Federal Liberal leader Justin Trudeau has shaken up his parliamentary caucus, shuffling many of his seasoned agricultural veterans to non-related jobs.
Frank Valeriote, agriculture critic since 2011, is being replaced by veteran Nova Scotia MP and former farmer Mark Eyking, who once served as parliamentary secretary to agriculture minister Bob Speller.
Valeriote becomes deputy whip in the new Trudeau shadow cabinet, a relatively minor post that requires making sure MPs perform their duties and show up for committee duty and House of Commons votes.
Wayne Easter, longtime agriculture critic and most recently trade critic with an eye on agricultural issues in trade negotiations, is the new Liberal public safety critic.
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Montreal MP Marc Garneau, a former astronaut and Liberal leadership contender, adds international trade to his new position as foreign affairs and Francophonie critic.
Toronto MP Kirsty Duncan replaces Eyking as international co-operation critic.
It is Trudeau’s first major overhaul of caucus responsibilities since he won the leadership this winter.
The Aug. 21 announcement was in preparation for the opening of the parliamentary session in October.
Eyking said he plans to use his new position to question government cuts to food inspectors as well as the implications of last year’s federal-provincial agreement, which reduces farm business risk management funding.
“One of my priorities will be food safety and cuts at the CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency),” said Eyking, whose family operates a vegetable farm on Cape Breton Island.
Eyking has been an MP since 2000, served on the House of Commons agriculture committee and has been involved in the Cape Breton vegetable farm started by his Dutch immigrant father.
Regina Liberal MP Ralph Goodale remains deputy leader of the party in the House of Commons.
