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Serving Agriculture: Canada's Ministers of Agriculture 1867-2004

Introduction - Minister Lyle Vanclief

When I reflect upon the Ministers of Agriculture who have preceded me, I confess it is a little humbling.

I know something of the fabric of my recent predecessors, but there are so many more. That's why this book is valuable to me. On each page, there is evidence of the stimulating, and indeed, demanding nature of this portfolio. Canada's first agriculture minister, Jean-Charles Chapais, had hardly begun his term when he was faced with a possible plague of "texian fever" carried on imported horned cattle. Our third Minister, John Henry Pope was already grappling with exhausted virgin soils as early as the 1880s. And by the 1890s, the department under John Carling was experimenting with 300 varieties of potatoes and mailing information to some 30,000 farmers.

What this book captures, above all, is the humanity in the job; its trials and triumphs come in a surprising number of forms. After the First World War, for example, the department sponsored egg-laying contests to stimulate poultry flock performance: Canada's champion hen produced a world record 351 eggs in a single year.

I can quite honestly say that I have a passion for stories such as this -- and in fact for the agriculture and agri-food industry in Canada. I have lived and breathed agriculture all of my life. It's an incredible industry with incredible opportunities for growth.

As Canada's 27th agriculture minister, I will have the privilege of guiding the department in the next few years -- years in which the sector stands to figure prominently in meeting Canada's goals: to spur economic growth and reap the benefits of liberalized trade.

These are not new directions for Canada. In 1876, our fourth Minister Luc Letellier de Saint-Just, exhibited some international acumen when Canada participated in its first trade show: the Philadelphia World Fair. Through 130 years of nationhood, trade has become increasingly important, and, thanks in large part to the efforts of my predecessors, we're doing very well indeed. We produce some of the best food products in the world and, clearly, the world knows it.

A key trademark of the nineties is partnership: the industry is actively involved in taking Canada into the global arena. It's through partnership that Canada continues to solidify its reputation for food quality and safety, for world-class agricultural science and technology, and for innovation. These are our tickets to expanding our markets throughout the world, for the benefit of all Canadians.

My long involvement in agriculture has taught me to have a profound respect for the sector and its people. History has demonstrated, generation after generation, what can be accomplished by those who work to put food on the tables of the nation, and indeed, tables around the world.

Our strong foundation was laid in years past, and ably maintained by determined and talented people across the country. It's this strength, this ability to work together, that will enable us to continue to meet the challenges of the marketplace. I am proud to be a part of it.

Lyle Vanclief
Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
and Minister Coordinating Rural Affairs