WTF? Feds sell Canadian Wheat Board to Saudis??!?!

[Oddmott]

http://globalnews.ca/news/1939906/ca...8373c491b80e61

I haven't finished the article, and don't have time right now to go digging for past stories... but i vaguely remember a pitch a few years ago by Canadian farmers to buy the Wheat Board for MORE than the Feds are selling it to the Saudis for.

Massive strike against Harper's admin on this one.

[JBen]

Don't know anywhere near enough of that market/industry.

On one hand removing the monopoly sounds good on paper, as does the "promised" investments in infrastructure/opening of delivery. I seem to recall many complaints problems with it (WB) from growers over the years. If I read it right farmers will get a stake (share) and in 7 years those stakes might be repurchased. On the other I generally don't like the selling of things.

[Dythbringer]

I also don't like the selling of assets which are suppose to protect Canadian interests but from what I understand the CWB was a jurisdictional monopsony (meaning farmers in the prairies and in some parts of BC had to sell to them only and no one else). That all changed back in 2012 where the federal government passed a bill which freed up the farmers who could only sell to the CWB and let them sell to anyone.

[JBen]

A tale of 3 crown assets being sold in the news today

Details of the Beer store shake up. Another monopoly losing its grip. I personally think its time and right. Good for you Ms Wynne
http://news.nationalpost.com/news/ca...-ontario-booze

Hydro 1 is official. 60% will be privatetized in order to pay for infrastructure
Isnt that what our tax dollars should have done these past 7 years?

And just because, I'll intentionally link the Stars opine.
http://www.thestar.com/opinion/lette...-interest.html

With respect to the Wheat board. I really don't know what to make of it. 6 of one, half dozen of another, like some of their decisions the jury may be out for years.

[Hunter John]

The stupid part of the hydro sell off is Wynne is already spending the billions the sale will bring in. HOW BOUT PAYING DOWN THE DEFECIT YOU DUMBASS.

[Oddmott]

That's the part i can't believe so few people are addressing.

[Dythbringer]

That's the part i can't believe so few people are addressing.

oddmott,

Which comment are you referring to?

[Oddmott]

Hunter's.

The fact that Wynne (and JT will do the exact same if he gets in Federally) is leveling new tax after new tax and increasing the rates of most taxes and fees that already exist... under the auspices that the funds collected will go to the debt that requires repayment and the infrastructure that requires maintenance.

But that's not the case at all. Those funds just go into some black hole and are never seen again in any capacity that supports or benefits the citizenry.

[terrym]

I really haven't read up yet on this wheat board sale. First impressions sound disturbing. Not sure what the reasoning of letting the Saudis into our agriculture management means? I may be wrong but the Wheat board don't actually own any crops/futures or productive land? They are a marketing board that regulates pricing/supply/markets? Harper rarely plays the short game so somehow I'm sure this is all part of a bigger picture that likely involves oil down the road? Dunno?

[Hunter John]

Still not sure either and agree with the thought that breaking up a monopoly is usually a good thing . I do remember the WB getting pizzy whe the farmers no longer had to go through them to sell so hopefully this makes things easier and more profitable for them.