The president of Cargill’s High River, Alta. plant is the new president of the national meat packer industry and lobby group.
Bill Buckner was elected 1997 president of the Canadian Meat Council.
A council announcement last week said Buckner views companies in the meat packing industry as a group committed to low-cost, efficient production.
“The clear focus of the Canadian meat industry must be on producing wholesome, nutritious meat products and in this regard, the Canadian Meat Council will assist in the smooth transition to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency,” he said.
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Bucker started his career in the packing industry with Canada Packers before a 1987 move to Cargill, where he led the project to establish the High River plant.
Liberals graded
The Ontario Corn Producers Association, never shy in voicing its political opinions, took advantage of the pre-election season to grade the federal Liberal government.
The Liberals barely made the grade overall and scored poorly on pesticide regulation reform, equity in treatment of the regions (i.e. Ontario) and safety nets.
However, the corn producers did give the Liberals high marks in their support for ethanol, trade, deficit fighting and promotion of research.
On pesticide policy reform, the corn producers gave the government zero. “The net effect of four years of Liberal rule is a system which is no more efficient, more expensive, less competitive and no more beneficial to consumers and the environment, than the one which was replaced.”
They also renewed complaints that the Liberals and agriculture minister Ralph Goodale have favored prairie farmers. “The new federal-provincial agreement on safety nets still means far more generous treatment for the prairie provinces than for those to the east.”
Report presentation
Farmers who owe the crown corporation money likely won’t care much but the Farm Credit Corporation last week won a government award for the way it presents its annual financial reports to Parliament.
Federal auditor general Denis Desautels said the FCC was the third annual winner in the large corporation category. It reflects the judgment of a public and private-sector panel that FCC last year was the best crown corporation at presenting its financial results, its plans, its limitations and its objectives.
In this accountants’ sweepstakes, FCC’s annual report beat out Canada Post, Export Development Corp., National Capital Commission and the St. Lawrence Seaway Authority for top prize.
