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Agriculture shines at Queen's Diamond Jubilee Ceremony

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Ottawa, Ontario, February 10, 2022 - Two key contributors to Canada's cattle industry were honoured with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal during the inaugural presentation ceremony at Rideau Hall on Monday.

Dr. David Chalack, former president of the Calgary Stampede who hails from Balzac, Alberta, was chosen for his contributions to the field of animal care and to the continued success of Calgary's world-renown, annual agricultural fair.

"David is a leader, and his contributions to the field of livestock genetics and to the success of the Calgary Stampede have raised the profile of Canadian agriculture on the domestic and international stage," said Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. " The recognition is certainly well deserved."

The second recipient was Travis Toews, a cattle producer from Beaverlodge, Alberta, and president of the Canadian Cattlemen's Association. He was honoured for his dedication to the field of agriculture, and for his support for farmers and cattlemen.

"Travis has been an excellent ambassador of our Canadian beef industry and I would like to congratulate him on receiving this prestigious award," said Minister Ritz. "Travis is a great example of the kind of producers and processors who are the unsung heroes of economic growth in Canada."

His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, presided over the ceremony, along with the Right Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada. This event marked the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's accession to the Throne as Queen of Canada.

This commemorative medal will be presented throughout the year to 60,000 deserving Canadians to celebrate their significant contributions and achievements and to recognize those who, like Her Majesty, have dedicated themselves to the service to their fellow citizens, their community and their country.

For more information, media may contact:

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972

Meagan Murdoch
Director of Communications
The Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz
613-773-1059