Debate about a proposed beef levy in Manitoba is reaching a climax, with opponents demanding a vote on the issue or to at least have the levy made refundable.
Three meetings were held throughout the province to gather producer sentiments on the issue. At a May 4 meeting in Brandon, the discussion grew increasingly heated as critics suggested the provincial NDP government is leading a dictatorship by insisting that the levy be mandatory and nonrefundable.
Money from the levy will be spent on efforts to increase cattle slaughter capacity in Manitoba.
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Glen Campbell, a producer from Onanole, Man., described the province’s actions as a “blatant attempt” to destroy the Manitoba Cattle Producers Association and to replace it with a government controlled cattle marketing commission.
“We as cattle producers must not let that happen,” he said.
However, Manitoba agriculture minister Rosann Wowchuk defended the proposed beef levy and made it clear after the Brandon meeting that she will not put the issue to producers for a vote and she will not consider making the levy refundable. She said all cattle producers stand to benefit from investments made with the levy money, so all should contribute.
“We can’t govern by plebiscite. Governments are elected to make decisions. You consult with people and you make decisions.
“Right now the packing industry is controlled by very few people and our producers have clearly said that we do need some competition in the marketplace and I’m prepared to work with them.”
The proposed beef levy was announced
March 28, with Wowchuk promising that producer contributions will be matched by the province. At the same time, she announced the creation of the Manitoba Cattle Enhancement Council, which will use the money collected to invest in slaughter capacity. The initiative is to be reviewed after three years.
The Manitoba Cattle Producers Association last week said it has not taken a position for or against the beef levy, which the province is recommending be set at $2 per head on cattle marketed within Manitoba. However, the association wants a producer vote on the issue, or to have the levy made refundable.
“The MCPA has repeatedly asked the government to hold a vote on the levy to let producers help guide that decision,” association’s executive director Keith Robertson said during the Brandon meeting. “We have also repeatedly asked the government to consider making the levy refundable.
The three meetings last week were held at Grosse Isle, Ste. Rose and Brandon. The meeting in Brandon drew almost 1,000 people. Although there were many critics, some spoke in favour of the levy.
Larry Black, a dairy producer from Deloraine, Man., has lost heavily on his steer prices since the confirmation of BSE in an Alberta cow three years ago. He believes the province is showing goodwill by pledging to match producer contributions made through the beef levy.
“Who will benefit? All of us will,” said Black. “Who will pay? All of us should.
“Personally, I’m tired of leaving a few hundred dollars on the table every time I sell a cow.”
During the meetings, the MCPA circulated what it called an informal survey to gauge producer sentiments.
Close to 900 completed surveys were returned to the MCPA during the meetings. The association hopes to release the results later this week.
