Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay focused on farmers

Lawrence MacAulay, who was sworn in Wednesday as Canada's Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister, says a key focus for him will be making sure farmers earn a reasonable wage.

"I was a farmer and I know a bit of what it's all about," MacAulay told CBC News Thursday morning.

"I know we have the best farmers in the world and I want to make sure they are compensated properly for what they do."

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MacAulay grew up on a farm in eastern Prince Edward Island and ran a dairy and potato farm, but for the last 27 years he has been the MP for Cardigan. He has been in cabinet in previous Liberal administrations, as Minister of Labour and Solicitor General, and now he is the first Agriculture Minister from the Maritimes since the 19th century.

MacAulay said he had little opportunity in his first 20 hours or so on the job to get up to speed, with only a hello exchanged with his deputy minister.

"I plan to meet with my provincial counterparts. I've been contacted by industry officials from across the country," he said.

"Over the next few days I'll combine my briefings with meeting provincial officials and industry."

MacAulay said he is looking forward to consulting both with his provincial counterparts and with staff in his department.

'Commoners ruling commoners'

While MacAulay has been part of the inner circle of the federal government before, he said it was a special moment walking up to Rideau Hall for the ceremony Wednesday while crowds of Canadians watched.

In particular, MacAulay said it was a great feeling to see Trudeau go deep into the throng to shake hands after the ceremony.

"We're commoners ruling commoners and that's what the prime minister understands," he said.

"It's great to see that type of politics back."

MacAulay said the level of engagement Canadians showed with the swearing in of the cabinet is great for government.