ONTARIO — Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson is Ontario’s new minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
Premier Doug Ford assigned her the role in a cabinet shuffle today. Not new to cabinet, Thompson comes to the position after serving as Government and Consumer minister. She replaces Ernie Hardeman in the agriculture portfolio. The Oxford MPP hasn’t been returned to the cabinet table after the shake-up.
The Beef Farmers of Ontario are lauding Thompson’s deep connection to farm and rural issues and say she’s well positioned to address the needs of Ontario’s 19,000 beef farmers.
“Minister Thompson has been an ally for Ontario food and agriculture long before her career in politics began in 2011. We have a good rapport with Minister Thompson and we look forward to meeting with her to continue discussions on augmenting support for Ontario’s Risk Management Program and all business risk management programming available to beef farmers,” says Rob Lipsett, BFO President. “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 19,000-member organization is also wishing her predecessor for his leadership and accomplishments over the last three years.
“Over the last three years, Minister Hardeman’s familiarity with agriculture, his understanding of the challenges farmers face while working hard to provide safe, quality food, and his support of Ontario’s beef industry has served us well,” says Lipsett.
