Canadian Wheat Board Pays a Political Debt with Farmer’s Money
(August 30, 2004 - Airdrie) "The board of directors of
the Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) are using farmers' money to pay a political
debt to the minister responsible for the CWB, Reg Alcock" said
Douglas McBain, President of Western Barley Growers Association, when
commenting on the hiring of Avis Gray, Minister Alcock's re-election
campaign manager, to lobby government for the CWB.
The political debt to Minister Alcock results from his not carrying out a
promise to do a review of the CWB as a result of the $85.4 million the
federal government was forced to pay to cover guaranteed initial payments
in 2002-03. Bringing out details of the CWB marketing failure in 2002-03,
when world grain prices were reaching record highs, would have caused
considerable embarrassment to the CWB board of directors.
"Putting Avis Gray on the CWB pay roll is not any different than the
CWB board of directors attending Liberal fund raising events using money
out of farmers' pool accounts" continued McBain.
"With five government appointed members paid for by farmers today,
and as the CWB is a legislated monopoly reporting to the federal
government, why is a government relations lobbyist even required?"
asked McBain.
Since the change from government appointed commissioners in 1998 to a
board of directors which are elected and appointed, the CWB cost to
farmers has grown by 15 to 20% annually.
"We ask that the CWB board of directors cancel the appointment of
Avis Gray and put more effort into conducting farmers' business instead of
initiatives which are solely self serving" said McBain.
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