New federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-food, Lawrence MacAulay (photo courtesy Government of Canada)

The new federal cabinet has been sworn in in Ottawa.

The new Minister of Agriculture and Agri-food is Lawrence MaCaulay from P.E.I., while Quebec MP Marc Garneau is the new Minister of Transport which includes areas like railway movement.

The Alberta Wheat Commission has extended its congratulations to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his cabinet.

“We look forward to working with the new government in building a prosperous and sustainable future for Canada’s wheat producers and the agriculture industry as a whole,” said Kent Erickson, Alberta Wheat Commission Chairman.

Among the group's priorities are international trade, improvements to Canada’s grain transportation system and support for crop research and innovation. The Commission will work to develop strong collaborative relationships with the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport and the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of International Trade.

Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport (photo courtesy Government of Canada website)

“We are encouraged by the positive messages the new government expressed on these major files while in opposition and during the recent election campaign,” said Erickson.

The Trans Pacific Partnership is vital to Canada’s wheat farmers and the wheat commission will be encouraging the government to make ratification a high priority. The final report of the Canada Transportation Act Review is expected to be released by the end of the year, providing an opportunity for meaningful reforms to enhance service to farmers and preserve Canada’s reputation as a reliable supplier of grain to global markets.

The commission will also be lobbying the government to renew its commitment to publicly-funded crop research, ensuring Canada’s wheat farmers keep pace with their international competitors.

“AWC is a partner with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada on a number of projects in variety development, agronomy and grain price discovery,” Erickson noted. “We look forward to continuing to build on that relationship under the new government.”