Several provincial and national farm groups say they are disappointed with the Canadian Grain Commission’s plan for dealing with its $130 million surplus, and that it underscores the need to update the federal agency’s mandate. The surplus has accumulated through user fees charged for grain inspection and other services — costs that were ultimately passed… Read more »
Tag: Jeff Nielsen
Farm groups applaud transportation bill becoming law
Farm and grain industry groups are giving a big thumbs-up to the federal government for finally passing Bill C-49. The Transportation Modernization Act received royal assent on Wednesday, after gaining final approval from the Senate late Tuesday. Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay will be joined by grain industry stakeholders at a Richardson elevator just north of Winnipeg… Read more »
Transport minister accepts Senate’s grain-related amendments to Bill C-49
The scoop: Transport Minister Marc Garneau has decided to accept the Senate’s main grain-related amendments to Bill C-49 — the government’s long-awaited transportation legislation. Farm groups are applauding the minister’s decision, while urging MPs and Senators to agree on the amendments and to pass the bill before the summer break. The story: Farm groups are… Read more »
Pop the bubble: Why farm groups need to spend more on lobbying
Whether the government brings forward small business tax change legislation, the U.S. closes the border to Canadian cattle, or a bill (i.e. C-49) ends up locked in the Senate and going nowhere fast, our industry associations and member-based organizations lobby for change on behalf of farmers. According to Wikipedia, lobbying is defined as: the act of attempting… Read more »
Situation critical: new rail legislation needed now, say farm groups
As the volume of grain backed up on farms in Western Canada grows, proposed transportation legislation that could help grain shippers address poor rail service remains stalled in the Senate. As it’s written right now, Bill C-49 — originally introduced in the House of Commons last spring — would give grain shippers the right to… Read more »
Ag groups push for TPP participation as Australia, Japan set March timeline
With Australia and Japan saying they want to finalize the deal by March, Canadian agriculture groups are reiterating the importance of Canada participating in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (now officially known as the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership or CPTPP.) There have been serious questions about Canada’s participation in the Pacific trade deal after Prime Minister… Read more »
Grain Growers Launch New Logo and Revamped Site
The Grain Growers of Canada chose today, the inaugural Canada’s Agriculture Day, to launch its new logo and to unveil a completely re-designed website. The Grain Growers of Canada represents 50,000 active grain, oilseed and pulse producers through its 12 provincial and regional grower groups. Its mission and mandate are to pursue a policy environment that… Read more »
Nielsen Elected Grain Growers’ President
Grain Growers of Canada has announced its executive for 2016/17, led by new president Jeff Nielsen. Nielsen, who served as vice president in 2015, represents the Western Barley Growers Association, and replaces Gary Stanford, who held the position for the three years and remains on the board representing the Alberta Wheat Commission. “It is an… Read more »
Jeff Nielsen Comments on the End of the Single Desk and the Ritz Press Conference
We have talked to Jeff Nielsen several times in the past and he always speaks his mind on the issues at hand in regards to the Canadian Wheat Board. This morning Jeff was at the press conference with Minister Ritz. The press conference had a very celebratory element which really stems from the hard work… Read more »
The Group of 8 Refuses to Show A Vision for the Future of the CWB
Today’s Canadian corporations are held accountable by their shareholders and a solid corporate governance structure. No doubt one might think the CWB as a corporation is a responsible corporate citizen in Canada. It has a policy to which all its directors sign yearly to uphold standards of governance where fiduciary duties are to work in… Read more »
Jeff Nielsen: “Why I Left The CWB Board of Directors”
The CWB board of directors takes yet another hit with its latest resignation. CWB District 2 Director Jeff Nielsen has made the decision to step down, a decision based primarily on his and what he feels are his constituents opposition to the use of pool funds in fighting the governments decision to eliminate the board… Read more »
The Real Outcome of the CWB Travelling Road Show – Jeff Nielsen
The Canadian Wheat Board has been travelling across Western Canada meeting with farm organizations and farmers to discuss the future of the CWB. Well at least thats what the intent was. In reality according to CWB District two Director, Jeff Nielsen the outcome was more of a lobby to grasp on to the single desk… Read more »
Jeff Nielsen (Dist. 2) Discusses the First CWB Board Meeting Since the Election
With change coming for the Canadian Wheat Board this weeks board meeting would of been very interesting. To only be a fly on the wall in Winnipeg this week. How the CWB reacts in the short and long term has everyone speculating and guessing. I talked to Jeff Nielsen, CWB Board Member from District 2… Read more »