The Lobby Monitor joined ranchers and parliamentarians at the Government Conference Centre Wednesday evening for the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association’s (CCA) reception. Many who attended—and there were well over 100 who stopped by—said they come annually just for the beef.

John Masswohl, the CCA’s director of government and international relations, said the association holds these events a few times a year. He also gave a short speech focusing on trade policy and country-of-origin labelling and thanked parliamentarians such as Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, who was there for much of the evening.

This year, thanks to a change of venue, the CCA partnered with Canadian whiskey producers, promoting Canadian beef and Canadian whiskey, with specialty cocktails on offer such as the “Spring Sour,” featuring apple cider, maple syrup, and topped with a cinnamon stick.

The beef chili disappeared quickly, as did the usual roast beef sandwiches with grainy mustard.

Also in attendance was Natural Resources Minister Joe Oliver and Tory MPs Lawrence Toet, Ray Boughen and James Bezan, as well as Liberal MP John McKay. Photos and blog post by Lobby Monitor reporter Yael Berger.

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence James Bezan, left, with Travis Toews, past-president of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association

Left to right: Scott Ross, Canadian Federation of Agriculture; Conservative MP Lawrence Toet; Doug Chorney, president of Keystone Agricultural Producers; and Karen Hodgson, trade policy analyst with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

Chuck MacLean, chair of Canada Beef Inc., left, with Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz.

Adam Bolek, vice-president at Crestview Strategy, left, with ‘The King of Cocktails’ Michael Barrington of Spirits Canada.