Quebec MP Marie-Claude Bibeau has been re-appointed as Minister of Agriculture & Agri-Food.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his cabinet Tuesday morning.
Bibeau became the country's first female agriculture minister when she took over the role back in 2019.
Also of note, Quebec MP Steven Guilbeault will assume the role of Environment and Climate Change Minister while Ontario MP Mary Ng remains Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development.
In a news release, the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) says it is looking forward to working with Minister Bibeau once again.
“We look forward to continuing our productive relationship with Minister Bibeau," said CFA President Mary Robinson. "We have worked closely with the Minister throughout her tenure and the COVID-19 pandemic, and are now looking forward to collaborating to ensure that Canadian agriculture can serve as a powerful economic engine for Canada's recovery and an impactful ally in the fight against climate change."
CFA's election priorities included: leverage agriculture's environmental benefits, provide increased funding for the Next Policy Framework and invest in critical infrastructure requirements, among others.
“Another key priority that must be quickly addressed is the devastating drought situation in the Prairie provinces," added Robinson. " CFA's Hay West initiative is seeking funding, in line with competing nations’ emergency funding, to cover the freight costs of shipping hay to farmers who are in dire need today,”
The CFA will seek a meeting with Minister Bibeau to discuss Canadian farmers’ priorities at her earliest convenience.
Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) President Bill Campbell also provided the following statement:
“KAP congratulates Marie-Claude Bibeau on her reappointment to cabinet as Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. We look forward to continuing our work with her to grow Manitoba's agriculture and agri-food industry.”
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