A former Saskatchewan politician has been appointed chief commissioner of the Canadian Grain Commission (CGC).
Elwin Hermanson is a former Reform Party MP for the riding of Kindersley-Lloydminster. He later became a Saskatchewan MLA and leader of the then-opposition Saskatchewan Party from 1998-2004.
Gerry Ritz, minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and minister responsible for the Canadian Wheat Board, made the announcement today. The working relationship between the two is a long one. Prior to his own entry into politics, Ritz served as Hermanson’s campaign manager in the 1993 federal election and then as his constituency co-ordinator.
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“I am pleased that Mr. Hermanson has accepted the important position of Chief Commissioner of the CGC,” said Ritz. “His strong practical experience built up over 32 years in farming, his profound knowledge of public policy, and proven leadership abilities will hold him in good stead as he takes the helm of the CGC.”
The CGC is the federal agency responsible for establishing and maintaining Canada’s grain quality standards. The agency licenses and regulates grain handling to ensure a dependable commodity for domestic and export markets.
The CGC provides a wide variety of services to the grain industry, including grain inspection, grain weighing supervision, and grain quality research. The CGC reports to Canada’s Parliament through the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.
Hermanson’s appointment is for a five-year term and begins January 21, 2008.
