News Articles

April 2, 2009
Liberal Party of Canada Media Release

Official Opposition Delays Grain Act Bill

OTTAWA – The Liberal Party announced today it will vote in support of delaying the passage of Bill C-13, the bill to amend the Grain Act, said Liberal Agriculture Critic Wayne Easter, Liberal House Leader Ralph Goodale and Liberal MP Anita Neville.

“Bill C-13 looks to make improvements to the Canada Grain Act but unfortunately the bill contains many flaws,” said Mr. Easter. “Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz himself has said publicly that he too understands the bill is flawed. Before we go any further we believe more work needs to be done.

“We are voting in support of a delay of the bill in order for the Conservative government to undertake more study and come back with an improved bill.”

Today, the House of Commons will vote on a motion to “hoist” or delay Bill C-13. The bill as it currently stands would remove protection and possibly download costs to farmers in the transportation of grain.

“We have a duty to ensure the rights of farmers are protected and the Canadian grain handling system remains transparent and strong. This bill does not achieve that. The Conservatives admit Bill C-13 has major challenges, particularly with respect to bonding,” said Mr. Goodale.

“No viable alternatives have been found and going ahead with this legislation would leave farmers out in the cold. A viable alternative must be found before this legislation should move forward.

“The Conservatives are shifting the balance in this bad legislation away from farmers and over to grain companies and railways,” Mr. Goodale said. “It reduces inspection services and eliminates bonding requirements without putting anything in their place.

“We have three options: we could simply vote down the current Conservative motion asking for approval in principle, or we could adopt a so-called ‘hoist motion’ or a ‘reasoned amendment’ according to the rules of the House of Commons – any one of which would effectively kill this Bill. But make no mistake, it will be stopped.”

“The Canada Grain Act and the Canadian Grain Commission have been critical to Canada’s global reputation for high quality, consistent and reliable grain supplies,” said Ms. Neville, the Liberal Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South Centre.

“Bill C-13 will put that sterling Canadian record at risk. It also raises the specter of potential threats to food safety, which is a concern not only to farmers but to all Canadians and our customers worldwide.”

Mr. Easter, Mr. Goodale and Ms. Neville noted that any piece of legislation (like the Canada Grain Act) and any institution (like the Canadian Grain Commission) can always be improved and modernized, but Bill C-13 goes in the wrong direction. The government’s bill cannot be salvaged in a parliamentary committee; it must be scrapped altogether, they said.

© Liberal Party of Canada

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