It was one of those beautiful Alberta fall days. The sky was blue and a nice warm breeze shook the last of the leaves off the trees.
Jim Mutchler could have stayed home to tidy up the last of the farm jobs before winter. Instead, the Kelsey, Alta., farmer made a special trip to Camrose to listen to the region’s five candidates running in the Canadian Wheat Board directors’ elections.
After two hours, Mutchler wasn’t happy with the choices for district two.
“I don’t feel any of them present themselves as being qualified. I don’t feel any of them have told me they’re more qualified than I am. I haven’t decided completely yet. I’ll pick the best of the worst,” he said.
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Mutchler was one of 25 farmers who came to the meeting in district two, which runs half the length of Alberta from Pincher Creek near the American border in the south to Leduc, on the outskirts of Edmonton.
Gerald Pilger of Ohaton was concerned most of the debate focused on the board’s sales monopoly versus creating some form of dual market, which CWB directors lack power to change.
“It’s two separate things and those guys haven’t caught on.”
Instead, Pilger wanted to hear what qualifications the delegates have to run a $6 billion corporation whose decisions affect prairie farmers.
Duchess-farmer Tom Adams said he wouldn’t be scared to mix it up to create a better wheat board.
“I know Mr. Goodale doesn’t want anyone in there with guts, but I wouldn’t be shy to give it a try.”
Bassano-farmer Steve Bothi said after sitting on a committee to modernize the Alberta Wheat Pool he knows it’s not easy to restructure large corporations.
“Things are easier if you pull them along and not push them along.”
James Chatenay of Red Deer said he could offer the lost art of “common sense” and his ability to speak French.
“I’d like to see them streamline things. They’re like a dinosaur out of control with spending.”
Bruce McArthur of Trochu said he’s “young and ambitious.”
Gordon Nelson of Milo said: “I haven’t gone broke, so I consider that I have financial ability.”
But the discussion of abilities didn’t satisfy Reg Enright of Rosalind, who made a special trip to Camrose for the debate. He was more “distressed” after listening to the candidates and not sure he could choose a strong director.
“I’m very disappointed. What education do they have? I don’t think any of them have past high school. Do they have any business courses or commerce courses? They’re going to be running a $6 billion industry.
“I don’t think any of them know the first thing about the operations of the Canadian Wheat Board. Instead they spout phrases of freedom and free enterprise.”
After listening to the candidates, Enright said Canadian farmers would have been better served if wheat board minister Ralph Good-ale nominated all 15 candidates instead of nominating five and holding elections for the final 10.
