national
farmers union
national
farmers unionSASKATOON, Sask-"The passage of Bill C-4 is a 'heads up' for farmers. In the wake of its passage, farmers will have to be extremely vigilant and well informed if we are to retain a dynamic CWB which serves our needs," said NFU President Nettie Wiebe.
"The so-called flexibility clauses would allow any future board of directors which was not firmly committed to protecting the CWB to destroy the Wheat Board from within. For this reason, directors' elections are key," said Wiebe.
As well as endangering the CWB, Wiebe also pointed out that the provisions of Bill C-4, in the hands of the wrong directors, could be very expensive. "Bill C-4 allows for the creation of a contingency fund. If C-4's cash buying provisions are used, this fund may need to be as large as $600 million ($27 per tonne). Voting the wrong way in the upcoming directors' elections could hit farmers hard in their wallets," said Wiebe.
"Like all CWB supporters, we are unhappy that Bill C-4 passed. C-4 contains provisions such as cash buying which are obviously dangerous to the CWB. However, while the NFU and its members are disappointed, we are not dis-spirited. We have a big and important job ahead of us. We will be working hard to protect farmers' interests and ensure that farmers elect strong CWB-supporters to the new board of directors," concluded Wiebe.
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