Cambridge - ON – – Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced a significant cabinet shuffle late Thursday, June 6, the final day of the spring session in the provincial legislature, as Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) head home until October. While many senior cabinet positions remain unchanged, there are notable developments in the agricultural sector.
Lisa Thompson, who has diligently served as the Minister of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs since 2021, will transition to the role of Minister of Rural Affairs. The newly created position of Minister of Farming, Agriculture and Agribusiness will be filled by Rob Flack, MPP for Elgin-Middlesex-London.
The Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario (CFFO) has expressed appreciation for Lisa Thompson's contributions and is eager to continue collaborating with her in her new capacity. "We have enjoyed working with Lisa Thompson and bringing the voices of Ontario farmers to Queens Park. We look forward to working with her in her new role," stated CFFO President Ed Scharringa.
In addition, President Scharringa extended congratulations to Rob Flack on his new appointment. "We congratulate Rob Flack, MPP for Elgin-Middlesex-London, on his new portfolio. CFFO looks forward to working together to ensure the voices and interests of Ontario farmers remain at the forefront," Scharringa added.
Rob Flack, first elected as MPP for Elgin-Middlesex-London in June 2022, has served as the Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs, and most recently as the Associate Minister of Housing. With a solid background in farming, Flack currently raises Hereford cattle and has had a distinguished career with Masterfeeds, where he started as a sales trainee in 1979 and rose to the position of President and CEO in 1993, before retiring in 2022.
Flack's extensive experience in agriculture and agribusiness, combined with his legislative roles, positions him well to lead Ontario's farming and agribusiness sectors. His appointment is anticipated to bring renewed focus and innovative approaches to the challenges and opportunities within Ontario's agricultural landscape.
Source : Christian Farmers