The push for changes to the Canadian Wheat Board Act will be a top priority for re-elected Alberta agriculture minister Walter Paszkowski.
“We have to find ways to make changes that are legally workable and acceptable,” said Paszkowski from his northern Alberta constituency where he was re-elected with almost 4,000 votes more than his closest rival.
Because Paszkowski feels changes to the wheat board are important, the minister plans to make a personal presentation to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Agriculture when it travels to Grande Prairie March 21 during a tour of Western Canada.
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The most acceptable way to make changes to the board is through the proposed Bill C-72, he said, but the province will also continue its two court cases against the board.
The strong showing for conservatives in rural Alberta means the Progressive Conservative government is on the right track, he said.
“The people want responsible government. The people in opposition throw money to fix everything. People want efficient spending.”
Tories were elected in every rural seat.
Job up in the air
Paszkowski said he doesn’t know if he’ll be re-appointed to the agricultural portfolio because the “premier puts the team together.
“I’ve enjoyed the opportunity I’ve had. It’s the most dynamic portfolio in the government.”
But Conservative MLA Ron Hierath said it’s useless fiddling with Bill C-72. Alberta farmers don’t need changes to the Canadian Wheat Board. They need a dual market, he said.
Hierath, a vocal opponent of the wheat board in the Alberta legislature, was re-elected in his southern Alberta riding.
“I’ve not much interest in talking about amendments to marketing. We need to pass legislation in the province allowing for dual marketing … . We need to facilitate the wishes of our farmers.”
