A group of
Ontario meat packers met in Toronto in August, 1919 to decide if an association was needed to represent the industry which underwent tremendous growth during and after World War I. With overwhelming support for the idea, Samuel E. "Sam" Todd was appointed to head the Council (then called "The Industrial and Development Council of Canadian Meat Packers") on September 1, 1919. J. S. McLean was elected as the first president of the Council. E. B. Roberts, a journalist by profession, was hired by the beginning of 1920 to take care of the Council's media and public relations. The first office of the organization was located at 186 King St. W., Toronto. Membership included Harris Abattoir Ltd.,
William Davies Co. Ltd., Swift Canadian Co. Ltd., Gunns Ltd., Canadian Packing Co Ltd., Puddys Ltd., F. W. Fearman Co., Ingersoll Packaging Co. Ltd., Whyte Packing Co. Ltd., Gallagher-Holman and Lafrance Co. Ltd., Gordon-Ironside & Fares Packers Ltd., Wilson Canadian Co. Ltd., and
Armour and Company.
Meat Packers Council of Canada The Industrial and Development Council of Canadian Meat Packers was considered a lengthy name by many members, and an alternate name, "Meat Packers Council of Canada," was proposed. It was not until Sam Todd retired in 1952 that the name was officially changed to Meat Packers Council of Canada. The council was "incorporated" as an association in 1961 after serving as a voluntary, unincorporated association for nearly 40 years.
Canadian Meat Council In 1980, the association changed its name to the Canadian Meat Council (Conseil des Viandes du Canada) during the second Presidency of ALLAN K. BESWICK.
COVID-19 and Centennial year During the
COVID-19 pandemic, which happened during the centennial year of the Council, more than 50 "regular members" had paid their dues, including a lamb trade group from
New Zealand as well as
Cargill,
JBS Foods International and the
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of
Alberta. The Executive Members of the Council at the time were: • David Colwell (Chair)
JBS Foods Canada • Troy Warren (Past Chair)
Sure Good Foods • Iain Stewart (Vice-Chair)
Maple Leaf Foods • Matt Gibney (Secretary)
Cargill Foods Limited • David Flomen (Treasurer)
Viscofan Canada == Publications ==