Farms.com Home   Ag Industry News

Minister MacDonald’s record in the House

Minister MacDonald’s record in the House
Jun 24, 2026
By Diego Flammini
Assistant Editor, North American Content, Farms.com

He spoke 54 times in the House and cast 173 votes

With Parliament on its summer recess, Farms.com is summarizing the involvement of Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald and his counterparts during the first session of the 45th Parliament.

For context, this session started on May 26, 2025, and Prime Minister Carney appointed MacDonald as ag minister on May 13.

The figures in the table are taken from the House of Commons website.

 

Chamber Interventions

 

(Number of times they’ve spoken in the House)

Committee Interventions

 

(Number of times they’ve spoken at Committee)

Chamber Votes Cast

Other Notes

Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Heath MacDonald

54

 

Most recently during question period on June 16 highlighting the national food security strategy.

169

 

Most recently at the finance committee on June 1 discussing measures in the spring economic update.

173

 

Most recently voted in favour of the third reading of Bill C-30, the spring economic update, on June 18.

 

John Barlow (Conservative Agriculture Critic)

109

 

Most recently on during question period on June 16, when he asked Minister MacDonald about fertilizer tariffs.

293

 

Most recently at the finance committee meeting on June 1 when he asked if Bill C-30 included regulations to hold CFIA accountable for decisions it makes through an economic lens.

173

 

Most recently on June 18 when he voted against the third reading of Bill C-30.

Submitted 12 written questions.

 

On June 15 he asked the government for specific details related to closing the Swift Current research centre.

Gord Johns (NDP Agriculture Critic as of April 2026)

286

 

Most recently on June 18 related to the spring economic update.

6

 

On Feb. 24 at a government operations committee, he spoke about a Transportation Safety Board report.

167

 

Voted against the third reading of Bill C-30 on June 18.

Sponsored 8 bills.

 

Sponsored 12 motions, including one opposing fur farming on June 17.

 

Submitted 16 written questions, like on June 15 when he asked about emergency mental health supports through Health Canada.

Sébastien Lemire (Bloc Agriculture Critic as of January 2026)

213

 

Most recently on June 16 about a bill related to unconditional transfers to the provinces.

1,081

 

Most recently about ag on June 4 at committee discussing the Alto rail line.

173

 

Voted against Bill C-30 on June 18.

Submitted 5 written questions.

 

June 16’s question was about benefits delivery modernization.

 


Trending Video

Canada's Farm Show presented by Bunge - Launchpad 2026 - Agriculture Budget

Video: Canada's Farm Show presented by Bunge - Launchpad 2026 - Agriculture Budget


Saskatchewan Budget 2026: Impacts & Insights for Agriculture
Launch Pad, presented by Deloitte

Explore how the 2026 Saskatchewan Budget will shape the agriculture sector. From funding and policy changes to new opportunities and challenges, this session will break down key takeaways for farmers, agribusinesses, and industry stakeholders.

Bill Greuel – Deputy Minister – Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture will opens up the session Panelists include:

1) Tina Beaudry, Partner, Deliotte (panel moderator);
2) Bill Greuel, Deputy Minister, Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture
3) Bill Prybylski, President, APAS, and leading industry experts.