Ontario Gets New Ag Minister

Jan 18, 2010

Scrambling to slap a fresh new face on an administration daunted by a record deficit and potentially unpopular tax reforms, Premier Dalton McGuinty is radically revamping his cabinet.

McGuinty promoted former aboriginal affairs minister Brad Duguid to the powerful post of energy and infrastructure on Monday to replace interim minister Gerry Phillips, who had stepped up for the departed George Smitherman, now the front-running candidate for the Toronto mayoralty.

Phillips will remain chair of cabinet and a minister without portfolio responsible for seniors.

Attorney General Chris Bentley will add aboriginal affairs to his duties.

Former education minister Kathleen Wynne is being moved to transportation. Wynne, seen as a future leadership hopeful, will be succeeded at education by Leona Dombrowsky, who had been agriculture minister. Replacing Dombrowsky at agriculture is backbencher Carol Mitchell (Huron-Bruce.)

Video: CEOs of the Industry: John McIntire, Partner at Pike Pig Systems

CEOs of the Industry, Jim sits down with John McIntire, Partner at Pike Pig Systems, one of the most quietly impressive 26,000-sow operations in the U.S. John shares how he grew from operator to partner, how Pike built a people-first culture with long-tenured managers, and why they’re committed to weaning bigger, stronger pigs at 25+ days.

John breaks down how Pike stays efficient in a tough economic environment, the power of their shareholder-owned farm model, and how their work with PIC and a 240-head boar facility drives genetics and health outcomes. He also opens up about the innovations Pike adopts — and how they decide what’s truly valuable versus industry hype.

From Prop 12 and labor challenges to trade, consumer expectations, and sustainability, John chooses a hot-button issue and shares how Pike is preparing for the future. The episode closes with a rapid-fire “Fast Five” — mindset, leadership, daily habits, and three words that define Pike Pig Systems in 2025.

If you want a look inside a people-driven, purpose-driven, quietly elite pork system, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.