Maple Leaf Foods appoints Dr. Greg Douglas Vice President, Animal Care

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Jul 20, 2015, 09:45 ET

Former Chief Veterinarian of Ontario to support leading animal welfare program

MISSISSAUGA, ON, July 20, 2015 /PRNewswire/ - Maple Leaf Foods today announced the appointment of Dr. Greg Douglas as Vice President, Animal Care. Dr. Douglas joins the Company after serving more than 10 years in the public service, including with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, as Chief Veterinary Officer for the Province of Saskatchewan and most recently, Chief Veterinarian for Ontario.

"The humane treatment of animals for food production is a social and ethical priority and a responsibility that we take extremely seriously," said Michael McCain, President and CEO. As Canada's largest protein company, Maple Leaf is committed to leadership, through modeling and advocating for higher standards across the industry. Dr. Douglas brings significant experience in animal care policy and program development, disease management, antimicrobial resistance, training and stakeholder relations to Maple Leaf. With his leadership, supported by the commitment and existing bench strength of our people and operations, we will build a world class program. "

As Chief Veterinarian for Ontario, Dr. Douglas was responsible for leading the management of the Province's animal health policy and program development and delivery. He also held the position of Chair of the Canadian Council of Chief Veterinary Officers (CCVO) and led the development of animal welfare guiding principles for the CCVO. Prior to these roles, Dr. Douglas was the Chief Veterinary Officer for the Province of Saskatchewan. He is a recognized leader on the issue of antimicrobial resistance and led the response for many high-profile animal disease outbreaks in Canada including Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus (PEDv), avian influenza and BSE, for which he received a National Public Service award. He also created and chaired the provincial farmed animal welfare team and co-chaired the Canadian-US Cross Border Livestock Health Conference. Dr. Douglas has a Bachelor of Science (Biology) with a minor in agricultural economics from the University of Saskatchewan. He received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan.

Dr. Douglas was appointed following an extensive North American recruitment process. He will work closely with Maple Leaf's pork and poultry operations and with the Company's diverse stakeholders including customers, NGOs and governments to develop and support a comprehensive animal wellness strategy, disciplines and policies.

Animal Wellness Highlights at Maple Leaf

Maple Leaf was the first company of scale in Canada to commit to transitioning sows from gestation crates to open housing. By the end of 2015, the Company will have transitioned almost 20,000 sows and will meet its commitment by 2017.
In 2014, Maple Leaf introduced an extreme weather transportation policy to restrict movement of protect poultry during harsh weather conditions.
A comprehensive independent review of the Company's animal care governance and practices is underway, which will identify leading approaches to enhance husbandry and governance.

Maple Leaf Foods Inc. is a leading Canadian consumer protein company, making high quality, innovative products under national brands including Maple Leaf®, Maple Leaf Prime®, Maple Leaf Natural Selections®, Schneiders®, Schneiders Country Naturals® and Mina™. The Company employs approximately 12,000 people across Canada and exports to global markets, including the U.S. and Asia. The Company is headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario and its shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (MFI).

SOURCE Maple Leaf Foods Inc.