Elwin Hermanson has been re-appointed chief commissioner of the Canadian Grain Commission for another three years.
Federal agriculture minister Gerry Ritz made the announcement yesterday.
Hermanson’s re-appointment will take effect Jan. 13, 2013.
“I’m very pleased to announce the re-appointment of Mr. Hermanson as chief commissioner for the CGC,” said Ritz.
“Since taking on this important role in 2008, Mr. Hermanson has led the CGC through significant changes in Canada’s grain sector… Moving forward, Canadian farmers will continue to count on his leadership in supporting our innovative and competitive grain sector.”
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The commission is expected to undergo significant changes in the next few months.
The federal agency is in the process of reviewing its operations and is looking for ways to generate more income from the services it provides.
It has already consulted with producer groups and the grain industry to determine what changes industry stakeholders would like to see.
When the review process is completed, the CGC will likely emerge as a leaner organization that has fewer employees, offers fewer services and requires less government money to carry out its mandate.
In addition, a greater proportion of the commission’s annual operating budget is likely to be collected through user fees.
Changes being considered include:
• the introduction of a new, more efficient governance structure within the commission
• revised bonding provisions that ensure the financial viability of CGC licensees
• the adoption of new and improved dispute resolution mechanisms
• the elimination of inward inspection and weighing services on shipments of grain that move domestically within Canada
The grain commission is responsible for establishing and maintaining Canada’s grain quality standards and regulating grain handling in Canada
Among other things, the agency aims to ensure a dependable supply of Canadian grain for domestic and export markets.
