Derek Johnson is Manitoba’s new minister of agriculture following a cabinet shuffle on January 18.
He replaces Ralph Eichler, who had been sworn into the post mid-summer. Eichler also served as ag minister from 2016 to 2019.
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Johnson, who is MLA for Interlake-Gimli, previously served as the minister of municipal relations. He held that chair for a year.
He was elected as the MLA for the Interlake in 2016, and re-elected for the newly-formed Interlake-Gimli constituency in 2019 according to the PC party’s website.
Previously, he was also councilor for the R.M. of St. Laurent from 2010 to 2014, where his responsibilities included finance, drainage and emergency services.
Agriculture groups congratulated Johnson and thanked Eichler for his work on the agriculture portfolio.
“Minister Johnson understands the challenges facing Manitoba’s agricultural industry and we look forward to working with him,” said Bill Campbell, president of the Keystone Agricultural Producers in a statement.
“We look forward to working collaboratively with the minister,” said Rick Prejet, chair of the Manitoba Pork Council in a statement.
Prejet thanked Eichler for his contributions.
“It cannot be overstated when it is said that Minister Eichler is a champion for agriculture, both here in Manitoba and across the country.”
In the shuffle, agriculture was split off from resource development to form its own department.
Scott Fielding is now minister of natural resources and northern development, and Jeff Wharton is minister of environment, climate and parks.
