Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz is encouraging all MPs to support the passage of Bill C-18 in its final vote tonight in the House of Commons.

 

 

Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz held a news conference in Ottawa Monday to encourage all Members of Parliament to support the passage of the Marketing Freedom for Grain Farmers Act, as it goes through third reading and a final vote.

 

The act, also known as Bill C-18, contains legislation to remove the Canadian Wheat Board's single desk monopoly.

 

Ritz says Western Canadian farmers have waited too long for the freedom to market the grain they grow, and have been forced by an out-dated monopoly to sell their wheat, durum and barley at a time, place and price of the board's choosing.

 

"Members will vote to keep the western grain industry tied to the past, or move it into the future. Members will vote to either continue to punish western grain farmers for their place of residence, or give them the same rights as farmers in other parts of Canada. This vote is between stifling the western economy, or creating new jobs and economic opportunities. This vote is a fundamental choice on whether government should continue to shackle farmers, or free farmers."

 

Ritz was joined by Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud and Alberta Ag Minister Evan Berger.

 

Bjornerud says removing the monopoly will mean increased opportunities for agriculture in our province, and added we are already seeing the benefits of an anticipated open market: "two months ago, Alliance Grain Traders announced they are planning to build a $50 million durum and pulse processing facility and pasta plant just outside of Regina. This is the kind of economic spin-off that can be generated when producers have the opportunity to sell their grain into an open market."

 

If the bill is passed, Ritz says Western Canadian farmers will have the choice in how they market their grain by the start of the next crop year.

 

Gerry Ritz makes his opening comments in today's news conference:

 

 

 

Bob Bjornerud also comments during the conference: