Dear Editor:
Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz is quoted as telling farmers who want to retain the Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) that "You as a supporter of THE board will still have A board to support".
(Emphasis added – read the minister's words carefully.)
The important distinction is between "THE" existing CWB, and "A" board of some sort that may last for a little while after the Conservatives get done vandalizing what's there now.
The most vital characteristic of the CWB since 1943 has been its "single-desk" marketing system. Once that system is demolished (and with no capital base and no access to grain handling facilities), the CWB is essentially dead.
The government is trying to ease producer concern by peddling the false hope that those who want THE CWB will still have it. That notion is simply not true. It's like saying you can survive with no brain, heart or lungs!
Whatever (if anything) remains after the single-desk is destroyed, it will not, in the slightest, resemble the CWB of today. So beware the huge difference between "the Board" and "a board."
Farmers are speaking out for their rights. I was proud to stand with them on Tuesday (November 15) on Parliament Hill to call on the government to support democratic producer control over the CWB and deliver what farmers have already voted for — the CWB’s single desk system!
Sincerely,
Hon. Ralph Goodale, MP
Wascana
