In December 2010, the results of the hotly contested Canadian Wheat Board directors’ elections were announced. Pro-single desk farmers came within 31 votes of taking 100 percent of the available seats. This is a very strong message to the Harper Conservatives that farmers want to keep the status quo on the wheat board.
In March 2011, agriculture minister Gerry Ritz responded by saying he respected democracy and would respect the results of the wheat board elections.
In May, the Harper Conservatives won the federal election. They achieved a majority of seats, although they did not receive a majority of the votes, which is unlike the CWB elections where a preferential balloting system ensures the winners truly have the support of a majority of farmers.
Read Also
AI can help with research, but is not the only answer
AI tools have generated a lot of sensational news headlines, but there’s much more to these new tools than that, including their potential to answer questions in seconds.
Prime Minister Harper endorsed Mr. Ritz’s promise on the wheat board by reappointing him agriculture minister. No sooner was he appointed than Mr. Ritz did an about face by announcing he would introduce legislation to end the CWB’s single desk marketing responsibilities.
We don’t know how farmers voted in the federal election, but it is fair to say that many of those who voted Conservative were under the impression the wheat board was no longer on the table.
What we do know is that no federal riding, even in the West, has a significant number of farmers in it. So it is also fair to say the Harper Conservatives do not have a true mandate to change the wheat board.
Ken Larsen,Benalto, Alta.
