Well.....it was bound to happen. The fact that the Globe & Mail, no matter how biased, has actually printed an article about the latest move of the government against the Wheat Board, means MP's are going to have to deal with the political fallout. For your edification........see below. You can find the original article at :
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20061012.WHEATBOARD12/TPStory/National
and at : CWB Under Attack
Wheat Board ordered not to sow discontent
Cabinet directive bans organization from buying ads to argue against end to monopoly
Globe and Mail October 12, 2006
JOE FRIESEN
WINNIPEG -- The Conservative government has banned the Canadian Wheat Board from advocating its continued existence as the monopoly seller of Western Canadian wheat and barley, adding fuel to a growing political fire.
In a cabinet directive issued late last week, the government ordered the board not to directly or indirectly spend money on advertising, publishing or market research that would enable them to argue for the retention of the monopoly.
Ken Ritter, the Wheat Board's elected chair, yesterday called the move "unprecedented in law" and an unfair attack on freedom of speech. Opposition critics described it as "anti-democratic."
"I'd expect to see this in a tin-pot dictatorship, not in Canada," said federal Liberal agriculture critic Wayne Easter. "This is no longer a farm issue. What we're seeing is the fundamentals of a democracy being undermined."
The ban is the latest development in the battle over the Wheat Board's future. The Conservative government has promised to end the board's monopoly, but it's far from clear whether a majority of farmers supports that position and the government has refused to commit to a plebiscite on the issue.
Agriculture Minister Chuck Strahl was in China yesterday but issued a statement through his office.
"The CWB reports to Parliament through me, and should not be attempting to undermine this government's policy objectives," Mr. Strahl said. "Farmers should be debating the future of the CWB, and I'm always interested in hearing from farmers. However, the CWB should use its resources and energy to market grain for farmers."
Adrian Measner, the Wheat Board's chief executive officer, said it's unfair to silence the organization at a crucial juncture in its history.
"It does create an unlevel playing field in the country, and I think that's the issue," Mr. Measner said. "We're being asked to be silent on our vision and our direction . . . while at the same time the government will be promoting their vision of opening up this marketplace."
He said the Wheat Board will respect the directive, but it will affect the organization's plans to communicate with farmers. Board members will still be able to speak their minds on the issue, but communications staff who discuss the possible impact of an end to the monopoly may risk repercussions.
The government made the order under a little-used section of the Canadian Wheat Board Act invoked only twice in recent memory, including once to forbid the sale of wheat to the Soviet Union after its invasion of Afghanistan. The Wheat Board is a quasi-governmental agency that is not funded by government but has billions of dollars in loans guaranteed by the federal treasury.
David Anderson, the parliamentary secretary to the Agriculture Minister, said farmers have told him they're opposed to the Wheat Board using their money to advocate a position they disagree with.
"We're serious about giving farmers a choice," Mr. Anderson said. "The directive is to have [the board] move to a neutral position on the issue and the farmers will have the discussion, organizations will have the discussion."
NDP MP Pat Martin accused the government of acting like fascists, and said they were abusing their power to silence their enemies.
"I think this is absolutely unprecedented in Canadian history," Mr. Martin said. "This is an issue of constitutional proportions. . . . To silence your opposition is so jack-booted, so heavy-handed. Canadians won't tolerate it."
A seven-member task force is to present its recommendations on how to create an open market for wheat and barley at some point in the next few weeks.
Friday, October 13, 2006
An Abuse of Power
I am appallled by this latest move on the part of our government re the Canadian Wheat Board. Please read the following 'press release'.- cg
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 13, 2006
NDP Alex Atamanenko Calls on the Prime Minister to repeal his Agriculture Minister’s Gag Order to Stifle the Canadian Wheat Board
Castlegar, BC: Alex Atamanenko, MP, BC Southern Interior, NDP Agriculture critic, says he is stunned by the recent gag order which has just been delivered to the Canadian Wheat Board by the Conservative government and is calling on the Prime Minister to repeal it.
“It is inconceivable that democracy can in any way be served by such a blatant abuse of ministerial power,” stated Atamanenko. “By imposing these types of restrictions it makes you wonder what the government’s real agenda is and why they so desperately need to hog-tie the Wheat Board in such a way”
The Minister of Agriculture, Chuck Strahl, requested that an Order in Council be issued to the CWB with the following directives for the conduct of its operations:
a) it shall not expend funds, directly or indirectly on advocating the retention of its monopoly powers, including the expenditure of funds for advertising, publishing or market research and
b) it shall not provide funds to any other person or entity to enable them to advocate the retention of the monopoly powers of the CWB.
“Stephen Harper, as past President of the National Citizens Coalition, before he was Prime Minister, spoke against the use of gag laws, calling them unconstitutional. Those of you who have heard him speak regarding this issue should be wondering why he now condones it as an acceptable tool to promote his government’s hidden agenda,” noted Atamanenko.
This current gag order is not the only front in the government’s war against the Wheat Board. On October 30, Bill C-300 - “An Act to Amend the Canadian Wheat Board” will be the next skirmish in this epic battle. “I am calling on all members of the Liberal Party, the Bloq Quebecois, and those of conscience within the Conservative Party, to unite in opposition when it comes before the House at the end of the month,” petitioned Atamanenko.
“In light of the fact that the Board has been silenced, I would urge all supporters from across the country to e-mail, telephone or write to the Agriculture Minister or to their Member of Parliament, and let them know what you think of the tactics they’ve employed so far in their attempt to destroy farmers marketing advantage. The postage is free,” Atamanenko concluded.
- 30-
For more information please contact Alex Atamanenko’s office at 1-800-667-2393 or 365-2793.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 13, 2006
NDP Alex Atamanenko Calls on the Prime Minister to repeal his Agriculture Minister’s Gag Order to Stifle the Canadian Wheat Board
Castlegar, BC: Alex Atamanenko, MP, BC Southern Interior, NDP Agriculture critic, says he is stunned by the recent gag order which has just been delivered to the Canadian Wheat Board by the Conservative government and is calling on the Prime Minister to repeal it.
“It is inconceivable that democracy can in any way be served by such a blatant abuse of ministerial power,” stated Atamanenko. “By imposing these types of restrictions it makes you wonder what the government’s real agenda is and why they so desperately need to hog-tie the Wheat Board in such a way”
The Minister of Agriculture, Chuck Strahl, requested that an Order in Council be issued to the CWB with the following directives for the conduct of its operations:
a) it shall not expend funds, directly or indirectly on advocating the retention of its monopoly powers, including the expenditure of funds for advertising, publishing or market research and
b) it shall not provide funds to any other person or entity to enable them to advocate the retention of the monopoly powers of the CWB.
“Stephen Harper, as past President of the National Citizens Coalition, before he was Prime Minister, spoke against the use of gag laws, calling them unconstitutional. Those of you who have heard him speak regarding this issue should be wondering why he now condones it as an acceptable tool to promote his government’s hidden agenda,” noted Atamanenko.
This current gag order is not the only front in the government’s war against the Wheat Board. On October 30, Bill C-300 - “An Act to Amend the Canadian Wheat Board” will be the next skirmish in this epic battle. “I am calling on all members of the Liberal Party, the Bloq Quebecois, and those of conscience within the Conservative Party, to unite in opposition when it comes before the House at the end of the month,” petitioned Atamanenko.
“In light of the fact that the Board has been silenced, I would urge all supporters from across the country to e-mail, telephone or write to the Agriculture Minister or to their Member of Parliament, and let them know what you think of the tactics they’ve employed so far in their attempt to destroy farmers marketing advantage. The postage is free,” Atamanenko concluded.
- 30-
For more information please contact Alex Atamanenko’s office at 1-800-667-2393 or 365-2793.
Message To My Readers-Again
The first days of what looks distressingly like an early winter are here!! Like everyone else I have much to do outdoors BEFORE it gets much colder. However, with a long winter apparently facing most of us, it is time for me to re-post a topic I believe is important to this Blog. -cg
*********************************
Message To My Readers
The purpose of this blog was to 'rant' , expose political issues affecting supply management, provoke ideas, post relevant articles and editorials for all to see AND think about , to bring a slightly different perspective about consumers to light and provoke comment.
Either you agree or disagree with the content of the posts. I urge those of you with "opinions", for or against or different, to send comments to this page. Comments can be made by name or nick name or initials under the 'citygirl' tag. E-mails are then NOT made available to me or anyone else!
Any blog is only as good as it's content and readers comments are needed to make improvements, provoke discussion and task the author with re-thinking direction. Other readers have access to these comments and these can vastly expand any debate. This blog is my communication tool with you and anyone who is directed to this blog. Your comments can be a means of communicating between me and all other readers as well.
Except for the surprising lack of comments after 46 postings, readership IS doing well. I have access to a stats page that tells me how many visitors I get by the day, the week the month and a final total to date. Since the inception of 'Dairiblawg', it has had 834 visitors who have implemented 1029 page views! I thank you all.
I am sure that there are many additional ideas, issues and elements out there, that have not been addressed simply because you have not shared those with us all. I hope I will hear from you!! -cg
Note: I tested out the e-mail system and postings for anonymous users should be posted under 'citygirl'. You can use fictitious e-mail addresses if you wish. Newest stats - 55 posts, 901 visitors viewed 1364 pages - cg
*********************************
Message To My Readers
The purpose of this blog was to 'rant' , expose political issues affecting supply management, provoke ideas, post relevant articles and editorials for all to see AND think about , to bring a slightly different perspective about consumers to light and provoke comment.
Either you agree or disagree with the content of the posts. I urge those of you with "opinions", for or against or different, to send comments to this page. Comments can be made by name or nick name or initials under the 'citygirl' tag. E-mails are then NOT made available to me or anyone else!
Any blog is only as good as it's content and readers comments are needed to make improvements, provoke discussion and task the author with re-thinking direction. Other readers have access to these comments and these can vastly expand any debate. This blog is my communication tool with you and anyone who is directed to this blog. Your comments can be a means of communicating between me and all other readers as well.
Except for the surprising lack of comments after 46 postings, readership IS doing well. I have access to a stats page that tells me how many visitors I get by the day, the week the month and a final total to date. Since the inception of 'Dairiblawg', it has had 834 visitors who have implemented 1029 page views! I thank you all.
I am sure that there are many additional ideas, issues and elements out there, that have not been addressed simply because you have not shared those with us all. I hope I will hear from you!! -cg
Note: I tested out the e-mail system and postings for anonymous users should be posted under 'citygirl'. You can use fictitious e-mail addresses if you wish. Newest stats - 55 posts, 901 visitors viewed 1364 pages - cg
Saturday, October 7, 2006
Canadian Farmers Fight Back!
It looks like in spite of comments from Minister Strahl like..."We said we would appoint a task force to give us some of the details on the marketing choice. But I always find it a little passing strange when my critic from the NDP or my critic from the Liberals who do not have to live under the Wheat Board, tell the rest of Canada how they have to market their products." (Question Period-Oct. 5, 2006) (emphasis mine-cg), there are a lot of farmers who also live "under the wheat board" who do not agree with the Minister.
I find his comments extremely telling and obviously, so do the farmers who are launching the initiative below.-cg
Sender: Wendy Holm, P.Ag. holm@farmertofarmer.ca
Western Canadian grain growers have formed an organization called REAL VOICE FOR CHOICE.
It's purpose is to defend farmers rights to continue to make decisions concerning the marketing of wheat and barley in Western Canada. There are co-chairs in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, They will be taking steps over the next several weeks to assert the rights of farmers to retain single desk selling per the Canadian Wheat Board Act.
I urge you to have a look at their material, which is posted at my CWB Under Attack
web page: http://www.theholmteam.ca/CWB.html
Wendy
I find his comments extremely telling and obviously, so do the farmers who are launching the initiative below.-cg
Sender: Wendy Holm, P.Ag. holm@farmertofarmer.ca
Western Canadian grain growers have formed an organization called REAL VOICE FOR CHOICE.
It's purpose is to defend farmers rights to continue to make decisions concerning the marketing of wheat and barley in Western Canada. There are co-chairs in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, They will be taking steps over the next several weeks to assert the rights of farmers to retain single desk selling per the Canadian Wheat Board Act.
I urge you to have a look at their material, which is posted at my CWB Under Attack
web page: http://www.theholmteam.ca/CWB.html
Wendy
Friday, September 29, 2006
Hello Ottawa-Farmers ARE Watching!
Here we go again.... on the subject of the Canadian Wheat Board. As Ottawa and the new Parliament settle in, Bill-C-300 is rapidly focusing the attentions of farmers across Canada.
Keeping us all up to date is Wendy Holm on her website:
http://.www.theholmteam.ca/CWB.html
Juicy items to watch for include the latest from the Hansard re questions in the House and the latest meeting of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food. Also on the menu are letters from farm organizations as they spread the alarm far and wide. Rural Conservative MP's and the Minister need to take note. This issue strikes to the very core of the strongly held beliefs about the need for market power for farmers, as they battle to swim against the likes of enormous multinationals. -cg
39th PARLIAMENT, 1st SESSION
EDITED HANSARD • NUMBER 052
CONTENTS
Monday, September 25, 2006
ORAL QUESTIONS
Canadian Wheat Board
Mr. Alex Atamanenko (British Columbia Southern Interior, NDP): Mr. Speaker, the Canadian Wheat Board is under attack. The minister has begun the systematic destruction of an internationally recognized Canadian success story. His parliamentary secretary has already told farmers it is their right to have a vote, but “the final decision will be made by the minister”. The legislation clearly states that changes to the structure of the Board must be approved by the farmers.
Will the minister allow the 85,000 farmers, who use the Wheat Board, to vote on its future, or does he intend to break the law?
Hon. Chuck Strahl (Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board, CPC): Mr. Speaker, this is an exciting time for prairie farmers who know they have a government on this side of the House that finally believes they should maximize their returns and maximize their choice.
We are moving ahead, as promised during the election campaign. We are moving ahead with consultations with farmers. I appointed a task force last week that will give us some of the technical details on what a voluntary but strong Wheat Board will look like going forward. I look forward to the report in a month or so.
We will continue to make changes to ensure that farmers get the most they can from their production.
Mr. Alex Atamanenko (British Columbia Southern Interior, NDP): Mr. Speaker, the NDP has uncovered documents that prove this so-called support is nothing more than professional spin doctors from the disgraced Devine government posing as farmers.
In this email, from Charlton Communications to three anti-Wheat Board lobby groups, it says that having farmers sign letters they write would “get us into the propaganda game”. The email was also copied to a current member of the minister's Wheat Board killing task force.
Is the minister aware of this campaign? Is his department paying for it? What is he going to do to stop it?
Hon. Chuck Strahl (Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board, CPC): Mr. Speaker, I do not have the faintest idea what the hon. member is talking about. It is not the first time that I do not have the faintest idea what members of the NDP are talking about. However, in this case, I really do not know to which campaign the hon. member is referring.
I do know that farmers from coast to coast, particularly on the prairies on this issue, have said that they want to receive more value from their farms and they want to have more choice.
Maximizing the choice and maximizing return for farmers comes about in part by having a voluntary marketing choice Wheat Board, something that farmers can choose to use, but are not compelled to use.
39th PARLIAMENT, 1st SESSION
EDITED HANSARD • NUMBER 054
CONTENTS
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
ORAL QUESTIONS
Agriculture
Hon. Wayne Easter (Malpeque, Lib.): On Monday, Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food attempted to deny knowledge of a fake letter-writing propaganda campaign on behalf of government and government MPs for the purpose of undermining the Canadian Wheat Board.
Will the minister come clean today and inform the House of which government MPs and officials and whether he or his parliamentary secretary were involved in this blatant and unscrupulous effort to manipulate public opinion and, in the process, violate the laws of Canada?
Hon. Chuck Strahl (Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board, CPC): Mr. Speaker, it is good to see the member for Malpeque up on his hind legs talking about agriculture, sort of.
As I told the member the other day, no one on this side of the House has a clue what they are talking about over there. No one over here has ever approached any company to write letters.
Farmers are able to get their point across to governments and members of Parliament. I encourage them to do that. Farmers do not need a consultant to do that.
On this side of the House we are listening. Farmers can be assured after 13 years of being ignored that this side of the House is paying attention to what they are saying.
Hon. Wayne Easter (Malpeque, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, grain producers will not be impressed by that answer.
My question is for the acting prime minister. This minister, adding to yesterday's $20 million cut, is proposing to undermine the Wheat Board which will reduce collectively western grain incomes by $265 million a year. It is another attack on Canadian farmers.
Worse is using fake letters, manipulating the media, stacked government task forces and circumventing the laws of Canada. Is this the Prime Minister's definition of ethics and democracy?
Hon. Chuck Strahl (Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board, CPC): Mr. Speaker, I am surprised the member could say that without wearing his tinfoil hat on a grassy knoll.
What we do know is that this government has not cut $20 million. The government has added $1.5 billion to the agriculture department.
The government continues to work with farmers to make sure the programming that was brought in by the Liberal government, such as an improperly brought in CAIS program, lack of a green cover crop program, lack of facilities for farmers from coast to coast in science and technology; after 13 years of neglect, finally this side of the House, this new government is getting the job done for farmers, notwithstanding the scare tactics of the member opposite.
Return to CWB under attack page.
Return to The Holm Team home page.
Keeping us all up to date is Wendy Holm on her website:
http://.www.theholmteam.ca/CWB.html
Juicy items to watch for include the latest from the Hansard re questions in the House and the latest meeting of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food. Also on the menu are letters from farm organizations as they spread the alarm far and wide. Rural Conservative MP's and the Minister need to take note. This issue strikes to the very core of the strongly held beliefs about the need for market power for farmers, as they battle to swim against the likes of enormous multinationals. -cg
39th PARLIAMENT, 1st SESSION
EDITED HANSARD • NUMBER 052
CONTENTS
Monday, September 25, 2006
ORAL QUESTIONS
Canadian Wheat Board
Mr. Alex Atamanenko (British Columbia Southern Interior, NDP): Mr. Speaker, the Canadian Wheat Board is under attack. The minister has begun the systematic destruction of an internationally recognized Canadian success story. His parliamentary secretary has already told farmers it is their right to have a vote, but “the final decision will be made by the minister”. The legislation clearly states that changes to the structure of the Board must be approved by the farmers.
Will the minister allow the 85,000 farmers, who use the Wheat Board, to vote on its future, or does he intend to break the law?
Hon. Chuck Strahl (Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board, CPC): Mr. Speaker, this is an exciting time for prairie farmers who know they have a government on this side of the House that finally believes they should maximize their returns and maximize their choice.
We are moving ahead, as promised during the election campaign. We are moving ahead with consultations with farmers. I appointed a task force last week that will give us some of the technical details on what a voluntary but strong Wheat Board will look like going forward. I look forward to the report in a month or so.
We will continue to make changes to ensure that farmers get the most they can from their production.
Mr. Alex Atamanenko (British Columbia Southern Interior, NDP): Mr. Speaker, the NDP has uncovered documents that prove this so-called support is nothing more than professional spin doctors from the disgraced Devine government posing as farmers.
In this email, from Charlton Communications to three anti-Wheat Board lobby groups, it says that having farmers sign letters they write would “get us into the propaganda game”. The email was also copied to a current member of the minister's Wheat Board killing task force.
Is the minister aware of this campaign? Is his department paying for it? What is he going to do to stop it?
Hon. Chuck Strahl (Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board, CPC): Mr. Speaker, I do not have the faintest idea what the hon. member is talking about. It is not the first time that I do not have the faintest idea what members of the NDP are talking about. However, in this case, I really do not know to which campaign the hon. member is referring.
I do know that farmers from coast to coast, particularly on the prairies on this issue, have said that they want to receive more value from their farms and they want to have more choice.
Maximizing the choice and maximizing return for farmers comes about in part by having a voluntary marketing choice Wheat Board, something that farmers can choose to use, but are not compelled to use.
39th PARLIAMENT, 1st SESSION
EDITED HANSARD • NUMBER 054
CONTENTS
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
ORAL QUESTIONS
Agriculture
Hon. Wayne Easter (Malpeque, Lib.): On Monday, Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food attempted to deny knowledge of a fake letter-writing propaganda campaign on behalf of government and government MPs for the purpose of undermining the Canadian Wheat Board.
Will the minister come clean today and inform the House of which government MPs and officials and whether he or his parliamentary secretary were involved in this blatant and unscrupulous effort to manipulate public opinion and, in the process, violate the laws of Canada?
Hon. Chuck Strahl (Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board, CPC): Mr. Speaker, it is good to see the member for Malpeque up on his hind legs talking about agriculture, sort of.
As I told the member the other day, no one on this side of the House has a clue what they are talking about over there. No one over here has ever approached any company to write letters.
Farmers are able to get their point across to governments and members of Parliament. I encourage them to do that. Farmers do not need a consultant to do that.
On this side of the House we are listening. Farmers can be assured after 13 years of being ignored that this side of the House is paying attention to what they are saying.
Hon. Wayne Easter (Malpeque, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, grain producers will not be impressed by that answer.
My question is for the acting prime minister. This minister, adding to yesterday's $20 million cut, is proposing to undermine the Wheat Board which will reduce collectively western grain incomes by $265 million a year. It is another attack on Canadian farmers.
Worse is using fake letters, manipulating the media, stacked government task forces and circumventing the laws of Canada. Is this the Prime Minister's definition of ethics and democracy?
Hon. Chuck Strahl (Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board, CPC): Mr. Speaker, I am surprised the member could say that without wearing his tinfoil hat on a grassy knoll.
What we do know is that this government has not cut $20 million. The government has added $1.5 billion to the agriculture department.
The government continues to work with farmers to make sure the programming that was brought in by the Liberal government, such as an improperly brought in CAIS program, lack of a green cover crop program, lack of facilities for farmers from coast to coast in science and technology; after 13 years of neglect, finally this side of the House, this new government is getting the job done for farmers, notwithstanding the scare tactics of the member opposite.
Return to CWB under attack page.
Return to The Holm Team home page.
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Spinach & Walkerton??
The latest Food Scare is screaming across the headlines this week. If you Google 'contaminated spinach' over 4000 entries come up, most form the last week! The headlines are not destined to make anyone comfortable about their salad greens.
Contaminated spinach found in victim's fridge
Health Authorities Warn Americans Not to Eat Contaminated Spinach
Spinach being pulled from shelves due to E.coli
Spinach pulled after E. coli outbreak
Eat your spinach?
More Cases of Contaminated Spinach Reported Across Country
I was lunching with friends and the 'big scare" came up as we were considering salads. The waitress actually recommended that we not order the spinach salad on the menu. When we asked if they imported their produce from the US, she said 'No, but better safe than sorry!' So if Canadian producers have been selling to restaurants, you can bet they are seeing a problem with sales.
I was finally relieved to see :
Don't eat fresh spinach imported from U.S.
But this CBC story ( see CBC News ) didn't show up among all the clutter. Obviously the news hadn't filtered down to our waitress! Since E. coli 0157 was also the cause of the Walkerton water disaster (and look where that led!) it is mentioned in this story as well. Just try the CBC search for stories under " E. Coli". Many results come up but you do NOT have to read very far to find the words Walkerton..... it will haunt agriculture for years.
And then this article:
Coli Toll: 146 in 23 States: 76 victims are hospitalized
(See CBC News )
There is an untold story here. Our vegetable growers & their organizations should have had some sort of 'crisis management' material prepared. More and more, stories about contaminated fruits and vegetables, once unheard of, are hitting the media. Many are sourced out of Canada. Consumers do not know what or if our fruit and vegetable growers are doing anything to protect their customers. Many do not even realize that even 'in season' many places source their 'fresh' products from other countries. By extension, Canadian produce is tarred with the same feathers.
Where are the media advisories from Ontario fruit and veg growers to help educate the public? Why not keep making the distinction between local (Ontario) and imported (bad)? Canada and Ontario do have different rules and regulations vis a vie our foods than our neighbours to the south.
All this, is the best reason ever, that agriculture MUST remain proactive about their food safety and quality initiatives. Bravo, for those that have done something. Shame, for those who have not. They risk all your futures.
Contaminated spinach found in victim's fridge
Health Authorities Warn Americans Not to Eat Contaminated Spinach
Spinach being pulled from shelves due to E.coli
Spinach pulled after E. coli outbreak
Eat your spinach?
More Cases of Contaminated Spinach Reported Across Country
I was lunching with friends and the 'big scare" came up as we were considering salads. The waitress actually recommended that we not order the spinach salad on the menu. When we asked if they imported their produce from the US, she said 'No, but better safe than sorry!' So if Canadian producers have been selling to restaurants, you can bet they are seeing a problem with sales.
I was finally relieved to see :
Don't eat fresh spinach imported from U.S.
But this CBC story ( see CBC News ) didn't show up among all the clutter. Obviously the news hadn't filtered down to our waitress! Since E. coli 0157 was also the cause of the Walkerton water disaster (and look where that led!) it is mentioned in this story as well. Just try the CBC search for stories under " E. Coli". Many results come up but you do NOT have to read very far to find the words Walkerton..... it will haunt agriculture for years.
And then this article:
Coli Toll: 146 in 23 States: 76 victims are hospitalized
(See CBC News )
There is an untold story here. Our vegetable growers & their organizations should have had some sort of 'crisis management' material prepared. More and more, stories about contaminated fruits and vegetables, once unheard of, are hitting the media. Many are sourced out of Canada. Consumers do not know what or if our fruit and vegetable growers are doing anything to protect their customers. Many do not even realize that even 'in season' many places source their 'fresh' products from other countries. By extension, Canadian produce is tarred with the same feathers.
Where are the media advisories from Ontario fruit and veg growers to help educate the public? Why not keep making the distinction between local (Ontario) and imported (bad)? Canada and Ontario do have different rules and regulations vis a vie our foods than our neighbours to the south.
All this, is the best reason ever, that agriculture MUST remain proactive about their food safety and quality initiatives. Bravo, for those that have done something. Shame, for those who have not. They risk all your futures.
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
More Canadian Wheat Board.....
In the dog days of summer... the discussion on the fate of the Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) has started to really heat up. Champion of farmers rights, agrologist Wendy Holm has given up much to save us from ourselves(?). Understanding your legislative rights and legalities is imperative for farmers.
In the year 2006 I am blown away by the belief of some farmers that they can go it alone and win. With all the staggering blows from other countries re BSE, trade, etc. and the control exerted by huge companies like Cargill and ADM, in this day of cries for COP for grains and oilseeds, it is mind boggling to see the responses from farmers who should know better!!
I am posting Ms. Holm's most recent call for action for all to see AND think about.-cg
I am posting Ms. Holm's most recent call for action for all to see AND think about.-cg
Help Stop the Murder of the Cdn Wheat Board
AS AN AGROLOGIST, I BELIEVE THIS TO BE AN URGENT PUBLIC POLICY PRIORITY FOR CANADA.
THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA HAS SAID IT WILL ACT IN CONTRAVENTION OF THE CWB ACT.
THIS WILL DESTROY THE CANADIAN WHEATBOARD,TRANSFERRING $800 MILLION A YEAR FROM CANADIAN FARMERS AND RURAL COMMUNITIES TO LARGE TRANSNATIONAL GRAIN COMPANIESAND THEIR SHAREHOLDERS .
IT IS TIME FOR CANADIANS TO COME TOGETHER IN SUPPORT OF FARMERS .
It contains:
PDF's
* The Canadian Wheat Board Under Attack - WHY YOU SHOULD CARE!
* One page briefing on Bill C-300
* Factors behind the impending death of the Canadian Wheat Board
* The big fib. Opinion. Page 6. Sept 06, Central Alberta Farmer.
* Safety Nets, CWB a matter of public trust. Opinion, Apr 13, 06, The Western Producer.
* Code for disaster, part two. Opinion, Mar 9, 06, The Western Producer.
* Dual desk is code for disaster. Opinion, Feb 9, 06, The Western Producer.
SCHEMATIC - WHERE THE DUAL-DESK PRESSURE IS COMING FROM
WHY YOU SHOULD CARE
BACKGROUND:
What is the Canadian Wheat Board?
The Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) is a farmer-controlled organization that markets wheat and barley grown by western Canadian producers. Based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the CWB is the largest single seller of wheat and barley in the world, holding more than 20 per cent of the international market.As every respected farm economist who has studied it has affirmed, the Canadian Wheat Board is a well-designed and sustainable policy mechanism that delivers price equity to Canadian grain growers -equity that amounts to over $800 million a year in benefits to Prairie communities.
It is also overwhelmingly supported by Canada's grain growers.
BILL C-300
This fall, Bill C-300, An Act to Amend the Canadian Wheat Board Act, will come before the House of Commons for Second Reading. Under the banner of "freedom of choice", this Bill, if passed, will destroy the one desk selling authority of the Canadian Wheat Board, the only leverage standing between prairie grain farmers and the market power of the highly concentrated transnational grain sector.
American grain interests have been gunning for the CWB for over 20 years, yet Canada has won every trade challenge. We should be touting the CWB model for farmers in other countries to emulate.
Instead, Bill C-300 would wipe it off the table, and with it, the future of Canadian agriculture.Seemingly innocuous, Bill C-300 purports to simply offer growers "choice" in the marketing of their wheat. When introduced in the House, it will be couched in terms such as "grower choice" and "support for bio-fuels development". And supportive of a strong CWB.
Make no mistake. Bill C-300 will destroy the single desk selling authority of the Canadian Wheat Board, opening the door to take-over of Canada's grain sector by powerful, transnational grain conglomerates.
What this is and isn't about.
This issue is not about debating the merits of the CWB. Surely we must agree that farmers in a given commodity sector know what is working best for their sector. The Canadian Wheat Board has withstood challenges under both the WTO and NAFTA and has emerged intact.
Despite this, Ottawa is poised to destroy it, and in so doing turn Canada's grain sector over to powerful, US based transnationals...
Ottawa prepared to act in contravention of CWB ActSection 47.1 of the Canadian Wheat Board Act expressly forbids the Minister to change the act without a prior referendum in support of such changes by the growers. Chuck Strahl and his new government says that doesn't matter. It matters to farmers. It matters to this Agrologist.
Implications for Suppy Management:
If this can happen to the Canadian Wheat Board, it can happen to supply management. Both stand between concentrated market players and the price-spreads they can capture if they can only diminish farmer pricing power in the marketplace.
Destroying the independence and sustainability of Canada's grain, dairy, poultry and egg farmers will destroy the fabric of Canada's farm sector, and with it all hope of food security and food sovereignty.
Defeat Bill C-300 this fall.
It is time to stop this train in its tracks. Bill C-300 is bad for Canada and must be defeated in the House this fall.
HERE IS WHAT YOU CAN DO:
1. Send an email to your MP** explaining to her/him why it is important that they defeat Bill C-300 and refer them to the web site
2. Copy it to MP Chuck Strahl at Strahl.C@parl.gc.ca
3. Copy it also to Stephen Harper at Harper.S@parl.gc.ca
This is the hill to die on. Unless Bill C-300 and the intent behind it is defeated, Canadian agriculture as we know it will disappear.
Take the time to send an email Please.
Wendy
** Don't know your MP's email? Get it at
http://webinfo.parl.gc.ca________________________________________________
WENDY R. HOLM, P.AG. THE HOLM TEAM Economist, Agrologist, WriterAgriculture. Economics. Policy. International Co-operationphone: (604) 947-2893 fax: (604) 947-2321
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