A Conservative MP says the federal government is turning the Canadian Wheat Board into a “patronage rest home,” a charge rejected by the federal minister responsible for the board.
During an exchange in the House of Commons question period May 30, David Anderson took the government to task over the appointment of William Cheuk, a British Columbia businessperson, as a director of the grain marketing agency.
Anderson said Cheuk has contributed to the Liberal party and his Vancouver-based greenhouse company gave $15,000 to Paul Martin’s 2002 leadership campaign.
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“Why are western Canadian farmers paying for Liberal patronage appointments?” he said, complaining that Cheuk has little agricultural expertise.
CWB minister Reg Alcock defended the appointment, saying Cheuk is “eminently well qualified” to be a CWB director.
Cheuk is president of South Alder Greenhouses Ltd. and Vision Envirotech International Ltd., and vice-president of Emerge Venture Capital Inc.
According to a biography posted on the CWB’s website, he has led trade missions to Asia, has worked in international trade dispute resolution and in environmental farm planning. He holds a degree in business administration majoring in accounting and a doctorate in chemical and biological engineering.
Alcock said Cheuk’s experience in international business, the World Trade Organization and marketing in China would serve the board well.
The federal government appoints five of the CWB’s 15 directors, including the chief executive officer, with the other 10 elected by farmers (the CEO is appointed on the advice of the board).
That could change if the government ends it financial guarantees to the board, which may happen as a result of World Trade Organization negotiations. Proposals that have been floated include having farmers elect all 15 directors, or having the 10 elected directors appoint outsiders.
