The Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC) has shared news of the passing of its executive director, Portia MacDonald-Dewhirst. She died July 24, 2022, from brain cancer.
MacDonald-Dewhirst was a highly respected, tireless champion of Canadian agriculture, leading CAHRC for ten years.
Among her many accomplishments, MacDonald-Dewhirst spearheaded the Labour Task Force and Workforce Action Plan to address labour shortages, and supported the growth and continued success of the agriculture industry, says CAHRC.
Paul Glenn, chair of CAHRC, says she also built strong relationships with many industry stakeholders, and will be greatly missed.
“[She] raised awareness of the significant impact of labour shortages in agriculture, as well as the resiliency and strength of the industry in Canada. Portia was also lovingly dedicated to her family, and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time. She will be greatly missed by the CAHRC staff, board, and colleagues.”
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