Some history

[grassfarmer]

In response to Bravehearts misinformation about what he calls the "agri-left" involvement in the Crow Rate issue I present some historical highlights from the National Farmers Union of its activities over the years.

It makes for revealing reading - how the issues never change - and to see the work of the NFU 35 years ago on issues many of you are just waking up to and trying to do something about now - suing railways, plant breeder rights, getting thousands of farmers out to protest.
I know I'll never get it but I think a lot of you folks owe an apology for the bad mouthing and ridicule you direct towards the NFU. History proves they are usually right, and several decades ahead of the "Toms" of this world.

1979

The NFU initiated a class action law suit against CP and CN railways, alleging non-performance and seeking to recover damages resulting from lost grain sales. While the lawsuit was not successful in court, it raised awareness and forced the railways to provide better service.

The NFU was the only major farm group to lobby against Plant Breeders Rights legislation when it was introduced in 1979.


1980

The NFU brought together 300 members and representatives of railway and grain handling unions in Saskatoon. The conference adopted a policy advocating retention of the Crow Rate and an end to railway centralization.

Plant Breeders Rights legislation was introduced in the House of Commonspposition to the bill from the NFU and other organizations slowed progress on the legislation and it died on the order paper.

1981

Approximately 200 farmers participated in the “Crow Train” to Ottawa. Western farmers were joined by colleagues from Ontario and the Maritimes to lobby politicians to retain the Crow Rate…NFU members and officials met with ministers Pepin, Argue, Whelan, Olson and Axworthy...NFU members in four western provinces organized similarly timed provincial lobbies.

1800 farmers and supporters attended a massive “Keep the Crow” rally in Regina. Statements of support for the NFU position were heard from a variety of organizations.

1982

Federal transport minister Jean-Luc Pepin outlined government plans to abolish the Crow Rate in Winnipeg. NFU members demonstrated at a rally in Delisle, SK where approximately 1300 farmers showed up to condemn Pepin’s plan. Pepin responded that farmers “were not entitled to be upset”

350 farmers protested the visit of federal minister Pepin to Regina. Pepin attempted to convince journalists that a “consensus” existed among western farmers to abolish the Crow Rate.

1983

Transport minister Pepin outlined the federal strategy to kill the Crow. The NFU organized massive protests in Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Regina and Edmonton. NFU President Easter called for a common front on the Crow……

The NFU undertook a massive phone in lobby as federal transport minister Pepin introduced Bill C155, legislation to abolish the Crow Rate.

The House of Commons Transport Committee began hearings on Bill C-155. NFU members made presentations at every hearing across Canada.

[Oliver88]

Why didn't the NFU ever find a way to work well with the Sask Wheat Pool?

[Braveheart]

I'm not talking about whether or not to abolish the Crow. We all know the NFU thinks the railways should haul grain for tariffs below operational costs, because Rwys got free land and blah, blah blah. But, when the WGTA was being created and the method of payment was being debated, the NFU sized with the "pay the railway camp".

Pay a subsidy to a ****ing railway! Create the most inefficient dysfunctional mess possible. The ripple effects felt even up to this day. Besides the obvious rail issues, it caused the province of Alberta to create the Crow Offset which "bought" the cattle industry for Alberta, and kicked it in MB and SK.

The arguments over method of payment really lined up the two solitudes of farm politics on the prairies and stagnated the federal government from really making any meaningful changes to transportation policy. It was politically risky to appear to favour one side over the other. It was easier in the end to do nothing. Still is.

The actual Crowsnest Pass rates would never have survived. Legislation like that would be viewed as susdidy equivalence under the WTO and sanctions and tariffs would result.

[grassfarmer]

Your quote was "In the end, it was the LEFT, the Pools, the NFU and all the rest of the Agri-Left that killed the benefit early."
Sure doesn't look like the NFU were campaigning to end the Crow early from the history presented. That would be like saying they are campaigning now to speed the introduction of UPOV '91.

Some good stuff in there though Braveheart wouldn't you agree? fighting those campaigns, mobilizing the farmers all these years ago on issues some are just waking up to now. An effective farm organization that could still play a big role if prejudices were set aside.

[Braveheart]

I'm talking about Ralph Goodale ending the Crow benefit in 1995.

The way the NFU mobilizes the troops is admirable. In fact, excellent. Now if you'd just use that power for good instead of evil. Lol.

[bucket]

I think most of us can agree that rail service needs work.

It's no longer about just grain for me.

It's about making a better and reputable exporting country before others take our export markets in other commodities as well.

The capacity isn't there to move our products 10 years from now.

It's good to look back but we pay politicians to look forward. They are not.

That's a bigger concern for the next generation.

J.A.Macdonald had vision well into the future drunk or not.

[Braveheart]

Some more history re rail reform involved the Justice Estey/Arthur Kroeger circus.

Estey hears all, sees things through his eyes, and writes his report. NFU and the left (and the railroads)'don't like it so they mobilize and lobby. Ralph gets scared and after much hand wringing brings in Kroeger to "implement" the Estey findings. All sides square off, railways against almost everything, NFU fearing this is a back door attack on CWB is not in favour, WCWGA wants full Estey, grain cos want WCWGA and NFU to both bugger off.

The result? A revenue cap, wheat board tendering, limited interswitching provisions, and, a recipe for Hunter ****head Harrison to run a service that is completely unaccountable to anyone.

Governments are hesitant to act partly because there are divided and vocal lines in western Canada and favouring one or the other just isn't politically expedient. Remember, I said partly. But, imagine if the WG'ers, Grain Growers, NFU, SARM, KAP, etc, negotiated common ground for rail reform? It would involve compromise. The common front would be hard to ignore.

[bucket]

Braveheart

We were discussing that very thing over on SF3 thread below.

Need a good point man.

Any suggestions?

[Braveheart]

Yes, I have a sort list. But first you need your coalition.