New Choice, New Democracy for Alberta's Check-off
ALBERTA, CANADA - The Government of Alberta has recently introduced important legislation that will allow producers to decide for themselves how their check-off dollars will be spent.
12 May 2009
2 minute read
"Choice is fundamental to democracy. Without choice there is no democracy. That is why this legislation is so important; it returns choice to our industry." Says a Beef Industry Alliance press release.
According to the alliance, the beef industry is critical to the Alberta economy but it is one of the few industries that has been forced by law to pay a tax to one and only one organisation every time a bovine is sold. The new legislation introduced by the Government of Alberta changes that by making the checkoff refundable.
"A refundable check-off means that you decide where your check-off dollars go. It allows you to support the causes that you feel are important to our industry." Says the release. "If you want your check-off dollars to continue to go to ABP then that is your choice. If on the other hand, there are other organisations that you believe will be more effective at advancing our industry, then you have the choice to support them.
"That is why it is so disappointing that ABP does not support this new legislation. At a time when our industry should be uniting to confront issues like access to international markets, ABP seems to be seeking to divide us.
"A refundable check-off is an enduring plebiscite. Each year producers will now be able to vote with their check-off dollars by supporting the organisation of their choice. Organisations will now have to earn your trust and your check-off dollars. This will bring accountability to our industry`s governance."
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