Agriculture, fisheries pleased with portfolios

The P.E.I. Federation of Agriculture and theP.E.I. Fishermen's Association are applauding the new government for splitting the agriculture and fisheries portfolio between two ministers.

'We need someone to put their best efforts, and full time, into the issues.' Ian MacIsaac, P.E.I. Federation of Agriculture

With his appointment of Allan Campbell to the fisheries and aquaculture portfolio and Neil LeClair to agriculture, Premier Robert Ghiz kept his first promise.

"There's a lot of work. There's a lot of issues in the agriculture scene right now and we certainly feel that we need someone to put their best efforts, and full time, into the issues," Ian MacIsaac, executive director of the P.E.I. Federation of Agriculture told CBC News after the cabinet was sworn in Tuesday.

Ed Frenette, executive director of the fishermen's association, wasalso pleased that a fisherman will hold the fisheries cabinet post.

"It's quite a learning curve if you're not involved in the industry, so I'm sure Mr. Campbell will be able to do a good job," said Frenette.

"In terms of dividing the department, we're very pleased with that. We hope there will be enough money put into the department to do the job that has to be done. There are some major international and national issues on the table that the province will play an important role."

Both Frenette and MacIssac are looking forward to meeting with theministers in the near future to outline priorities for their respective industries.