Minister MacAulay Announces Appointment to the Canadian Dairy Commission

OTTAWA, May 3, 2018  /CNW/ - Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister, Lawrence MacAulay, announced today the appointment of Mr. Serge Riendeau as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Dairy Commission (CDC) following an open, transparent and merit-based selection process. This appointment is for a three-year term, effective May 14, 2018.

Mr. Riendeau is a prominent leader in the Canadian dairy industry. He has been operating a dairy farm for over 40 years and has had an illustrious 25-year career on the Agropur Board of Directors, including nearly 15 years as President of the Cooperative — Canada's largest dairy processor in Canada. He is a recognized member of his community and an active supporter of a charity for children facing bullying and violence.

The Minister expressed his gratitude to the outgoing Chief Executive Officer, Jacques Laforge, for his service at the helm of the Commission since 2012, and for his many years of leadership in agriculture both nationally and in his home province of New Brunswick.

Quote

"It is with pleasure that I announce today the appointment of Serge Riendeau to the role of CEO of the Canadian Dairy Commission. Mr. Riendeau has a long and distinguished career working within Canada's dairy industry. His leadership and experience will be assets to ensuring the continued strength and competitiveness of this vital sector to Canada's economy."

-       Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

Quick Facts

• The CDC is a Crown Corporation established in 1966 to coordinate federal and provincial dairy policies and create a control mechanism for milk production aimed to avoid shortages and surpluses, and stabilize producer revenues.
• The CDC Board of Directors is appointed by the Government of Canada upon the recommendation of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.

Associated Links

• Canadian Dairy Commission

Biography

Serge Riendeau has been operating a dairy farm for over 40 years. He is the co-owner of Riendeau et Gendron Inc., a 700 acre dairy farm with a herd of more than 400 head of cattle, located between Coaticook, Quebec, and the US border.

Mr. Riendeau is a leading figure in the Canadian dairy industry. He retired from Agropur Cooperative in 2017 after serving 26 years on the board of directors, including 15 years as president. He is a highly respected figure in the business community and in Canada's agri-food industry. Throughout his career, Mr. Riendeau has received numerous awards, including the title of Personality of the Year from the prestigious magazine Forces.

Mr. Riendeau is very active in his community. He is an active supporter of the Institut Pacifique, an organization that offers programs and services to children facing bullying and violence.

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SOURCE Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada