AAFC News Release
March 3, 2008

GOVERNMENT OF CANADA TABLES AMENDMENTS TO THE
CANADIAN WHEAT BOARD ACT TO ENSURE BARLEY MARKETING FREEDOM

OTTAWA, Ontario – The Government of Canada today introduced amendments to the Canadian Wheat Board Act that would clear the way for barley marketing freedom and introduce a requirement respecting commercial dispute resolution. The announcement was made by the Honourable Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board.

“This Government listens to farmers and we are working hard to deliver the barley marketing freedom Western Canadian barley producers are demanding,” said Minister Ritz. “We are moving forward on every front to make that freedom a reality and this legislation is a huge step forward for Western Canadian farmers.”

One of the proposed amendments would clarify that the Government has the authority to repeal a regulation that extends the Canadian Wheat Board’s (CWB) monopoly over barley. This would allow farmers to sell their barley to any foreign or domestic buyer, including the CWB.

The proposed amendments to the Canadian Wheat Board Act also include a requirement respecting commercial dispute resolution. This would encourage producers and grain elevator companies to pursue the option of commercial arbitration, with the CWB, instead of resorting to the court system, which can be lengthy and costly.

The Government reiterated its commitment to barley marketing choice for Western Canadian farmers in the October 2007 Speech from the Throne. It is the Government’s intention that marketing choice for Western Canada’s barley growers – including an option to continue to sell to the CWB – will be reality by August 1st, 2008.

“Western Canadian farmers are the most qualified people to make their own marketing decisions and they have every right to expect that they have the same marketing freedom that producers in the rest of Canada take for granted,” concluded Minister Ritz. “We have one message to send to opposition parties: Let’s all stand behind our Western Canadian barley farmers and give them the marketing freedom they deserve. Otherwise, get out of the way.”

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