William. A. Stewart Endowment

The William. A. Stewart Endowment was initiated in 1991 by the Agricultural Leadership Trust as a tribute to the late Ontario Minister of Agriculture and Food, Honourable William. A. Stewart.  The goal was to recognize and honour his legacy of public service, community involvement and leadership.  As Honourary Chairman of the Agricultural Leadership Trust from its inception in 1984 until shortly before his death in 1990, Mr. Stewart was an ardent supporter of leadership development for Ontario agriculture. 

The Honourable William A. Stewart served as the Ontario Minister of Agriculture and Food from November 1961 until November 1975.  During his tenure, he introduced many programs (crop insurance, Agricultural Research Institute, orderly producer marketing schemes, etc.) which continue to impact on Ontario agriculture. Mr. Stewart had a passion for agriculture and he exemplified strong leadership qualities both in public service and his community involvement.

The Endowment would foster excellence among agricultural leaders of tomorrow through the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (AALP).

The fund raising program was launched at the 1991 International Plowing Match and active solicitation ended in 1994.  We continue to accept donations to the Endowment and receive a few each year.

Interest generated by the Endowment is used to assist in financing the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (AALP).  As part of each AALP class the Wm. A. Stewart Lecture & Reception is held every other year.  The event is sponsored by the Wm. A. Stewart Endowment and proceeds from the event help support the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (AALP).  This prestigious event provides an opportunity for public involvement, as well as a forum for the development of the leadership qualities exemplified by the work of Bill Stewart.

George Dmetriuc Memorial Fund

The George Dmetriuc Memorial Fund was established by the Ontario Wheat Producers' Marketing Board as part of the William A. Stewart Endowment in 1993.

The Ontario Wheat Producers' Marketing Board, other commodity organizations and friends and associates of George Dmetriuc provided this fund in recognition of the leadership that George contributed to Ontario agriculture, particularly in his capacity as a director and then chairman of the Ontario Wheat Board (1984 to 1992).  At the time of his death, George was chairman of the Ontario Agricultural Commodity Council.  The memorial fund was invested with the William A. Stewart Endowment and used to enhance the leadership development of participants in the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program.

George, who was a farmer in the Waterford area, was elected to the Ontario Wheat Board in 1984.  In April 1990 he was elected chairman of the board and served in that position for two years.  George was a key farm leader actively involved in commodity coalitions, farm safety net programs and other farm programs.

The fund, as part of the William A. Stewart Endowment associated with the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program, exemplifies the spirit of George Dmetriuc as a leader in Ontario agriculture.

Funds will be deposited to The Centre for Rural Leadership and a charitable donation tax receipt will be provided by TCRL to individual donors. The Centre for Rural Leadership will manage these funds as a distinct memorial within the William A. Stewart Endowment. Interest will accrue annually and be used to sponsor a particular component of the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program.