As part of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s new cabinet, Lawrence MacAulay was officially sworn in as Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food in Ottawa on Nov. 4.

MacAulay, Member of Parliament for Cardigan in P.E.I., was first elected to the House of Commons in 1988, and won his ninth consecutive election this October.

Prior to entering politics, MacAulay was a farmer and businessman.

MacAulay’s previous cabinet appointments have included Solicitor General of Canada, Minister of Labour, Secretary of State (Veterans), and Secretary of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency). He has served as critic for Fisheries and Oceans and Seniors, and was vice chair of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans.

As Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, he is responsible for the Canada Agricultural Review Tribunal, Canadian Dairy Commission, Canadian Grain Commission, Farm Credit Canada, and Farm Products Council of Canada.