Ralph Ferguson

Ralph Ferguson, born on September thirteenth, nineteen twenty-nine, was a prominent Canadian farmer and politician known for his significant contributions to agriculture and public service. He cultivated his career in south-western Ontario, where he co-founded the Lambton Pork Producers Association and served as chairman of the Lambton County Egg Producers in the late nineteen fifties.

Ferguson's political journey began when he was elected to the House of Commons of Canada in the nineteen eighty federal election as the Liberal Member of Parliament for Lambton--Middlesex. His tenure included roles such as parliamentary secretary to the Minister of State for Small Businesses and Tourism, Deputy Government Whip, and parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Finance. His most notable appointment came when he was named Minister of Agriculture under Prime Minister John Turner, succeeding the long-serving Eugene Whelan.

Despite a brief cabinet career, Ferguson made a lasting impact by advocating for export market expansion and participating in various trade missions. He played a crucial role in establishing the Canadian Agricultural Export Corporation, or CANAGREX, and initiated the first controlled environment seed bank to safeguard parent seed stocks.

After a successful return to the House in the nineteen eighty-eight federal election, where he campaigned against the Canada-US Free Trade Agreement, Ferguson chose to retire from politics in nineteen ninety-three. He returned to his farming roots, becoming an active conservationist and a passionate advocate for renewable energy. Ralph Ferguson passed away on August thirtieth, twenty twenty, at the age of ninety.