CGC Mandate and Governance - Sask Wheat believes it is vital that the CGC’s mandate continues to be to work “in the interests of the grain producers.” Sask Wheat is supportive of the current Commissioner governance model of the CGC with producer representation at the Commissioner level.
Outward Inspection - As part of protecting the Canadian brand, Sask Wheat is in favour of mandatory outward inspection remaining as a function performed by the CGC. Moving to a system of accredited third-party inspection would create significant risks to the Canadian brand.
Market Transparency - Improving market transparency is a key issue for farmers. Sask Wheat strongly believes that Canadian farmers need timely access to sales and export data. Through the CGA, grain companies should be legislated to report daily and weekly sales data over a specified size to the CGC.
Sask Wheat is supportive of reviewing the CGA as a comprehensive review of the Act has not been completed in 50 years. However, it is crucial for a thorough analysis to be completed, including a benefit-cost analysis, as part of the review and for further consultations to occur once this review is completed and prior to recommendations being brought forward for consideration. Further analysis by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the CGC will ensure any proposed changes that arise from the review do not harm Canada’s quality assurance system, the Canadian brand, or the competitive position of Canadian farmers.
The Sask Wheat positions on the key areas of review are summarized in the attached backgrounder. Producers are encouraged to add their submissions to the review, which is closing on April 30.
Source : saskwheat