Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Marie-Claude Bibeau has announced the appointment of the first woman, Jennifer Hayes, as Chairperson of the Canadian Dairy Commission for a four-year term, effective December 23, 2021.

“I am pleased to announce the appointment of Jennifer Hayes as Chairperson of the Canadian Dairy Commission and proud that she will be the first woman to hold this position. A dairy farmer and leader in her Gaspé community, she has extensive governance experience, including as a commissioner of the organization. I am confident that she will continue to be an asset to the Commission and help the industry remain competitive, productive and innovative," said Bibeau.

Hayes was first appointed to the Canadian Dairy Commission in January 2017, in the role of Commissioner and has held the position for four years.

A dairy and beef farmer on Quebec’s Gaspé Peninsula, Hayes is the third generation to farm at PineCrest Farms in Shigawake, which she co-owns with her father and uncle.

The Canadian Dairy Commission (CDC) is a Crown corporation, established in 1966, with the mandate of coordinating federal and provincial dairy policies. The CDC Board of Directors is appointed by the Governor in Council upon the recommendation of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.