We have another pro-Wheat Board “independent farmer” spotting in media! Via reader “Dennis”;
In today’s Winnipeg Free Press, page B10, there is a story about a poll taken in Winnipeg regarding the wheat board. Prominent in the story is a photo and some quotes from “Starbuck area farmer Chuck Fossay”, who is quoted as approving of the single desk, and whom the article describes as “…not giving up hope.”
Mr. Fossay says, “There’s always the possibility of a federal election in the new year too. Stephan Dion said he supports the single-desk system, he’s willing to let farmers decide…”
If you don’t know anything about Chuck Fossay, it seems as if the article considers it too much of a chore to help you out. However, Chuck happens to be a neighbor of mine. He’s a past Vice-President of Keystone Agricultural Producers, an organization that is well-known for its vociferous support of the single desk, and who counts the Canadian Wheat Board as a “generous sponsor” of the organization. (This info can be found on the KAP website). At present, Chuck Fossay sits on KAP’s grains and oilseeds committee.
EE, I, EE, I, O! The article, as well, did not ask Mr. Fossay if he had any political affiliations. While I don’t think he holds any official title in the Liberal Party of Canada, I do know that in the last federal election he was seen touring with the Liberal candiate in Portage-Lisgar. The Free Press might have at least asked.
Or maybe they already knew – it’s not as though references to Mr. Fossay are hard to find.
And while we’re on the topic of the curious incuriousity of today’s journalists, this email from Tamara King was received by a reader who pointed out that the “independent farmer” she quoted at a pro-CWB event in this Winnipeg Sun item just happens to be President of the Brandon-Souris Liberal Riding Association;
Thanks for your email. Apologies for the delayed reply; I work shifts. I was made aware of your email today.
The term “independent” producer was meant to show that he’s not the head of a large corportation.
That’s what he told me, so that’s what I wrote.
I would like to point out – I did include the detail about him attending that Grit gathering, which shows he’s political.
Apologies if those elements came across poorly.
As a news reporter – one who covers crime, mostly – I was simply trying to convey what occured at Dion’s stop in Winnipeg, not make a wider commentary on the future of the industry.
Regards,
Tamara King
“That’s what he told me, so that’s what I wrote.”
You know, I think that would look really nice on a plaque.
Update Another incurious journalist – Bill Doskosh of CTV comments on the breakup of the Australian Wheat Board monopoly – a factoid he only stumbled across on Dec.23rd. He doesn’t let lack of familiarity interfere with conspiracy mongering, however;
Hmm, so another Conservative government in the Land Down Under — one whose leader is close to Prime Minister Stephen Harper — wants to end the monopoly of the Australian Wheat Board? And the Conservative government of Canada, whose leader is close to Australian Prime Minister John Howard, wants to end it here?
Doskosh displays no apparent knowledge of the AWB involvement in paying millions kickbacks to the Saddam Hussein regime under the UN Oil-For-Food scam. or that it’s the fallout from the scandal that has prompted the move.
Well, Canadian journalism as a whole has been curiously incurious about the UN scandal, so Doskosh’s ignorance is to be expected, I guess. Perhaps the idea of investigating all those Canadian connections at the highest levels of the UN, (and their relationships to certain Liberal prime ministers) was just so overwhelming they didn’t know where to begin.
Hello Ham!
Actually, I thought the post was about the media not investigating its sources. And when was it decided that Mr. Fossay was a Liberal organizer? I might have missed that post.
And this excerpt from the October 10 Globe and Mail:
“Doug Chorney’s devotion to the Conservative Party runs deep enough that he spent last winter hammering campaign signs into the frozen prairie on behalf of the local Tory candidate.
But Mr. Chorney, a 41-year-old grain farmer, believes the federal government is about to make an enormous mistake by dismantling the monopoly power of the Canadian Wheat Board.
“They’re really floundering on this issue,” he says.
The debate over the future of the Wheat Board runs to the heart of Western Canadian history and politics, pitting traditional Prairie collectivism against the ideology of the free market.”
Dieter, apparently you thought wrong. Reread the post.
And thanks for proving that journalism kicks in when its a Conservative farmer being interviewed rather than a Liberal AND when he’s a CWB PROponent. Or did you read this before you cut and pasted it?
This is all so stupid. Give ALL farmers a choice as to how they want to sell their wheat. ALL!!
Please correct me if I am wrong, re Ont, Que, Prairie Farmers.
Farmers in the west were at a huge disadvantage in Canada early in this century. Killer freight rates, brutal weather, no political power. For years farms had been failing and the rural prairies were destitute.
In the 1920s, 30s the Feds, in their wisdom, came up with the ‘Designated Area” idea and the Crow Rate Benefit Subsidy. Eastern Manufactures were also given a virtual monopoly over prairie machinery customers. It was all about orderly marketing for prairie farmers. It would be that or the Okie’s Grapes-of Wrath thing. Today, with Farmers mostly foregoing the chance to own all the land they farm, I wonder if Canada’s GoW is yet to come.
However, I too, suspect the Federal Liberals have their hand in the CWB’s pocket. After all there are more $millions there than in the Adsam kitty.
The Libs, as Chretien did, rationalize their criminal behavior as a “saving Canada” thing.
Still chuckling; … another notch on the gun stock, Kate; Wells, Kinsella ect, now Doskoch, .. They do not stand a chance because they are so out to lunch, it’s being proved daily. The Media will always interview ‘certain types’ because they say what they want to hear, and print. It fits the Media’s agenda. POLITICAL CONTROL
Huck,
You said: “I have yet to meet a farmer who has serious problem with the set up of the CWB.”
Yes Miss Pollyanna I am sure those nasty people who want change either do not exist or are being forever banished from the Magic Kingdom.
What a load of crap. In my area most of the production is by those that despise the CWB and demand change.
SDA eposes the overwhelming bias of the MSM and people like you who cry foul when people object vehemently to the oppression as long as it is in a direction to their liking.
However, what is really insulting to the intelligence is the childish passive aggressive manner in which you lambaste SDA for it rhetoric while convincing your tiny ego that your rhetoric is missed by the readers on this site.
This pretentiousness is what SDA exposes with ease so covering up your own rhetoric with a thin veneer of bullshit is easy picking.
Hello Ham!
Looking at the start of the post chain, the discussion is indeed about the media investigating (or not) the people it interviews.
As for the link, it is there to confirm a previous post in this chain from Rob Huck that there are conservatives who support the CWB.
Does anyone know why Conservative Inky Mark voted in favour of the 6th report of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-food?
“I have yet to meet a farmer who has serious problem with the set up of the CWB.”
I guess he never went to Lethbridge and did a jail visit!!!!!!
There seems to be a convenient leap here, that the decision to remove the mandatory marketing of wheat in Western Canada through the single desk that is the “Canadaian” Wheat Board will automatically result in the destruction of the wheat board? If that is true then the Wheat board and its supporters do not believe that they can survive in the real world! but surely they will still have a huge advantage if wheat is opened up?
The more collectivist monopoly’s PM Harper puts down the better. I await the CRTC death by lack of money with anticipation. Particularly Government run business, in my estimation. A healthier Nation is the only drawback with less leeches. They may end up having to do a real job instead of looting others lifespan withering there work. by over taxation to enrich themselves. I bet yeah one Maurice Strong to three Dion’s the CWB is as corrupt as Australia’s, if not worse.
Time to distance ourselves from these psudo-communists. Bring back private property laws with the right to defend oneself like any animal on the planet is free to. Back to Natural law, not loony tune UN mandates full of platitudes none of them practice. By the way. How many CWB employee‘s live on the other side of the tracks. Nothing but the best for Liberals & friends.
As for Liberal French Citizen Dion. When have the liberals allowed Canadians to decide anything in our history. Quit while you’re a head. Lying thieving lefties. We know your plots by rote. PMPM gave the playbook away, don’t you know. Does anyone hear think they would have referendum like the Charlotte town accord. Not on your life. Just wind passing threw there lips. They promise the world but give back rinds of the rotten fruit of there endeavors if any.
Lets seriously think about getting out of that septic tank called the UN. Its time has come. There is NO chance of reform so lets start a new organization whose membership at the very least has to be trying Democratic reforms, with a semblance of human rights & dignity for Women.
All the UN produces are genocides by inaction, than send in the perverts to abuse children. Time to say goodbye to an idea that’s past. Its a failure at every level. Even its aids program is compromised & used by these opportunists. So lets get a body that actually helps people instead of bureaucrats , has beens , crooks, dictators, killers running a made up polity, for World control. The absconding of funds while denigrating any democracy.
Time to leave NYC. I think France is the perfect venue. Just like the League of Nations they can than die in there own inadequacy.
Keep up the Good work PMSH. A tip of the hat to John Howard as well.
Just my opinion.
Oh here’s a $1000 bonus for 500 CWB employees.
VOTE LIBERAL.
Last election Bruinooge 17328, Alcock 17217.
Here’s $1000 bonus.
Don’t forget.
VOTE LIBERAL.
$1000 for voting Liberal folks.
Don’t forget.
The Board of Directors of the CWB needs your vote. Because WE ARE UNDER A LOT OF STRESS and make really, really dumb decisions!
Kate,
Of course you’re not unbiased, nor do I expect you to be. Your blog is your own; Far be it for me to tell you what to post. My concern is that I am looking for some serious debate on the issue and I am not finding it anywhere, including here, and I’m simply fed up with the lack of real debate.
I have not made up my mind on what I would like to see on the future of the Wheat Board and cannot get any straight answers. I hear of farmer after farmer who wants to see the monopoly dismantled but it is almost all anecdotal. When I go back home to visit friends and relatives who farm for a living, I ask them: Do you support the CWB? I haven’t heard one farmer say that they’d like a change. Most are fearful of the American grain handling oligarchy and see no benefit to it over an organization with which they have a say.
It’s not like prairie farmers cannot sell their grain at a higher price, they just cannot sell it cheaper. In exchange for this, they gain the leverage of the Canadian wheat producers on the world market. And, as my brother-in-law likes to tell me, product sold outside the Board have traditionally not fared any better.
I simply believe that this issue is not as cut-and-dry as simply an evil monoply infringing on the rights of the vocal minority of farmers, let alone a battle between Liberal and Conservative farmers.
Having said that, I do appreciate you covering the debate, no matter the bias. I just feel that we’re not getting all the information needed for a proper understanding of what the Wheat Board actually does, and engaging in a “don’t believe what he said because he belongs to such-and-such an organization” does not due this important debate any justice.
“It’s not like prairie farmers cannot sell their grain at a higher price, they just cannot sell it cheaper.”
Where pray tell did you pick up this alleged factoid? Hell, the farmer doesn’t find out what the board will pay them until well after the fact.
LMAO!
That was hilarious…
Thanks rockyt
FACTS?!?!
We don’t need facts.
Or at least that what the lying liberano that just posted would rather you believe.
You see there huck, we debate, but, if your gonna bullshit us we will call you on it.
…and call you on it and call you on it and…
Huck, then I suggest you do a search for older CWB posts, particularly the guest post by Larry Weber. There’s lots of that informed discussion in the comments there for you. This thread relates to the quality of media coverage, so it isn’t surprising that the debate would pick up again in earnest again on this thread. Search “rolf penner”, too, if that post doesn’t come up on its own in the Weber results.
What part of freedom of choice don’t you understand Huck?
Just because your relatives are too afraid to step out of the comfort zone in search of better things, shouldn’t mean that they get to tell their neighbors to be scared too should it????????
I ask again, (since you seem to have trouble posting a reply to questions) how is it that Ontario and Quebec farmers can do what they want to, but Western Canadians cannot? What is so special about us out here? Why are they not asking to be put back into a monopoly situation?
I eagerly await your reply. (or any others who support the Western Canadian Wheat Board)
Huck, I’m from your home town and I oppose the CWB and would like a free choice. There are a lot of very vocal farmers in our area who are pro-CWB but there are a few of us who don’t agree. We just aren’t out on the street shouting about it – yet anyhow. All I’ve heard from people who are pro-CWB is a bunch of fear (the multi-national bogey men are going to give us nothing for our grain or someone might be able to get more for their grain than me!!). No one can predict the future but fear of change is not a good enough reason to keep the board in tact. I think that the books should be open to scrutiny before anyone makes any decisions about the future – we may be wrong to oppose the board or we may be wrong to support it but I think the answer lies in the accounting books that no one has ever been allowed to see.
Sid,
It has been a pattern of people like Huck not to respond. Much like the others that took positions like Huck in previous discussions on the CWB they do not respond to the simple question on how they justify the oppression of their neighbors rights. They don’t respond because they know there is no real justification only their absurd rationalizations with statements like “I have yet to meet a farmer who has serious problem with the set up of the CWB.”
it is an axiom of business that one way to ensure your own (ie cwb) success is rely on people’s (ie farmers) fear of the unknown.
‘support’ from farmers stuck with the cwb should not be confused with the real thing; they just dont know what if anything will replace it. so better to stays wit’ da omnipotent benevolent massa ‘den goes out on yours own a free man.
in the farming world you will either progress or regress but you won’t stay the same because the rest of the world isn’t staying the same around you. the cwb must be treated the same as any other 60 year old piece of farm machinery …improve it for the times or haul it to the hill with the rest of the junk.
Yes and some are happy with the status quo. The forward price options are alloweing those useing them an adavantage over those who are not. As i understand it, all your money comes off the table in the forward priceing, so that leaves only those in what i call pool b. paying for hickups like, 1000 dollar bonuses, cwb court challenges, and im sure the odd demurrage charges on grain caught in the system during a strike etc.etc.etc.
Better learn to use those priceing options folks, and if the price isn’t right leave it in the bin or don’t grow it.
Better yet, give me choice Mr. Harper.
“If that is true then the Wheat board and its supporters do not believe that they can survive in the real world! but surely they will still have a huge advantage if wheat is opened up?”
Little known fact: The CWB is based upon a Fractured Fairy Tale from the 1960’s cult cartoon series Rocky and Bullwinkle.
This is such a non-story. It’s completely understandable that people who support a single desk CWB would be involved with organizations and political parties that also support a single desk.
blue drew,
Suggestion, read before you post.
This disscussion is about the MSM presenting farmers as “independent” without disclosing facts like they are President a Liberal Riding association.