Rosann Wowchuk remained agriculture minister and deputy premier following last week’s reshuffling of the Manitoba cabinet.
Also important to agriculture and rural Manitoba is the conservation department, which will now be headed by Dauphin-Roblin MLA Stan Struthers, who replaces Steve Ashton.
Ashton will head the newly created water stewardship department, which makes him responsible for things such as water management and clean water initiatives.
The creation of the new department is a sign the provincial NDP is placing added emphasis on water quality.
While the government’s sentiments toward the environment and conservation have significance for all Manitoba farmers, Struthers’ appointment as conservation minister has added meaning for elk growers. He has been among those in the NDP government most critical of allowing hunting of farmed elk.
