Supported CWB
I am a farmer and proud of it.
To clarify the issue in Brad Levorson’s letter (May 19, WP), I was not forced by the Canadian Wheat Board to do anything. There were other crops to grow. I supported, and I was glad to have, the CWB monopoly blend and market my grain. I got what it was worth, including the profit, less the cost for doing so.
Now the grain companies pocket that profit and charge me whatever basis they choose.
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I am not a member of the Canadian Wheat Board Alliance or the National Farmers Union. The number of members they have is irrelevant to the number of active farmers who agree with their point of view.
I too, was born and raised on a farm and my family supported the CWB from its inception. I continued that support, as it was in my best interest.
Unfortunately, we can’t turn the clock back but I believe Levorson’s opinion does not represent the majority of farmers.
Lynn Sangster
Assiniboia, Sask.
Bond wasn’t enough
Will the Canadian Grain Commission ever learn?
Years ago, we were owed many thousands of dollars when Naber Seed & Grain Co. Ltd. went into receivership. As is the case now, the bond the CGC held was pitifully inadequate. All of us owed money by Naber received next to nothing.
Surely, after a company declares bankruptcy, the CGC would be more aware the second time and require a larger bond.
We had done our due diligence and inquired of the CGC as to whether Naber was bonded. We were told yes. After the receivership we found out that the CGC will tell you a company is bonded but they would not disclose the amount of the bond. Had we been able to obtain that information, we would never have contracted with Naber.
How many times can the same company go into receivership — with huge losses to farmers — before the CGC will insist on a more adequate security bond? The $150,000 bond is a joke.
Gerald Gatez
Crossfield, Alta.
