Doug Robertson, President of the Grain Growers of Canada expressed disappointment in the expected Parliamentary vote at second reading to kill Bill C‐13, an Act to amend the Canadian Grain Commission.
“The Grain Growers, like the Opposition Parties, have serious concerns about parts of the proposed legislation to amend the Grain Commission. More specifically, the ending of all producer security (bonding),” said Robertson. “However, we disagree with using this approach to deal with the problem.”
“We would like the Bill to proceed to the Standing Committee on Agriculture where all of the political parties, including the Government Members, should have a hard look at whether the cost of bonding is limiting competition and what are the costs of alternatives, like insurance or a clearing house.”
“Then, Members of Parliament and farmers can make an informed choice on whether bonding, an enhanced version of bonding or another option would provide the coverage producers want, at a cost that is affordable’” said Robertson.
“The Grain Growers and the Opposition Parties want the same thing; an effective, world‐class Grain Commission that puts farmers first and adds value to our export products,” said Robertson. “Therefore, we urge the Opposition Parties to reconsider whether they can be more influential by working on the Bill in Committee or whether they have faith in the Government to bring back the necessary amendments on their own.”
“Bonding has not always provided full coverage and enforcement has been challenging, but it might still be the best option,” said Robertson.
Earlier, NDP and Liberal MP’s issued releases calling for Bill C‐13 to be defeated at second reading.
