Newsroom
2002
November 15, 2002
Government says no to trial open market, recognizes farmer control of CWB
Winnipeg -- In its response to a recommendation of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food which urged the creation of a 'trial' open market for the sale of western Canadian wheat and barley, the Government of Canada strongly reiterated its support for the CWB's mandate. The government also pointed out that the power to change this mandate rests with western Canadian farmers.
"This is a loud and clear message for those who argue that anyone other than farmers - be they politicians or transnational grain companies - can end the CWB monopoly", said Ken Ritter, a farmer-elected director and chair of the CWB board of directors. "It is western Canadian farmers, and they alone, who will determine the future of their grain marketing system."
In its response to the recommendation, tabled November 8, the government states: "The Canadian Wheat Board Act, as amended in 1998, provides a clear process that must be followed in order to alter the CWB's current marketing mandate. According to the Act, the Minister responsible for the Canadian Wheat Board cannot introduce legislation into Parliament that seeks to change the marketing mandate of the CWB unless the Minister has consulted with the Board of Directors, and producers of affected grains have voted in favour of the proposal."
The government response also notes that the 1998 amendments "placed all powers and authorities of the CWB in the hands of its Directors, two-thirds of whom are directly and democratically elected by producers themselves."
The text of the government response to the Standing Committee's recommendation is attached or can be read on-line at http://www.agr.gc.ca/cb/report/report_e.phtml
Controlled by western Canadian farmers, the CWB is the largest wheat and barley marketer in the world. As one of Canada's biggest exporters, the Winnipeg-based organization sells grain to more than 70 countries and returns all sales revenue, less the costs of marketing, to Prairie farmers.
For further information, contact:
Louise Waldman
CWB Media Relations Manager
Tel: 1-204-983-3101