Nominations are being accepted for three director positions on the board of the Canary Seed Development Commission of Saskatchewan (CSDCS).
Directors serve a three-year term and are eligible for re-election for an additional two consecutive terms. The CSDCS board consists of up to seven elected directors who represent all Saskatchewan Canary seed producers and direct the operations and programs of the CSDCS.
Directors are not paid a salary; however, they do receive a per diem for the actual days spent on CSDCS business. Expenses are also reimbursed. CSDCS directors attend approximately five regular board meetings per year. They are sometimes called upon to represent the CSDCS at meetings and major conferences that help shape the Canary seed industry. Some meetings are held via Zoom.
To stand for office, nominate or vote, a person must be a registered producer with the CSDCS. A registered Canary seed producer is any producer who has had a Saskatchewan Canary seed levy deducted in the last three years and who has not requested a refund in the last year of levy payment. All producers selling Saskatchewan-grown Canary seed to registered buyers are automatically registered with the CSDCS.
A registered producer that is a corporation, association, society, farming partnership, producer who has sold jointly with another individual or individuals, or any designation other than an individual, is entitled to nominate, vote and hold office through a designated representative who has been appointed in writing. Completion of a Designated Voting Representative Form is required.
Nomination forms as well as Designated Voting Representa-tive forms can be downloaded from www.canaryseed.ca. Forms are also available from the CSDCS office. Telephone: 306.975.6624 or email: office@canaryseed.ca.
Completed forms must be received by the Returning Officer no later than 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Tuesday, September 16, 2025. The forms must be signed by three registered Canary seed producers. Candidates must provide Designated Voting Rep forms if Canary seed was not sold in the individual’s name. It is advisable to include four or five signatures in case someone who signs isn’t actually registered. It’s also important to send forms in well before the deadline so any issues can be addressed before the deadline.
A bio of up to 300 words must accompany each nomination. The bio can include information on the candidate’s background, farming operation and ideas for advancing Canary seed. In the event of an election, candidate bios will be provided to voters.
The Returning Officer’s contact information, including email, fax and phone number, is included on the nomination form. Completed nominations may be submitted by mail or email.
If required, an election will be held electronically with a mail-in ballot option. New directors officially assume their position after the Annual General Meeting, which will be held at the Atlas Hotel in Regina on December 11, 2025.