Re: "Group urges saving CWB," Lethbridge Herald, Nov. 9.
Since Day One our government has promised to deliver marketing freedom to Western Canadian wheat and barley farmers. On May 2, Western Canadians gave this government a strong, stable, majority and the responsibility to deliver on our promise. >
Ms. Muendel-Atherstone should consult with NDP colleague Pat Martin, who clearly stated that "Parliament has the right to overturn legislation put in place by previous governments."
We agree with Mr. Martin that Parliament has the legal right to amend legislation; this is one of the fundamental tenets of parliamentary democracy. Regardless of the outcome of any plebiscite, our government will never allow one group of farmers to suppress the rights of another group. Every farmer must have the right to choose what they do with their own crop. >
Minister Ritz has been clear: For farmers who wish to continue selling to the Canadian Wheat Board, they will have the freedom to do so. > Farmers who have long wished to sell on the open market but couldn't for fear of serving jail time will soon have that freedom.
It is unfortunate that a small group of farmers would cast doubt on the marketing ability of their colleagues. Western Canadian farmers are industrious, ambitious businessmen and women who will undoubtedly market their wheat and barley just as successfully as they market their canola and pulses.
While Mr. Oberg continues to fearmonger and bring forward reckless and baseless lawsuits financed on the backs of farmers, our government will give Western Canadian farmers the marketing freedom they want and deserve.
Exciting new economic opportunities lie ahead for our farmers and our government will work to make sure all farmers can position their businesses to capture those opportunities.
Jim Hillyer
Lethbridge MP