Speller's out, now what?

[les]

cant the PM bring speller back and run him in another riding?(by election)?Getty got back in in alberta when he lost his riding a few years back.

[cakadu]

Goodale is being bandied about for ag minister, but I have to agree that the portfolios are in no way similar. I'm thinking out loud here, but might it be considered a step back (?) to go to Ag minister?

Ted Menzies is also one who would like to see his name on the short list for the job. Don't know enough about him to form an opinion on that front. My bet would be that as a very new comer to the whole arena, he likely wouldn't be chosen. What do some of the rest of you think?

There was also a fellow from the Maritimes who's name I cannot remember offhand, as a potential candidate.

I think that Speller tried and I'm not sure of how effective he was or could have been because he was in the position for such a short time. He seemed to get in there and roll up his sleeves - let's face it - he didn't exactly walk in at the best of times.

Let's just hope that the next person is up to the task and has agriculture at heart.

[cropduster]

Cowman, was out aviating yesterday AM and noticed that the sun seemed to come up particularly RED!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Incognito]

Cakadu:

Do you actually think Martin/Layton would appoint a former President of the WCWGA and a Conservative as Ag Minister? Or was this your rendition of humour?

You might see Easter as Ag Minister. The CWB/Supply Managed sector/NDP would love it.

Martin doesnt need the west, he needs the NDP.All that inclusionary BS that you guys fell for with the PM and Speller was just BS.

And Speller was singing a different tune in Ottawa than he was in the west. Ask a bureaucrat.

Everyone is going on and one like its his eulogy. He is already getting 106K a year pension. Think about that the next time you sell a cull cow.

[cakadu]

Well, I said I didn't know much about Menzies and for some strange reason, I thought he was running under the Liberal banner. My mistake. I heard Menzies in an interview stating why he thought he'd make a good ag minister. Maybe with the Tories he'll be the ag critic.

Wayne Easter was the other fellow mentioned.

[rsomer]

I note the comment questioning how effective Bob Speller was. Speller was Ag Minister when the announcement of $1Billion was made. Perhaps it helped to have Goodale as Finance Minister but to convince cabinet that your portfolio should receive $1Billion additional funding would be an indication that Speller was an effective minister. Prior to Speller being appointed Ag Minister he was Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for International Trade. Speller’s experience in International Trade would have been helpful in seeing a resolution to the issue of reopening trade for the Canadian beef industry.

A little info on Spellers riding. Manufacturing and agriculture are key industries in Spellers riding of Haldimand - Norfolk - Brant. Spellers riding is regarded as tobacco country although the riding did contain a beef and dairy component. Only about 7% of Spellers riding would be involved in primary industries such as agriculture. The riding had recently been redistributed and some predicted before the election that this would cause the riding to go to the Conservatives. Conservative Diane Finlay who defeated Speller in the election by a margin of 20938 to 19277 had experience in health care, transportation and manufacturing.

[BWC]

Although Menzies is a Conservative, he is a neighbor of mine within very close proximity. I really don't think we would need an ag minister who in essence farmed for crop insurance for the past 20 years. Great guy questionable operator. OH that= politician...lol

[Muttley]

Even though Speller lost you may still see him as the ag minister. He is in the middle of the BSE crisis in Canada, seems to be well liked and in the case of a not to distant election the PM will need high profile candidates to beat the Conservatives.
There is nothing in the books about being elected to be in cabinet. Just wait and see what Conservative or Bloc will be the speaker?

[Incognito]

Easter's name is being leaked out of the PMO office to judge public reaction.

Speak now or hold your peace.

[Incognito]

Rsomer:

This has nothing to do with trade.

It is politics and as soon as everyone realizes it, the better off everyone will be. Now the Canadian Cattlemen's Ass. (pun intended) is talking about alternative plans....

http://sask.cbc.ca/regional/servlet/View?filename=cattle040705

Supply management won't cut it at the WTO.

The sooner we go after the Japanese market, and others, cut the reliance on the US, the better of the industry will be.

Doing nothing is still taking a position.