Barlow returns to Parliament as federal agriculture critic

A familiar name is returning to the agricultural portfolio in the federal opposition shadow cabinet.

Alberta MP John Barlow was named to the post Nov. 9. He had served in the role in previous Parliaments.

His portfolio also includes food security.

He said Canadian farmers need a level playing field, but recent Liberal policies have put them at a disadvantage in the global marketplace.

“By over-regulating Canadian industries (the government) has opened up opportunities for international competitors with lower standards and lower costs of production to flood the markets,” said Barlow. “This is not right, and I will stand up for the reduction of red tape and burdensome regulations against our farmers and agriculture sector.”

The previous critic, Lianne Rood from Ontario, remains part of the shadow cabinet, now responsible for rural economic development and rural broadband strategy.

Leader Erin O’Toole announced a leadership team and shadow cabinet of more than 50, relying on those who did not question vaccinations for COVID-19. For example, B.C. MP Mark Strahl is no longer the shadow minister for labour after posting on social media that vaccine mandates must be opposed. Others are also out.

The issue of vaccination has become contentious for O’Toole and the party as Parliament is set to resume later this month.

Notable appointments include Candice Bergen as deputy leader, Gerard Deltell as House leader and Blake Richards as chief opposition whip. Manitoba MP James Bezan will serve as deputy opposition whip, strategic adviser and co-chair of question period planning.

Saskatchewan MP Randy Hoback is the shadow minister for international trade and supply chain resilience, while former leader Andrew Scheer takes on infrastructure and communities. Another Saskatchewan MP, Warren Steinley, was named to Prairie Economic Development and interprovincial trade.

Dan Albas is the shadow minister for environment and climate change and Melissa Lantsman looks after transport.

Former agriculture critic Luc Berthold is now at health, which includes the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Pest Management Regulatory Agency.

For the NDP, Alistair MacGregor returns as the party’s agriculture critic. This time, however, he adds public safety to his list, as well as deputy justice critic.

Other key critics for the NDP for western agricultural issues include Taylor Bachrach in transport, Rachel Blaney in rural economic development, Laurel Collins for environment and climate change, Don Davies in health and Brian Masse in international trade.