Dear Editor
Lyle Comstock's letter (Truth from MP would be a change, Regional Optimist Jan. 30) touches on a variety of subjects, but his points are consistently void of reality.
Thanks to marketing freedom, Canadian farmers seeded two million more acres of wheat, and produced over 20 million more tonnes of grain compared to last year. These numbers show the optimism that has returned to the grains sector.
This record crop means that the sector as a whole will need to step up and ensure the system has the capacity to carry Canadian grain to new and growing markets.
Logistics is at the forefront of farmers' minds, and our government is acting. As minister, I have been meeting with representatives throughout the supply chain to ensure the entire industry is working together to serve the interests of Canadian farmers. To help in the short term, our government recently announced expanded performance measurements to increase transparency in our logistics system, so farmers can have the information they need to make sound business decisions. For a longer-term solution to deal with record crop volumes, we have partnered with Special Crops Canada and other groups to work to find efficiencies throughout the supply chain.
Taking a look at our logistics system brings to mind the use of pipelines to haul oil. Pipelines would safely move oil while providing more room on the tracks for other commodities, including grain. Perhaps Mr. Comstock and his NDP friends should take stock of their misguided views and start championing the use of pipelines rather than opposing them.
Fortunately for our region and our economy, our government does not share Mr. Comstock's short-sighted opinions.
We will continue to work with all forward thinking producers to increase opportunities for Canadian agriculture and our overall economy.
Gerry Ritz
Agriculture Minister, MP for Battlefords-Lloydminster
