Saskatchewan Court Upholds Continued Discrimination
(March 1, 2004 - FFJ) "The decision by the
Saskatchewan Court of Queen’s Bench to uphold the convictions of the
farmers found guilty of exporting wheat without the authorization of the
Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) underlines the discrimination which exists
against western farmers" said Doug McBain, President, Western Barley
Growers Association (WBGA), when commenting on the ruling released on
February 27, 2004.
"These western farmers were only doing what farmers in eastern Canada
take for granted as part of their everyday business - that of exporting
wheat they grew on their farms, now they may face jail time"
commented McBain.
In the 2002-03 crop year, the CWB received a taxpayer subsidy of $85.4
million when it sold wheat below its arbitrary purchase price. In addition
that same year, the failed marketings of the CWB lost $500 million of
value for western farmers.
"The decision by the Saskatchewan Court underscores the legal right
of the federal government to maintain western Canada at an economic
disadvantage compared to other parts of the country. The $500 million of
lost value translates into $6 billion of lost economic activity in
western Canada" said McBain. |
