Perth-Wellington MPP Randy Pettapiece was appointed parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs on June 29.
“Agriculture means so much to our riding and the province, and so it’s an honour to be chosen for this role,” Pettapiece said.
“I look forward to working with Ernie Hardeman, our new Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. He will be an experienced, capable minister who farmers can count on.”
As parliamentary assistant, Pettapiece will work closely with Hardeman on the government’s agriculture policy. The role is a reprise from 2011, when Pettapiece worked with Hardeman as deputy critic for agriculture.
Pettapiece’s appointment also carries on a tradition of local MPPs supporting agriculture. He pointed to his predecessors, PC MPP Bert Johnson, who sponsored legislation creating Ontario Agriculture Week, and Liberal MPP John Wilkinson, who initiated “Agriculture 101 tours,” which brought urban MPPs to local farms.
“In Perth-Wellington, we work together to benefit our agriculture industries,” Pettapiece said. “MPs, MPPs, farmers, commodity groups, our local agriculture associations, municipalities, and the list goes on. I will continue to rely on their advice. As always, my first priority will be to the people I represent as MPP for Perth-Wellington.”
In April, Pettapiece invited now-Premier Doug Ford to the Canadian Dairy XPO in Stratford. Pettapiece was very pleased with Ford’s interest in the event and the reception he received.
Pettapiece also praised Ford’s cabinet selections, calling them experienced and hardworking.
“With this team, Ontario is headed in the right direction,” he concluded.
