February 02, 2007

OTTAWA – As thousands of western farmers receive their ballots for the barley marketing plebiscite, Brian Jean, Member of Parliament for Fort McMurray – Athabasca, announced his support for a voluntary Wheat Board. “Canada’s New Conservative Government believes Western grain farmers should have the choice in how they market their grain while preserving a strong, viable, yet voluntary Wheat Board,” said Jean. “Farmers have told us that they want to be consulted on this issue – and that is exactly what we are delivering.”

The ballot will present three options:

• The Canadian Wheat Board should retain the single desk for the marketing of barley into domestic human consumption and export markets.
• I would like the option to market my barley to the Canadian Wheat Board or any other domestic or foreign buyer.
• The Canadian Wheat Board should not have a role in the marketing of barley.

Canada’s New Conservative Government campaigned openly during the last election on providing marketing choice for Western grain producers. Since Western grain farmers take all the risks and make all the investments, they deserve the chance to seek out the best possible return that makes good sense to them – whether selling to the Board or outside of it.

Ballots must be postmarked no later than March 6. The results of the plebiscite will be announced in mid-March.

For more information on the plebiscite, please visit www.2007barleyvote.ca

For more information on marketing choice, please visit www.agr.gc.ca/cwb.


For more information, please contact: Brian Jean (613) 992-1154 or (780) 743-2201