The new chief commissioner of the Canadian Grain Commission will begin his four-year term this month.
David Hunt, who formerly worked for Richardson International, Puratone and the Manitoba government, will start in his new role May 13.
Hunt’s appointment was made in late April by federal agriculture minister Lawrence MacAulay.
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“The CGC plays a vitally important role in supporting the interests of Canada’s hard-working grain producers,” MacAulay said in a news release.
“I have no doubt that Mr. Hunt’s leadership experience and commitment to a competitive, innovative and resilient agriculture sector will ensure Canada continues to be recognized as a leading producer, processor and exporter of high-quality grain.”
The grain commission regulates grain handling in Canada and establishes and maintains science-based standards of quality for Canadian grain.
Hunt has worked in both the public and private spheres of agriculture for the last 28 years. A release from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada following the appointment noted his degree in zoology from the University of Manitoba. His resume also includes time as a logistics co-ordinator with Richardson International, a manager with Manitoba hog production company Puratone, an extension specialist with Manitoba Agriculture, director of Manitoba’s livestock industry branch and assistant deputy minister in Manitoba’s environment and climate change department.
Several agricultural groups, including the Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission, have congratulated Hunt on his new position.
“Sask Wheat looks forward to working with David Hunt to advance key issues of importance for Saskatchewan wheat producers to uphold fairness, transparency and quality assurance within Canada’s grain industry,” said chair Jake Leguee.
“Sask Wheat strongly supports the mandate of the CGC to work in the interests of grain producers, and the CGC must maintain objectivity in its operations and governance to always reflect this mandate.”
Hunt replaces Doug Chorney, a farmer from East Selkirk, Man., who completed his four-year term as chief commissioner April 30. Chorney was appointed assistant chief commissioner of the grain commission in 2017 and became chief commissioner in 2020.
He has been heavily involved in agricultural policy for the last 15 to 20 years.
Chorney formerly served as president of Keystone Agricultural Producers in Manitoba, was a director with the Canadian Federation of Agriculture and the vice chair of the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council.
“I want to extend my sincere thanks to Doug Chorney for the commitment he has brought to his various roles at the Canadian Grain Commission, including as chief commissioner … and the lifetime of dedication he has shown to Canada’s agricultural sector,” MacAulay said.
“I wish him the very best in his next chapter.”
