Food for Thought: Growing Canada’s economy through agriculture and agri-food
Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Government of Canada
Lunch and Program: 12:00 - 1:30 p.m.
Hon. Lawrence MacAulay
Did you know Canada is the world's fifth-largest exporter of agriculture and agri-food products, after only the EU, U.S., Brazil and China? Or that the food and beverage processing industry is the largest manufacturing industry in Canada?
Food is big business for this country and the future of the sector is bright, especially along the Pacific Rim, where demand for agricultural products has maintained dramatic growth over the past decade.
Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Lawrence MacAulay will discuss the federal government's vision to help the sector be a world leader – competitive, innovative, safe, and well-positioned to make the most of emerging global opportunities and create jobs for Canadians.
Minister MacAulay will outline some of the key priorities for the new federal government to achieve this vision. These include helping exports get to market, spurring innovation in the sector and adding value to our primary agriculture.
About the speaker:
Lawrence MacAulay, Member of Parliament for Cardigan, was first elected to the House of Commons on November 21, 1988, to represent Cardigan in eastern Prince Edward Island, and won his ninth consecutive election in October 2015.
Mr. MacAulay's Cabinet appointments have included Solicitor General of Canada, Minister of Labour, Secretary of State (Veterans), and Secretary of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency). He has served as Critic for Fisheries and Oceans and Seniors. In addition, he was Vice Chair of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans.
Mr. MacAulay was born on September 9, 1946, in St. Peter's Bay, Prince Edward Island. Mr. MacAulay was previously a farmer and businessman. He and Frances Elaine O'Connell were married in 1972. They have three daughters: Carolyn, Rita and Lynn.
The Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food is also responsible for the following organizations:
- Canada Agricultural Review Tribunal
- Canadian Dairy Commission
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency
- Canadian Grain Commission
- Farm Credit Canada
- Farm Products Council of Canada
