December 30, 2016

Mr. Grant Crack
Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
77 Grenville Street
11th Floor
Toronto, Ontario
M7A 1B3

Dear Mr. Crack:

I am honoured to have you as my parliamentary assistant, and thank you for the valuable support that you will provide me in this crucial role. I welcome you back to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and look forward to working closely with you to ensure that both ministry and overall government objectives are achieved.

At this mid-point of our mandate — and after having achieved two years of real and tangible progress — we are redoubling our efforts to deliver on our top priority — economic growth and good jobs. Our balanced plan to build Ontario up for everyone will deliver real benefits and more inclusive growth that will help people in their everyday lives. We will do this by continuing to invest in better infrastructure, more affordable and accessible postsecondary education, a competitive, low-carbon economy and improved retirement security.

Responsible fiscal management remains an overarching priority for our government, and, thanks to our disciplined approach, we are on track to balance the budget next year, in 2017-18.

The mandate letter I received in September from Premier Wynne sets out my specific priorities as minister for the coming two years. Parliamentary assistants play a key role in meeting these priorities and in helping put our government’s plan into action.

Our mandate is to support the growth of the agri-food sector, enforce and improve food safety, and strengthen Ontario’s rural communities. We will continue our work to develop business support for farmers, to expand agriculture in the North, to collaborate with partner ministries and stakeholders on implementing the Climate Change Action Plan, and to ensure the sustainability of agriculture. Together, we will work to foster vibrant rural economies and cultivate opportunities for rural Ontario.

As Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, your specific responsibilities include:

  • Working with ministers and partners to continue to engage with rural stakeholders, and deliver effective programs and services to rural areas. This includes supporting the development of the next Rural Ontario Summit to be held in 2018.
  • Continuing to support work that promotes and encourages innovative local food initiatives that celebrate the rich diversity of foods produced, processed and made in Ontario through the Local Food Strategy and continued implementation of the Local Food Act.

A tremendous opportunity lies before us — to ensure that our ministry’s mandate is fully and effectively implemented, to continue to build Ontario up and to deliver real benefits to all Ontarians.

Sincerely,

Original signed by

The Honourable Jeff Leal
Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs