Lawrence MacAulay Q&A

When Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his new cabinet in November, the appointment of Lawrence MacAulay as Minister of Agriculture and Agri-food was welcomed by the industry. MacAulay is well known around the House of Commons, having been a former Minister of Labour and Solicitor General of Canada. He is the longest serving Member of Parliament in Prince Edward Island’s political history and he represents the Cardigan riding

Considering the current climate of politically charged issues swirling around the meat and food industries, his appointment has landed him in the middle of challenges including Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) and the Trans Pacific Partnership agreement (TPP). MacAulay is first and foremost a farmer, and along with an impressive career in Ottawa, most likely influenced this appointment from the PM. The road ahead could be tricky going into 2016. For MacAulay, however, his current focus is connecting with the people who drive agriculture in Canada, the farmers and ranchers.

Minister MacAulay was kind enough to take a few moments out of his busy schedule to speak with Canadian Meat Business, and as we were on the clock, we jumped right in.

CMB: Congratulations on your appointment.

LM: Thank you very much.

CMB: How has the transition been going for you?

LM: Well as you know Agriculture is a big department and we’ve spent some time figuring out our plan but I’ve also spent consider time getting out and meeting with Agriculture stakeholders. That’s what I’ve been trying to do, talking to the people in our industry and see where they’re coming from and where they’d like to see our industry heading in the next year. Being a farmer myself, before I came to the Hill, I know that our voices are not heard enough up here so now that I’m in the ministerial chair for agriculture, I’m intent on listening to them.

CMB: I’m sure it’s been hectic since your appointment, politically speaking.

LM: Time becomes an imperative with this position as you know, I’ve made it a priority to connect with the industry I’m representing.

CMB: Must be encouraging to be received so well after such a tough campaign.

LM: It’s been going quite well and not surprising because on the average, those of us in the agriculture sector are generally friendly people. But still, each region and sector has their issues and suggestions they want to bring forward no matter what part of agriculture they happen to be in and so, that is why I’m getting out there, allotting the time, and listening to them.

CMB: You come to this appointment with that blended mindset of both a farmer and a politician.

LM: Yes, I’ve always been a farmer, always will be.

CMB: Dairy farmer actually, correct?

LM: Yes, that’s right, and a seed potato grower as well so I’ve seen both sides, the open market and the supply management, that’s why I understand the industry and those working within it.

CMB: So getting out there and connecting is a priority.

LM: That’s it exactly. You know you often hear that governments are not listening, that ministers are not listening. But now I happen to be the minister and I’m going to try and listen as best as I possibly can. For me that is the basis for serving our industry effectively here in Ottawa. But, I am aware I’ve picked up a somewhat messy time.

CMB: You’ve come in during a pretty good storm to be honest.

LM: It is in a way. But also it’s the time of year. The harvests are in, the meetings are on, which is a good thing as far as I’m concerned because that’s the forum I need to get their views on as to what is pertinent to them from whichever sector that might be. And that’s what I want because in reality, nobody gets everything they want. When you’re dealing with the types of problems that we’re currently faced with, like global trade deals and the country of origin question, you really want to hear where people are coming from. And that’s what it is all about in being effective in the role of minister.

CMB: Let`s talk about COOL.

LM: That’s a big one. I’m doing a press conference with Minister Freehand shortly as a matter of fact.

CMB: Can you talk about what the timeline is looking like, or rather, hoping it will be?

LM: As you know, the Prime Minister made it very clear how he feels about it. So, we’re not wasting time. We are seeking WTO authorization to retaliate up to the full amount and at over $1 billion you’re talking substantial dollars and I think – and hope – that the legislators in Washington understand just exactly what this means. And, in all honesty, I suspect they do. Let’s be clear, as much as we’re fighting, and have been fighting COOL in the U.S., we have a lot of support down there, and they are in turn pushing to get this resolved. If it’s not resolved, there is absolutely no doubt as to what we are going to do. There is no hedging here, no stalling, it will have to be this way if they do not repeal the labels, period. I want to be clear on that.

CMB: That’s sound clear.

LM: It is. Everybody has to follow the rules within these trade agreements.

CMB: Have you had any communication with your American counterpart following the WTO releasing their ruling?

LM: No, I have not. But I have talked to them prior to this last ruling, and, to be honest, I feel they were just waiting for the number. As you know they were seeking a figure quite a bit lower, to say the least. In the end we got our amount so there is no gray area here and they know what it means.

CMB: And the next step is?

LM: We’re waiting on the WTO to formally authorize the retaliation and that meeting is going to take place this month, we’re just not sure as to specifically when as of yet. We want to make sure – and I don’t think anyone has any doubt of this, but just to reiterate – this is straight ahead.

CMB: I know time is tight for you, so before you have to go can you quickly comment on the TPP. Do you think we’re going to get it ratified?

LM: We’re listening to our Ag sectors out there too. This is one of the most comprehensive trade pacts of our time and this government fully supports Canada’s agricultural participation and all that entails with respect to the TPP. We have to look at this deal closely. I’ve spoken with a lot of the same groups as well as the stakeholders and this is where the outcome of the TPP will be resolved.

CMB: And put on the floor as well?

LM: Absolutely. It will be put to discussion on the floor of the House of Commons so it’s premature for me to comment on what would take place as a result of those sessions. Canada is a trading nation and therefore TPP is at the top of my list.