The Canadian Wheat Board discussion has gone on for months and just like an election, most of us get to the point of not caring. We discussed this with friends, neighbours and family, about the pros and cons. We have, however, forgotten one factor: the Americans.
If the CWB is struck down, for most, especially in the south country, we will venture south of the border to gain new markets. We already see signs of discontent at the canola plants in the U.S. when Canadian trucks double up the lineup.
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Can you imagine when thousands of Canadian trucks carrying wheat hit the northern U.S. grain elevators? What will the local farmers say down there? What will the prices do?
Before we get all excited about the new horizon in marketing, we had better find out if the farmers of Montana and North Dakota will allow us to plug up their elevators.
We had better find out if their railroads are better at moving grain compared to ours.
Imagine driving 100 miles and waiting in line for hours only to be told to either come back tomorrow or take your load home as the elevator is full.
Will the politicians in the U.S. be forced to place embargos on Canadian grain or will the U.S. customs make it a living “H” to get across? Will new laws be posted where only American trucks can haul in the U.S.?
Your new super Bs will not make it as they are almost banned as it is now.
In closing, I believe that maybe we should look a little deeper into this, as it truly does not only involve Canadian farmers but other farmers on the other side of the 49th.
Are we just opening up a can of worms, which will eat us up? If you have the answers, write in and tell this paper and enlighten me.
Bob Thomas,Regina Beach, Sask.
