A rookie MLA and farmer from Ethelbert became Manitoba’s agriculture minister this morning.
As part of a cabinet shuffle announced today, premier Greg Selinger appointed Ron Kostyshyn, who was elected in the Swan River constituency last fall, as Manitoba’s agriculture minister.
Kostyshyn replaces Stan Struthers, who is now Manitoba’s minister of finance.
Kostyshyn, who has operated a mixed farm for 25 years in the region north of Dauphin, was formerly reeve for the Rural Municipality of Mossey River and chair of the Manitoba Conservation District Association before becoming an MLA last year.
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“As a farmer himself, Ron will bring a strong voice for the priorities of farmers, producers and rural families to the cabinet table,” Selinger said in a statement.
Agricultural producer groups in the province, including the Manitoba Beef Producers, reacted positively to the premier’s choice for ag minister.
“(The) MBP is dedicated to working to advance the beef sector and welcomes the expertise and experience minister Kostyshyn will bring on key issues affecting producers across the province,” the organization said in a news release. “(The) MBP looks forward to working with minister Kostyshyn on the issues concerning beef producers and the beef sector in Manitoba.”
