Former federal agriculture minister Charlie Mayer has passed away.
Born and raised in Saskatchewan, Mayer moved to Manitoba to farm in the 1960s, raising Simmental cattle, potatoes, grain, and three daughters. He served as president of the Manitoba Beef Growers Association prior to being elected as the Progressive Conservative MP for the Manitoba riding of Portage-Marquette in 1979.
He turned 89 earlier this month.
Mayer is often credited with the removal of oats from the Canadian Wheat Board’s single desk in 1989. He also played a key role for Canada in the Uruguay round of trade negotiations that resulted in a cap on agricultural subsidies, improved market access for Canadian agricultural exports, and led to the formation of the World Trade Organization in 1995.
He served in four agriculture-related cabinet portfolios in the Mulroney government, including as Minister of State for the Canadian Wheat Board, Minister of State for Grains and Oilseeds, and Minister of Western Economic Diversification. In 1993, he was named Minister of Agriculture, and retained the ag portfolio through the short-lived Campbell government.
Mayer was “a principled leader, passionate advocate, and steadfast friend to Canadian agriculture,” noted the Wheat Growers Association, in a post on social media. “Many of our members knew him personally — as a neighbour, a friend, and a strong voice for farmers. He leaves behind a legacy of conviction and service that continues to inspire.”
Mayer also served on many industry boards and organizations, including CARE Canada.
He was inducted into the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame in 2005.
