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CFIB "distorted results" on survey: CWB

The Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) is denouncing a study claiming it has failed to service its farmers in Western Canada.

The Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) is denouncing a study claiming it has failed to service its farmers in Western Canada.

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) released a report claiming 45 per cent of its 411 Prairie farmer respondents felt the CWB’s overall service remained the same or worsened since 2006.

But those numbers are misleading, according to the CWB.

“If they would have put “no change” and “improved” together, that’s 63 per cent instead of 45,” said Maureen Fitzhenry, CWB spokesperson. “We believe they are distorting the results of their survey to portray the Wheat Board in a negative light. This particular survey isn’t a broad view of farmers.”

Fitzhenry said the number of farmers in the CFIB on the Prairies is four per cent and not a full representation of collective views.

“This particular survey is meaningless for that purpose,” she said. “We can’t be confident about its methodology, credibility or motivation.”

Virginia Labbie with the CFIB says these concerns have been arising for a number of years and its survey shows that.

“We’ve been hearing stories from our farmers at how frustrated they are,” said Labbie, CFIB’s senior policy analyst, agri-business. “I think that’s why you are seeing such a high level of frustration.”

“I think it would be really helpful if they (CWB) were open to look at these results,” she said. “Given that the Wheat Board is directly answerable to farmers, it’s clear they can’t keep operating at the status quo.”

The CFIB released a near-identical report Oct. 28 with the same survey results, but Fitzhenry does agree with the watchdog group that the CWB must maintain transparency.

“We agree with them that farmers need consistent, timely info,” said Fitzhenry. “We’re constantly working to improve our customer service. We’re just here to serve farmers and carry out there wishes.”


Airdrie Today Staff

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