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

Preface

Agriculture is one of the most complex and demanding portfolios in the Government of Canada. The industry is diverse, encompassing everything from conservation and resource issues to processing technology and international trade. The agriculture and food sector represents businesses both big and small; it is simultaneously the subject of sophisticated international trade negotiations and a traditional way of life for thousands of farm families. Finally, it affects not only rural communities but also urban manufacturing, processing and transportation conglomerates. From early settlers stepping off boats at Grosse Isle to Asian businesspeople sampling maple syrup on a trade mission, the department has presided over an industry that in many ways defines Canada's unique character.

Summarizing each of these ministers' careers and contributions has not been easy. Some of these gentlemen served for many years or over multiple terms. Others served only for a few months. It's hard to profile a minister who served for 22 years in the same manner as someone who served for only three months, but I've done my best. If I've omitted something important or made an error, please let us know.

The department has had a spectacular array of personalities and talents in its minister's office over the years. Some were farmers, some were not. Some were veteran politicians for whom this was just one of many roles. For others, their time as minister of agriculture defined their professional and political careers. Through crisis, triumph or controversy, each minister left a unique legacy with the department. Some went on to serve in other portfolios, to lead provincial governments, or to accept appointments as board members, senators or lieutenant-governors. We've not yet seen one become prime minister, but perhaps this is still to come.

The following profiles tell the story of our department, our industry and our country over the last 130 years. I'd like to thank my library colleagues for all their help, and former ministers Bud Olson, Eugene Whelan, John Wise, Don Mazankowski and Charlie Mayer for agreeing to be interviewed for this project.

Janyce McGregor
Canadian Agriculture Library
September 1997