The CWB is wasting farmers’ money again. This time on an expensive public relations campaign in spite of being told they are not to be involved in political activity. They have taken out a full page in the Western Producer and a full page ad in the Hill Times, [the newspaper serving Parliament Hill] as well as doing a mail out to their mailing list, asking farmers to lobby the government. Farmers are paying all these expenses. The Board lives off of farmers – all the CWB income is derived from farmers’ grain sales, all their expenses are paid for by farmers.

At WTO, the Liberals have already given away the Government guarantees. The CWB is working directly against the interests of Western Canadian farmers in order to protect themselves.  All grains and oilseeds producers will benefit from a good deal at WTO which gives access and reduces barriers. All WC farmers will benefit from free choice in Western Canada so the sooner it is granted the better. The WTO is one tool that can be used to bring about that freedom.

Our policy is to give producers choice – the CWB in their communication have said that Western Canadian producers should direct these changes. The CWB is being facetious. They have no intention of letting Western Canadian farmers have any choice. Press them as to what changes they are suggesting, what specific freedoms do they suggest WC farmers should be able to choose?

In all their years of lobbying they have never sent a pro choice director to Ottawa. Why?

This column was originally written by Conservative MP David Anderson. (Cypress Hills-Grasslands)

I heartily agree with David.

I’m Brad Trost your Member of Parliament in Saskatoon-Humboldt.  You can call my office in Saskatoon at 975-6133 or drop by our two offices to visit: Saskatoon Monday-Friday or Humboldt Tuesday and Wednesday. I always appreciate your feedback.