Organization of the Canadian Grain Commission
The Canadian Grain Commission is a federal government agency.
The Canadian Grain Commission operates under the authority of the Canada Grain Act. Its budget comes from a combination of fees it charges for its services and funds received from Parliament. The Canadian Grain Commission reports to Parliament through the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
The Canadian Grain Commission is an agency of the government established by the Canada Grain Act. It has the following powers and responsibilities:
- Quasi-judicial powers to determine rights, resolve disputes and impose penalties
- Responsibility for making regulations and orders
- Responsibility for providing services to Canadians
Organization structure
Commissioners of the Canadian Grain Commission
A Chief Commissioner, an Assistant Chief Commissioner and a Commissioner head the Canadian Grain Commission. The Chief Commissioner supervises and directs the operations of the Canadian Grain Commission. The Assistant Chief Commissioner acts in the absence of the Chief Commissioner.
The Commissioners
- Set the organization’s strategic direction and vision
- Establish policy
- Administer and enforce the Canada Grain Act
- Arbitrate disputes
- Report to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Chief Operating Officer
The Chief Operating Officer heads the Canadian Grain Commission’s operations. The Chief Operating Officer:
- Co-ordinates and oversees the delivery of programs, services and activities of the Canadian Grain Commission’s 4 divisions: Industry Services, Corporate Services, the Grain Research Laboratory and Finance
- Reports to the Chief Commissioner
Operational Divisions
The directors of each operational division report to the Chief Operating Officer.
Audit and Evaluation Services
Audit and Evaluation Services provides services to Canadian Grain Commission clients and staff.
Corporate Services
Corporate Services provides services to the Canadian Grain Commission’s external clients and its employees.
Finance
Finance handles finances of the Canadian Grain Commission including accounts payable and accounts receivable.
Grain Research Laboratory
The Grain Research Laboratory conducts research on grain quality and safety.
Industry Services
Industry Services provides inspection, grading and weighing services. It certifies Canadian grain for export.
Committees
The Canadian Grain Commission has representatives on 3 committees: the Grain Appeal Tribunal, the Eastern Standards Committee and the Western Standards Committee.
Grain Appeal Tribunal
The Grain Appeal Tribunal is an independent committee appointed by the Canadian Grain Commission. Examines appeals by those dissatisfied with the grade assigned by the Canadian Grain Commission on an official sample.
Grain standards committees
The Eastern and Western Standards Committees recommend specifications for grades of grain, select and recommend standards samples to the Canadian Grain Commission.