P.E.I. Premier names new agriculture minister

P.E.I. Premier names new agriculture minister
Jan 12, 2018

Robert Henderson takes over for Alan McIsaac

By Diego Flammini
News Reporter
Farms.com

A shuffle in Prince Edward Island’s provincial cabinet resulted in the naming of a new minister of agriculture and fisheries.

Robert Henderson, who previously served as health and wellness minister, will represent farmers and fisheries in the provincial legislature.

Henderson takes over for Alan McIssac, who held the position since 2015.

McIssac, who isn’t seeking re-election in the next election, decided now was the right time for a transition.

“I feel it is the right time to no longer serve in cabinet and to focus on my constituents of Vernon River-Stratford,” McIsaac said in a release on Wednesday.

Henderson brings some agricultural experience to his new position.

Since May 2015, he has served as chair of a number of Standing Committees including that of Agriculture and Fisheries. In addition, previously produced potatoes, beef and blueberries.

And P.E.I. farmers are optimistic about their new voice in cabinet.

Henderson should be up to date on the issues facing farmers, according to Anthony Nabuurs, a livestock producer from Montague.

“I imagine (McIssac) would brief (Henderson) on what’s going on in the industry,” Naaburs told Farms.com.

As long as Henderson acts with the best interests of farmers in mind, producers will be confident that he can do a good job, Scott Drake, a beef producer from Millview, told Farms.com.

Top photo: Robert Henderson