EDMONTON — Farm groups that are used to being invited to the party are still finding their feet in the dance with the new Alberta government.
Alberta Beef Producers members had a 45-minute introductory meeting June 11 with Oneil Carlier, the province’s new agriculture minister.
“It was a first meeting conversation,” said ABP chair Greg Bowie.
“We weren’t there to go over big details or have hard demands, but to introduce ourselves.”
Bowie said they talked about what the organization does and the backgrounds of Carlier and the ABP members attending the meeting.
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“When we first realized we were going to have an NDP government and you start looking through and wondering who is going to be our ag minister, there isn’t a whole lot of experience there to choose from,” Bowie said.
“The more I learn about our new ag minister, the more hopeful I am that it can be a good relationship.”
Like other agriculture organizations, ABP had a cozy relationship with the Progressive Conservative government and had little to do with members of the NDP opposition, who swept to power in May.
Increasing the level of contact and influence with elected and senior government officials was the No. 1 strategic objective that the organization identified during its semi-annual meeting two days earlier.
Bowie said discussions at the meeting touched on youth in agriculture, the need for returning to a non-refundable cattle levy, changes to how AFSC manages drought and the need to ensure cattle producers have access to grass and water.
ABP delegate Brian Chomlak said beef producers need to change their attitude if they intend to have a good working relationship with the government for the next four years.
“After the election, at the first board meeting, one of the board members said, ‘this is such a new government they don’t even know where the bathroom is,’ and another one said, ‘we’re going to tell you,’ ” said Chomlak. “You’re not going to go to the government and tell them anything, but you go to them and say we’re here to help you.”
Judy Fenton said a change in attitude will be required by all agriculture groups that are used to having the ear of the former government.
“It will be a large adjustment, but it will be a large adjustment for all groups. We’re in the same boat. Everyone else is trying to get in there and have their influence as well,” said Fenton, who looks forward to working with the new NDP government.
“I think it is a real opportunity. It is a new day. I see it as a tremendous opportunity. We are with fresh people and ideas.”
