The Canadian Wheat Board and Meyers Norris Penny Guilty of Breach of
the Election Process
(December 28, 2004 – Airdrie, AB.) "The court told the
Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) and Meyers Norris Penny (MNP) they had
committed more than a technical breach of the CWB director election
process" said Douglas McBain, President, Western Barley Growers
Association when commenting on the decision by Justice MacTavish December
23, 2004.
Justice MacTavish was asked to rule on an application by District 8
candidate, Art Mainil, for an injunction to prevent counting of the
ballots until a full judicial review on the irregularities of the current
CWB director’s election was held.
Justice MacTavish has allowed the ballots to be counted but rejected
arguments by the CWB and MNP that a judicial review was not required
citing"... as I am satisfied that a serious issue exists with respect
to the failure of the CWB and MNP to include the Omitted Producers on the
voters list."
In allowing the counting of the ballots. Justice MacTavish accepted an
affidavit by CWB secretary Deborah Harri that the CWB has planned a major
consultation with farm leaders regarding the future of the CWB to take
place in early January of 2005. This will most certainly be challenged in
the judicial review.
"We find it very disturbing that the annual meeting schedule of the
board of directors and the word of a secretary takes priority over
ensuring all producers are given the right to vote in a fair and proper
election" commented McBain.
"For producers to actively participate in the CWB director election
process, they must be confident that the process is conducted in an open
and verifiable way which will not allow anyone to manipulate or be
excluded in the outcome. It is imperative that the judicial review on this
election precedes and changes for future votes be implemented," said
McBain Wednesday's ballot count will be very closely scrutinized for
anymore irregularities. |
