SASKATCHEWAN SUPPORTS CALL FOR FREE AND OPEN DEBATE ON CWB

Saskatchewan's Agriculture Minister said he is concerned about Ottawa's continuing activities on the future of the Canadian Wheat Board (CWB).

"On Friday, Oct. 6th, the federal government passed an Order-in-Council that was both unwarranted and unnecessary," Wartman said. "The Conservative Government's gag order on a producer-elected board is a real insult to farmers and the CWB Board of Directors.

"The CWB's farmer-elected board of directors is already governed by a code of ethics and it has clearly stated they have not used farmers' funds to interfere in the debate. Farmers, not the Federal Government, should decide the future of the Canadian Wheat Board.

"Ottawa needs to recognize that the process they have developed to deal with this issue is not the right one. A coalition of organizations representing the majority of Prairie farmers has voiced their opposition to the federal process. Ottawa must respect the Canadian Wheat Board Act and the right of farmers to choose."

Wartman supported the call made by CWB Board of Directors chair Ken Ritter for a free and open debate on the monopoly.

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For More Information, Contact:

Scott Brown Agriculture and Food Regina Phone: (306) 787-4031