Since refunds have not gone up drastically, it must be reassuring to the board of the Alberta Barley Commission to have such strong support in their legal battles against the CWB, of which they just recently lost another appeal and a bunch more money.
Yes, even supported by landlord senior citizens, some of whom live in health-care centres in various states of health.
But hey, if you don’t get a refund, you must agree with their policies, right? And besides, it’s so simple and fast. First you find the phone numbers of the commission you desire a refund from, phone for the forms, fill them out, get out your grain receipts, sort them, pull the staples out, photocopy them, staple them back together, get your envelope and stamp, mail it and if you haven’t missed the deadline for application, in a couple of months you will have your refund. Could be 50 cents, could be $100 or more. At what point is it worthwhile? And twice a year?
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I believe strongly in research. On two occasions I have forwarded my barley commission refund to the Western Grain Research Foundation. But it’s such a hassle. The only other commission I support is the pulse, because in my mind they are sticking to their mandate and don’t go teaming up with the Prairie Farm Commodity Coalition. Research and development are just that; politics is politics.
I offer a challenge to commodity groups funded by checkoff in Alberta. If you believe nearly everyone is behind you in your efforts, then set up the commissions like the WGRF where we are notified of the deadlines once a year, and you do the paperwork for the refunds. And while you’re at it, give the seniors a break.
– Robert A. Ponto,
Galahad, Alta.
