This letter is written in part at the request of Mr. Pidborochynsky (Stop Complaining, Open Forum Sept. 23) as he asked for some explaining as to why farmers feel the government should bail them out of trouble.
He uses the comparison of low prices and competition in other industries as not being eligible for any public purse rescue.
I, too, live in the city, have had different jobs and currently own and operate a manufacturing facility in Saskatoon. I am aware that many people share the views of Mr. Pidborochynsky and add that everyone is faced with cutbacks, layoffs and job uncertainty.
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There is, however, a fundamental difference between the current agricultural crisis, and all other industry and job comparisons. …
The fundamental difference is that the current crisis in agriculture is not due to normal market forces, but rather the political will of an international trade war.
I am not a proponent of subsidies in any industry, but we as Canadian consumers have benefited greatly from the treasuries of the EEC (European Union) and the U.S. through very low food prices. …
Canada has one of the highest standards of living in the world largely because of inexpensive food. This is due in part by riding on the shirttails of a trade war in grain and yet not participating.
The cost of producing food has not shared the same dramatic fall as the value of consumption. This added cost has fallen squarely on the shoulders of the western Canadian grain producer.
In essence, to all of us city dwellers, it has been the primary producer that, for several years now, has subsidized our high standard of living out of his or her own pocket. …
Concerning taxes, farmers receive no further tax benefits than any other small business. Furthermore, as it has been the practice of governments to tax property, any property-based industry such as farming pays more than its fair share of taxes.
I think it is time that we as urban dwellers stop our whining and pay the real price for our food instead of letting the Americans, the Europeans and our own Canadian farmers subsidize us.
This means until this trade war ends once and for all, it will mean some public purse intervention.
– Shane Olson,
Saskatoon, Sask.
