Federal politicians convened in Ottawa on Nov. 17, 1960 to hear Governor General Georges Vanier’s throne speech. It launched the fourth session of the country’s 24th Parliament under Prime Minister John Diefenbaker.
The governor general told those individuals in attendance that the government would establish a productivity council, which would include members of the ag sector.
This council’s objectives were “to strengthen Canada’s competitive position in export and domestic markets by improving the productivity of primary and secondary industries.”
Governor General Vanier also mentioned MPs would be asked to pass laws to allow the federal government to work with provincial governments on rural rehabilitation and development programs.