Recommendations for CWB Director Elections Fail
to Address Areas of Concern
December 20,2005, Airdrie, AB: "The two most
contentious issues in the Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) director elections,
integrity of the voters list and a weighted vote, were not adequately
addressed in the review panel's recommendations" commented Douglas
McBain, President, Western Barley Growers Association (WBGA).
The panel recommended to change the eligibility to vote criteria to
include only "actual producers" who have delivered 40 or more
tonnes of grain to the Canadian Wheat Board in any one of the last two
crop years.
"The recommendation to make delivery to the CWB a requirement in
being considered an "actual producer" demonstrates that the
panel was more focused on excluding voters than working to ensure that
farmers who have an economic stake are included" said McBain.
Current regulations governing director elections extend the opportunity to
vote to all producers; delivering to the CWB is not a requirement.
"In our submission to the panel, the WBGA recommended that all
bonafide farmers be included on the voter’s list and sent a ballot. We
also made it clear that when the CWB is voluntary, we would support a
requirement to conduct business with the CWB as a criteria for voter
eligibility" stated McBain.
In its recommendations, the panel rejected a weighted vote because
"the Canadian Wheat Board is not a true shareholder
corporation."
"It is just because the CWB is unlike any other corporation that a
weighted vote is required. Farmers who produce more grain have a greater
economic stake, therefore they need a greater say in its operations"
commented McBain.
"The CWB monopoly on the sale of wheat and barley affects all farmers
and its success or failure in the market place plays a pivotal role in
decisions producers make. It is important that the producer's voice is
enhanced not reduced. We will be making that case to the minister
responsible for the CWB" added McBain. |
