News Flash!!

The government withdrew its amendments to the Canada Grain Act today.

Under threat that the opposition parties would vote to reject the bill from the agenda, the Government chose to pull Bill C-13 themselves.

Instead of helping Canada’s grain producers in these troubled economic times, the amendments to the Canada Grain Act in Bill C-13 would:

• Shift the purpose of the Grain Act away from protecting producer interests
• Expose producers to financial harm by eliminating the requirement for grain buyers to post security bonds
• Dismantle the Grain Appeals Tribunal which protects producers from unscrupulous behaviour on the part of grain companies
• Eliminate Commission inspection services that independently determine the quality and quantity of grain grown by individual farmers and introduce new safety concerns

Now that the government has withdrawn the bill, it seems unlikely the government will try again without making at least some changes to improve it.

Congratulations to all those who have sent messages to your MP, the Minister of Agriculture and the Prime Minister. Your action has made a huge difference!!

Latest News:

May 25, 2009 - Winnipeg Free Press - If it ain't broke, don't rewrite the Grain Act
Columnist says at a time when global leaders are looking enviously at Canada's record of capitalism with a degree of government oversight, leaving well enough alone might be the right thing for the Grain Act.

April 2, 2009 - The Liberal Party of Canada - Official Opposition Delays Grain Act Bill
The Liberal Party has announced it will vote in support of delaying the passage of Bill C-13, the bill to amend the Grain Act.

April 1, 2009 - Edmonton Journal - Putting Canada's world-class grain system at risk by Scott Sinclair and Jim Grieshaber-Otto
Article says Legislation now before Parliament -- Bill C-13 -- would gut Canada's world-class grain regulatory system.

March 30, 2009 - Canada.com - Changes to domestic grain inspection increase food-safety risks: Report by Sarah Schmidt
Legislation currently before Parliament proposes to end mandatory "inward" inspections when grain arrives at terminals and transfer elevators across the country, leaving it up to private companies representing the buyers or sellers to arrange their own inspections if they think they're needed.

Mar 12, 2009 - The Western Producer - Farmers foot costs from CGC changes
Editorial says the overall trend of downloading expenses onto farmers while reducing services give rise to many questions about the continued erosion of support to farmers.

Mar 12, 2009 - The Western Producer - Ottawa shows flexibility on commission changes by Barry Wilson
Debate on the federal government's contentious proposals to revamp the Canadian Grain Commission have begun in Parliament with a hint the Conservatives are open to compromise.

Mar 9, 2009 - Paul Beingessner - Grain Commission Changes Motivated by Misinformation
Columnist says Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz is using half-truths to justify the Harper government's agenda to change the Canadian Grain Commission.

February 24, 2009 - Attack on grain farmers renewed
Amendments to the Canada Grain Act tabled in Parliament yesterday signal a renewal of the federal government’s attack on grain farmers, according to the Agriculture Union – PSAC.

February 22, 2009 - Video of Liberal Agriculture critic, Wayne Easter, on the proposed changes to the Canada Grain Act:

January 6, 2009 - Letter from National Farmers Union President
Stewart Wells calls on Agriculture Minister Ritz to support the Canadian Wheat Board now that CWB Director elections have confirmed strong support for the single desk marketing advantages of the CWB confirmed strong support for the concept of farmer control of the CWB.

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