Wednesday, March 31, 2021

Trudeau appoints Tory grain minister

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has stunned politicians by appointing Conservative agriculture critic Lianne Rood to the restored position of grains minister.

Rood is MP for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex.


Even more puzzling than naming a Conservative to his cabinet is the choice of Rood over John Barlow of Alberta, who was Conservative agriculture critic before Rood.


Trudeau said he recognizes that the Prairies have been feeling left out.


And he also said he hopes Rood will be able to persuade the Prairies agriculture ministers and premiers to sign on to the proposals to enrich AgriStability.


Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau could not be reached for comment, but some have speculated she is negotiating with Conservative leader Erin O’Toole to become his shadow cabinet critic for agriculture.


The huge political shuffle lasts until noon, April 1.