Government shooting first, asking questions later in CWB debate (Barry Wilson, WP Aug. 18) refers to prime minister Stephen Harper’s take on the Canadian Wheat Board issue. He does not feel the need to sit down with the farmer elected board, pays no heed to the director elections where eight of the 10 elected board members were board supporters.
As prime minister, he can violate section 47.1 of the Canadian Wheat Board Act, where it is stated farmers are to have a vote on changes to board rules. He refers to the recent CWB vote as a fraud, so there is no respect for the farmer voters.
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Mr. Harper could easily obtain board information; he could examine the transcripts of the U.S.’s 14 challenges, accusing the board of price distortions. All 14 were won by the board. Should be good information for an economist.
Let’s not forget this prime minister was found guilty of contempt of Parliament.
Is Harper’s goal with 40 percent of the popular vote a mandate for him to disregard democracy and put in place a dictatorship? His declaration that he would walk over anyone who got in his way is frightening.
I shudder to think of what would be before us should he have 60 percent of the popular vote.
Then there is (agriculture minister Gerry) Ritz, who refused to avail himself of any information of the CWB board or from farmers who live in the system and support the same.
I understand Mr. Ritz was engaged in an ostrich operation whereby farmers compete with one another for sales and prices. It did not prove to be a financial success, is the word. Now he has the gall to promote that grain farmers adopt the same type of marketing. Lack of credibility.
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