Executive Summary
- The Canadian Wheat Board’s important role requires it be governed in the best economic interests of agriculture.
- With stiff international competition, Canadian farmers need flexibility to adapt to constant change.
- As a business, the CWB should have governance that reflects the interests of stakeholders.
- The ultimate in accountability, that farmers could opt out entirely, is beyond the mandate of the review panel.
- Current rules allow anyone with a permit book to vote for directors, whether or not they grow any grain.
- In the CWB’s case, “one man, one vote” creates conditions where those with little or no stake in the outcome have disproportionate influence.
- The Australian Wheat Board deals with that issue by weighting ballots based on production levels.
- That model reflects arrangements based on principles operating in the profit-maximizing business sector.
- Other reforms, including an independent elections commission, would strengthen farmer control and reduce outside political influences on the Board.
View entire submission in pdf format
