1951-1960

The Grain Handling in Canada film is available on the National Film Board of Canada's web site.

Grain Handling in Canada is a 24 minute film that documents the work of the Board of Grain Commissioners for Canada. The film was written and directed by Guy L. Coté and produced by the National Film Board of Canada in 1955.

Source: Library. Canadian Grain Commission

Under the direction of Dr. John Ansel Anderson, the Chief Chemist from 1939 – 1962, the Grain Research Laboratory evolves into an internationally recognized research institute during the 1950's.

Source: Library. Canadian Grain Commission

Source: Library. Canadian Grain Commission

Dr. Anderson's contributions are acknowledged not only by the industry and his peers but, also by his staff. V. G. Martens worked as a technician for Dr. Anderson – these excerpts from the 1988 Grain Research Laboratory annual report are his:

Dr. Anderson cared for each one of us and we were given much opportunity to develop our individual skills…Our success as a group of technicians was largely due to the vision and leadership of one man, Dr. J.A. Anderson.

Source: Library. Canadian Grain Commission

Source: Library and Archives Canada / PA-206919. Credit: National Film Board of Canada.

The St. Lawrence Seaway is completed June 26, 1959. The effect on the Board of Grain Commissioners for Canada is immediate:

The impact of the Seaway on the eastern handling pattern was reflected directly in the sharp reduction in the transfer movement (principally at Lower Lake ports) which dropped from 151.4 millions in 1958-59 to 97.6 millions in 1959-60, as 73.7 millions of grain moved direct from the Canadian Lakehead to the St. Lawrence River ports in contrast to only 28.5 millions in the previous year.

Annual report of the Board of Grain Commissioners for Canada. 1960. p. 8