Harry William Hays

Harry William Hays

Harry William Hays, farmer, rancher, businessman, politician (b at Carstairs, Alta 25 Dec 1909; d at Ottawa 4 May 1982). He was mayor of Calgary 1959-63, federal minister of agriculture 1963-65 and senator 1966-82. He was a director of numerous companies and president and life member of many agricultural organizations. A master Holstein breeder, he was originator of the Hays Converter breed of beef cattle, the first to be recognized for registry. In a lifetime devoted to agriculture, Hays can best be described as an innovator. He instituted the export of cattle by air. As federal minister of agriculture (1963-65) he instituted the Veterinary College at Saskatoon and the Canadian Dairy Commission, expanded the crop insurance system, brought about a national farm accounting system and the importation of exotic breeds of cattle, the Showcase Herds, and established new fairs and exhibition classifications. As senator, he was co-chairman of the Special Joint Committee of the Senate and of the House of Commons on the Constitution.