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Wheat Board President Fired
This Tuesday Agriculture Minister Chuck Strahl fired Canadian Wheat Board President and CEO Adrian Measner. Measner was opposed to the Harper Conservative moving to end the Canadian Wheat Board’s monopoly on the sale of western wheat and barley.
What do you think about the federal government moves to end the Wheat Board monopoly?
Also, what do you think about the way the Harper government is handling this issue?
Cheers,
Nik
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Nik; Stephane Dione said in an interview now, that he will restore the Canadian... more
blossom (Québec) 20 Dec 15:16
Well kwlawson, I don't know what planet you're from. You should get off you anti... more
doralh (Alberta) 20 Dec 17:57
If I read you correctly, you are suggesting that this decision will cost Mr.Harp... more
PMK (Ontario) 21 Dec 10:59
Yeah right , all this WCB is a parking place for Liberal parasites that have no ... more
kwlawson (British Columbia) 20 Dec 21:29
I agree totally and once again if Dion is Prime Minister, British Columbia is le... more
kwlawson (British Columbia) 21 Dec 01:50
Blossom there absolutely no chance that Dion is going to lead this country perio... more
kwlawson (British Columbia) 20 Dec 17:37
Comments
blossom
Nik;
Stephane Dione said in an interview now, that he will restore the Canadian Wheat Board,
if the Harper gov/t dismantles it, when he is elected the new PM. That this is a more
democratic way for the farmers. Recently, some farmers went to Ottawa to voice their
disapproval to PM Harper. I heard something to the effect that they would not have access
to grain elevators, and the farmers would have to try and sell their own produce, whereby,
they do not want this hastle.. Also, in a bad crop reaping year, it would be bad for the economy, and affect other economies in the world. The farmers should decide!
Cheers,
bloss
blossomf@videotron.ca
20 Dec 15:16
35 replies so far. Join this conversationHide this conversation.
doralh
I agree with Blossom. It seems to me that Harper must have a political death wish. The question of the Canadian Wheat Board is still discussed in rural curling rinks. In my experience, the overwhelming majority of older farmers support it. I think that only a handful of huge corporate farmers want the CWB destroyed. How many votes do they represent?
Of course, the future of the Wheat Board should be in the hands of farmers, not in the hands of Members of Parliament, most of whom couldn't tell a bushel of wheat from a basket of barley beards.
I suppose that the vindictive firing of Mr. Measner will ultimately cost the Canadian taxpayers five or ten million in severence pay and penalties for unjust dismissal.
I'm no Liberal but it seems to me that Harper just handed Mr. Dion a dandy weapon for the next election. The announced referendum on barley is just smoke and mirrors because farmers have always been able to sell barley privately.
20 Dec 17:34
westerner
Who supports the CWB and who doesn't is pure speculation. Let the vote happen in January re. the barley farmers and let democracy reign!
Mr. Measner's wrongful dismissal package will be about two years salary not "five or ten million". Such nonsense!
20 Dec 20:23
doralh
Well, at least Westerner states that Mr. Measner was wrongfully dismissed. Not a bad concession for someone who obviously would like to see the Wheat Board destroyed. The barley vote is a farce because farmers have always been able to market barley outside of the CWB if they wanted to.
20 Dec 20:58
PMK
If I read you correctly, you are suggesting that this decision will cost Mr.Harper politically in the West. I am a central Canadian, and I would be comfortable in saying that like me, most central Canadians are at a loss to understand the Wheat Board issue. (Is it not working OK?)
Can you see Western Canadians changing their votes as a result of this decision?
Also, Mr. Harper, strikes me a smart tactician. Please, what can he gain in the West from firing the Wheat Board President?
21 Dec 10:59
doralh
Perhaps he can get big political donations from Cargill and other foreign owned grain companies.
As for people changing their votes; I can see a lot of Alberta and Saskatchewan farmers changing their votes, because most of them are old enough to remember what things were like before the CWB was established. I don't believe that many prairie seats will change hands, because almost all of the MPs are elected from ridings where the larger urban cities and towns make up most of the population. I think Mr. Harper is counting on the urban areas to continue to support him in the prairies. Nobody in BC ever heard of the Canadian Wheat Board before Harper fired the CEO, and the Conservatives didn't figure to get any more seats out of socialist west coast anyway. I think that you have to follow the money trail on this one and ask; Who stands to benefit if the CWB is destroyed? Certainly not small farmers anywhere in Canada. The main benefactors would appear to be large foreign ownd corporations and a handful of large corporate farmers. They have no doubt tossed a lot of money into Harper's political war chest.
21 Dec 14:44
TorontoCrawler
What political donations from Cargill or other corporations? New Federal Accountability Act: corporate donations are banned now, and remember which party is the one that put that in!
Consumers will ultimately benefit in the long run. Maybe not from the CWB abolishment, but if they move on to getting rid of the Dairy Board monopoly, yes. We pay the highest prices in the developed world for milk and other dairy products because of this monopoly. As someone who has lived and traveled elsewhere, and know how much cheaper cheese and milk is everywhere else, and someone who loves eating different types of cheese from all over, that is what I am really waiting for to get abolished. The prices we pay for milk and cheese here are ridiculous!
Canadian farmers who are productive and/or have a unique product and wish to export will also ultimately benefit. Currently, because of the Dairy Board, no other nation will allow Canadian dairy products to be imported into their countries. Contrast that to New Zealand, where 80% of their production is exported around the world, and their milk and dairy is famous all over. Australia also recently abolished their Dairy Board, and are now reaping the benefits of export growth.
22 Dec 22:54
doralh
Regarding corporate and union donations: I suppose that TorontoCrawler is referring to Bill C-2....which has loop holes big enough to drive a Toronto politician's ego through. I know which party put that in and I also know which party broke it's promises and left out about half of what was promised during the election campaign.
I'd be interested in knowing if TorontoCrawler would favour the Canadian and/or provincial governments giving huge subsidies to producers as happens in other countries.
I assume that TorontoCrawler believes that Canadian producers of dairy products are rolling in money. If so, I would suggest that he/she crawl out of Toronto and buy a dairy farm.
23 Dec 12:03
TorontoCrawler
As a consumer, that is not my concern. We are supposed to have a free market economy. The higher cost that Canadians have to pay for dairy products, whether domestic or foreign, solely for the sake of keeping farmers in business is nothing but an indirect tax. If you doubt it, just compare what Canadian consumers and restaurants pay for milk and cheese compared to the US, Europe, and Australia. According to stats from the Canadian Dairy Commission and Canada Restaurant and Foodservices Association, between 1994 and 2005, the cost to produce milk has gone down 4.5%. Inflation between this period is up 25%, but the cost of dairy products has increased 49%! This relative cost increase and expense of dairy versus increases in overall income has caused per capita dairy consumption amongst Canadians to go down by 10.3% in this period.
If they can't afford to survive on the open market, then that's business and that's life. But don't make the ordinary joe on the street have to pay extra for it so they we can maintain an artificial market. Those farmers who are able to take advantage of the export market, like New Zealand farmers has, would be able to thrive... but currently, those that want to can't, as no other country will allow Canadian dairy imports in, as long as we place quotas on how much of their product we allow in. Canada has no right to scream about other nations limiting free trade on any issue, as long as we maintain this huge trade barrier.
23 Dec 13:02
kwlawson
Blossom there absolutely no chance that Dion is going to lead this country period, Marketing Boards all across the country are the problem, What really needs to take place is these Boards, that protect Quebecers and not other Canadians, You truly are parasites on the Public purse and far to many French Canadians employed by the Federal government, that is another issue that is going to be correct. Federal jobs will be given based on what percentage of Quebers represent in the Total population, If Quebec represents 10% of the Population they will 10% of the Federal jobs, if they are Qualified, this nonsense of being Bilingual is not a qualification, your skills with the Department are! Stop holding Canadians Ransom To Your Demands! Being recognized at as Quebecer is all your going to get>
20 Dec 17:37
doralh
Well kwlawson, I don't know what planet you're from. You should get off you anti-Quebec hobby horse and open your eyes to real life.
For starters, how about giving examples of marketing boards that "...only protect Quebec...", and are hurtfuul to other Canadians. I know that there are problems with some marketing boards but overall they do a good job for their producer owners.
In a certain way, marketing boards are the agricultural equivalent of industrial unions. I suppose that you also believe that unions all across the country are the problem. Or perhaps you are related to the infamous B.C. labour leader who became a senator.
In my opinion, it is a certainty that Dion will become Prime-Minister. I won't be voting for the Liberals but that doesn't stop me from making a reasoned assessment of the political situation. An election next year would see Dion and Harper trade places as minority government leader unless there is some huge unexpected event in the meantime.
20 Dec 17:57
kwlawson
Doralh - speaking about Unions you cannot get much lazier than those that work in the Public Service namely PSAC, god I cannot even get these dysfunctional individuals collecting a pay cheque to correct incorrect information on a Citizenship and Immigration website, Monty Solberg from Alberta did a lot of talking in Opposition now, but now he is proving he cannot do a dam thing as a Minister. The CWB once again is just a parking place for dead beat former Public Servatns under this absolutely awful Liberal government for the last 13 years, if Canada had a proper Commissioner of the RCMP, Chretien your buddy would be in jail by now, instead of backing this butcher of the enlish langauge Dion, If Dion is Prime Minister the Public Service will be drinking beer and wine, having sex on their desks thinking they have done a day's work. PSAC is the worst possible Union in Canada, Unions in the Public Service should not be allowed, they do nothing for Canadians period, lazy and incompetant at best, they hide from Canadians, you cannot even contact them, their so lazy and unaccountable for not sharpening a pencil, I just imagine Canada under Dion, just a clone of Chretien. Mr Corrupt One
20 Dec 21:41
doralh
Kwlawson, I give you full marks for passion. Unfortunately. passion is a poor relative of logic and objectivity. I don't know where you got the idea that Chretien was my buddy. I believe that I wrote at least twice that I would not vote Liberal.
Regarding the Canadian Wheat Board, only five directors are government appointees. The majority are elected by farmers and represent farmers.
I agree that government sector unions are a disaster. I would cheerfully see them done away with in their present form. There are some private sector unions that are at least as bad, and perhaps even more corrupt. Ask around about which unions are called employer's unions or some such nickname. But I disagree with your claim that PSAC is the worst public sector union. I submit that the British Columbia Teacher's Federation, of which I was a forced member at one time, is the most dangerous union in Canada.
I can also agree with you that Dion would not be good for Canada. Layton would be worse, but neither he nor the NDP will ever govern The Two Solitudes. The Conservatives have never been good for Canada, except in some small ways when Diefenbaker was Prime-Minister. Mulroney was arguably the worst Prime-Minister Canada has ever had.
But the enemy is not Quebec. The enemy is the power elite who keep ordinary Canadians at each others throats. I suggest that readers check out the family ties that bind the ruling elite together and allow them to keep their heels firmly on the necks of the peasants. It doesn't matter which of the political partyies that you vote for. The end result is the same. The rich get richer and the poor get poorer.
And we the sheeple get sheared.
20 Dec 22:37
kwlawson
I have always been anti Quebec because they have been always stealing money from other Provinces because of these dysfunctional Prime Minister's like they have had from Quebec like Trudeau you forget he gave the finger to British Columbia, filled the pockets of Quebecers, responsible for the National Energy Program, shoved French down throats without a vote , the same for this Multiculturalism that thank god it is no longer official because there is no Ministry. Bombardier is the biggest Corporate parasite, what companies in the West got this kind of help, even Air Canada in Montreal got help, when it should have Canadian Pacific. All because of these Easterner and French Canadian Public Servants that are completely useless. I remind you British Columbia was more successful before it joined Confederation, and CPR stole all the land!
20 Dec 21:49
doralh
A lot of people voted for Trudeau, again and again. If he was so bad then that must indicate that voters are stupid.
You obviously don't know much B.C. history kwlawson. British Columbia has had more crooked governments than any other province. Before B.C. joined Canada it was little more than a colony of the United States. Thanks to England and the Colony of British Columbia we lost all the territory that is now Washington and Oregon states because neither England or the BC colonists were willing to fight for it..
True, the CPR got a lot of land for nothing, but the Hudson's Bay Company had all of it to start with.
As for hating French Canadians, you might give a passing thought to the fact that Canada would now be part of the U.S. if the French Canadians hadn't defeated the American invaders in the War of 1812. Check out you history for the Battle of Crysler's Farm where the French Canadians defeated the American Army under the command of General Montgomery. Of course, some Canadians would rather be Americans today. They'll probably get their wish because both the Liberals and the Conservatives appear to be backing North American Union. If that comes about all the arguments about the CWB will become academic because we'll all be worse off than the European peasants were during the Dark Ages.
20 Dec 22:56
westerner
Dion should promise to restore all changes to the Wheat Board and include farmers from Ontario, Quebec, BC and the Maritimes in its single desk marketing system. Eliminate any opportunity farmers from these regions now have to market their own products--fairness for all!!
20 Dec 19:30
doralh
Fairness to all. What a great idea. As a general principle who could disdagree? but the devil is in the details.
With the exception of Dawson Creek and area, grain handling facilities in B.C. range from crude to nonexistent. In order to have fairness for all it would be necessary to provide every producer with equal access to markets. Obviously this cannot be done. For example, potato farmers in Grand Forks B.C. practice crop rotation and periodically grow a few thousand bushels of wheat. The only rail line serving the area is the Burlington Northern from the United States. They have no alternative but to try to sell locally and privately. I'm sure that there are many places in Eastern Canada where wheat can be grown but where there is no grain handling infrastructure.
When it says "One size fits all" what it really means is that it probably doesn't really fit anyone. To a certain extent this adage applies to all marketing boards and strategies.
Perhaps the Canadian Wheat Board needs a little fine tuning, but it should not be killed off by any government. Only the wheat growers should say what happens to the Wheat Board. The government should butt out. This includes the Opposition as well as the present Cabinet.
20 Dec 20:53
hyltonf
I feel that our Government should not be a partner to this board. All this does I beleive, is control prices at the expense of the free market dynamics and create inefficiences by farmers.I say let the farmers survive on their own like the rest of us!
20 Dec 21:12
blossom
hyltonf,
And how would you propose they do this, and what happens to the small farms?
How will they survive? Why do you suppose that for the last 30 yrs. it seemed to work?
Why are the conservatives so intent in meddling? I don't believe that it was the farmers
who asked this government to meddle?
bloss
blossomf@videotron.ca
20 Dec 22:40
doralh
"Let the farmers survive on their own, like the rest of us."
Just who is is surviving on their own? Oil companies which make money so fast they can't count it and pay almost no taxes? Banks which loan money that they don't have and charge usurious interest rates for it? Union members who can't be fired? Those teachers who don't teach and can't be fired because they have tenure? Senators who can't be fired no matter how corrupt they are? Drug companies which flood the market with poisonous concoctions and get away with murder? The corporate bums tha Tommy Douglas used to speak about?
Sure, there are a few rugged individualists in Canada today. Some of them are starving to death trying to run a small business. The rest are called homeless people.
How would you prevent farmers, or any other group, from banding together for their own benefit?
20 Dec 23:07
kwlawson
Why did those French Canadian/Indians have to win in 1812, we would been part of the USA, much better for BC, we do not have our proper number of Seats in the Parliament and this bloody Senate based on our Population, Do you remember during Confederation they were all yelling "Representation By Population" What a joke this turned out to be. If they had lost, I would have to put up this mickey mouse Loonie we have and Central complains when it goes. We want it, I would spending green backs now and getting screwed on the exchanged by Central Canada Bankers. I live only a 20 minute from Border, we got screwed on this French metric by some idiot in Ottawa, the sizes are larger in Costco in Bellingham and we pay the same price as metric in Canada. No value for money because these lazy incompetant PSAC members in Ottawa.
[updated Thu Dec 21 01:45:27 EST 2006]
21 Dec 01:45
Dallas McQuarrie
If I was as unhappy with Canada as 'kwlawson', I'd leave. Why stay in a place that you find so upsetting, and for which you have so much contempt? Go south, my friend, go south - that way both of us will be happier. Merry Christmas, kwlawson... oh yes, the Indians and French Canadians won in 1812 because it was Canada's manifest destiny for them to win.
[updated Thu Dec 21 09:54:18 EST 2006]
21 Dec 09:54
doralh
kwlawson sounds like one of those people who can't be happy unless they are making someone else miserable. But all the same I join in wishing him/her a very Merry Christmas, and to all of the readers of this I wish a prosperous and safe New Year.
21 Dec 14:27
blossom
doralh,
I wish to reciprocate, and thanks for reminding us of the Xmas Spirit, and that,
afterall, we are all part of a great Country. I like some of your reflections, and your
critizism is usually fair. I would also like to take this opportunity to wish you all,
a one dream come true during 2007!
Sincerely,
bloss
blossomf@videotron.ca
22 Dec 02:41
doralh
Thank you Blossom for your kind words. I'm sure that all of the readers will appreciate your kind wishes for Christmas and the New Year.
I'm afraid that I am often abraisive and judgemental when I should be thougtful and forgiving. My intentions are good, but I can't forget that the road to Hell is paved with good intentions.
Canada is still the best country in the world and I am very thankful that my father had the good judgement to leave the U.S. and become a Canadian.
I harbour no ill will or hatred to any people on earth. I truly wish that I knew how to convince others that hatred based on race, religion or creed is self destructive. If the world, and Canada, is to have a peaceful future we must all learn to "...hate the sin, but love the sinnner..."
Once again, to all readers I want to wish a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
22 Dec 19:27
blossom
Hello doralh,
I do not want to get serious on a blog, but your message is very important, and
very much appreciated. Yes, we should appreciate that we are blessed , and
very priveledged to have been born in this great, and beautiful Country, and
I refuse to render one particle of it. Also, we must never forget that great
American spirit, if not always in deeds, did indeed contribute to the whole
world, and influenced Democracy, before this administration? We, Canadians
have it made, and when we forget, all we have to do is look at the news!
Thanks doralh for reminding us.
22 Dec 20:13
doralh
`You're too kind...and too intelligent. Why aren't you a member of Parliament?
22 Dec 20:16
blossom
Dallas,
I was just thinking that if kwlawson decided to go South, that perhaps he could bring the
'bloq' with him...They are also very unhappy out here! Perhaps kwlawson , you could
make that your new year resolution?
bloss
blossomf@videotron.ca
22 Dec 02:35
doralh
blossom, even the Bloc doesn't deserve to be saddled with people like kwlawson. Still, it's an interesting idea.
You know, I don't condemn the Bloc. At least they are up front with what they believe.They may even be right, for all I know. Perhaps Canada is too big and too diverse to be one country. After all, the only real advantage in being the biggest dog on the block is to be able to force your opinions on everyone else. I'm not so sure that that is a good thing for Canada. Perhaps we would all be better off if we split into 3 or 4 independant self-governing countries. The answer to that question is beyond my limited reasoning powers.
I just wish that we could all live in peace.
22 Dec 19:35
blossom
Hi doralh,
You've got me in stitches...but take my word for it; the 'bloq' is even worse than
kwlawson! After all, he' s only on a screen, and we can delete him...
kwlawson, nothing personal, but you kinda asked for it, no? Just take it in
stride, this the xmas season, and we are having a little fun, and will take on
New Year resolutions with you, how about that?
blos
blossomf@videotron.ca
22 Dec 19:55
doralh
Hey blossom, you're smarter than the average bear !!!
That dates me I guess, because you have to be ancient in order to remember that cartoon line.
The main thing is, don't take yourself seriously. There are lots of other people who will do that for you.
Every time I start to think that maybe I know something my 15 year old cat sets me straight.Too bad he can't run for a seat in parliament.
Cheers, Doral
"I am the dog who gnaws this bone.
I crouch and gnaw it all alone.
The day will come which is not yet
When I'll bite him
By whom I'm bit."
The Golden Dog
22 Dec 20:14
blossom
doralh, not sure if you are referring to a black bear or a grizzly?
Somehow, I feel as though I've just been bitten.
Cheers,
blos
blossomf@videotron.ca
23 Dec 03:08
doralh
I don't really know what colour the bear was. It was 50 years ago and we had a black & white tv. The phrase was intended as a compliment because that's the way it was used in the tv cartoon series.
As for the remark about why you aren't an MP, I meant to imply that Canada could use a few more MPs who were intelligent. I occasionally watch the House of Commons on tv and I never cease to be amazed at how little common sense is exhibited by most Members.
23 Dec 11:26
Mike
kwlawson
Are you not proud of being Canadian?
We have a truly multi-cultural society, it is an example the world looks at with envie. If you had your wish you or your family might be fighting in Irak looking for weapons of mass destrucion. Or going bankrupt paying medical bills because there is no universal health care system. There are a lot of things in Canada that need fixing. Over all it is the greatest country in the world, and I love it
[updated Sun Dec 24 11:07:22 EST 2006]
24 Dec 11:07
TorontoCrawler
Typically ignorant comment from someone who just buys wholly and been brainwashed into the Canadian myth that comes out of the Liberal left, almost word-for-word, and has probably never traveled, experienced, or lived anywhere else in the world.
I used to buy into the same crap coming out of Mike. Then I grew up and experienced people and life outside of our borders.
26 Dec 11:48
doralh
Right on, Mike. Don't let the arrogant whiners like kwlawson spoil your day.
[updated Wed Dec 27 14:45:01 EST 2006]
27 Dec 14:45
JOE HUEGLIN
The CWB is marketing the grain of all prairie farmers around the world succesfully under the existing one desk system. Steps have been taken to accommodate those who wish to negotiate and sell individually and to encourage value-added processing involving farmers within this structure.
The government is erring in not working with those with whom they share governance ( the farmer elected board members) to further adapt the current system - but rather has committed itself to ending the monopoly and the benefits accruing from it .
The New Government of Canada has been most impolitic in its handling of the issue. It has committed itself to change, yet is seeking to develop the appearance that it is supported in this. Though those able to vote for directors were reduced, yet four out of five opposing change were still elected. Government appointees opposed to the change were replaced, but even with the "firing"of Adrian Measner its view is opposed by a majority of the Board.
Agricultural Minister Strahl saying that "People make decisions for all kinds of reasons, but the input that's going to be most valuable as far as changes to the board goes is going to be the plebiscite." is setting the stage for another political negative, should plebiscites support the continuance of the Board as it is and the Harper government proceed anyway.
One New Government Member, Inky Mark, has said publicly he will oppose change. There are overall a score in Manitoba and Saskatchewan who will have to weigh loyalty to Leader versus constituents' opinion when considering the probabilities of re-election.
All in all hardly wise politics on the part of a government seeking to obtain a majority.
20 Dec 21:11
2 replies so far. Join this conversationHide this conversation.
Quinn
About 30 years ago Trudeau (never thought I would ever reference him) said words to the effect that to have good foreign policy you need sound domestic policy. Well in this case, and with so many others we are dealing with today, its our foreign policy that is driving domestic policy. The CWB has been a thorn in the side of Americans since its inception but they have been unable to do any thing about it, until now.
If you recall the old L'll Abner cartoon and General Bullmoose with his moto "what's good for GM is good for America and what's good for America is good for GM". I think we can replace "Bullmoose" with "Harper" and GM with Canada and we have Canada's policy drivers both domestic and foreign.
I go back to "DEF" in terms of my politics, so don't read liberal into this simply a little objectiveness and common sense.
20 Dec 21:53
6 replies so far. Join this conversationHide this conversation.
kwlawson
I agree totally and once again if Dion is Prime Minister, British Columbia is leaving for the USA, he will only screw Western Canada, like Trudeau,Mulroney,Turner,Chretien the Corrupt, Martin the Ship Tax Evader, all expect for one out the Province of Quebec, the next Prime Minister should come from British Columbia, bring WAC Bennett out of the Grave, he will shake things up in Ottawa, now that we have the Power and even more if could this Gas and Exploration, but not because of greedy and jealous Central Canadians, that think they have a god dam given Right to Power!