiatives for land protection. 

“We need to work well together as a cabinet to understand the impacts (of land development) when we talk about growing Ontario,” she said.

“We’re replacing any acre that’s used in the Greenbelt with two dedicated acres, so we’re increasing the Greenbelt. We care about being good stewards of the land, and I think our actions to date are demonstrating that.”

Thompson’s social media platforms champion the agriculture sector and the importance of rural community health and economic growth. However, she is also familiar with the impact Mother Nature can have on the industry. 

Within days of each other, Thompson announced marketing funds for tender fruit growers who are having a bumper crop year and another announcement to address the impact of drought and forest fires on Northern Ontario producers. 

Thompson said the province moved quickly to support livestock farmers through the summer season and provide hope through the fall.

In the same breath, she said tender fruit growers are exporting their product to British Columbia, where fires are affecting production.

“Therein lies the collectiveness of our industry,” she said. “We need to be tuned in. We need to listen. We need to be dexterous enough to act and support in the manner that our growers and farmers need.”

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I’ve known Thompson for a long time and she’s spent her life in agriculture. I remember riding the bus while I was taking the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (AALP) and Thompson was along, as a graduate, willing to share her recent experiences that included time in the tech sector in Waterloo. She was one of the first people I saw with a Blackberry, which tells you how long ago that was.

A couple of years back I moderated an event for AALP, with Thompson, current Farm Products Marketing Commission chair Amy Cronin and Farm Credit Canada’s John Geurtens on the panel. 

Thompson was passionate about the potential for agriculture when she spoke. She’s been part of numerous industry organizations. 

As I’ve talked to people about her appointment, I’ve learned many in the sector have a connection with her.

I would be surprised if Thompson didn’t lobby hard for this post – as hard as one can lobby in politics. Many of us assumed the agriculture ministry position was her goal.

There are patterns over time in the naming of ministers and that’s especially true in naming agriculture ministers in Ontario.

Most fall into two categories. The first and most regular is when a minister is named from a riding with a significant agriculture industry. Who better to represent the industry than someone who knows it well? 

Rural MPPs also end up as agriculture minister when the premier decides that they need someone knowledgeable in the role to manage tough issues, or when he or she feels rural ridings deserve strong representation. 

There are numerous rural MPPs for Premier Doug Ford to choose from following the strong support the Conservatives received from rural Ontario in the last election.

That’s the case with the Huron-Bruce riding, as Huron by itself has the highest farmgate receipts in the province. 

The desire to have a rural riding represented in cabinet makes Huron-Bruce a natural choice for agriculture minister and that’s happened in both Conservative and Liberal governments.

I’ve been told that it’s tough being an agriculture minister with agriculture background. Not everyone in the sector can be satisfied and when you have to say no, they’re not just your political clients. They’re your constituents and sometimes your friends and neighbours and relatives.

However, a deep understanding of a complicated sector with a network to lean on has to help a rural MPP in the agriculture ministry role. 

Most of the recent agriculture ministers have fit this mold, including Thompson, her predecessor Ernie Hardeman and Carol Mitchell, Leona Dombrowsky, Steve Peters and Helen Johns.

Johns was the first female minister of agriculture. I recently ran into her in the grocery store. I live just south of the Huron-Bruce riding and was raised in the middle of that riding. To my surprise, she recognized me and we had a good chat.

The second type of agriculture minister is from outside the sector. When the government has no rural representatives, the job falls to someone who needs to be given a post in cabinet. 

The agriculture ministry also tends to be a portfolio in which one stays for a limited time. Of the past 10 Ontario agriculture ministers, only seven served longer than two years.

However, several of the longest-serving agriculture ministers didn’t come from an agriculture background, including Jeff Leal at more than five years, if the time when he was only rural affairs minister is included. Leal had some rural areas in his riding but he was mainly from Peterborough. 

Like Leal, Elmer Buchanan came from the education field in the Peterborough area when he was named agriculture minister during the NDP government of the early 1990s. I still hear that he was a thoughtful and reasonable agriculture minister. 

I’ve generally found the non-agriculture-background ministers to be sincerely thankful that they were agriculture minister and were willing to learn.

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Premier Doug Ford’s recent eight-person cabinet shuffle saw the Huron-Bruce representative replace Ernie Hardeman as Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). 

“I am humbled to be given this new post and I pledge to Ontario’s agri-food sector and rural communities that I will work hard on their behalf,” Thompson said. “I’d like to also applaud and acknowledge the great work done by Ernie Hardeman over the years as Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.”

Thompson comes from an agricultural background, having grown up near Wingham. She now lives in Bruce County on her husband’s 120-year-old family farm. 

A graduate of the University of Guelph and an alumnus of the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program and the George Morris Executive Leadership program, Thompson has a history as an advocate for the health and prosperity of agriculture and rural communities.

Ontario Federation of Agriculture president Peggy Brekveld said the OFA has worked with Thompson over the past year in her previous role as Minister of Government and Consumer Services. OFA had concerns with the Not-for-Profit Corporations Act and the potential negative impact to its democratic structure. 

“Minister Thompson has a valuable understanding of farm and rural issues and has a direct connection to those communities,” said Brekveld. “We look forward to working alongside her to grow the industry and continue to focus on the priorities and opportunities that will stimulate economic growth for all Ontarians.”

Keith Currie, Canadian Federation of Agriculture vice-president and OFA past-president, congratulated Thompson, saying he has worked with her in several roles outside of government over the years. 

“She has a long history of involvement in the Ontario agriculture industry,” Currie said. “I look forward to continuing to build that relationship going forward.” 

Brekveld praised the premier’s appointment of a person with strong ties to agriculture but added that the OFA would miss Hardeman’s passion and commitment to the industry.

Hardeman worked hard to serve Ontario’s agriculture industry, said Currie. 

In 2020, Currie said Hardeman championed the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act, Bill 156, the Security from Trespass and Protecting Food Safety Act and advanced risk management program money. 

Beef Farmers of Ontario also praised the former minister’s work.

“Minister Hardeman has advocated for farmers on a number of significant issues like mental health, farm and food security, trade access and improving the financial viability of farming in the province,” said BFO President Rob Lipsett.

During the pandemic, Hardeman was instrumental in initiating the Canada-Ontario COVID-19 AgriRecovery Beef Emergency Feed Maintenance Initiative, known as the set-aside program, and weathered various pandemic-related challenges related to its impact on domestic and international food systems, said Lipsett.

Lipsett said Thompson is an ally to Ontario food and agriculture and he plans to address with her the need for greater risk management support programming for beef farmers.

“We are also anxious to find ways to address the lack of processing capacity in the province and how we can work together to ensure Ontarians and our global partners have access to a reliable supply of Ontario beef.”

The cabinet shuffle also saw Dave Piccini replace Jeff Yurek as Minister of Environment, Todd Smith appointed Minister of Energy and Kinga Surma appointed Minister of Infrastructure. 

Greg Rickford’s appointment to the newly merged role of Minister of Northern Development, Mining, Natural Resources and Indigenous Affairs will focus on the economic growth, development and sustainability of Northern Ontario.

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The move goes against the national consensus that was reached in March over the removal of the reference margin limit. However, a federal government proposal to increase the compensation rate from 80 per cent to 70 per cent was rejected by Prairie provinces.

It’s the provincial portion of the increase in compensation rate that Ontario announced on July 25 that it is providing. It called on the federal government to contribution its portion.

Why it matters: Use of the AgriStability program has been declining as farmers have found it too difficult to trigger a program payout during a crisis.

“Ontario farmers can’t wait any longer for improvements to the AgriStability program – so the Ontario government is taking action and also calling on the federal government and other provinces to step up as well,” said Lisa Thompson, minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “By enhancing the AgriStability program, we can better help those Ontario farmers who have been impacted by large income losses from factors outside of their control.”

AgriStability is paid into both by farmers and provinces and the federal government and aims to help provide a financial backstop when farm incomes drop quickly.

The $25 million in increased potential support through AgriStability is in addition to $50 million the province announced in July 2020, to increase its contribution to the Ontario Risk Management Program.

“I have been and will continue to be a tireless leader for improving the business management programs so that farmers can count on them – starting with AgriStability,” said Marie-Claude Bibeau, federal minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, in a statement.

“I am very proud of the work I did alongside Minister Thompson’s predecessor to advocate and secure changes with all provinces and territories to finally remove the margin limit from AgriStability, first introduced by a Conservative government in 2013. This was a big win for farmers, resulting in $95 million nationally into the pockets of farmers who need it most.”

Bibeau says the federal offer is still on the table for the cost-shared improvements to the compensation rate, but that in order to make AgriStability changes at the national level a “strong majority” of provinces have to agree.

“The Prairie provinces need to step up to make this happen.”

Extreme price volatility and processing slowdowns dramatically impacted our industry in 2020,” said John de Bruyn, Chair of Ontario Pork. “This change will help the most affected producers recover. We continue to urge the Federal Minister of Agriculture, Marie-Claude Bibeau to find a way to match these funds.”

“By choosing to increase the compensation rate from 70 per cent to 80 per cent on the provincial portion of approved AgriStability claims, more money will be paid out to the producers who need it most,” said Peggy Brekveld, president of Ontario Federation of Agriculture.

*Update: Includes comments from Minister Bibeau.

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Ford on Friday announced a major cabinet shuffle, dropping Hardeman, the long-time MPP for Oxford, from the cabinet table and naming Lisa Thompson as minister for agriculture, food and rural affairs.

Thompson, who until Friday was Ford’s minister of government and consumer services, has been MPP for the western Ontario riding of Huron-Bruce since 2011. She previously served as minister of education (2018-19) and in opposition critic portfolios such as international trade (2017-18) and environment (2014-17).

Thompson lives on a family farm near Teeswater, about 100 km northwest of Kitchener, where she and her husband raise purebred Boer goats. She served as general manager for the Ontario Dairy Goat Co-operative before entering provincial politics.

Thompson’s resume also includes a degree in economics and study in the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program at the University of Guelph, plus certification from the George Morris Centre executive development program at U of G’s Ontario Agricultural College. She also previously chaired the Ontario 4-H Foundation and served as vice-chair for Ontario Agri-Food Education Inc.

Thompson “understands the need of rural communities and farmers, and we know she will look for new ways of supporting and helping grow farm businesses and rural economies,” Grain Farmers of Ontario chair Brendan Byrne said in a separate release Friday.

“With COVID disruptions, trade disputes, volatile markets and high levels of business risk for farmers, Ontario agriculture needs a strong voice and advocate who understands farmers and farming businesses,” GFO CEO Crosby Devitt said in the same release.

The Ontario Federation of Agriculture on Friday also hailed Thompson’s appointment. As government and consumer services minister, she was a “key partner” in addressing concerns with the provincial Not-for-Profit Corporations Act and its “potential negative impacts on (OFA’s) democratic structure,” the organization said.

Thompson “has a valuable understanding of farm and rural issues and has a direct connection to those communities,” OFA president Peggy Brekveld said in a separate release.

Ford’s shuffled cabinet includes himself and 23 ministers plus five associate ministers.

“As we continue our work to rebuild and support Ontario’s health system, our renewed team is well positioned to deliver on the priorities that matter to Ontarians, including getting more people back to work, making life more affordable, supporting businesses and job creators and building transit infrastructure,” he said Friday.

Hardeman, the MPP for Oxford since 1995, served stints as then-premier Mike Harris’ agriculture minister (1999-2001), the Tories’ opposition agriculture critic (2003-05, 2008-14), and Ford’s ag minister from mid-2018 up until Friday.

Before entering provincial politics, Hardeman owned and operated Hardeman Feed at Salford, Ont., east of London, from 1966 to 1995 and chaired the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) in 1993 and 1994.

“We engaged regularly with Minister Hardeman over the past few years and wholeheartedly appreciate his passion for agriculture and his desire to see our dynamic industry grow, innovate and move forward,” OFA’s Brekveld said Friday.

Other appointments in Friday’s shuffle of interest to farmers include Northumberland-Peterborough South MPP Dave Piccini as environment and conservation minister and Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford as natural resources minister.

Rickford’s portfolio now involves a “merged role” also including northern development, mines and forestry, and he remains minister for Indigenous affairs. “This new northern- and economic-focused ministry will enhance development potential and sustainability in the north,” the government said Friday.

Energy, meanwhile, will become a separate ministry handled by Todd Smith, MPP for Bay of Quinte. — Glacier FarmMedia Network

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