Parliament is back in session and high on the agenda is legislation to reform the Canadian Wheat Board.
The House of Commons is debating the legislation this week as western Opposition MPs return to Parliament Hill from their ridings more convinced than ever that government proposals are not acceptable to most farmers.
The legislation would create a new corporate structure with a board two-thirds elected by farmers. It would also give the CWB the ability to buy grain in the cash market and end the government guarantee of mid-year initial price adjustments.
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Opposition proposals for change are front and centre this week, from NDP concerns about the contingency fund to Reform proposals for a dual market and elimination of the inclusion clause.
“I think in the West there is a general awareness that the vast majority of producers are opposed to this type of legislation,” Reform agriculture critic Jay Hill said Feb. 2. “It doesn’t solve the problems. But I have little indication the Liberals are listening.”
New Democrat critic Dick Proctor will be demanding that the government amend its plan to withdraw the government guarantee from mid-year initial price adjustments. It would force farmers to build a contingency fund through checkoff deductions.
“I think farmers have no idea they will have to fork out half a billion dollars or so for a contingency fund,” said the Regina MP. “Without some changes, some flexibility, we will continue to oppose this legislation. The government has shown a rare ability to unite all sides against this bill.”
There are other issues facing the government as well in its winter sittings.
Progressive Conservative Rick Borotsik said he will press for closer political scrutiny of Canada’s negotiating position for the 1999 start of world trade talks.
And he will press the government to promise “fundamental change” in the grain transportation system once the review by Willard Estey is completed.
“I have not yet heard the government say it will have the political will to make the necessary decisions,” he said. “This is a key issue.”
Proctor said he will be pressuring transport minister David Collenette to order the railways to suspend rail line abandonment until the Estey review is complete.
And from all opposition parties there will be questions about whether the farm safety net is sufficiently funded, whether government disaster compensation is adequate and whether the next budget will signal an easing of government cost recovery plans that have cut into farm profits.
There appear to be few expectations for the expected late February budget.
“There were just seven words in the Throne Speech about agriculture,” said Borotsik. “I don’t think we should hold our breath for the budget.”
