Canada: Appeal of ruling upholding wheat board's barley monopoly to be heard February 26, 2008

The Federal Court of Appeal has scheduled a one-day hearing in February to consider the federal government's case against a ruling that upheld the Canadian Wheat Board's barley monopoly, according to Canadian Press, December 12.

A spokesperson at the Canadian Wheat Board confirmed that the hearing will take place in Winnipeg Feb. 26.

A judge ruled in July that the Prime Minister Stephen Harper's Conservative government overstepped its authority with its plans to strip the wheat board of its monopoly on barley sales.

The court ruling said the government overstepped by trying to eliminate the board's monopoly by a simple cabinet order, instead of legislation that would have to be debated in the House of Commons and Senate.

The Harper government said in late August it would appeal that decision.

The Opposition Liberals and the NDP both support leaving the board's monopoly intact.

The issue has divided grain producers, some of whom say the board ensures higher prices, while others say they would get more cash selling their grain on the open market.

12 December, 2007