Federal agriculture minister Gerry Ritz has tabled legislation in Parliament that would restrict the voters list for Canadian Wheat Board director elections to farmers who have produced at least 120 tonnes of grain in one of the two previous years. 
The proposed change, based in part on a 2005 farm leader report calling for changes to the election rules, would remove tens of thousands of CWB permit book holders from voting eligibility.
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Currently, all permit book holders are eligible to vote whether they grow grain or not.
“You earn the right to call yourself a farmer by growing crops, not by filing paperwork,” Ritz said in a statement announcing the legislation tabled in Parliament May 27.
“This government is making sure the CWB listens to real farmers by introducing this legislation to give farmers a stronger voice in director elections.”
Market Choice Alliance, organized to oppose the CWB monopoly, immediately praised the bill for giving a stronger voice to “those who have a real economic stake in farming.”
Brian Otto of Warner, Alta., noted that 120 tonnes of grain represents production for one quarter section of land.
In 2005, a farm leader panel set up by the previous Liberal government recommended that a minimum production of 40 tonnes be required for electors.
The panel also recommended much broader changes to the way CWB elections are held, including creation of an independent election commissioner appointed by directors to oversee elections.
However, Ritz opted to move only on the production requirement.
Opposition MPs did not immediately indicate if they would support the bill and allow it to pass through Parliament in the three weeks remaining before MPs rise for their 12-week summer break.
