THE most pressing need in agriculture now is action. In that light, prime minister Paul Martin’s decision to hand the agriculture portfolio to a former Ontario banker with no direct agricultural experience might raise eyebrows.
A minister who needs time to get up to speed is a luxury the industry cannot afford.
But in a government with few rural MPs to choose from, the appointment of Andy Mitchell at least gives us a minister familiar with the concerns of rural Canada.
And Wayne Easter, who was named Mitchell’s parliamentary secretary for rural issues, should provide hands-on experience and support because of his history in the industry.
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Mitchell served as minister responsible for rural affairs in the government of Jean Chrétien. He was minister for Indian and northern affairs under Paul Martin. He has, through the years, advocated measures to keep farmers in rural areas, funding to entice youth to remain in small communities, and high speed internet hookups for rural Canada.
In today’s fast-moving business environment, reliable internet access to enable farmers to better market their products is no cosmetic matter.
Easter’s appointment brings with it his record of work in agriculture and knowledge of matters focussed more directly in agriculture. The Prince Edward Island MP is a farmer, a former president of the National Farmers Union and served as Canada’s solicitor general in the Chrétien government.
Together, Mitchell and Easter should be a team able to learn the agriculural landscape well in a short period of time.
Canada’s agriculture industry steams on the burner, with numerous issues about to come to a boil.
The American border remains closed to Canadian cattle more than a year after Canada discovered a case of BSE, even though international health bodies have deemed Canadian beef to be safe.
Punishing tariffs remain on Canadian wheat entering the United States, the latest trade harassment arising from American philosophical objections to the Canadian Wheat Board.
The World Trade Organization hopes to get agriculture negotations going again, with the future of the CWB, supply management and unfair European and American subsidies hanging in the balance. The farm safety net is also scheduled for review.
The next year or so could make or break the fortunes of many in agriculture.
Mitchell would be wise become an advocate for agriculture within government, rather than impose government wishes onto the industry.
Mitchell and Easter seem positioned to serve Canadian agriculture well but to realize that potential, they must seize the moment, act decisively on key issues and set a clear course to steer Canada through the stormy times ahead.
