• CFA Summer Semi-Annual Meeting 2010
• 2009 APAS Winter Mid Term
• 2009 APAS Summer Mid Term
• 2009 CFA SAM (Kelowna)
• CFA SemiAnnual '09 - Day 2
• CFA SemiAnnual '09 - Day 1
• CFA SemiAnnual '09 - Day 3
• 2009 CFA AGM (Ottawa)
• CFA AGM '09 - Day 1
• CFA AGM '09 - Day 2
• CFA AGM '09 - Day 3
• 2009 Feb Board Retreat
• 2008 APAS AGM

Your Daily look at the CFA AGM - as it happens (from Feb 25, 2009)

Written and compiled by the APAS delegates at CFA

It's day two of the Annual General Meeting of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture  - being hosted in our nation's capital. There is a great deal of excitement in Ottawa revolving around today's election of CFA's new President. Both candidates running; Laurent Pellerin of UPA and Rob Bonnett of OFA; gave passionate and heartfelt speeches this afternoon demonstrating their wide knowledge,  extensive experience and deep commitment to the Federation and its role in Canada and around the world.

Laurent Pellerin of UPA (currently Acting President of CFA) was finally selected over Ron Bonnett of the OFA early in the afternoon to become the first CFA President elected from the province of Quebec.

Later in the day, Ron Bonnett was selected as First Vice-President of the Federation; thus ensuring that we will have access to the skills and talents of both men to jointly lead us into the future. Canadian farmers are fortunate to have two such capable and dynamic leaders elected to these important positions. Elections for the Second Vice-President will take place tomorrow afternoon and if today's results are any indication, we will have an even stronger team by the end of Thursday to carry agriculture's voice in Ottawa.

Presentations to the AGM attendees today included:

• Greg Stewart, President and CEO and Lyndon Carlson, Senior VP of Marketing for Farm Credit Canada spoke on the evolving role and future direction of the federal crown corporation and reflected briefly on FCC's 50th anniversary serving Canadian farmers.
• Maurice Hladik, Director of Marketing for Iogen Corporation, discussed emerging developments and future trends and directions in Biofuels.
• Representatives from Farm Tribute Canada, Food Banks of Canada and Farmers' Market Canada outlined some innovative solutions  to connect rural and urban Canadians.

Michael Ignatieff, Leader of the Official Opposition Party, requested the opportunity to address the CFA Annual General Meeting. Mr Ignatieff met privately with the Presidents of CFA and the Member organizations prior to addressing the delegates. In both forums, Mr. Ignatieff stressed that he is prepared to lead the next government of Canada; that he clearly understands that he needs the support of rural and western voters to achieve his goal, and that  he is looking to the agricultural industry and its leaders for direction and input.

APAS delegates and others agreed that they were impressed by Mr Ignatieff's rational approach and passionate presentation.

Wednesday's formal activities wrapped up with the CFA's Presidents Reception, allowing CFA executive and AGM delegates to mix and mingle with Members  of Parliament and the Senate. This event provides a unique opportunity for CFA delegates to discuss important agricultural and rural issues with their elected representatives in an informal and open environment.

Tomorrow starts early and includes the election of CFA Second VP and our own dinner meeting with the thirteen Conservative MPs from Saskatchewan as well as numerous meetings on Parliament Hill. Stay tuned for tomorrows report.    

Your CFA Delegates