october 25, 2006

Canada Wheat Board

Bill C-300 was soundly defeated (149 to 111) in the House of Commons last Wednesday night. Thanks to all of you who took the time to make your views known! The wide public outcry over this "new" governments disrespect for farmers remains critical to backing them down on their plan to destroy the CWB. To read the text of the Bill C-300 debate and check how your MP voted go to http://www.theholmteam.ca/C300.hansard.html

BUT THIS IS FAR FROM OVER...
Despite this set-back, the Harper government, in releasing its CWB task force report, has vowed to push ahead with the CWB dismantling.
There are a number of artciles posted on: http://www.theholmteam.ca/CWB.html

There is some concern that the federal government is planning to disband or weaken the Canada Wheat Board.

Here's a transcript from parliament regarding the controversy.

Read Wendy Holm's October 26th testimony before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Agriculture regarding the Wheat Board.

October 6, 2006 UPDATE

Western Canadian grain growers have formed an organization called REAL VOICE FOR CHOICE. It's purpose is to defend farmers rights to continue to make decisions concerning the marketing of wheat and barley in Western Canada.

There are co-chairs in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, They will be taking steps over the next several weeks to assert the rights of farmers to retain single desk selling per the Canadian Wheat Board Act.

Have a look at their material, which is posted at: CWB Under Attack.

BARNSTON ISLAND SAVED

Barnston Island has been saved by a unanimous decision of the South Coast Panel of the ALC.  The panel has ruled that the island is suitable for agriculture and that the ferry access is not a unique problem as other farming communities rely on ferry access.  It rejected the need for industrial land as an argument because it was noit supported by the Greater Vancouver Regional District.  You have all made a much appreciated contribution to this decision.  Your letters and presentations had a big impact. We will be having a celebration so stay tuned and many thanks again!
Read about the decision made by the Agricultural Land Commission (pdf)

Get your business/product in the 2006 British Columbia "Specialty Foods" Directory

deCember 8, 2005

Strip farming in Vancouver

A typical 10-block-by-10-block area contains boulevard space equivalent to the world's average family farm, by Kevin Potvin.