Local MPP Trevor Jones is already planting roots in his new cabinet post as provincial Minister of Agriculture.
Premier Doug Ford tagged Jones, MPP for Chatham-Kent–Leamington, for the position in the days following the recent Ontario election, which sent the Conservatives back to power with a majority.
The local politician, who has experience in the agri-business sector, said he was happy to receive the post.
“It doesn’t matter how long your tenure here, you serve at the pleasure of the premier. He built his team,” Jones, who was first elected in 2022, said. “I was surprised, but pleasantly surprised.”
His riding is the breadbasket of Ontario, boasting rich farmland and a growing greenhouse industry. And the growers wanted representation.
“The farmers just pointed to the fact they have not had provincial leadership at this capacity,” Jones said. “Chatham-Kent–Leamington and Pelee Island have a rich tradition in farming.”
It also goes beyond the people who plant and grow, he added.
“We’re attracting those innovators. We have had seed development in Chatham-Kent forever. Chatham-Kent seeds are around the world,” Jones said. “Our greenhouse industry is really strong, state of the art, and commercially viable operations. Growing in Ontario means something. I’m going to be their champion.”
That fight may very well begin with tariffs, as U.S. President Donald Trump continues to threaten to impose them, while China recently placed a 100 per cent tariff on Canadian canola. For Canadian agriculture, the Chinese market was a $1-billion-a-year consumer of canola.
Here in Chatham-Kent, canola is not a prime crop. Jones said only about one per cent of what’s planted in C-K is canola. But in the Prairies, the impact will be felt.
“Tariffs are truly a clear and present danger. We have to rally around our producers and processors,” he said. “I’ve been listening to our neighbours to the west. I think our western neighbours have planted less (canola). But I think it will definitely impact them.”
A positive that is coming from the tariffs is a focus on purchasing Canadian products, and Chatham-Kent products, whenever possible.
“It’s prompted a little bit of patriotism. We enjoy local brands, but we can buy from around the world. However, people are taking the time to look at the branding and make a stronger effort to buy local,” he said. “Even Ontario wines. They’ve experienced an enjoyable uptick.”
And if the U.S. imposes tariffs on Canadian agricultural products, Jones said we must examine other markets around the globe.
