Until within comparatively recent years, there was no uniform Live Stock Record in existence in Canada. Various associations were in existence in the provinces, and books of record established, but the greater number of such records, and the different standards set up, caused much confusion and inconvenience to breeders and farmers. To aid in remedying this state of affairs, an Act to facilitate the incorporation of Live-Stock Associations was passed in 1900. The provisions of this measure were taken advantage of, to a large extent, by the leading associations, many of which took out Dominion charters. This, as far as it went, was satisfactory, but, with the object of extending the good work, and making such records a national concern, a convention of live-stock breeders, from all parts of the Dominion, was held in 1904, when the problem of organising National Records was discussed. As a result, an agreement was entered into between the Department of Agriculture and the various societies represented at the Convention, and, in the following year, a National Records Board was established at Ottawa. With one exception, all Record Associations in Canada are worked under the National Records system. The Board is formed of representatives elected by the various associations, on a membership basis, and to these representatives is delegated the work of carrying on the office. The Board meets annually to discuss the more important questions that arise, and a Committee is formed from amongst its members comprising what is called the ” Executive Committee ” which looks after registration matters, the management of the office, etc. Each member of this Committee looking after one class of stock. The herds books previously maintained by the provincial governments, were purchased by the Department of Agriculture, and handed over to the National Board, and the Department provides office accommodation, and other necessaries incidental to the work.
A “Live-Stock Pedigree Act,” passed in 1905, which is now in force, provides for the formation of new associations, and for the incorporation, on certain formalities being observed ; but it is provided that not more than one association for each distinct breed shall be incorporated. Severe penalties are imposed on any person signing false pedigrees for registration, or causing such false pedigrees to be presented. The Department of Agriculture takes the responsibility of guaranteeing the authenticity of certificates issued by the Records Office, and generally, gives much attention to all matters in connection with its work, which will tend to make, as nearly as possible, for absolute reliability. The system has, in practice, worked very well. It has done away with the possibility of the control of records by close corporations ; and, by the establishment of a Central Board, has done away with the complications inevitably arising through a number of different records being in existence in the Dominion. The work as is the case with all matters taken in hand by this department is done with accuracy and promptness, and to the satisfaction of all concerned, and the records are recognised as official, not only in the Dominion but in other countries.