“THE WEST has wanted in and the West is in now.”
Prime minister Stephen Harper spoke those words when the Conservative party won its first minority government with him as leader in 2006.
Two years later, after the Oct. 14 election, western Canadians can safely say they are key players in federal politics.
We are truly ‘in’.
Although the Conservatives did not get the majority they sought, they were returned to power with a stronger minority of 143 seats thanks largely to gains in British Columbia, Ontario and another near sweep of prairie ridings.
Read Also
Crop insurance’s ability to help producers has its limitations
Farmers enrolled in crop insurance can do just as well financially when they have a horrible crop or no crop at all, compared to when they have a below average crop
The Conservatives should also enjoy a weaker Liberal opposition that appears to be in upheaval as it begins a long rebuilding process starting with selection of a new leader. That should give this government plenty of control in the House of Commons to accomplish its goals.
And this government has made key promises on which rural residents will expect action.
It is almost certain the Conservatives will try to end the Canadian Wheat Board monopoly on export barley. While farmers may have had many reasons besides the CWB for voting Conservative, the monopoly debate did not arise as a deciding factor in the campaign.
An issue that did play a prominent role, the worldwide economic crisis, should be a government priority. Particular attention must be paid to methods of cushioning farmers and rural communities from the crash. Developing an adequate farm safety net program in times of fiscal restraint is going to demand focused attention.
The Conservatives also promised to reduce the excise tax on diesel fuel by 2.5 cents over four years and earmarked $100 million to improve broadband access across rural Canada.
Access to the broadband network can no longer be considered a luxury. Rural development depends heavily on businesses having broadband access. Farmers also need quick access to markets information, weather data and to buy and sell. Those without such access are denied entry to a pathway where business deals are made.
The Conservatives committed $50 million for regional slaughter plants, and vowed to defend supply management.
They also agreed to help fund provincial farm programs that operate as add-ons to federal safety nets. The Conservatives should work to eliminate disparity for farmers living in provinces that can least afford addition support, such as Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
With their stronger minority, the Conservatives should not waste time adopting these key policies, while also respecting the rule of law regarding the wheat board.
There are reasons for caution.
The increase in Conservative members of Parliament also means an influx of new urban members, which could dilute the rural voice in caucus. With their support rooted in the rural West, the Conservatives must guard against this.
As well, the economic meltdown in world markets will put stress on government coffers, forcing the Conservatives to pick and choose where to spend its budget.
In such times it is more important than ever that rural Western Canada receives the attention and protection it deserves.
Bruce Dyck, Terry Fries, Barb Glen, D’Arce McMillan and Ken Zacharias collaborate in the writing of Western Producer editorials.
