national
farmers union
national
farmers union
MARCH 28, 2000
SWIFT CURRENT, Sask.
Senior managers at the Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) have suspended Dave Lewicki, a Thunder Bay grain inspector. Mr. Lewicki has been an outspoken advocate of farmers interests within the CGC and within the grain handling system.
In a March 23 letter, CGC Chief Operating Officer Marilyn Kapitany stated that Mr. Lewicki would be suspended, without pay, from March 27 to April 21, 2000. The letter warns Mr. Lewicki that continued outspokenness may result in "discharge from your position with the Canadian Grain Commission." In addition to threatening to fire Mr. Lewicki, the CGC letter to him states:
"In addition, during and after the suspension, you are not to make or receive any contacts and/or any official or unofficial representations either outside or within the CGC, in relation to the Canadian Grain Commission, its programs and its policies.
You are not authorized to discuss this disciplinary action and/or any of the information surrounding this action with anyone other than your union representative for discussing your right to grieve."
"This sort of gag order would make a dictator proud. In effect, the CGC has ordered Mr. Lewicki to not discuss CGC operations with anyone, ever again," stated Wells.
"For the past year, it has been clear to many farmers that CGC Commissioners were intent on turning the CGC over to the grain companies. The Commissioners proposed several cuts to the CGC and proposed turning it from an industry regulator into an provider of optional services to grain companies. Mr. Lewicki appeared before the Standing Committee on Agriculture, and elsewhere, and explained how these cuts and changes would hurt farmers," said NFU Sask. Board member Stewart Wells.
"Due to strong opposition from farmers, Agriculture Minister Lyle Vanclief has largely rejected the ill-conceived cuts and changes put forward by Barry Senft and other CGC Commissioners. It now seems that Senft and others at the CGC are moving to punish their opponents: starting with Dave Lewicki," stated Wells.
"Dave Lewicki has acted with integrity. He has alerted farmers to CGC actions and inactions that may be costing farm families millions of dollars. Far from damaging the CGC, he has consistently fought for a strong and effective CGC that protects farmers interests. Thats more than we can say for Barry Senft and most of the other CGC Commissioners," stated Wells.
Wells concluded: "Dave Lewicki acted in farmers interests and the public interest. Like the employee that reports a leaking nuclear power plant, Mr. Lewicki did what he thought was right, regardless of the consequences to his career. The CGC must not be allowed to bully, silence, or fire Mr. Lewicki. The NFU has sent a letter to Minister Vanclief, asking him to intervene in this matter."
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For More Information:
Stewart Wells, NFU Sask. Board member: (306) 773-6852
Darrin Qualman, Executive Secretary: (306) 652-9465