IN HONOUR of Canada Day 2003, take a moment to think about something other than prices and markets, BSE and closed borders. Let’s think a bit about Canadian history.
The space this week is used to ask 10 questions about agriculture history in Canada. The answers are at the end of the column. No cheating.
1) The federal department of agriculture was created in: a) 1896 when Sir Clifford Sifton used western farmland as a lure to attract immigrants; b) in 1867 at the birth of the nation; c) in 1917 when prime minister Robert Borden decided to exempt farmers from the draft.
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2) During the first four decades of confederation, agriculture ministers usually represented constituencies in:
a) Manitoba; b) Saskatchewan; c) Quebec; d) Nova Scotia.
3) The province that has been most often represented by a federal agriculture minister is: a) Quebec; 2) British Columbia; c) Saskatchewan; d) Alberta.
4) What Canadian animal became a key player during the American civil war in 1861-65 and almost disappeared because of the war slaughter?
5) In what province was wheat first grown commercially in Canada:
a) Saskatchewan; b) Nova Scotia; c) Quebec;
d) Manitoba.
6) During Canada’s first century, one constituency had the distinction of being home to the federal agriculture minister for more than 30 years. What federal riding was it?
7) How many of Canada’s 20 prime ministers have been farmers: a) 3; b) 7; c) 0; d) 2.
8) Who was Canada’s longest-serving agriculture minister?
9) Who was the first western MP to hold the federal agriculture minister’s job: a) T.A. Crerar; b) W.R. Motherwell;
c) Harry Hays; d) Martin Burrell.
10) If he hangs onto office a few months longer, on Dec. 18, 2003, Lyle Vanclief will become the agriculture minister with the longest continuous tenure in office since Jimmy Gardiner, who served half a century ago. Whose record will Vanclief surpass that day?
Answers
1) B. The agriculture department was one of the first government departments created and at the time of confederation, considered one of the most important in a rural nation.
2) C. During the first 44 years of confederation, seven different ministers from Quebec held the office for all but eight years.
3) C. Six ministers from Saskatchewan have held the office for 44 years since 1921.
4) The Canadien horse, treasured by the Civil War armies for their toughness and low maintenance.
5) B. Wheat was first grown in Canada at Port Royale, N.S., in the 17th century.
6) Melville, Sask.
7) C. Several prime ministers, including Robert Borden, were raised on farms but none stayed. The profession of choice for most prime ministers has been the law.
8) Jimmy Gardiner, 1935-1957, the longest continuous period in one cabinet position in Canadian federal history.
9) D. Martin Burrell from British Columbia was minister from 1911-1917 in Borden’s government.
10) Eugene Whelan, minister from 1972-1979. He later added four more years, 1980-84.
