CLEAR MAJORITY
Re: Aug. 21 letter to the editor, “Double talking.”
Kyle Korneychuk and his dwindling group of single desk supporters continue to play loose with the facts. The reality is that our government was elected on a platform to give western Canadian grain farmers the marketing freedom they wanted and deserved and we were proud to deliver.
Marketing freedom is supported by farmers, farm groups and three western provinces that grow 80 percent of Canada’s wheat and 90 percent of Canada’s barley.
Unlike Mr. Korneychuk, the overwhelming majority of farmers have embraced the opportunities that marketing freedom is providing. Record profits and record yields are demonstrating the potential and optimism of western Canadian grain farmers since the removal of the antiquated single desk.
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While the old single desk would have dribbled out grain at their own whim, today’s grain market is now a fast-paced environment where farmers can make decisions at the speed of business. In order to ensure that Canada’s rail logistics system keeps up with the new pace of farming, our government introduced and passed Bill C-30, putting into place concrete measures to ensure the timely flow of all commodities.
The overwhelming majority of western Canadian farmers have been clear they are looking to the future. If he is unwilling to embrace marketing freedom, Mr. Korneychuk should continue to stand out of the way of these forward-thinking producers as they continue to take Canadian agriculture to new heights.
Gerry Ritz, agriculture minister,
Ottawa, Ont.
CLIMATE CHANGE FACTS
We’re the first generation to feel the impact of climate change and the last generation that can do something about it.
Those are the facts.
Many organizations are calling for action, including the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, International Energy Agency, major reinsurers — even the Pentagon.
We can push present governments to act and we can elect governments that will. But will we? We can fall for promises of tax cuts and enhanced programs that too many politicians use, bribing us with our own money.
Think about it. Once tipping points are crossed, any promises of quick action will be useless.
Mike Bray,
Indian Head, Sask.
