Jennifer Hayes was appointed as Chairperson of the Canadian Dairy Commission for a four-year-term, effective December 23, 2021.
Ms. Hayes was first appointed to the CDC in January 2017, in the role of Commissioner and held the position for four years.
Jennifer Hayes is a dairy and beef farmer on Quebec’s Gaspé Peninsula. She is the third generation to farm at PineCrest Farms in Shigawake, which she co-owns with her father and uncle. Ms. Hayes has extensive governance experience which she obtained through her active participation with the UPA (L’Union des Producteurs Agricoles), defending regional interests in dairy, beef and agricultural development.
Ms. Hayes holds an MBA from Concordia University and is actively engaged in rural development initiatives within her region. As a Revitalization Agent at the MRC of Bonaventure, she accompanied rural municipalities in formalizing social and economic development plans as well as the elaboration of essential community development projects and action plans. In addition, in partnership with her husband, she has recently launched Project Rural, which is dedicated to advancing the development of rural communities within Quebec. A lifelong community volunteer, Ms. Hayes is currently Chair of the Hayes Bursary Fund for Continuing Education which provides bursaries and encouragement to local youth to pursue post-secondary studies.
Ms. Hayes has two young daughters, and an extended family of nieces and nephews who inspire her to defend and develop her farming community for future generations.