successfully engaging with policy makers · creating and fostering a working relationship with the...
TRANSCRIPT
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Successfully Engaging with Policy Makers
A Guidebook for CSTA Members
March, 2013
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1) Successfully Engaging with Policy Makers Page
a) Introduction..............................................................................................................4
b) Finding Your Federal Representative:
o Member of Parliament (MP)..................................................................5
c) Finding Your Provincial Representative (West to East):
o Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA): British Columbia..........5
o Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA): Alberta.........................5
o Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA): Saskatchewan ..............5
o Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA): Manitoba .....................5
o Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP): Ontario ...............................6
o Member of the National Assembly (MNA): Quebec ............................6
o Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA): New Brunswick ..........6
o Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA): Nova Scotia .................6
o Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA): PEI ..............................6
o Member of the House of Assembly (MHA):
o Newfoundland and Labrador.................................................................6
d) Creating a Working Relationship.............................................................................7
e) Keep CSTA Staff Informed ....................................................................................7
2) Engaging with your Local Policy Maker (Federal and Provincial)
a) Contacting Your Policy Maker ..............................................................................8
b) When to Approach Your Policy Maker .................................................................8
o Federal Versus Provincial Jurisdiction ……………………….……..10
o House of Commons Sitting Schedule………………………………..12
o Provincial Sitting Schedules (West to East) …………………….....12
o Special Events.....................................................................................13
c) Correspondence and Meeting Requests................................................................14
o Drafting Correspondence………………………………………….....14
o Requesting a Meeting Template Letter………………………………14
d) Helpful Hints..........................................................................................................15
o Arranging and Preparing for a Meeting ....................................................16
o The Meeting .............................................................................................17
o Do’s and Don’ts ........................................................................................19
3) Key Federal Policy Makers
a) Roles......................................................................................................................20
b) Contact and Background Information…………………………………………....21
o Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Minister for the
Canadian Wheat Board…………………..................................................21
o Minister of State (Agriculture) ..................................................................23
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o Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture ............................24
and Agri-Food
o Parliamentary Secretary for the Wheat Board ..........................................25
o Committee Chair .......................................................................................26
o Official Opposition Critic .........................................................................28
o Liberal Opposition Critic ..........................................................................29
o Bloc Opposition Critic……………………………………………….......30
4) Regional Contact Information for the Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food
Canada .............................................................................................................................32
5) Key Provincial Players by Province (West to East)
a) British Colombia
o Minister of Agriculture....................................................................................33
b) Alberta
o Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development.............................................34
c) Saskatchewan
o Minister of Agriculture, Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Crop
Insurance Corporation......................................................................................36
d) Manitoba
o Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives .......................................37
e) Ontario
o Minister of Agriculture....................................................................................38
f) Quebec
o Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food..........................................….. ...39
g) New Brunswick
o Minister of Agriculture, Aquaculture and
Fisheries...........................................................................................................40
h) Nova Scotia
o Minister of Agriculture Aquaculture and Fisheries.........................................41
i) PEI
o Minister of Agriculture....................................................................................42
j) Newfoundland and Labrador
o Minister of Natural Resources, Minister Responsible for the Forestry and
Agrifood Agency.............................................................................................43
1) Successfully Engaging Policy Makers
a) Introduction
It is important for CSTA members to be engaged in all aspects of the seed business, a good
business practice should include engaging with policy makers. CSTA is actively involved at the
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federal level in Ottawa but it is also important for members to engage policy makers in their
communities. Local engagement across Canada will strengthen the efforts being made by CSTA
in Ottawa. CSTA strongly encourages our members to engage their elected representatives at
both the provincial and federal level. This engagement will better inform Canadian policy
makers who will ultimately propose, create and vote; for or against, legislation that could be of a
great benefit or cause significant harm to the Canadian seed industry and individual member
companies.
It is therefore very important to engage with your local Member of Parliament and provincial
representative (MPP, MLA, MNA, MHA) at home in their ridings so that they are aware of and
informed about issues pertaining to the seed industry and your individual companies business
requirements. This engagement can include face-to-face meetings or the sending of
correspondence; however it is important to know that political capital is finite and should be used
sparingly. CSTA can be of assistance in this regard.
Creating and fostering a working relationship with the policy makers with whom you share a
hometown is an extremely advantageous business practice, especially if done correctly.
CSTA is always available to help when it comes to meeting with federal policy makers in Ottawa
but much can and should be by CSTA members in their own communities.
Please do let CSTA staff know before you plan a meeting or send correspondence to an elected
official as we can help draft letters, provide background and supporting information as well as
help to facilitate proper messaging. It is important that we are on the same page when it comes to
communicating with policy makers about the seed industry.
It is also important to recognize that political offices get a huge number of meeting requests,
correspondence, petitions, invitations to events and so forth. However, a general rule applies to
all Canadian politicians, whether at the federal or provincial level; politicians will normally make
time to meet with their own constituents first, other meetings are secondary in importance. That
is why it is a common office policy for political staff to give preference to requests and
correspondence that comes from constituents.
It is very easy these days to find and identify who your federal and provincial representatives are
using the internet.
b) Finding Your Federal Representative
Member of Parliament (MP)
To find out who your MP is, have your postal code ready and visit:
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www.parl.gc.ca/Parlinfo/Compilations/HouseOfCommons/MemberByPostalCode.as
px?Menu=HOC.
For a complete list of all 308 MP’s visit:
http://www.parl.gc.ca/MembersOfParliament/MainMPsCompleteList.aspx
c) Finding Your Provincial Representative (West to East)
British Columbia: Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA)
To find out who your MLA is, have your postal code ready and visit:
http://www.leg.bc.ca/mla/3-1-1.htm
For a complete list of all 85 BC MLA’s visit:
http://www.leg.bc.ca/mla/3-1-6.htm
Alberta: Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA)
To find out who your MLA is, have your postal code ready and visit:
http://streetkey.elections.ab.ca/
For a complete list of all 87 Alberta MLA’s visit:
http://www.assembly.ab.ca/net/index.aspx?p=mla_report&memPhoto=True&alpha
both=True&alphaindex=True&build=y&caucus=All&conoffice=True&legoffice=Tr
ue&mememail=True
Saskatchewan: Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA)
To find out who your MLA is, have your street name and number ready and visit:
http://www.elections.sk.ca/voters/find-my-constituency
For a complete list of all 58 Saskatchewan MLA’s visit:
http://www.legassembly.sk.ca/mlas/
Manitoba: Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA)
To find out who your MLA is, have your street name and number ready and visit:
http://www.electionsmanitoba.ca/en/Who_is_my_MLA/index.html
For a complete list of all 57 Manitoba MLA’s visit:
http://www.gov.mb.ca/legislature/members/alphabetical.html\
Ontario: Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP)
To find out who your MPP is, have your postal code ready and visit:
http://fyed.elections.on.ca/fyed/en/form_page_en.jsp
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For a complete list of all 107 Ontario MPP’s visit:
http://www.ontla.on.ca/web/members/members_current.do?locale=en
Quebec: Member of the National Assembly (MNA)
To find out who your MNA is and for a complete list of all 125 MNA’s visit:
http://www.assnat.qc.ca/en/deputes/index.html
New Brunswick: Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA)
To find out who your MLA is, have your street name and number ready and visit:
http://www1.gnb.ca/elections/provstreetkey/provskinformation-e.asp
For a complete list of all 55 New Brunswick MLA`s visit:
http://app.infoaa.7700.gnb.ca/gnb/pub/ListMLA1.asp
Nova Scotia: Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA)
o To find out who your MLA is, have your street name and number ready and visit:
http://electionsnovascotia.ca/edf/edf.aspx
o For a complete list of all 52 Nova Scotia MLA`s visit:
http://nslegislature.ca/index.php/people/members/
PEI: Member of the Legislative Assembly (PEI)
To find out who your MLA is, have your street name and number ready and visit:
http://www.electionspei.ca/provincial/districts/find/index.php
For a complete list of all 27 PEI MLA`s visit:
http://www.assembly.pe.ca/index.php3?number=1024584
Newfoundland and Labrador: Member of the House of Assembly (MHA)
To find out who your MHA is, have your district name ready and visit:
http://www.assembly.nl.ca/members/cms/membersdistrict.htm
For a complete list of all 52 Nova Scotia MHA`s visit:
http://www.assembly.nl.ca/members/cms/membersalpha.htm
d) Creating a Working Relationship
Whether dealing with a federal Member of Parliament or a member of a provincial legislative
assembly, elected officials recognize the need to be engaged in their communities, they rely on
their constituents to vote for them come election time. Nowadays there is an increased pressure
on politicians to be transparent and provide reasons for the way they vote and other decisions
that they make. Therefore politicians increasingly rely on consultations with constituents and
stakeholders to help form a consensus and understanding of the needs and wants of their
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electorate. To have an impact on this consensus an effort must be made to provide an opinion
and engage with the policy makers on behalf of the seed industry.
As a constituent and business leader an effort should be made to introduce yourself to your
Member of Parliament and provincial representative at home in the community. It is entirely
appropriate to request to meet with these policy makers and begin to lay the foundation of a
mutually beneficial working relationship. Politicians understand the need to create and foster a
diverse network.
An informal introductory meeting is an opportune time to introduce and illustrate how the
industry and your company benefits the riding, such as the number of people it employs, any
local organizations or charities it supports and sponsors and the overall economic value that the
business adds to the community and the country as a whole. Let your federal and provincial
representatives know that you want to be involved and that they are welcome to contact you if
they have any questions about your business, the seed industry or any other matters relating to
the community.
As a general rule of thumb, getting in touch with a MP or MLA etc shortly after an election is a
great time to start or reaffirm a positive working relationship and begin a mutually advantageous
dialogue.
Fostering a good working relationship with your local politicians can result in a relationship
where they turn to you when they have questions or need guidance on seed or agriculture related
issues and in turn will make time for you should a pressing issue or concern arise.
e) Keep CSTA Staff Informed
When planning to meet with or send a letter to a politician in your community please be sure to
keep CSTA staff informed. We can offer advice and guidance as to timing, ideal number of
participants, background information, do’s and don’ts, potential sensitivities, subjects to avoid,
wording of request letters and other useful tips.
It is important that CSTA staff know when our members are engaging with a policy maker. It
allows us to keep track of which policy makers have been engaged, that the message being
relayed is consistent, and allows us to assist you in getting ready for your meeting and following
up.
2) Engaging with your Local Policy Maker (Federal and Provincial)
CSTA is in touch with federal policy makers and bureaucrats on a regular basis; however it is
important that our membership also engage with your local elected officials. This will help
facilitate a valuable network, create working relationships and increase the visibility of the seed
industry.
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Keeping policy makers informed is a key component to building and growing a successful
business in any industry. Meeting with your local Member of Parliament or Member of
Provincial Parliament etc, on an annual or semi-annual basis is a good business practice.
However, what may is less well known is how to effectively communicate with a policy maker
or when and under what circumstances to contact them.
a) Contacting Your Local Policy Maker
Some policy makers are particular about how they are contacted when requesting a meeting.
While most are fine with an email meeting request others have specific meeting request forms
that must be filled out.
To help ensure that you are able to arrange a meeting with as little difficulty as possible it pays to
know how best to request a meeting. Try visiting the ‘Contact Us’ section of the policy makers’
website for preferred contact details and methods. These websites can be found by simply typing
their name into any internet search engine. Some elected officials have online forms that must be
filled out and faxed or emailed when requesting a meeting.
Political staff will often follow up and ask for you to provide your home address; this is to verify
your residency in the constituency. Including this in your initial communication will help
expedite your request.
When proposing a meeting do not request a meeting that exceeds 30 minutes in length and try to
offer several time slots that you are available to meet, being flexible schedule wise is important.
b) When to Approach your Local Policy Maker
Knowing when and under what circumstances to approach your local policy maker is very
important. If a serious issue arises, a CSTA Alert will be sent out asking for our membership to
engage with their local MP or MPP etc. This engagement could involve a letter writing
campaign, meeting requests etc. Also remember to keep an eye out for CSTA’s weekly Trade
Winds for updates on issues where engaging policy makers may be necessary.
Some issues may arise that are more specific and pertain directly to your individual company
that necessitate meeting with your policy maker. It is therefore important to know when it is
appropriate to bring an issue to a policy maker and which policy maker to bring it to; federal or
provincial. You may also wish to request a meeting to introduce yourself or renew a working
relationship.
Please feel free to contact the CSTA office if you aren’t sure if your issue is one that should be
brought to a policy maker.
You may want to contact a policy maker if the issue relates to;
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Regulatory concerns, questions or proposals
Current federal or provincial laws, legislation and acts
Proposed changes to federal or provincial laws, legislation and acts
Upcoming votes or debates
Private Members Bills
Available grants, funding or bursaries
Petitions
An introductory meeting
Example of an issue when requesting a meeting or sending correspondence is appropriate;
‘Your local Member of Parliament is proposing to introduce a Private Members Bill
that would seek to disallow the use of seeds that contain certain biotech traits and
you wish to voice your concerns as it would negatively impact your business.’
It is also important to note that some issues, although they may be important to your business,
may not have anything to do with your local elected representatives.
Avoid contacting a policy maker if the issue relates to;
Business deal gone wrong, mergers, fraud
Difficulty in collecting payments
Routine business dealings
Criminal or civil accusations or ongoing/pending legal cases
Unsubstantiated allegations of wrong doing against a neighbour, co-worker, competitor
etc.
Example of an issue when requesting a meeting or sending correspondence is not appropriate;
‘You feel that your neighbour has been sabotaging your business reputation due to a
recent business deal between the two of you that has gone wrong and you want
action taken to stop them.’
This would be a time when contacting local authorities would be more appropriate and
beneficial.
Federal Versus Provincial Jurisdiction:
When it comes to agriculture there is a shared jurisdiction between the federal and provincial
governments, this is known as concurrent or shared powers. The confusion and debate between
what constitutes federal or provincial jurisdiction is due to the wording of the 1867 Constitution
Act under Section VI. Distribution of Legislative Powers, the wording is ambiguous and lumped
together with Immigration;
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Agriculture and Immigration.
95. In each Province the Legislature may make Laws in relation to Agriculture in the
Province, and to Immigration into the Province; and it is hereby declared that the Parliament
of Canada may from Time to Time Make Laws in relation to Agriculture in all or any of the
Provinces, and to Immigration into all or any of the Provinces; and any Law of the
Legislature of a Province relative to Agriculture or to Immigration shall have effect in and
for the Province as long and as far as it is not repugnant to any Act of the Parliament of
Canada.
This legal text is the entire basis for how agriculture jurisdiction has evolved between the federal
and provincial governments. In practice the provinces can enact any legislation so long as it is
not contrary to any federal law. If the two are ever found to be in conflict the federal law
prevails.
*As a rule of thumb; the regulation of the agriculture industry is federal jurisdiction and
includes health and safety standards, policies on import and exports and other issues that
are nationwide in scope. Provinces have the power to enact legislation that deals with issues
that pertain directly to the province but do not impact or interfere with other provinces or
the federal government.
Unlike areas such as education, the shared jurisdiction of agriculture does not tend to result in
conflict. The federal government is involved to ensure health and safety standards are met and
adhered to while fostering an environment for the export of Canadian agricultural goods and the
funding of national programs.
In recent years the integration and collaboration between the federal and provincial governments
has reached a new high when the Growing Forward Framework Agreement was implemented in
2008 that superseded the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Framework Agreement on Agricultural
and Agri-Food Policy for the Twenty-First Century. The agreement outlines the groundwork for
increased federal-provincial collaboration to help the sector become more prosperous,
competitive, and innovative. More details on the agreement are available on the AAFC website:
http://www4.agr.gc.ca/AAFC-AAC/display-afficher.do?id=1217941012105&lang=eng#Gffa
Federal:
The following are the Acts that the federal government currently has in place that outline their
programs and areas of direct jurisdiction. Each of these Acts are much too detailed to outline
here, however the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada website has a brief description of what
each Act essentially does as well as a link to the Act itself.
Agricultural Marketing Programs Act
Agricultural Products Marketing Act
Animal Pedigree Act
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Canada Grain Act
Canadian Agricultural Loans Act
Canadian Dairy Commission Act
Canadian Wheat Board (Interim Operations) Act
Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food Act
Experimental Farm Stations Act
Farm Debt Mediation Act
Farm Credit Canada Act
Farm Income Protection Act
Farm Products Agencies Act
Marketing Freedom for Grain Farmers Act
Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Act
For more information on each Act and the text of the Act itself: http://www4.agr.gc.ca/AAFC-
AAC/display-afficher.do?id=1180107359564&lang=eng
Provincial:
Every province has created different Acts that dictate the type of powers the government has
extended over the agriculture sector. Each province is free to enact legislation, so long as it does
not interfere with federal jurisdictions of laws as previously mentioned. A complete list of the
provincial agriculture acts is available on each provinces website.
For more detailed information on the Constitutional distribution of legislative powers please visit
the intergovernmental affairs website at:
http://www.pco-bcp.gc.ca/aia/index.asp?lang=eng&page=federal&sub=legis&doc=legis-eng.htm
Given the shared jurisdiction between federal and provincial agricultural powers and the
increased collaboration between the governments it is entirely appropriate to send
correspondence to or request a meeting with your federal or provincial policy maker on
agricultural issues.
If writing a letter on an issue is not sufficient and a meeting is necessary it helps to know when
the policy makers are home in their ridings and available to meet.
House of Commons Sitting Schedule:
Members of Parliament often return to their ridings on weekends when the House of Commons
is in session, albeit this time tends to be booked weeks in advance. However, during a normal
session, typically one out of every four weeks is designated as a ‘Constituent Work Week’, where
Members of all parties return to their ridings for a week to meet with constituents and businesses,
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attend local events, make funding announcements etc. Knowing when these work or break weeks
are can help expedite planning a meeting with your MP.
To view the House of Commons Calendar and know when your MP is in the riding visit:
http://www.parl.gc.ca/HouseChamberBusiness/ChamberCalendar.aspx?Language=E
The areas that are shaded green represent when the House is sitting and the Member is required
to be in Ottawa, the white areas represent constituent work weeks or prolonged periods when the
House has risen, such as for most of the summer and around the Christmas holidays. The areas
not in green are ideal times to request a meeting with your Member of Parliament in their local
riding office.
Provincial Sitting Schedule (West to East):
Every province is organizationally different and do not necessarily follow the same sitting
schedule. To help schedule your meeting the following are links to each provincial government’s
calendar.
British Columbia:
http://www.leg.bc.ca/#
Alberta:
http://www.assembly.ab.ca/pro/SessionalCalendar.pdf
Saskatchewan:
http://www.legassembly.sk.ca/legislative-business/legislative-calendar/
Manitoba:
http://www.gov.mb.ca/legislature/misc/whatsnew.html
Ontario:
http://www.ontla.on.ca/lao/en/media/common/pdf/parliamentary-
calendars/2013_parliamentary_calendar.pdf
Quebec:
http://www.assnat.qc.ca/en/travaux-parlementaires/assemblee-nationale/40-
1/index.html
New Brunswick:
http://www1.gnb.ca/legis/calendar/index-e.asp
Nova Scotia:
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o http://nslegislature.ca/index.php/calendar/
PEI:
o http://www.assembly.pe.ca/calendar/
Newfoundland and Labrador:
o http://www.assembly.nl.ca/business/parliamentarycalendar/default.htm
Special Events:
Federal and Provincial policy makers are always interested in any local event that could garner
some media attention and result in a few good photos being taken. A good way to engage with
your local policy makers at home is to invite them to come out for a tour of your facility or to a
company event as a ‘special guest.’
This is a great way to get to know your local policy makers and a good opportunity for them to
be seen out getting involved in their communities. Try to schedule these events when they are
likely to be home in their ridings as outlined above.
Some ideas of events to invite your local policy maker to include: tour of a plant or lab, field
days, demonstration days, grand opening of a new building etc. Be as creative as you want. A
local school coming out for a tour is a great opportunity for you to invite a policy maker to attend
as well.
If a policy maker(s) does accept your invitation there are a few things to keep in mind:
Inform your local media and encourage them to come out to cover the event
Treat them as a special guest by formally introducing them, offering them a chance to
say a few words, arrange for a few photo opportunities and thank them for their time
Be sure to have someone on hand to take pictures that can be sent to the policy makers
office for use on their website, in flyers and other communications material
Be sure to get in touch with their staff to make sure that the policy maker has directions, a
reserved place to park, an idea of the nature or the event and appropriate attire, any other
noteworthy guests (especially other politicians etc), if media will be present etc
CSTA would be glad to provide any other advice on a specific event to ensure that you have
everything covered off.
c) Correspondence and Meeting Requests
Drafting Correspondence:
If an issue should arise where writing a letter or requesting a meeting with a policy maker is
necessary please let CSTA know. When drafting correspondence to a policy maker on an issue
there are a number of factors to consider such as; their voting history, party policy, personal
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interests, role within government etc. It is therefore very important that the messaging is tailored
for each individual recipient. CSTA is available to help draft correspondence and ensure that the
right message is delivered.
A letter is easier to ignore than a meeting request, it is therefore important that when sending
correspondence on an issue that you copy a few key people. This will raise the attention given to
your letter so that it cannot be ignored, elevate the profile of your concerns and may even be
answered by those copied on it as well.
When writing to your Member of Parliament on an agriculture issue for example copy the
following: Minister of Agriculture, your provincial representative and the CSTA. Under some
circumstances it may even be appropriate to copy the Parliamentary Secretary, Opposition
Critic(s), the leadership or the whole membership of the House of Commons and Senate
Agriculture Committees. CSTA can provide you with advice on who should be copied on the
correspondence on a case by case basis.
Requesting a Meeting Template Letter:
As mentioned previously, you can increase your chances of getting a meeting and reduce
unnecessary back and forth with staff by including certain things in your initial meeting request
letter. Such as; reason for and length of the meeting, your home and or business address, some
basic business information and how it relates to the community etc. Below is an example of an
introductory meeting request letter that contains all of the information that political staff need to
begin the process of setting up an introductory meeting. This letter can be altered and used for
provincial representatives as well. CSTA staff is available to help draft a more detailed meeting
request letter pertaining to a specific issue.
Mr. John Doe Member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre 432-C, Centre Block House of Commons Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6 February 1, 2013
Dear Mr. Doe,
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My name is Jane Doe, I am contacting you as a constituent of Ottawa Centre and a
representative of Jane Doe Seeds Inc. My company is an important contributor to the
agriculture and agri-food sector in your riding and in Canada. My company employs
over 50 people in Ottawa Centre and we recently sponsored a local minor league
hockey team.
I would like to meet with you in the your riding office to introduce myself and discuss
some exciting recent developments in the seed industry as well as some potential
challenges our business may soon face. The meeting would be brief, not exceeding 30
minutes in length and I was hoping to meet anytime on a Friday within the next few
weeks in your constituency office.
My colleague(s) ___________ will also participating in the meeting.
I look forward to meeting with you and the fruitful discussion that ensues.
Thank you in advance
Sincerely,
___________ (Name, full home or business address, postal code, phone number and
email)
d) Helpful Hints
Meeting with an elected official is different than a typical business meeting as such they should
be approached differently. Policy makers are used to meeting with businesses and interests
groups that have a laundry list of demands but offer nothing in return. It is important to be able to
relate why you are meeting with them and how it can be of a benefit to their riding and electorate
or how it relates to a role that they may serve within their caucus, such as a Member of the
House of Commons Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food.
In short, give the policy maker you are meeting with a reason to care about your issue, make it
an important issue for them as well.
Arranging and Preparing for a Meeting:
Give Notice
Plan to give as much advance notice as you can, within reason, four weeks is usually a good
benchmark to use. This allows enough time for the staff responsible for scheduling to review the
calendar with their bosses and properly plan their schedules. Sending a meeting request too far in
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advance can result in the request getting put at the bottom of the to-do-list pile and slipping
through the cracks. Sending a meeting request without enough notice greatly reduces your
chance of getting the meeting. Also be sure to emphasize flexibility and willingness to
accommodate their schedule.
Try and meet with your local policy maker when they are home in your community for
Constituent Work Weeks or when their legislature’s session has ended. Refer to Part 2 of this
guidebook for Federal and Provincial sitting schedules to know when they are likely to be in the
riding.
Remember to let CSTA know if you are planning a meeting, we are here to help.
Schedule
As mentioned above when requesting a meeting in your community take note of the sitting
schedule for the particular legislature that the policy maker is a part of as outlined in Part 2 of
this guidebook.
Meeting length
Thirty minutes is the standard time that most policy maker’s staff will allot for one meeting as
they are typically booked back-to-back. Requesting an hour and a half meeting may be the
difference between getting the meeting or not.
Follow up
After your initial meeting request has been sent follow up a week or two later with a phone call
or email to make sure that the meeting request was received, and that it has or will be brought to
the policy maker’s attention. Try not to get frustrated if you don’t have a meeting scheduled a
week or two after the meeting request was sent. It is quite normal for a meeting request to take
time to be reviewed, especially if it is office policy for the policy maker to review all meeting
requests personally. Continue to follow up or contact the CSTA office for assistance.
Confirm those attending
When arranging a meeting clearly communicate who will be attending the meeting. If possible
also disclose where everyone is from and their positions within the organization or company they
represent. If someone can no longer attend or if someone has been added to the meeting please
communicate this to the policy maker’s staff.
Clearly communicating who the meeting is with allows staff to prepare concise and accurate
briefing notes and properly prepare their boss for the meeting and eliminates any surprises. It is
not uncommon for staff to Google the names of meeting participants and include any relevant
information that comes up in the briefing notes.
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Background information
If possible and appropriate send some background information to the office once your meeting
request has been confirmed. This will allow a staff member to brief the policy maker on the
meeting specifics using information you provided rather than information they searched for
themselves. This will result in a more fruitful meeting where some of the basics are already
understood and more time can be spent on the real issues.
CSTA is available to help prepare this document if given advance notice of the meeting.
Background research
One of the best ways to prepare for the meeting is to do a little background research on who you
are meeting with, it takes very little time effort and came make a big difference.
Almost every policy maker has a personal website that can be easily found using any search
engine. These websites provide very useful information such as About Me sections that include;
biographies, education, professional experience, interests, family life, role within the
government, bills they have supported and sometimes voting history. You may find you have
something in common that can help break the ice and get the dialogue started on a positive note.
Other information can be found in the form of a profile on each legislature’s website.
The Meeting:
Punctual
When heading to a meeting at the constituency office of a policy maker, be sure to be there on
time or better yet a little early. Most policy maker’s schedules are carefully choreographed and
arriving late usually means you have less time to get your point across, receive feedback and
arrange for follow up.
Communicating with staff
Staff will almost always be your point of contact when contacting a policy maker’s office. It is
therefore extremely important to be honest and direct with the staff. For example, do not tell
staff that you live in the riding if you do not. If your business is located in the riding but you live
elsewhere communicate that as the reason for the meeting request.
Another common issue that staff has to deal with is receiving phone calls, meeting requests and
invitations from individuals who claim to be personal friends with the MP/MPP etc. Telling staff
you are a close personal friend of the policy maker having in reality met them once briefly will
18 | P a g e
not get you far. This kind of information is always discussed during the scheduling process
between the policy maker and their staff.
Clear and focused message
Plan what you are going to say before the meeting and have an answer for ‘why’ you requested
the meeting. It is a question that you will likely be asked. If there are multiple people attending
the meeting decide who will take the lead and plan who will speak to what topic. The person that
takes the lead should be whoever made the meeting request.
Keep the information you are providing succinct and easy to understand. Go into the meeting
with a few key points you wish to get across, do not go in with a whole laundry list of issues you
want solved right away.
Clearly describe what the issues are, the potential negative/positive impact on your business or
the seed industry at large and how that in turn impacts their riding. Leave the policy maker
with a clear message as to what the meeting was about; why you chose to meet with that them in
particular, how they can help and what needs to be done etc.
Remember to whenever possible relate the issue you are meeting about back to their riding, this
will keep them engaged.
Engage with the policy maker
Rather than just talking at the policy maker and hoping something sinks in try asking them for
their opinion on the subject. Ask for their advice on how to proceed? Who to talk to? Any
potential roadblocks they see in trying to resolve the issue? If they found themselves in your
position what would they do?
You may be surprised at the quality of advice that you get back and left with a different avenue
to pursue that you hadn’t thought of previously.
Material to be left
Summarize your meeting beforehand in an easy to read presentation and leave copies with the
policy maker and their staff after the meeting. A one page executive summary with additional
background information that is more detailed is ideal.
Follow up
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At the conclusion of the meeting thank them for their time and offer to make yourself available if
they have any additional questions or concerns. Make it clear that you would appreciate meeting
with them again in the future.
Always follow up after the meeting with a letter or email that once again thank them for their
time and offer your assistance should they have any additional questions.
Make a note to meet with them once a year to provide further update and keep the relationship
going. Sending a note with a brief update on the subject or a congratulations email after a
successful re-election is a great way to keep the door open to ongoing dialogue.
It only takes one policy maker to show an interest in an issue and raise it in caucus, at committee
or to draft a private members bill for an issue to gain serious traction.
Do’s and Don’ts:
The following are some general things to keep in mind anytime you decide to engage with a
policy maker, whether by phone, email, correspondence, meeting request or a meeting itself.
Do`s
Keep CSTA informed when you plan a meeting with a policy maker
Keep CSTA informed if you plan on sending correspondence to a policy maker
Go into the meeting having done some research and with a clear objective or goal
Communicate the importance of the seed industry and/or your company in the context of
both the politician’s riding/community as well as the broader Canadian economy
Try to provide the policy maker with recent, tangible industry or company
accomplishments that highlight the seed sectors scope and importance
Try to provide statistics, facts and figures that are easy to understand and easy to repeat
Keep your concerns and issues to a few of the most important points
Provide the policy maker with a clear message as to how they can help, and why they
should
Leave the door open for a follow up meeting or discussion
Make regular communication/meetings with the provincial or federal policy makers that
represent you part of you annual business cycle
Follow up
Don`ts
While these sound simple enough, far too often meetings with politicians are ineffective because
of these Don’ts;
Overload them with too much information or information that is to technical
Go into the meeting unprepared
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Meet with a policy maker for no reason. Know why you are meeting with that policy
maker in particular
Go into a meeting with people other than the names you provided
Arrive for a meeting late as you will have less time to get your point across
Don’t go into a meeting with multiple participants and talk over one another
Send correspondence or go into a meeting with totally unrealistic expectations
3) Key Federal Policy Makers
When it comes to communicating with the Minister or other key federal policy makers that are
not your elected representatives CSTA is well positioned to help. We have regular interactions
with these policy makers and can help in effectively getting your message across.
However it is good to know who the key players are and what their roles are as it pertains to the
Canadian Agriculture industry. Besides the senior cabinet minister there are several other policy
makers that play critical roles in creating, passing and amending legislation. Other key members
are; the Minister of State, Parliamentary Secretaries, Committee Chair, Official Opposition Critic
and Opposition Critic.
*Please bear in mind that these roles change quite often and this will therefore be a living
document that is updated periodically when necessary. The most up to date version will always
be on the CSTA website in the Members Only section.*
a) Roles
Minister: Appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister, Cabinet
Ministers are responsible for a government department or portfolio, but collectively the Cabinet
makes decisions on behalf of the Government, decides what legislation to introduce, and is
responsible to Parliament for the conduct of the government. The members of the Cabinet remain
in office until they resign or successors are appointed. Traditionally, Prime Ministers have tried
to ensure that the cabinet reflects the different regions and diverse composition the Canadian
population.
Minister of State: A junior cabinet minister is usually given specific responsibilities to assist a
senior cabinet minister in areas that require extra attention.
Parliamentary Secretary: Appointed by the Prime Minister to assist a cabinet Minister, or, in
some cases, to assist several cabinet Ministers or the Prime Minister. A Parliamentary Secretary
works under the direction of the Minister, and has parliamentary and departmental duties. A
Parliamentary Secretary functions as a liaison between the Minister and Parliament and the
government caucus. He or she plays a key role on parliamentary committees that are responsible
for the issues relating to the department. The Parliamentary Secretary may table documents in
21 | P a g e
the House of Commons or answer questions on behalf of the Minister, but may not present
Government Bills. On occasion, a Parliamentary Secretary may represent the Minister at public
functions, and may be given policy-related duties, although the Minister retains ultimate
responsibility.
Committee Chair: The Chair serves as the presiding officer of the committee and the
spokesperson through whom all matters are channelled. The Chair has the power to maintain
order and decorum and to decide all questions of order and procedure. While technically the
Government Parliamentary Secretary is the most senior member of the committee, for all
practical purposes the Chair is the most influential figure during committee proceedings. The
Chair of a committee casts a vote only in order to break a tie.
Official Opposition Critic: An opposition party member who is given responsibility for
scrutinizing and critiquing the administration and policies of a particular department or portfolio.
An opposition critic is the chief spokesperson and advocate for the policy area to which he or she
is assigned in the House of Commons, in its committees, and in the media. An opposition critic
will also help develop his or her party’s position and policies in the area. Collectively, a party's
opposition critics are sometimes said to form a shadow Cabinet.
Opposition Critic: Although their role is similar to that of the Official Opposition Critic they do
not enjoy the same privileges as their party is not designated as the ‘official opposition’.
b) Contact and Background Information
Minister: The Honourable Gerry Ritz
Position: Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board
Riding: Battlefords-Lloydminster, Saskatchewan.
Party: Conservative
Biography:
Born on a farm near Rosetown, Saskatchewan, and driven by a
lifelong passion for agriculture, Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz
believes in putting "Farmers First". It means that by ensuring a
strong and profitable farm gate the entire value chain is better
positioned to capitalize on market opportunities, drive the
economy and feed the world.
Over his four years as Agriculture Minister, Ritz has worked to
ensure a profitable farm gate by improving market access around
the world and investing in research and development here at
home. He has led over 30 trade missions around the world in an effort to open, reopen and
expand market access by promoting a rules and science-based approach to trade. At home,
Minister Ritz works with industry, academia and other levels of government to strategically
22 | P a g e
invest in science and innovation that will create new market opportunities for Canada's
hardworking producers and processors.
Most recently, Minister Ritz quarterbacked the passage of the historic Marketing Freedom for
Grain Farmers Act, which is opening the door to new investment, innovation and value-added
opportunities for Western Canadian wheat and barley growers. Working collaboratively with the
provinces, territories and industry, he is leading the development of a renewed policy framework
for agriculture to meet the ever-changing needs of the farm gate while strengthening the entire
agriculture industry.
In recognition of his achievements, Minister Ritz received the Western Canadian Wheat Growers
"Shovel of Gratitude" in January 2012 for delivering marketing freedom for western wheat,
durum and barley farmers. Minister Ritz was also awarded the first-ever Jim Graham Award by
the Canada Beef Export Federation in 2009 for "the greatest contribution made to Canadian beef
and veal exports". In 2010, he was recognized by the Canadian Pork Council for his efforts to
maintain global confidence in Canadian pork following the H1N1 crisis.
Minister Ritz has been serving farmers, food processors and all Canadians as Minister of
Agriculture since 2007, and as Member of Parliament for Battlefords-Lloydminster since 1997.
He previously served as Secretary of State for Small Business and Tourism and continues to
represent his native Saskatchewan as Regional Minister.
In addition to farming, Minister Ritz has owned and operated a general contracting business, and
co-owned a weekly newspaper. Minister Ritz also has a long history of community involvement
including work with economic development organizations and coaching hockey. He and his wife
Judy live at Brightsand Lake in western Saskatchewan. They have two children and three
grandchildren.
Contact Information:
Constituency Office: Parliament Hill Office:
1322-100th
Street 781 Confederation Building
North Battleford, SK Ottawa, ON
S9A 0V8 K1A 0A6
P: 306-445-2004 P: 613-995-7080
F: 306-445-0207 F: 613-996-8472
E: [email protected] E: [email protected]
www.gerryritz.ca
Ministerial Office: AAFC Contact:
The Honourable Gerry Ritz Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada 1341 Baseline Road
1341 Baseline Road Ottawa, Ontario
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0C5
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K1A 0C5
P: 613-773-1059 P: 613-773-1000
F: 613-773-1081 TF: 1-855-773-0241
E: [email protected] F: 613-773-1081
www.agr.gc.ca
Minister of State: The Honourable Christian Paradis
Position: Minister of Industry and Minister of State (Agriculture)
Riding: Mégantic–L’Érable, Quebec
Party: Conservative
Biography:
Christian Paradis was first elected to the House of Commons in 2006
and re-elected in 2008 and 2011. Mr. Paradis was appointed
Secretary of State (Agriculture) in January 2007. He was appointed
Minister of Public Works and Government Services in June 2008
and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for
the Regions of Quebec in October 2008. In January 2010, he was
named Minister of Natural Resources in addition to his
responsibilities for the Economic Development Agency of Canada
for the Regions of Quebec.
Prior to his election to Parliament, Mr. Paradis had a legal practice
specializing in corporate law. He has been actively involved in several support groups and
charitable organizations, including the Rotary Club of Thetford Mines. Mr. Paradis graduated
from the Université de Sherbrooke in civil law and holds a graduate degree in corporate law from
Université Laval. Mr. Paradis and his wife Julie have three children.
Contact Information:
Constituency Offices:
Thetford Mines Lac Mégantic 1313 Frontenac Boulevard West Suite 1 5526 Frontenac Street, Suite 220
Thetford Mines, Quebec Lac Mégantic, Quebec
G6G 6K8 G6L 1RS
P: 613-943-1562 P: 819-583-0074
F: 418-338-3631 F: 819-583-0921
E: [email protected] E: [email protected]
Plessisville Parliament Hill Office:
1778, rue Saint-Calixte The Honourable Christian Paradis
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Plessisville, Quebec Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
G6L 1R5 1341 Baseline Road
Ottawa, Ontario
P: 819-362-0055 K1A 0C5
F: 819-362-0030
P: 613-995-1377
F: 613-773-1081
Parliamentary Secretary: Pierre Lemieux
Position: Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
Riding: Glengarry-Prescott-Russell, Ontario
Party: Conservative
Biography:
Mr. Lemieux was first elected to the House of Commons in 2006 and re-elected
in 2008 and 2011. He was named Parliamentary Secretary for Official
Languages in October 2007, and named Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister
of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in 2008 and again in 2011.
Mr. Lemieux began his career as an officer in the Canadian Forces where he served for 20 years
before retiring at the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. He is also a professional engineer and is
certified with the Project Management Institute. After working as a manager in the high-tech
sector, he started his own company, offering project management and consulting services.
Mr. Lemieux is married and has five children.
Contact Information:
Constituency Offices:
Hawkesbury 136 Main St. E
(behind Service Canada - 134 Main St. E)
Hawkesbury, Ontario
K6A 1A3
P: 613-632-4162
Alexandria 90 Main Street South
P.O Box 549
Alexandria, ON
K0C 1A0
P: 613-525-4575
Rockland Suite 201, 1468 rue Laurier
Rockland, ON
K4K 1C7
P: 613-446-6310
Embrun 993 rue Notre Dame
P.O. Box 219
Embrun, ON
K0A 1W0
P: 613-443-0626
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Parliament Hill Office:
Room 509 Justice Building
House of Commons
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0A6
P: 613-992-.490 E: [email protected]
F: 613-996-9123 www.pierrelemieux.ca
Parliamentary Secretary: David Anderson
Position: Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources and for the Canadian
Wheat Board
Riding: Cypress Hills-Grasslands, Saskatchewan
Party: Conservative
Biography:
David Anderson is the Member of Parliament for Cypress Hills -
Grasslands, Saskatchewan and the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister
of Natural Resource and to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food for
the Canadian Wheat Board. David has lived and farmed out of Frontier,
Saskatchewan for most of his life.
David studied at the University of Regina where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Political
Science. He then went on to complete a Masters of Divinity at the Canadian Theological
Seminary in 1990. David was first elected to Parliament in 2000 as a Member of the Canadian
Alliance Party and served in several roles since then including Saskatchewan Caucus Chairman,
Alliance Agriculture and Canadian Wheat Board Critic and member for the Standing Committee
on Agriculture and Agri-Food.
David was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-food for
the Canadian Wheat Board in January 2006. The Prime Minister extended David's portfolio on
26 | P a g e
October 10, 2007, naming him Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resource. As
Parliamentary Secretary, David plays a key role in assisting the Minister with parliamentary
business as well as creating dialogue with the public and interest groups.
In May 2011, David was re-elected and was appointed as Parliamentary Secretary for Natural
Resources and for the Canadian Wheat Board. David continues to provide active leadership for
Cypress Hills - Grasslands and for Saskatchewan.
David is married to Sheila. They have two adult children, Amy and Andrew and a daughter-in-
law Charis.
Contact Information:
Constituency Office: Parliament Hill Office:
Cypress Hills – Grasslands Room 618, Justice Building
2-240 Central Avenue North House of Commons
Swift Current, Saskatchewan Ottawa, ON
S9H 0L2 K1A 0A6
P: 306-778-4480 P: 613-992-0657
P: 1-800-567-6981 F: 613-992-5508
F: 306-778-6981 E: [email protected]
E: [email protected] www.davidanderson.ca
Committee Chair: Merv Tweed
Position: Chair of the House of Commons Standing Committee on
Agriculture and Agri-Food
Riding: Brandon-Souris, Manitoba
Party: Conservative
Biography:
Merv was born and raised in Medora and graduated from Brandon
University. Merv owned and operated a successful family business for
19 years and has always believed that Manitoba and the people of
Manitoba are worth investing in.
Accomplishments
Elected Chair of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and
Agri-Food – September 9, 2012
Re-Elected Chair of the Standing Committee on Transport,
Infrastructure and Communities – June 20, 2011
Re-Elected to Parliament – May 2, 2011
Re-Elected Chair of the Standing Committee on Transport,
Infrastructure and Communities- February 2009
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Re-Elected to Parliament October 14, 2008
Elected Chair of the Standing Committee on Transport,
Infrastructure and Communities- April 2006
Re-Elected to Parliament January 23, 2006
Appointed Critic for Western Diversification, July 2004;
Member of the Joint Committee on Scrutiny of Regulations –
October 2005
Elected to Parliament June 28, 2004;
Elected to the Manitoba Legislature – 1995, 1999 & 2003;
Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism;
Legislative Assistant to the Minister of Health and headed the task
force on Physician Recruitment and Retention;
PC Critic for Manitoba Public Insurance, Manitoba Hydro,
Manitoba Lotteries, Workers Compensation and the Manitoba
Liquor Control Commission;
Participated in the Canada Pension Task Force;
Legislative Assistant to the Minister of Rural Development;
Served on the Regulatory Review Committee;
Co-chair for the Working for Value Task Force;
Municipal councilor and Deputy Reeve for the Rural Municipality
of Brenda;
An active supporter of community and recreational affairs;
Participated on numerous professional business councils and
associations.
Contact Information:
Constituency Office Parliament Hill Office
8-223 18th
Street, North Room 511, Justice Building
Brandon, Manitoba House of Commons
R7A 2Vb Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6
P: 204-726-7600
F: 204-726-7699 P: 613-995-9372
E: [email protected] F: 613-992-1265
www.mervtweed.com E: [email protected]
Official Opposition Critic: Malcolm Allen
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Position: Official Opposition Critic, Agriculture and Agri-Food, Vice-Chair,
House of Commons Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food
Riding: Welland, Ontario Party: New Democrat
Biography:
Allen was elected as Member of Parliament for the Riding of Welland in
2008 and re-elected in 2011. He is the current NDP Critic for Agriculture and
Agri-Food. He has worked successfully on issues such as worker’s rights, the
need for a strong agriculture industry, benefits for our veterans and making
life more affordable for seniors.
Since taking office, Allen has introduced legislation that would remove severance pay from EI
waiting periods, create a national organ donor registry and establish a National Local Food Day.
Allen also played a key role in blocking Karla Homolka from winning a criminal pardon and led
legislative efforts to successfully remove taxes from the purchase of poppies sold in the Legion’s
annual poppy campaign, saving the Legion almost $800,000 a year.
Elected to Pelham Municipal Council in 2003, Allen served as Deputy Mayor and chaired the
Municipal Corporate Services Committee. An electrician by trade, he has served on the
Executive Board of CAW local 199 since 2000 as Financial Secretary and oversaw a budget of
over $4 million.
Allen is a past member of the Pelham Library Board, Niagara Health Coalition, and recipient of a
Niagara Regional Police Chief Commendation.
Born in Glasgow Scotland, he has lived in the Niagara region since 1963. He holds an
undergraduate degree in history and political science from Brock University. Married to Peggy
Allen, they have three children.
Contact Information:
Constituency Office:
Welland Port Colborne
60 King Street, Unit 102 92 Charlotte Street
Welland, Ontario Port Colborne, Ontario
L3B 6A4 L3K 3E1
P: 905-788-0071 P: 905-834-3629
F: 905-788-0071
Thorold Parliament Hill Office:
50 Chapel Street Room 1020, La Promenade Building
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Thorold, Ontario House of Commons
L2V 2E5 Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6
P: 905-680-9477
P: 613-995-0988
F: 613-995-0988
http://malcolmallen.ndp.ca E: [email protected]
Opposition Critic: Frank Valeriote
Position: Opposition Critic, Agriculture and Agri-Food, Vice-Chair, House of Commons
Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food
Riding: Guelph, Ontario
Party: Liberal
Biography:
Frank Valeriote was first elected as the Member of Parliament for
Guelph on October 14th
, 2008 and was re-elected on May 2nd
, 2011.
Born in 1954, Frank was educated in Guelph. He graduated with
Honours from the University of Western Ontario with a Bachelor's
Degree in Canadian History and Economics. He then received a Law
Degree from the University of Ottawa. He was called to the Bar in 1981,
and co-founded the law firm of SmithValeriote LLP, where he served as
a senior partner until his election.
Frank has been active in the community for over 26 years in various
activities. Frank served for eighteen years on the Catholic School Board, including several years
as Chair. Throughout that period, he oversaw the opening of four new schools and was a catalyst
for creating a positive and constructive relationship between the teachers and the board.
Frank has also worked hard to improve the health of the citizens of Guelph. Frank served
tirelessly on the Board of the Alzheimer's Society of Guelph Wellington for 9 years and was
similarly active on the St. Joseph's Health Foundation since 2001. He was an active board
member of the Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis for many years and co-founder and first
chair of the Committee Against Family Violence, where significant strides were made locally in
police and court responses to domestic violence, and he also served on the board ACORD (A
Community for Offender Reconciliation and Diversion). He also served as a member of the
Guelph and Wellington Housing Authority for 9 years dealing with matters of social housing.
Frank has worked hard to mentor new entrepreneurs start their business and promote investment
in Guelph as the former board member and then as Chair of the Guelph Wellington Business
Enterprise Centre. He has been actively engaged in numerous fundraising efforts for various
Guelph philanthropic and other charitable organizations.
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As part of his Parliamentary responsibilities, Frank is the Liberal Party Critic for Agriculture &
Agri-Food, Rural Affairs and the Automotive Sector, member of the Standing Committee on
Agriculture and Agri-Food where he serves as a Vice-Chair, co-founder of the Parliamentary
Coalition on Palliative and Compassionate Care, and serves as the Chair of the Liberal
Automotive Caucus.
Frank was the Liberal representative on and co-vice-chair of the Industry Committee's
Subcommittee on the Automotive Industry in which conducted an intensive study of the crisis in
Canada’s auto industry. Frank also participates in caucus working groups that are researching
food safety and a National Food Policy, social justice, water and environmental issues.
Frank and his wife Catherine live in Guelph and have two children, Olivia and Domenic.
Contact Information:
Constituency Office: Parliamentary Office:
40 Cork Street Room 925, Confederation Building
Guelph, Ontario House of Commons
N1H 2W8 Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6
P: 519-996-9922
F: 519-837-8443 P: 613-996-4758
F: 613-996-9922
www.frankvaleriotemp.ca E: [email protected]
Opposition Critic: Andre Bellavance
Position: Opposition Critic, Agriculture and Agri-Food
Riding: Richmond-Arthabasca, Quebec
Party: Bloc Quebecois
Biography:
Parliamentary activities
Vice-President of the Bloc Québécois Caucus (2004 -)
Spokesman for the Bloc Québécois in Agriculture and Agri-
Food (2005 -)
Deputy Spokesperson on Globalization (2004-2005)
Deputy Spokesperson on Indian Affairs and Northern Development (2004-2005)
Career
Elected member for Richmond-Arthabaska since June 28, 2004
Deputy Parliamentary Bloc Québécois MP Pierre Paquette (2001-2004)
Journalist radio station KYQ-FM, Bois-Francs region-Maple (1996-2000)
Attached policy Bloc Québécois MP for Lotbinière (1993-1996)
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Journalist radio station CFDA-AM Victoriaville (1992-1993)
Host-producer at radio station CFDA-AM Victoriaville (1990-1992)
Facilitator journalist stations CKTL Plessisville and CFDA Victoriaville (1989-1990)
Training
Bacc. public communications, Université Laval
Minor in Political Science, University of Montreal
Studies in Law, Université Laval
Community Involvement
Bloc Québécois candidate in Richmond-Arthabaska (November 2000)
Volunteer Sharing Day (1998-2000)
Volunteer for Operation Pumpkin (1996 to 2000)
Committee member for the referendum YES in Arthabaska (1995)
President of the Union of employees and employees of the Réseau des Appalaches
CSN (1992-1993)
Grievance Officer (1992-1993)
Member of the Professional Federation of Quebec Journalists (1992-1993)
Volunteer for the Parti Québécois d'Arthabaska (1976, 1981, 1985, 1989, 2003)
Volunteer for the Referendum Committee for the YES (1980)
Contact Information:
Constituency Office: Parliamentary Office:
32 rue, Notre-Dame Confederation Building
Victoriaville, Quebec House of Commons
G6P 3Z5 Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6
P: 819-751-1375
F: 819-751-5517 P: 613-995-1554
E: [email protected] F: 613-995-2026
http://www.andrebellavance.qc.ca
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4) Regional Contact Information for the Department of Agriculture
and Agri-Food Canada
To avoid calling 1-800 numbers should you have a question for a representative of AAFC, below
is a compiled list of the individuals charged with providing assistance and disseminating
information by region on behalf of the department.
Communications & Consultations Branch Contacts:
Atlantic Provinces: Quebec:
Wayne Riley Dominique Richer
Tel.: 902-566-7314 Tel.: 418-648-7157
John Morrison Manon Lavoie
Tel.: 902-566-7308 Tel.: 418-648-3765
Avril Vollenhoven (Nova Scotia Only) Dominique Bastien
Tel.: 902-426-2353 Tel.: 418-648-3759
Lesley Cowan (Newfoundland Only)
Tel.: 709-772-0461
Ontario: Manitoba:
Margaret Boyd Richard Lavergne
Tel.: 519-837-5842 Tel.: 204-983-4456
Kathryn Zuccala Colin Chudley
Tel.: 519-780-8014 Tel.: 204-984-0212
Jane Thorpe
Tel.: 519-780-8012
Saskatchewan: Alberta / Territories:
Jan Cote Heather Holmen
Tel.: 306-780-7076 Tel.: 780-495-5524
British Columbia:
Jackie Stewart
Tel.: 604-666-8851
Sarah Godin
Tel.: 604-666-3679
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5) Key Provincial Players by Province (West to East)
Every province has a Minister responsible for agriculture in one form or another, depending on
the scope and importance of the sector to their provincial economies. Each has a slightly
different role but the same rules apply as have been outlined throughout this document.
*Please bear in mind that these roles change quite often and this will therefore be a living
document that is updated periodically when necessary. The most up to date version will always
be on the CSTA website in the Members Only section.*
a) British Colombia
Minister: Honourable Norm Letnick
Position: Minister of Agriculture
Riding: Kelowna-Lake County British Colombia
Party: Liberal
Background:
Norm Letnick was appointed Minister of Agriculture on September 5,
2012.
He was elected as MLA for Kelowna-Lake Country on May 12, 2009 in
the provincial general election.
Norm was the Chair of the Select Standing Committee on Health and served on the Legislative
Review Committee. Previously, he was on the Select Standing Committees on Public Accounts,
as well as Finance and Government Services. He is also the President, Francophone
Parliamentary Assembly, B.C. Section.
His previous community involvement includes serving on Kelowna City Council from 2005-
2008, sitting on the council of St. Charles Garnier Parish, president of the Kelowna Gyro Club,
and Rotary Club past president.
As a City Councilor, Norm served on the Housing Committee; the Downtown Entertainment
District Task Force; the Parks, Recreation, and Culture Task Forces; as chair of the city’s
Affordable and Special Needs Housing Task Force; and served on the central Okanagan on the
province’s single business license implementation committee. Prior to being elected to Kelowna
City Council Norm served on both the City of Kelowna’s Entertainment District Task Force and
Roads Task Force.
Before moving to Kelowna, Norm lived in Banff and owned two H&R Block franchises, a
Motorola dealership, and a computer store. He served on the Banff Tourism Bureau, as president
of the Banff Rotary Club, secretary/treasurer of the Banff Shine Club, and was chairman of both
the Banff Hospital Board and Municipal Planning Commission. Norm also served the Banff
community as a city councilor, first elected in 1992 and re-elected in 1995. He was also president
of the Banff Housing Corporation developing over $20 million in affordable housing.
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Before being elected as MLA, Norm was a tenured Associate Professor in the business program
at Okanagan University College. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree with a Rhodes
Scholarship Nomination from the University of Calgary, a Master of Business Administration
degree from Heriot-Watt University Edinburgh, and is currently working toward a Ph.D. in
health economics at UBC Okanagan. His thesis focus is on the effectiveness of Divisions of
Family Practice.
Norm was the 2009 recipient of the Canadian Cancer Society’s Regional Community Champion
Award for his work with the Gala of Hope helping to fund raise $624,000 over three years.
He is bilingual in English and French, enjoys sports, reading, good movies and helping others
reach their full potential. He and his wife Helene have three children
Contact Information:
Department Office:
Ministry of Agriculture
Parliament Buildings, Room 325
PO Box 9043, Stn Prov Gvt
Victoria, BC
V8W 9E2
P: 250-387-1023
F: 250-387-1522
www.gov.bc.ca/agri
b) Alberta
Minister: The Honourable Verlyn Olson
Position: Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Riding: Wetaskiwin-Camrose, Alberta
Party: Progressive Conservative
Background:
Verlyn Olson, QC, was elected to his second term as a Member of the
Legislative Assembly for Wetaskiwin-Camrose on April 23, 2012. On
May 8, 2012 he was named Minister of Agriculture and Rural
Development.
In addition to his role as MLA during his first term, he was appointed Minister of Justice and
Attorney General as well as Deputy Government House Leader on February 18, 2011. Mr. Olson
also served as deputy chair on the Premier’s Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilities
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and chair of the First Nations, Métis and Inuit Workforce Planning Committee and as a member
of the Cabinet Policy Committee on Public Health & Safety.
Previously, Mr. Olson served on the Standing Committees on Public Accounts, Private Bills and
Health.
Prior to serving as a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, Mr. Olson was a partner
with the law firm Andreassen Olson Borth, where his practice focused primarily on real estate,
wills, estates and counselling small businesses, assisting farmers, families, seniors and dependent
adults.
Additionally, since 1987 Mr. Olson has spoken at various seminars covering topics such as farm
estate planning, wills and enduring powers of attorney.
Mr. Olson received both his bachelor of arts in history with distinction and a bachelor of laws
from the University of Alberta.
Born and raised in Camrose, Mr. Olson has a long history of community involvement, including
coaching local baseball and hockey and membership with the following organizations:
Viking Cup International Hockey Tournament Steering Committee
The Bethany Group (Health Care/Seniors Housing Board)
Alberta Motion Picture Development Corporation Board
Camrose Sport Development Society
Armena Athletic Association (chair)
Camrose Lutheran College Corporation (Augustana University College) Board of
Regents
He and his wife, Mardell, have three adult children and two grandchildren.
Contact Information:
Ministerial Correspondence Unit
Agriculture and Rural Development
3rd
floor, JG O’Donoghue Building
7000-113 Street
Edmonton, AB
T6H 5T6
P: 780-644-1206
F: 780-422-6529
http://www.agric.gov.ab.ca/app21/rtw/index.jsp
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c) Saskatchewan
Minister: The Honourable Lyle Stewart
Position: Minister of Agriculture, Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan
Crop Insurance Corporation
Riding: Thunder Creek, Saskatchewan
Party: Saskatchewan Party
Background:
Lyle Stewart was born and raised near Pense, Saskatchewan, where he
continues to farm and ranch with his wife Linda and son Lee.
Lyle was one of the first members in the newly formed Saskatchewan Party and was elected to
the Legislative Assembly as the MLA for Thunder Creek in 1999.
He was re-elected in 2003, 2007 and 2011. During his two terms in opposition, Lyle served as
the Interim Leader of the Party, as well as the critic for Agriculture, Economic Development and
Industry and Resources.
After the Saskatchewan Party formed the government in 2007, Lyle served as the Minister for
Enterprise and Innovation, the chair of the Legislature’s Standing Policy Committee on the
Economy, a member of the caucus' Standing Policy Committee on the Economy, and the
Province’s Treasury Board.
On May 25, 2012, Premier Brad Wall appointed Lyle as the Minister of Agriculture and minister
responsible for Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation.
Lyle and his wife Linda have three grown children and five grandchildren.
Contact Information:
Room 334, Legislative Building
2405 Legislative Drive
Regina, Saskatchewan
S4S 0B3
P: 306-787-0338
http://www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/
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d) Manitoba
Minister: The Honourable Ron Kostyshyn
Position: Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives
Riding: Swan River, Manitoba
Party: NDP
Background:
With years of experience as an elected public official, Ron is ready to
represent the families in the constituency of Swan River as their new
MLA.
Before he was first elected to the legislature in October 2011, Ron
served two terms as reeve of the RM of Mossey River, where he also
served on council for 20 years. In January 2012, Premier Greg Selinger appointed Ron minister
of Agriculture.
Having run a 200 cow-calf operation with over 2,500 acres for the past 26 years, Ron recognizes
that rural families and businesses are the backbone of Manitoba’s agriculture industry. As the
minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives, he knows the value of listening to rural
families and partnering with rural businesses.
Born and raised in rural Manitoba, Ron knows that a strong rural economy is key to Manitoba’s
success. He values the importance of agriculture and is ready to work hard for Manitoba
farmers.
Graduated from Ethelbert High School in 1974, his children also attended the same school;
Served on various boards including, Association of Manitoba Municipalities, Manitoba
Conservation Commission, Intermountain Conservation District, Ethelbert District Veterinary
Board, Farm Stewardship Association of Manitoba, and the Ethelbert Curling Club and
Skating Rink, and
He and his wife Judy of 35 years have two adult daughters and one grandson.
Contact Information:
Room 165 Legislative Building
450 Broadway
Winnipeg, Mantoba
R3C 0V8
P: 945-3722
F: 945-3470
http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/
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e) Ontario
Minister: The Honourable Kathleen Wynne
Position: Minister of Agriculture, Premier of Ontario
Riding: Don Valley West, Ontario
Party: Liberal
Background:
Kathleen Wynne is Ontario’s 25th Premier. She was first elected to the
Ontario legislature in 2003 as the MPP for Don Valley West, and she
became the leader of the Ontario Liberal Party in January, 2013.
Kathleen is dedicated to building a better province for all the people of Ontario, by providing
high-quality services in the most efficient manner. She and her government are guided by the
values that knit this province together: fairness, diversity, collaboration and creativity.
Kathleen is focused on the priorities of farmers and Ontario’s $34-billion agri-food industry. To
ensure those voices are heard, she is also the Minister of Agriculture.
Kathleen has served as Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Minister of
Aboriginal Affairs, Minister of Transportation and Minister of Education. As the Minister of
Municipal Affairs and Housing, Kathleen finalized a new funding agreement with the federal
government to improve access to affordable housing.
In her role as Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, Kathleen worked in partnership with First Nations
communities to address issues such as mining development and First Nations land claims, and
improving quality of life for aboriginals living off-reserve through affordable housing and
recreation programs.
As Minister of Education, Kathleen led the government’s efforts to reduce class sizes, implement
full-day kindergarten and provide more opportunities for high school students to reach their full
potential.
During Kathleen’s tenure as the Minister of Transportation, she secured a new transit expansion
plan for Toronto including the Eglinton-Scarborough LRT, and oversaw Ontario’s largest
highway investments, including the Highway 407 East Extension and the Windsor-Essex
Parkway.
Kathleen has served as a Public School Trustee in Toronto. She has led citizens’ groups in a
number of grassroots community projects, and has played a major role as an organizer and
facilitator. This experience has contributed to her results-based approach to life, government and
community.
Kathleen has three adult children, Chris, Jessie and Maggie, and two granddaughters, Olivia and
Claire. She and her partner Jane have lived in North Toronto for more than 25 years.
Contact Information:
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
77 Grenville Street
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Toronto, Ontario
M7A 1B3
P: 1-888-466-2372 (General Inquiries)
P: 416-326-3074 (Minister`s Office)
F: 416-326-3083
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/index.html To send a comment to the Minister: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/about/comment.html
f) Quebec
Minister: The Honourable Francois Gendron
Position: Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Deputy
Premier
Riding: Abitibi-Ouest, Quebec
Party: Parti Quebecois
Background:
Deputy Prime Minister
Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
Minister responsible for the Abitibi-Témiscamingue
Member for Abitibi-Ouest.
Training
A patent, Normal School, Amos (1966)
Diploma in Education, University Laval, Quebec (1966)
Administration degree, University of Quebec, Rouyn (1976).
Experience
Teacher, student Polyno City, La Sarre (1966-1971)
Facilitator of student life, Regional School Board (1971-1973)
Host educational multimedia program, Abitibi-Ouest area (1973-1976).
Community and political
Founding member and secretary of the Union of Education Workers of northwestern Quebec
(1967-1970)
Delegate to the Provincial Council of the Central Education du Québec (CSQ) (1970-1973)
Councillor of the Canton of La Sarre (1973-1976).
Contact Information:
200, chemin Sainte-Foy, 12th
Floor
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Québec (Quebec)
G1R 4X6
P: 418 380-2525
F: 418 380-2184
http://www.mapaq.gouv.qc.ca/fr/Pages/Accueil.aspx
g) New Brunswick
Minister: The Honourable Michael Olscamp
Position: Minister of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries
Riding: Tantramar, New Brunswick
Party: Progressive Conservative
Background:
Michael (Mike) Robert Olscamp was re-elected to the 57th Legislature in
the provincial election held September 27, 2010. A Progressive
Conservative MLA, he represents the constituency of Tantramar.
He was first elected to the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick in the September 18, 2006,
provincial election. He was a member of the standing committees on estimates and privileges. He
was the official Opposition critic culture, wellness and sport and tourism as well as agriculture,
aquaculture and fisheries.
He was born in Campbellton and he lives in Sackville, where he has spent his entire professional
life living and working with the people of Tantramar.
Following graduation from Campbellton Composite High School, Olscamp achieved journeyman
status as an electrician. In 1972-73, he enrolled in the vocational teacher training program at the
New Brunswick Institute of Technology in Moncton. He then went on to earn a Bachelor of
Education (Vocational Education) from the University of Moncton.
His belief in the importance of trade’s instruction led him to a career teaching vocational
education at Tantramar Regional High School in Sackville. He gained valuable administrative
experience while serving as vice-principal of TRHS in the early 1980s.
His unique set of skills was recognized by the federal government in the early 1990s when he
was recruited as director of inmate programs at the Westmorland Institution in Dorchester.
Returning to a career in public education, he taught at Port Elgin Regional Memorial School for
four years. He then returned to TRHS to instil his love of history in a generation of Tantramar
students.
A sports enthusiast, Olscamp spent three decades coaching the Tantramar area youth. He
41 | P a g e
coached basketball from the elementary through high school levels winning three provincial
championships at the high school level. Prior to being elected to the Legislative Assembly of
New Brunswick, he served as the assistant coach of the Mount Allison Mounties Men’s
basketball team. For a number of years, he coached football at Tantramar High School.
Mr. Olscamp and his wife, Karen, a retired music teacher, have two sons, Andrew and William.
Contact Information:
Agriculture Research Station
P.O. Box 6000
Fredericton, NB
E3B 5H1
P: 506-453-2662 (General Inquires)
P: 606-453-3402 (Minister`s Office)
http://www.gnb.ca/0027/Index-e.asp
h) Nova Scotia
Minister: The Honourable John MacDonell
Position: Minister of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries
Riding: Hants East, Nova Scotia
Party: Progressive Conservative
Background:
The Honourable John MacDonell was first elected to the Nova Scotia
House of Assembly as MLA for Hants East in 1998 and was re-elected
in 1999, 2003, 2006 and again in 2009.
John was raised in Enfield, Hants County on the farm that has been in the family since 1877.
John taught science at Hants East Rural High School for 15 years. In addition to teaching, John
and his family operate the MacDonell family farm.
Contact Information:
Department of Agriculture
3rd Floor, 1741 Brunswick Street
P.O. Box 2223
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3J 3C4
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P: 902-424-4388
F: 902-424-0699
http://www.gov.ns.ca/agri/
i) PEI
Minister: The Honourable George Webster
Position: Minister of Agriculture, Deputy Premier
Riding: Borden-Kinkora, PEI
Party: Liberal
Background:
George Webster was first elected to the Legislative Assembly of
Prince Edward Island in the general election of May 2007,
representing District 19, Borden-Kinkora. Mr. Webster was re-elected in 2011.
Mr. Webster was appointed Minister of Environment, Energy and Forestry in June 2007, and
Minister of Agriculture in January, 2010. He chaired the Legislative Standing Committee on
Strategic Planning. He was also appointed Deputy Premier in January, 2010.
Mr. Webster ran a family farming operation for over 30 years and is well-known for his
commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable farming practices. He received
several provincial and national awards, including the Canadian Agri-Food Award of Excellence
for Environmental Stewardship and the Honourable Gilbert R. Clements Award for Excellence
in Sustainable Agriculture.
Mr. Webster has always been an active contributor to his community. He has served as a board
member of the Bedeque Bay Environmental Management Association and the Kensington
Country Store, as President of the Prince Edward Island Snowmobile Association and as a
member of the Central Development Corporation. He has also been an active member of
agriculture industry organizations including the Federation of Agriculture and the Prince Edward
Island Potato Board.
Mr. Webster and his wife Wendy live in Middleton. They have two grown children, Troy and
Tamie and five grandchildren.
Contact Informtion:
Minister's Office Honourable George Webster
P: 902-368-4820
Deputy Minister of Agriculture John MacQuarrie
P: (902) 368-4830
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F: 902-368-4846
F: (902) 368-4846
Communications Section Jones Building - 5th Floor
Charlottetown
Wayne MacKinnon
P: 902-368-4888
Agriculture Information Centre Charlottetown Research Centre
Agriculture Information Officer
P: 902- 368-4145
P: 1-866-PEI-FARM (734-3276)
For General Inquiries P: 902-368-4880
F: 902-368-4857
Department of Agriculture Fifth Floor, Jones Building
11 Kent Street,
P.O. Box 2000,
Charlottetown, PEI
C1A 7N8
http://www.gov.pe.ca/agriculture/
j) Newfoundland & Labrador
Minister: The Honourable Tom Marshall
Position: Minister of Natural Resources, Minister Responsible for the
Forestry and Agrifood Agency
Riding: Humber East, Newfoundland & Labrador
Party: Progressive Conservative
Background:
Tom Marshall is the son of the late Sylvia Marshall and Jack Marshall,
former Progressive Conservative Member of Parliament for Humber -
St. George’s - St. Barbe. He grew up in Corner Brook before attending
Memorial University of Newfoundland, where he was awarded a Bachelor of Commerce degree
in 1969, and Dalhousie University in Halifax, where he was awarded a Bachelor of Laws degree
in 1972. After graduation, he returned to Corner Brook and joined the law firm of Barry, Wells
and Monaghan as an associate lawyer, articling with Kevin Barry, Q.C., and became a partner in
the firm of Barry, Wells, Monaghan, Seaborn and Marshall in 1975. He remained senior partner
with the firm of Monaghan, Marshall, Murphy and Watton until his election and subsequent
appointment to Cabinet in 2003 (Minister of Justice and Attorney General). In 1986, he was
appointed Queen’s Counsel.
o Mr. Marshall was appointed Minister Responsible for Intergovernmental Affairs on
March 11, 2005.
o On December 29, 2006 Mr. Marshall was appointed Minister of Finance and President of
Treasury Board.
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o Mr. Marshall was appointed Minister of Justice and Attorney General on October 31,
2008.
o On October 7, 2009, Mr. Marshall was appointed as Minister of Finance and President of
Treasury Board. He was reappointed to both roles on October 28, 2011.
o On October 19, 2012 Mr. Marshall was appointed Attorney General.
o On January 16, 2013, Minister Marshall was appointed Minister of Natural Resources
and Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency.
Contact Information:
Minister's Office
Department of Natural Resources
7th Floor, Natural Resources Building
50 Elizabeth Ave.
P.O. Box 8700
St. John's, NL
A1B 4J6
P: 1-709-729-2920
F: 1-709-729-0059 or 2076
http://www.nr.gov.nl.ca/nr/department/minister.html