I am writing in response to Bev Currie’s Letter to the editor re: “Apology wanted from MP” in the March 15 issue of the Innisfail Province.
There is no reason to apologize to farmers. Our government’s commitment has always been to give Western Canadian grain farmers choice in how they market their grain.
The latest debacle in which the Canadian Wheat Board has taken over $65 million out of producer accounts to buy Chinese ships demonstrates the necessity of giving farmers a choice as to whether they want to deal with the board or not. Farmers were not consulted on this decision and their money must not be spent recklessly.
Recently, a Private Member’s Bill, Bill C-619 was introduced. If passed, this legislation would give Western Canadian grain farmers the option of opting out of the CWB. To allow for predictability for the CWB, any producer choosing to be exempted from the pool must do so for a minimum of two full crop years. This approach allows for the CWB to remain a viable option for producers who wish to continue to market through the board while giving freedom to farmers who do not support schemes such as this boat purchase.
Our government committed to give Western Canadian grain farmers choice in how they market their grain and we are standing by our commitment.
David Anderson
M.P. for Cypress Hills-Grasslands and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources and for the Canadian Wheat Board
