Wetmore steps in as N.B. ag minister

Nov 12, 2018

His experience in the ag industry includes being a business owner

By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com

New Brunswick’s 34^th premier unveiled his cabinet tasked with moving the province ahead for the next four years.

Progressive Conservative leader Blaine Higgs named 16 ministers to his government during a swearing-in ceremony on Friday.

“Today it has been entrusted upon us for the next chapter in New Brunswick’s history,” Higgs said during the ceremony, The Canadian Press reported. “I humbly ask each and every one of you to help me in meeting that responsibility. This cannot be accomplished alone.”

New Brunswick’s new minister of agriculture, aquaculture and fisheries is an agribusiness owner.

Ross Wetmore, the MLA for Grand Lake-Gagetown, will be responsible for the province’s agricultural portfolio.

Along with his partner Gerald Kerr, Wetmore opened K &W Quality Meats in 1979. Since then, his business has grown to include a grocery store, butchery, marina and restaurant.

Since entering provincial politics in 2010, Wetmore has served on several committees, including the standing committee on crown corporations and the select committee on cannabis. He was also the official Opposition critic for Tourism, Heritage and Culture and Natural Resources.

Higgs’s party won the provincial election after former premier and Liberal leader Brian Gallant failed to receive the necessary support in a confidence vote last week.

Farms.com has reached out to the Agricultural Alliance of New Brunswick for comment.

Video: Early Fall Colors | Scenic Ontario Road Trip!

All adventures must come to an end, but not without one more journey! Join The Wandering Shepherds as we say farewell to our cozy Calabogie cottage and take the scenic road trip home to Ewetopia Farms. Our first stop was a breathtaking hydroelectric generating station, framed by cliffs, rushing water, and brilliant fall leaves that seemed to have changed overnight. From there, we meandered along winding backroads through lakes and hills, soaking in the spectacular autumn scenery. This year, the colors seemed to arrive earlier than usual—perhaps due to the summer’s drought? Whatever the reason, it was an unforgettable display of Ontario’s fall beauty. Finally, our holiday drew to a close as we pulled back into Ewetopia Farms, ready to return to the sheep and our daily vlogs. But this trip reminded us how important it is to pause, explore, and appreciate the simple beauty around us.