There is a small but dedicated group of Liberal watchers speculating about who could replace Ralph Goodale as agriculture minister if the Liberals win re-election and Goodale is given a new job.
A name which crops up occasionally is Jane Stewart, a rural Ontario MP and revenue minister who has some credentials.
She and her husband have been involved in a farming enterprise and she likely is the only member of the federal cabinet who belongs to a farm organization – the Ontario Federation of Agriculture.
She also has strong Liberal connections and is thought to have handled herself well as a rookie cabinet minister and MP.
At the end of February, Stewart will speak to the Ontario Corn Producers Association annual meeting.
Some will be watching to see how she explains federal policy to an influential Ontario farm group.
