The network for agriculture in Ontario, Canada
MPP Ted McMeekin is appointed Ontario Minister of Agriculture. What does everyone think?
Does anyone have any knowledge or opinion on this appointment?
Here is his bio from his website www.tedmcmeekin.com
Ted McMeekin is the Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Training Colleges and Universities.
He was elected to the Ontario legislature in a byelection in 2000. He was re-elected in 2003 and 2007. He was appointed Minister of Government & Consumer Services in October 2007 and Minister of Consumer Services in June 2009. He previously served as Parliamentary Assistant to the Ministers of Education, Government Services, Consumer Services and Municipal Affairs and Housing.
Before entering provincial politics, McMeekin served as mayor of Flamborough, as a Hamilton city councillor and as a leader in several community organizations. He has been a strong advocate for children with special education needs, seniors, the environment and community development.
McMeekin holds a MSW from Wilfrid Laurier University and serves as Assistant Practicum Professor at the university. McMeekin served as Executive Director of the Burlington Social Planning Council and Chair of Part-Time studies at Mohawk College. He was responsible for social justice issues as a regional staff person for the United Church of Canada. For eight years, he owned and operated the original and award wining Chapters bookstore in Waterdown, Ontario.
McMeekin has served as president of his local YMCA and the Hamilton-Wentworth Lung Association and as an executive volunteer with the Hamilton Mental Health Association, Operation Lifeline, Circle of Friends, Five Oaks Christian Workers Centre and the Wesley Urban Ministries. He also served on the board of directors of the Chamber of Commerce, coached baseball and soccer and served overseas as a YMCA volunteer.
McMeekin lives in Waterdown with his wife, Dr. Barbara McMeekin. They have three daughters.
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Getting sworn in as Ontario's new Minister of Agriculture
#onpoli
#HamOnt
yfrog.com/kln7k2jLooking forward to working with
#ontag
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OFA welcomes Minister McMeekin to agriculture (2011)
Premier McGuinty has declared that his focus for the 40th Parliament of Ontario is to “guide Ontario through global uncertainty by focusing on building a strong Ontario economy.” And he’s already begun construction with the recent announcement of the new Cabinet. Although it is a smaller Cabinet than past years (22 versus 28), the Ministers all bring significant experience.
The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) looks forward to working with all Cabinet members as we pursue the Premier’s goal of strengthening Ontario’s economy. We will work with key ministries to grow our industry and improve the lives of Ontarians. OFA will focus particular efforts with Environment, Natural Resources, Finance, Education, Economic development, Energy and Health Ministries.
OFA congratulates the newly appointed Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Minister McMeekin. He represents the Ancaster, Dundas, Flamborough and Westdale regions.
Minister McMeekin has worked with constituent farmers over his term of service and is familiar with the farm, and agri-food priorities. His Cabinet experience will help him promote the interests of Ontario’s agri-food sector, an important economic engine.
We also extend congratulations to all newly appointed Cabinet Ministers – especially Jim Bradley, Minister of the Environment; Dwight Duncan, Minister of Finance and Deputy Premier; Chris Bentley, Minister of Energy; and Michael Gravelle, Minister of Natural Resources. We look forward to working with Minister McMeekin and his colleagues on the wide array of files important to agriculture and agri-food to realize the Premier’s vision of a stronger economy and a caring society.
Although the new McGuinty government doesn’t bring a lot of representation from rural Ontario, OFA is confident that our new agriculture Minister will bring the necessary skills in listening, consensus building, the ability to keep a strong rein on the ministry and a desire for achievement along with the respect of Cabinet colleagues. The agricultural portfolio has gained a lot of attention in recent years and OFA looks forward to a new working relationship with all our ministries.
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GRAIN FARMERS OF ONTARIO CONGRATULATES NEW MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE TED MCMEEKIN
GUELPH, ON (October 20, 2011) –
Grain Farmers of Ontario is pleased with the appointment of Ted McMeekin to the position of Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
Minister McMeekin has been a long time supporter of farmers in Ontario and an advocate for our Risk
Management Program since the pilot program was introduced in 2007. With his extensive experience
as a minister, parliamentary secretary and in his municipality we are confident Minister McMeekin will
be a strong leader for our agricultural industry.
“Our organization has many exciting new initiatives in market development and research that will
benefit the province of Ontario,” says Don Kenny Chair of Grain Farmers of Ontario. “We look forward
to meeting with Minister McMeekin to discuss the many ways we can work together to ensure the
success of the Ontario grain industry.”
Opportunities for market growth for Ontario’s grain farmers to discuss with the new minister will
include a provincial bio-diesel mandate to match the federal two percent mandate announced earlier
this year, a united strategy for research and market development, a Capital Cost Allowance
acceleration for capital purchases and a tax credit for certified seed.
“Ontario’s grain farmers will be pleased with this announcement,” continues Kenny. “Minister
McMeekin is a supporter of his local farmers through a local food campaign and this support will now
extend right across the province.”
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Minster Ted McMeekin is introduced to agriculture’s finest at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.
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