Breaking platform promises: the series - II

A re-elected Conservative Government led by Stephen Harper will continue our strong support for Canada's farmers and farm communities.

In his never-ending quest to eliminate the Canadian Wheat Board, Steve has removed third-party spending limits for the CWB elections. Larry Hill, chair of the Canadian Wheat Board explains why this threatens farmers -

This fall, farmers across Western Canada will elect five representatives to the CWB board of directors. Electing directors is an important way for farmers to exercise control over our marketing organization. Our votes are the democratic expression of farmers' voice. It is crucial that these elections be fair, with all candidates competing for votes on a level field.

The outcome of these elections must reflect our wishes as grain farmers, not serve the interests of corporations, political parties or special interest groups. Without spending limits, whoever has the most money can potentially have a disproportionate influence on election results -- and they're unlikely to be farmers.

Steve says he “will continue (his government’s) strong support for Canada's farmers and farm communities.” However, removing third-party spending limits is not what farmers want. It would allow a few well-funded groups whose goals may not match those of farmers to overrun debates with messages of their own. It places an unfair advantage on groups with outside interests when the election of board members representing farmers should listen to those farmers before special interest groups.

In fact, farmers and farm groups are unanimously opposed to this change. It is therefore unclear why the government enacted it, especially so close to the elections themselves. Third-party spending has never been raised as an issue of priority or concern. An independent panel that reviewed the CWB election process in 2005 actually recommended against such a change, stating that there was no consensus to change the third-party limits (now at $10,000).

We need a process in place that inspires the full confidence of grain producers. Undue interference in the CWB elections by non-farmers and special interest groups is certainly not consistent with the principle of farmer control, which was the purpose behind amendments to the Canadian Wheat Board Act made in 1998.