She is the first woman to be appointed to the position.
Hayes was first appointed to the Canadian Dairy Commission in January 2017, in the role of commissioner, and has held the position for four years.
A dairy and beef farmer on Quebec's Gaspé Peninsula, Hayes is the third generation to farm at PineCrest Farms in Shigawake, which she co-owns with her father and uncle. She has extensive governance experience, which she obtained through her active participation with the L'Union des Producteurs Agricoles (UPA), defending regional interests in dairy, beef and agricultural development.
In 2016, the Government of Canada implemented an open, transparent and merit-based process for selecting Governor in Council appointees. Appointees play a fundamental role in Canada's democracy by serving on commissions, boards, Crown corporations, agencies and tribunals across the country.
The announcement was made by Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, who said, "I am pleased to announce the appointment of Jennifer Hayes as Chairperson of the Canadian Dairy Commission and proud that she will be the first woman to hold this position. A dairy farmer and leader in her Gaspé community, she has extensive governance experience, including as a commissioner of the organization. I am confident that she will continue to be an asset to the Commission and help the industry remain competitive, productive and innovative."