THE HYPE and histrionics of the United States election campaign are behind us. The foregone conclusion of the Alberta election is under way. And we’ve only recently begun to experience the results of a federal election held a few short months ago.
Election fatigue? Understandable.
Yet there’s one other election going on and it’s important that those with ballots shake off their election weariness, give brief hiatus to their worries about prolonged harvest and pay attention to their votes.
We’re speaking of the Canadian Wheat Board elections, which this year involve directors in districts 4, 6, 8 and 10. An election in District 2 is unnecessary due to acclamation of the director.
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Fourteen candidates have been nominated, each of whom have strong feelings about the board. Each doubtless thought long and hard about the commitment that is part and parcel with a directorship, and each wants to play a role in the board’s future.
The ballots were mailed Nov. 1. Eligible voters have until Nov. 19 to mail them back.
Two surprises have already occurred in the process. The first was director Jim Chatenay’s acclamation. Depending on perspective regarding his opposition to the board’s export monopoly, it could be construed as a sign of satisfaction with his work, apathy of eligible voters, irrelevancy of the board to area farmers or lack of a willing candidate to oppose him.
The second surprise was a 25 percent reduction in eligible voters in even-numbered districts compared to the last election, held in 2000. Fewer farmers, more cash rent arrangements and a more accurate voters list are likely reasons. But it’s useful to note that none of those reasons means there are fewer acres involved.
Given the nature of these surprises, should we consider this election to be of lesser importance than others in the recent past? Absolutely not.
Imminent challenges face the board. Its system of initial payments and borrowings may be part of World Trade Organization negotiations. The Alberta government is campaigning to end the board’s monopoly powers. A bill before the Alberta legislature, if passed, would see the establishment of a test open market. Various commodity and commercial groups actively oppose the board’s monopoly on export wheat and barley.
On the other side are an apparent majority of voters, indicated by past election results, and support in some form from the federal government, some provincial governments and various commodity, agricultural and commercial groups.
All of this indicates the board will continue to sail some stormy seas. The directors elected in mid-December will be part of the crew aboard. Casting a ballot will ensure those directors do their part to navigate in the direction desired by a majority of farmers.
Election fatigue? Cast it off and cast your ballot. Board election, ahoy!
