Category Archives: Breaking the Rules

Pot meet Kettle

Rolf Penner- CWB chairman Larry Hill apparently is “disappointed“  that there are some MP’s in Saskatchewan who decided to endorse certain choice candidates in the directors elections a couple of days ago.

Now while it may be fair to say that this is not sporting, the charge that this somehow interferes with the democratic process rings rather hollow. Continue reading →

*click on pictures to enlarge

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Rolf Penner- These are the rules that Mr. Towes is breaking, and that the CWB has decided not to enforce. So much for a fair and unbiased election. The CWB stamp of approval remains on the incumbent directors promotional material weeks after it has been brought to the Boards attention. 

A PDF of the CWB code of conduct can be downloaded here. 

Appendix 3.2 – Board Member Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest Guidelines

Appendix 3.2.4   ETHICAL AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST STANDARDS

(i) Furthering of Private Interests

(iv)  Corporate Property

Directors must not use corporate property to pursue their private interests or the interests of their spouse, their minor children or a private corporation controlled by any of these individuals. Corporate property includes Continue reading →

Rolf Penner- If, due to an administration error by the CWB they overpay you for your grain , even by say a couple of hundred dollars, you will get a letter in the mail demanding that you pay it back. If you don’t the letter will tell you in no uncertain terms that “you will not be eligible to sign up for future PPOs until the balance is fully repaid.” It’s their mistake but it’s your problem. Until you pay up it’s no PPOs for you. 

When an acting director in favour of the monopoly violates the code of conduct by misappropriating the CWB logo to try and get himself elected this is what happens. Continue reading →

Rolf Penner- Another day goes by and we find out that Bill Toews has broken another rule.  He has illegally put his signs on provincial roadways.

 The pattern continues Mr. Toews seems to think that he is somehow above the election rules and provincial laws. I’m willing to bet that he will not comply with this directive, that he will not take responsibility for his actions and that Manitoba taxpayers are going to have to pick up the tab for Toews illegal activities. 

 Below is the email that all candidates got today.

 Gentlemen Continue reading →

Rolf Penner- I’m getting all sorts of reports this morning about Bill Toews signs that have yet to receive the duct tape treatment. It’s now been three days since he was told to fix this and the jobs still not done.  Is there a shortage of duct tape or is he deliberately dragging his heels on this?

And not a peep out of the CWB on this.  If we don’t hear from them we’re going to have to assume that they’re officially endorsing Bill Toews.  Why not send them an email or give them a call asking them just that. ”Why are you endorsing Bill Toews?”

 1-800-275-4292   email  questions@cwb.ca      or try the

Media relations contact (204) 983- 3101, by fax at (204) 983-4678  email maureen_fitzhenry@cwb.ca

Rolf Penner- Good grief Charlie Brown! Here we go again. Now Toews campaign literature has the CWB logo on it.

How’s he going to fix this one? Go door to door across the province and ask 5000 farmers if he can duct tape over their brochures?

This really does show poor judgement and it puts the Wheat Board in a very awkward, difficult and embarrassing position. It now needs to publicly state that even though its logo keeps appearing on Bill’s stuff they are not officially endorsing him over other candidates. And with ballots going in the mail this week they’re going to have to do it fast.  

Rolf Penner- All candidates in the Wheat Board Directors elections got the following email this past Saturday morning from Ian Craven the elections coordinator at Meyers Norris Penny.

As of this morning the signs are still up in violation of the directive from the election coordinator.  It looks like the incumbent believes that these rules apply to people other than himself. It also raises serious questions as to the Boards neutrality in these elections.  An incumbent Director should know better, either he doesn’t, or he does, but doesn’t care.

Mr. Toews, the rules are there for everyone, you need to take down those signs. 

Update: I haven’t even been elected yet and already I’m getting results!

This afternoon I’m noticing duct tape on some (but not all) of Bill’s signs, covering up part of the CWB logo. He’s leaving the printing intact but covering up the little sheaf of wheat.  Stay tuned as the great Canadian Wheat Board directors election cover-up continues…   (this is as exciting as it gets folks!)