News Releases

February 24, 2009
Agriculture Union

Attack on grain farmers renewed

Ottawa – 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.

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 services that independently determine the quality and quantity of grain delivered, returning producers to the position of not knowing if they are receiving fair payment.

“These changes will hurt grain producers just like the Conservative’s effort to strip farmer control of the Canadian Wheat Board. They also threaten the quality advantage Canadian producers enjoy over competitors,” says Agriculture Union President Bob Kingston.

Bill C-13 which was introduced today replicates the changes to the Canada Grain Act which were scorned by the opposition parties during the last Parliament. Liberal, NDP and Bloc MPs were united in panning the government’s proposal.

“Based on the reception this bill received during the last Parliament, I expect it will be amended by the opposition MPs on the Agriculture Committee in order to better reflect the interests of grain producers,” says Bob Kingston.

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For information:

Jim Thompson 613-447-9592
www.grainaction.ca

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