Premier Ford introduces parliamentary assistants

Jul 12, 2022

Rob Flack and Trevor Jones will serve as assistants to Minister Thompson

By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com

Premier Ford introduced more members of his cabinet, unveiling the MPPs who will serve as parliamentary assistants to their respective ministers.

These MPPs “support ministers with legislative and committee matters, including special projects and assignments that require dedicated leadership,” the Ontario government’s website says. “They also play a key role in building relationships and communicating government initiatives across the province.”

Most cabinet ministers have two parliamentary assistants, including Lisa Thompson, the minister of agriculture, food and rural affairs.

Rob Flack, the MPP for Elgin-Middlesex-London, is one of the assistants.

The other is Trevor Jones, the MPP for Chatham-Kent-Leamington.

“I’m proud to welcome (Jones) and (Flack) as the new Parliamentary Assistants to OMAFRA,” Minister Thompson said on Twitter on June 29. “Rob and Trevor both bring a wealth of knowledge to our ministry with their experience in the agriculture and food sector. Welcome to the team!”

Trevor Jones and Rob Flack

Trevor Jones (left) and Rob Flack are the parliamentary assistants to Minister Lisa Thompson.

Flack’s career in agriculture started in 1979.

After graduating from the University of Guelph, he worked at Masterfeeds as a sales trainee.

In 1993 he became the company’s president and CEO. And in 2003 he received the Golden Award from the Animal Nutrition Association of Canada.

Flack is currently the vice president of the Canadian Hereford Association and owner/operator of Dorbay Polled Herefords in Dorchester, Ont.

Jones began working in agriculture following a 16-year career in law enforcement.

He then worked as the senior director of grower and community relations for Mastronardi Produce, and also lobbied the provincial government on behalf of the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers.

Video: Sowing Success: Dr. Gordon Spronk's Journey with Pipestone and the Future of Swine Health

Welcome back to In Swine Versation. Get ready for an enlightening journey as we delve into the remarkable story of Dr. Gordon Spronk, a founding partner at Pipestone, in our latest episode of "Sowing Success." In this episode, we'll be exploring key questions that shed light on Pipestone's evolution and the future of swine health. Here's a glimpse of what to expect:

1. Exploring Pipestone's Foundations: We'll kick off by uncovering the early vision behind Pipestone and how it has shaped the landscape for new entrepreneurs entering the field. Dr. Spronk will share insights into the core principles that have guided Pipestone's journey and how they continue to drive success today.

2. Industry-Shaping Experiences: Moving on to Dr. Spronk's impactful tenure at the National Pork Board, we'll explore his contributions to sustainability, growth accomplishments, and his vision for the future of pork production. Expect to gain insights into how Dr. Spronk's experiences have influenced the industry and what he envisions for its future.

3. Global Excellence and Growth: With Pipestone ranking second in the latest World Mega Producers ranking, we'll delve into what these impressive numbers signify and how Pipestone continues to excel on a global scale. Dr. Spronk will share his perspectives on the key factors driving Pipestone's success and its strategy for continued growth and innovation.

4. Navigating Challenges: We'll address the hot topic of Prop 12 and its implications for the industry. Dr. Spronk will provide valuable insights into the challenges and implementation issues faced by Pipestone and how the company is navigating through this complex landscape.

5. Updates on Wholestone Plant: Dr. Spronk will provide updates on the latest developments at the Wholestone plant in South Dakota, offering insights into how this initiative aligns with Pipestone's broader goals and objectives.

6. Transformative Journey of Pipestone Management: Taking a trip down memory lane, we'll explore the transformative journey of Pipestone Management since its inception in 1988. Dr. Spronk will share insights into the growth and evolution of Pipestone Management, highlighting key milestones and lessons learned along the way.

7. Defining Swine Health Success: Finally, we'll delve into Dr. Spronk's definition of swine health and its pivotal role in the success of Pipestone Management. Expect to gain a deeper understanding of the importance of swine health and how it drives Pipestone's mission and values.

Overall, this episode promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of Pipestone's journey and the future of swine health. Tune in for an engaging conversation that's sure to leave you inspired and informed about what lies ahead in the world of pork production.