Buckdog

Chuck Strahl has been trying to sell western farmers on his proposed changes to the Canadian Wheat Board. Speaking to a Regina Chamber of Commerce luncheon, the Minister received only quiet, polite applause.

Strahl said in Regina that he has "no timeline" for ending the board's monopoly on western wheat exports, and can't say if the issue will be put to a farmer vote. We've moved on a plebiscite on barley because that's the best way to consult, so I certainly wouldn't rule that out (for wheat)," Strahl said.

But Strahl also said the Conservative government is still committed to its campaign promise to allow farmers to choose to market both wheat and barley outside the board.

"But it's not ruled in because there's no plans to move on it for the foreseeable future, so I can't promise a plebiscite on something I have no plans to move on."

"Wheat will still be marketed through the board this crop year, a message that needs to be driven home to farmers and international customers", Strahl told reporters.

Winnipeg Sun
Regina Leader Post