Spring
2016
Grains
West
10
BY GEOFF GEDDES
THE
FARMGATE
ELDERSTATESMAN
NEWAGRICULTUREMINISTERMERGESRURAL ROOTSAND
THREE-PIECESUITS
“WHATEVER YOU DO, DO IT RIGHT, AND FOR THE
right reasons, or don’t do it at all.”
It’s a lesson his dad taught him early and often, and one that
has guided him throughout his working life. Perhaps it’s one
reason that the Honourable Lawrence A. MacAulay, Canada’s
new minister of agriculture and agri-food, has enjoyed longev-
ity in a field where those earning a second term are considered
“veterans.”
On Oct. 19, 2015, he scored his latest election victory in deci-
sive fashion, winning 65 per cent of the vote.
CARDIGAN WAS THE PERFECT FIT
First elected in 1988 to represent Cardigan in his home province
of Prince Edward Island, MacAulay is the province’s longest-serv-
ing MP. “The people of Cardigan were kind enough to re-elect me
eight times,” MacAulay said.
In all the excitement of his first election win, he forgot to ask
one important question. “I didn’t know what the remuneration was
until I got my first paycheque. Of course everyone needs to be paid,
but that was not my motivation for entering politics. I wanted a
chance to make a di erence and make things better,” he said.
Over the years, he has had ample opportunity to do just that,
holding such diverse positions as minister of labour, Liberal Party
critic for Fisheries and Oceans, and solicitor general of Canada.
Asked to choose a favourite, he singled out secretary of state
(veterans).
“Being part of the Canada Remembers program that honours
veterans and teaches Canadians about our military sacrifices and
achievements was a highlight. It reminded me of moments like
our role in liberating Belgium in World War II, so it was a source
of tremendous pride and something I’ll never forget.”
His committee work includes everything from the Treasury
Board to public security and anti-terrorism, but the one that
stood out for him was the Standing Committee on Foreign
A airs and International Development. “It rang a bell in my head
when all of these Third World countries wanted details on our
supply-management programs. That’s when I realized just how
important supply management is to our country and our future,”
MacAulay said.
PLANTING THE SEEDS OF SUCCESS
Of course, long before the elections and committees, there was
farming life. As the son of a potato seed farmer (one of the first
in the St. Peter’s Bay area of Prince Edward Island), MacAulay
formed a philosophy that he carried with him to his new portfolio.
“I don’t want to brag, but when I took over the farm, I expand-
ed the dairy segment and produced some very good herds,” he
said. “It showed me that whether you’re in politics or potatoes,
you have to dig deep and find out what you’re made of. In both
cases, it isn’t hopscotch, it’s hard work.”
But don’t accuse MacAulay of complaining. In spite of the long
hours and rare weekends o , he likes to think the experience
helped him be the best he could be. “Ultimately, though, that’s
for the voters to decide,” he said.
Photo: LiberalPartyofCanada
LawrenceMacAulay has held a number of important roles during his 28-year political
career, but his new portfolio has brought the son of a P.E.I. potato seed farmer back
to his agricultural roots.
