The latest Canadian Wheat Board election continues the 80 percent majority of pro-single desk directors.
The Harper government could take note and recognize that western Canadian farmers have spoken again and again in these director elections with substantial support for our marketing agency.
However, the same old insults continue. Agriculture minister Gerry Ritz dismissed the election results as not reflecting “real” farmers’ opinions. (Western Producer,Dec. 23, pg. 5).
Since his election five years ago, Mr. Harper and his ministers have waged a war with the CWB, firing directors who dare differ in opinion, appointing a new CEO and issuing gag orders, which disallow the CWB to speak in its own defence.
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This was all done with zero consultation with the elected board of directors or us farmers who ultimately pay for these severances and wages.
Our family farm has been in this area for over 100 years and we have had no difficulty receiving our CWB director ballots in the past until Minister Ritz and his predecessor redesigned, in mid-election, the voter’s list.
Hundreds of farmers were removed and had to reapply. Now I confess that in the overall scheme of things our 3,000 acre operation is insignificant as farms continue to grow to 15,000 or 20,000 acres.
But I still resent the “my way or the highway” approach of this government. It’s insulting.
But then, what do I know? I’m not a real farmer.
Lyle Wright,Kerrobert, Sask.
