Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe MP Ginette Petitpas Taylor says she has a good relationship with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
The federal health minister gave her thoughts on the SNC-Lavalin affair which has been creating headlines for several weeks.
Petitpas Taylor says she has a huge portfolio and often seeks guidance and feedback around the cabinet table.
“I’ve always been well-received. Sometimes we agree to disagree but we’ve always had really good debates when it comes to difficult issues,” she notes.
Petitpas Taylor says she often receives pressure from various groups and lobbyists.
She cites an example of pressure when the new Canada Food Guide was recently being unveiled.
“We’ve had many groups that came to see me, that came to see my team that wanted to provide us with their input. As a cabinet minister, it’s my responsibility to listen to these different points of views.”
Petitpas Taylor says she had to ensure the writers of the new Canada Food Guide would not be overly influenced by the lobbying efforts of industry and almost had to put a firewall between them.
While she is saddened to see Jody Wilson-Raybould and Jane Philpott leave cabinet, she adds they are still part of the caucus and she looks forward to continue working with them.
