Jeff Leal is now two days into his new job as Agriculture and Rural Affairs Minister.
Premier Kathleen Wynne handed both portfolios to him when she unveiled her cabinet this week.
She had been agriculture minister in the lead up to the last provincial election while Leal served as Rural Affairs minister.
Leal says bringing the two ministries together again is a good move.
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Leal says he’s got big shoes to fill given that the Premier herself was the Agriculture minister prior to the last provincial election.
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The Peterborough MP says the agriculture sector produced $34 billion each year and is renowned around the world.
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Leal rejects the notion that there’s a rural/urban divide in Ontario.
He says there is only one Ontario – not two.
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Wind turbines are another big issue in rural Ontario.
Leal says the government will listen to the concerns of residents.
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Leal hopes to expand the food processing industry in Ontario which currently generates $34 billion each year.
