NEWS RELEASE

November 19, 1997   For Immediate Delivery

Breitkreuz Amendments Would Make the CWB Truly Accountable
"Every farmer has the right to own the fruits of his own labour."

Ottawa -- Today, Garry Breitkreuz, M.P. for Yorkton-Melville introduced seven key amendments during debate of Bill C-4, an Act to amend the Canadian Wheat Board Act. Reform Members of Parliament introduced 31 of the 45 amendments being debated including amendments to remove both inclusion and exclusion clauses. The Liberal dominated Agriculture Committee voted down all amendments proposed by opposition members during the clause-by-clause debate in committee. Reformers tactfully waited to introduce their amendments in the House of Commons. "The main thrust of my amendments is to maximize the financial return to producers, make the Board truly accountable, and protect the rights and freedoms of farmers," said Breitkreuz.

"My amendments would make four major changes: (1) add a ‘preamble’ to the Act, (2) change the object of the Act from orderly marketing to securing the best financial return for producers, (3) allow producers to opt-out for a minimum of five years and opt-back in with two years notice, and (4) introduce a sunset clause which would repeal the Act if the Board does not achieve its stated objective of securing the best financial return to producers within five years," explained Breitkreuz.

On October 28, 1997 Ralph Goodale said in the House of Commons, "I can assure him, however, that the Canadian Wheat Board in every market in the world extracts the very best price it can possibly get for the farmers of Canada." Breitkreuz commented, "My amendments would change the purpose of the legislation so the act would require the Board to do exactly what the Minister says the board is already doing. My other amendments provide mechanisms which would guarantee the Board is held truly accountable to farmers for achieving it’s primary purpose - securing the best financial return for producers."

"Every farmer has the right to own the fruits of his own labour and the right to be free from arbitrary interference by the government. My amendments would protect their fundamental and natural right to private property, freedom of contract and freedom of choice," concluded Breitkreuz.

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For a copy of Garry’s amendments please call:

Garry Breitkreuz, M.P.