Martin is the MP for Winnipeg Centre and the NDP deputy critic for agriculture and for the Canadian Wheat Board.
Tucked deep inside the speech from the throne was a bombshell that should concern all who live in the Prairies.
In paragraph four on page 11 of the speech, the prime minister reaffirms his government’s commitment to destroy the Canadian Wheat Board.
Even though there is no business case for abolishing the wheat board and clumsy efforts to date have been either rejected by farmers or overturned by the courts, (Stephen) Harper’s ideological crusade took a big step forward when the Liberal party under Stephane Dion indicated they would not oppose the speech from the throne, and thereby gave at least tacit approval to its contents.
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Why should Canadians care?
Frankly, most don’t.
Even on the Prairies, many do not appreciate how important this great prairie institution is to our economy, both rural and urban.
Not only does the wheat board ensure farmers get the best prices and orderly marketing for the export of their quality Canadian grains, it serves as an anchor and cornerstone of Winnipeg’s agricultural industry sector.
And as the largest single marketer of wheat and barley in the world, the CWB gives our prairie farmers the critical mass they need to hold their own in the complex and highly competitive international food industry otherwise dominated by a few corporate giants. It is a fine example of Canadian farmers acting collectively to protect their interests.
The main opponent to the CWB is really the United States and the huge American agrifood corporations who resent the competition.
On no fewer than 11 separate occasions they have tried and failed to have the CWB abolished through complaints to trade tribunals.
They must be very pleased to now have a Canadian prime minister willing to put the interests of the U.S. agrifood giants ahead of the best interests of Canadian farmers, and a leader of the official opposition unwilling to oppose him.
The speech from the throne passed without amendment on Oct. 24. The prime minister declared the vote a matter of confidence, and stated very clearly that he interpreted its success as a mandate to proceed with the agenda it contains.
New Democrat MPs unanimously voted against the Harper agenda as outlined in the speech from the throne on a number of matters of principle, but we would have needed no other reason than to oppose abolishing the CWB.
By sitting on their hands and not voting on two key confidence votes, the Liberals have handed Harper the majority the Canadian people refused him.
The prime minister has Stephane Dion on the ropes and we have every reason to believe he will continue to exploit this advantage by introducing legislation to destroy the CWB and declare it a matter of confidence.
It’s time for all friends of the wheat board to stand up and be counted.
If you are an MP who opposes Stephen Harper’s agenda to abolish the wheat board, you must vote against the government’s attempt to do so.
Abstaining is not an option. There is no honour in sitting this one out.
