Newsroom
2007
Statement from CWB board chair on federal government move to appeal barley marketing ruling
August 30, 2007
Kindersley, Saskatchewan - Ken Ritter, chair of the CWB’s farmer-controlled board of directors, today released the following statement:
"Earlier this afternoon, the federal government announced plans to appeal the July 31 federal court decision which upheld single-desk marketing of western Canadian barley. The judge’s ruling was very clear: any changes to barley or wheat marketing must be made by the process set out in the Canadian Wheat Board Act. This process requires consultation with the CWB board of directors, a plebiscite among farmers and legislation introduced in the House of Commons. Changes cannot be introduced by mere regulation.
"The CWB does not believe there are strong legal grounds for an appeal. We had a very strong case when we launched our judicial review and we received a decisive decision. We are confident we will win this appeal.
"Unfortunately, today’s announcement by Minister Gerry Ritz re-introduces uncertainty into the marketplace. This uncertainty is not positive for farmers or their customers. There is currently a strong market for malting barley in which the CWB is using its marketing power effectively. We hope the government’s actions do not negatively affect returns for western Canadian barley farmers."
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For more information, please contact:
Maureen Fitzhenry
CWB media relations manager
(204) 983-3101
Cell: (204) 227-6927