Conservatives will continue to support Canadian farmers

In the wake of the Federal Court ruling to uphold the Canadian Wheat Board’s monopoly on barley sales, Prime Minister Stephen Harper yesterday reaffirmed that Canada’s New Government is committed to delivering marketing choice for Canadian farmers.

“The will of the farm producers is clear,” said the Prime Minister. “They want a freer market and we are determined to obtain this result.”

During the last election, Conservatives campaigned on a pledge to consult farmers over the future of the Canadian Wheat Board.

Upon assuming office, Canada’s New Government conducted a plebiscite on the future of barley sales; in response, two-thirds of Canadian barley producers indicated a preference for a dual market.

Barley prices rose in response to the plebiscite results. In the wake of Tuesday’s ruling, barley prices have declined.

“Farmers want high prices and the Wheat Board is supposed to get high prices for farmers,” said the Prime Minister. “If the Wheat Board won’t take care of Canadian farmers, Canada’s New Government will do it ourselves.”

By supporting marketing choice for Canadian farm producers, Canada’s New Government is building a stronger, safer, better Canada – for all of us.