Winnipeg, Manitoba -- Canada’s canola farmers welcome Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his Cabinet to Ottawa following the swearing in ceremonies yesterday.
"As the national association representing Canada’s canola farmers, we look forward to working with the new government on priority issues that are significant to our farms," says Brett Halstead, President of the Canadian Canola Growers Association (CCGA);"this includes trade, transportation and science-based policy making."
Canola represents a large portion of Canada’s agriculture sector, having generated more than $7 billion in farm cash receipts in 2014, making it the most valuable grains and oilseeds crop in Canada.
CCGA is ready to meet with the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay in his new cabinet post as Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. "For the past 25 years Minister MacAulay has served the interests of Canadians from positions within Cabinet as well as a Member of Parliament representing Cardigan, Prince Edward Island," says Brett Halstead. "With the Minister’s rural connections and extensive parliamentary experience, we see tremendous opportunity to get things going quickly."
As 90% of Canada’s canola production is destined for export markets, and efficient transportation systems are critical to meeting the demands of these markets, we are also looking forward to working with other Ministers including the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of International Trade, and the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport.
CCGA represents more than 43,000 canola farmers on national and international issues, policies and programs that impact farm profitability.
-30-
Contact:
Kelly Green
Director, Communications
t: 204.789.8821
e: kellyg@ccga.ca