Q&A with Ontario’s Minister of Rural Affairs

Newly appointed Minister of Rural Affairs Lisa Thompson wasn’t surprised that Premier Doug Ford prioritized rural affairs as a new standalone ministry during a June 6 cabinet shuffle.

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“I’ve always been consistent in representing rural Ontario and recognizing how our small towns and rural communities can continue to drive prosperity in the spirit of GDP and quality of life,” said Thompson. “I am honoured to have been included in the cabinet since we formed government in 2018.”

The former agriculture minister said a rural affairs ministry will build on momentum created by the Rural Economic Development Strategy consultations already in play.

“The premier has recognized we need to make sure that everyone’s moving forward in tandem, and I welcome the opportunity to have that stronger presence on behalf of rural Ontario,” said Thompson.

The opportunity to focus solely on rural Ontario developments hearkens back to her early days as a rural community advisor within the agriculture, food and rural affairs department, which prompted her to get involved in politics.

“I was inspired and driven to seek political office at the provincial level in 2011 because rural Ontario did not have a strong enough voice,” she said, adding that the appointment will bring her career full circle to fulfil a commitment to bolster rural growth and sustainability.

Q: What will inform the basis of the Ministry of Rural Affairs?

A: “I’m a person who prides themselves in being part of a strong rural community,” Thompson said. “I always want to be part of the solution, be supportive, and celebrate what’s already happening on the ground in all our small towns and communities across this province.”

The ministry’s goal is to build sustainability and growth potential for rural Ontario, which stems from being informed and understanding the issues and community priorities. The Rural Economic Development strategy consultation, like Grow Ontario, will identify needs and avenues for support, she said.

“Participation, to date, has been phenomenal. People are going, ‘oh my goodness, with the cementing of a standalone ministry now, Thompson and Premier Ford are showing they understand the importance of a committed focus to small town, rural Ontario.’”

A status update will be presented at the Association of Municipalities of Ontario before the ministry finalizes a strategy this autumn, she said.

Q: What would you like to accomplish with the Ministry of Rural Affairs?

A: Thompson said her first goal is to build on the Rural Economic Development Strategy and develop a further strategy that reflects communities and their goals and propels rural Ontario forward.

“That’s what we achieved with Grow Ontario, and that’s my goal for our rural strategy.”

At May’s federal, provincial and territorial ministers meeting on rural economic development, Thompson said a University of Guelph speaker dedicated to rural development tasked his master’s students to work on submissions for the rural strategy.

“That excites me when we have young people thinking about where we need to go, not just sustaining small town rural Ontario but how can we grow and create that sense of excitement around the opportunities that lie ahead.

“I want to bring that enthusiasm into this new ministry as well.”

Additionally, consistent messaging about activities in the new ministry is critical so “people understand they have a chance to inform priorities for the ministry.”

Q: How will experience as Minister of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs influence your goals as Rural Affairs Minister?

A: Thompson said her ability to collaborate with all levels of government will continue to serve the new ministry.

“I’ll continue to work really closely with Minister (Rob) Flack and be mindful of our agriculture and food priorities, making sure the infrastructure in rural Ontario is in place to complement the opportunities that exist to continue to grow Ontario.”

Thompson said her fundamental drive is to recognize, celebrate and strengthen rural organizations and municipalities.

“According to Statistics Canada, 17 per cent of Ontario’s population live in rural Ontario, but as we identify trends, we’re continuing to see an out-migration to small towns in rural Ontario,” she said.

Thompson said she will work with northern Ontario colleagues to build solid foundations for families and businesses. That’s the goal, she said, regardless of whether people and businesses “choose to move to northern Ontario, eastern Ontario or even western Ontario.”

Q: How will a background in agriculture affect plans to entice more rural commercial investment?

A: The ministerial meeting in Niagara-on-the-Lake was held two weeks before Thompson was appointed to the new role, and she co-hosted the event with Gudie Hutchings, federal minister of rural economic development. Thompson told Hutchings that commitment to rural Canada doesn’t stop with broadband (connectivity).

“We need to consider how to continue expanding investments in small towns and rural communities. What other infrastructures do we need that will attract business and attract families? A prosperous rural Ontario, rural Canada will require all levels of government to work even better together.”

Q: How will you collaborate with Rob Flack, minister of farming, agriculture and agribusiness, in developing rural Ontario, given his former role as associate minister of housing?

A: Thompson said the mandate letter encourages MPPs to collaborate to achieve prosperity across Ontario, build a solid economic base, and be committed to core goals.

“Of course, there’ll be natural alignment not only with agriculture, food and agribusiness, but with municipal affairs and housing, and even the ministry of transportation,” she said.

Q: What do you consider to be your top achievements in OMAFRA, and how might they align with the rural affairs role?

A: “I’m really proud of my ability to negotiate a $1.7 billion, five-year agreement with the feds in terms of federal-provincial funding for the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.”

Thompson said building strong relationships lends itself to achieving goals, and she intends to maintain those at all levels of government.

“The other thing I reflect upon is the last two pieces of legislation we passed this past spring, the Agricultural Research Innovation Ontario and Enhancing Professional Care for Animals,” Thompson said. “We had unanimous support at every stage of that legislation working its way through the house.

“I’ll put the same effort I put into the Grow Ontario strategy into the rural strategy as well, so people see themselves and want to be part of the momentum of moving rural Ontario forward.”