Farmer-elected directors of the Canadian Wheat Board held a series of meetings across the Prairies earlier this month to discuss the implications of the federal government’s plans to end the board’s single desk.
Manitoba director Bill Toews told the more than 300 farmers attending the meetings at Oak Bluff, Man., that Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz’s demand for the board to come up with an alternative plan for its survival after the single desk is removed is not only unreasonable, it goes against the Canadian Wheat Board Act.
To view the video of Bill Toews at Oak Bluff, click HERE.
Farmers on both sides of the issue were urged to vote in the plebiscite the CWB is holding. Board chair Allan Oberg said the board will respect the results and he hopes the federal government will too.
Ballots must be postmarked by Aug. 24 to be eligible. The results will be announced Sept. 9.
