NFU IMPRESSED BY FARMER TURNOUT AT CWB MEETING

Saskatoon, Sask. – The National Farmers Union (NFU) is very impressed by the standing room only crowd that attended the public meeting held by the Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) in Regina last night. “There was clearly a feeling among farmers that we can do something about what the federal government is trying to do to the CWB. We farmers know that the CWB is ours, and we aren’t going to just sit by idly while the government attempts to dismantle it,” stated NFU Region 6 (Saskatchewan) Coordinator Ed Sagan.

Around 350 farmers packed the conference room of the Travelodge on Albert Street to hear the farmer-elected directors talk about the implications of losing the CWB’s single desk and take their questions. Prior to the meeting, many of the farmers held a rally in support of the CWB and their democratic right to decide its future.

“We farmers are using these meetings as an opportunity to demonstrate to the federal government that the future of the CWB is up to us. The democratic rights of farmers must be respected,” stated NFU Region 5 (Manitoba) Coordinator Ian Robson.

“To see farmers come together like this in an expression of solidarity about their democratic rights is very motivating. Farmers have worked hard to build this great country and produce quality food. They take their right to vote very seriously, and with the CWB issue it’s no different. I have no doubt that this momentum will carry forward through the other five meetings being held over the next two weeks,” said Robson.