A Ponoka-area man with a long history of political service has joined the Farm Credit Canada board.
Dale Johnston has been appointed as a director of the Crown corporation for a three-year term, effective immediately.
Currently farming in the Crestomere district, Johnston served as MP for the Wetaskiwin constituency from 1993 to 2006. During that time, he was a member of the Reform, Canadian Alliance and Conservative parties. He was the Alliance and Conservative party whip, and vice-chair of the Standing Committee on Procedures and House Affairs.
Prior to entering federal politics, Johnston was a councillor and reeve of Ponoka County, chairman of the Ponoka County board of education and a member of the Ponoka General Hospital board of directors.
“As a longtime farmer and an active leader in his community, Mr. Johnston has both the passion for agriculture and the skills necessary to be a solid addition to the FCC board,” said Canadian Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz.
Farm Credit Canada provides financing, insurance, software, learning programs and other services to farmers and other agricultural operations. Reporting to Parliament through the minister of agriculture, it has a $20-billion portfolio.