Menzies Supports Government Amendments to Ensure Barley Marketing Freedom

March 06, 2008

OTTAWA – Ted Menzies, Member of Parliament for Macleod and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance supports the Government recently tabled amendments to the Canadian Wheat Board Act that will clear the way for barley marketing freedom and introduce a requirement respecting commercial dispute resolution.

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 need for change is clear,” said Menzies. “This Government listened when 62% of Western Canadian barley producers voted for the right to choose whether to market through the CWB or directly to the open market. Even the CWB itself recognized the need for change.”

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. This addresses the Governments Throne Speech commitment to barley marketing choice for Western Canadian farmers by August 1, 2008.

“We have made every effort to work with the CWB,” said Menzies. “We are now exercising our power on behalf of Canadian farmers by moving forward with legislation that will give clear and explicit authority to remove barley from the monopoly by regulation.”

For further information, please contact:
The office of Ted Menzies at (613) 995-8471