Heath MacDonald, a Prince Edward Island MP representing the riding of Malpeque, has been appointed the new federal minister of agriculture and agri-food. Before his election to the riding in 2021, replacing long-serving MP Wayne Easter, the 59-year-old served as PEI’s minister of finance as well as minister of economic development and tourism. As a resident of Cornwall, he will be familiar with the economic heft of the potato industry.

The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) congratulated all ministers on their nomination to cabinet. As the voice of Canada’s agri-food exporters, CAFTA looks forward in particular to working with Ministers Maninder Sidhu (International Trade), Heath MacDonald (Agriculture and Agri-Food) and Dominic LeBlanc (President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs and One Canadian Economy) to ensure agri-food trade policies expand market access, strengthen international partnerships, and help Canada navigate a rapidly evolving global agri-food trade landscape.

“Ministers Sidhu, MacDonald and LeBlanc have key roles to play in maintaining and deepening relationships with Canada’s agri-food trade partners, upholding a stable, rules-based international trade environment, and expanding access through diversified trade opportunities,” said Greg Northey, president of CAFTA

Source:  Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance May 13, 2025 news release