Former Tory MP named FCC chair

Former Reform and Conservative MP Dale Johnston was appointed chairperson of the Farm Credit Canada (FCC) board of directors, Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz announced Friday.

“Since joining FCC’s board in 2011, Johnston’s knowledge and passion for agriculture has certainly made a mark on the board’s work,” Ritz said in a press release.

Johnston owns and operates a mixed farming operation in Ponoka County, Alta., and brings more than four decades of experience in farming and an extensive career in public service to FCC, the release said.

Johnston served as an MP from 1993 to 2006, as well as vice-chair of the standing committee on procedure and house affairs, and vice-chair of the standing committee on human resources development and the status of persons with disabilities.

He was also a member of the board of internal economy and chief opposition whip from 2004 to 2006.

Before his career in Parliament, Johnston was a councillor and the reeve for the County of Ponoka and chairman of the county’s board of education from 1989 to 1992.

Headquartered in Regina, FCC is a federal Crown corporation that reports to Parliament through the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.

Johnston’s appointment is for a term of three years and is effective immediately.