Monthy Report from the District 2 Directors

By Shawn Bourgeois and Norm Nordgulen

Dear Reps and Members, this is our is first Report, followng APAS December 2008 AGM. Below you will find our take on:

  1. Overview of APAS audited financial statements  (Audited Financial Statements)
  2. APAS resolutions - Governance, membership and policy
  3. General Commentary, including update on executive elections, District two directors elections and APAS renewed focus.

 

Please note:       More information is now available on our new website www.APAS.ca

APAS Resolutions - Governance

At the 2008 APAS AGM, the Representatives passed a resolution to allow a twelve member Board of Directors nominate and elect the Executive.  There were valid points spoken both for and against this resolution.    Perhaps, the most notable argument for this resolution was made by a Rep who indicated that a Board nominated and elected Executive would provide for a more informed decision based on Directors having an existing close and personal relationship with the nominee.    Some Reps complained that they were electing an Executive based on one five minute speech given every AGM.  Although this lends well to a ‘grass roots’ organization, it can become an awkward and cumbersome organization if there is a breakdown in consolidated intent between the Board and Executive.  Most notable arguments against this resolution spoke for the need to maintain an open democracy from the Executive straight to the Reps.   In the event of the Reps not being satisfied with the Executive, change can then be swiftly dealt at each AGM to make the desired shifts in leadership.  My sense is that the Representatives believed a change in this structure was needed.  The resolution passed.  Although each Rep had their own personal idea of why this change was needed, I believe, after talking to a number of Reps, that the general consensus was as follows:  In order for APAS to have an effective lobby with the provincial and federal governments, APAS needs to demonstrate stability as an organization as well as consolidation amongst its members.  The unfortunate circumstance between some of the past Executive and Board members threatened that stability and consolidation.  A Board nominated and elected Executive will naturally eliminate needless future impasses which are not agricultural policy related.  This will be made possible by a more focused and intimate selection of a qualified Executive by the Board.

A resolution forwarded by District Two calling for APAS to allow individual rebates to member R.M.’s was passed with significant majority.  This will underscore the organization’s focus on maintaining a close ear to the supporting members.  It will allow for an even more open channel of communication between the ratepayers and the Board of Directors and Executive.   By having the APAS office administer these rebates to the RM, another channel of communication is set up between ratepayers and management.  Along with voicing concerns to your local representative, you now have two powerful means to deliver your message to your organization.

APAS Resolutions - Agriculture Policy

In consideration of world economic events witnessed in the last quarter of 2008, a tone of sobering concern for Saskatchewan agriculture represented a marked difference over discussions at last year’s AGM.  There was interesting debate concerning having a national policy on agriculture with an emphasis on domestic consumption of goods, increased value added production in Canada with more clear labeling guidelines, and removing interprovincial trade barriers allowing for a more streamlined conduit to processors and consumers. 

A resolution passed suggesting that APAS lobby for a return to a provincially funded program allowing new farmers a financial start in farming.  The mechanics of it seem sound.  The basics of the program would allow a new farmer to have loans secured by the provincial government with a portion of the loan forgiven every year by the government.  The government would use interest income received from the balance of the mortgage to pay for the forgivable portions of the loan.   We would be most willing to explain this plan to you in greater detail.  Please feel free to give us a call!  Remember, we are not only interested in informing you about such ideas but we also would greatly appreciate your input!

 

Other resolutions passed regarding policy positions that should be advanced to other farm organizations and federal and provincial governments:

Sufficient payment on either a per acre or productivity basis to encourage producers to retain livestock, forage and grass.

Change Business Risk Management Programs to treat livestock producers equitably with grains and oilseeds producers.

 

Continued opposition to Country of Origin Labeling (COOL).

APAS also passed a resolution to lobby the government to relent on repayment of the cattle cash advance or making another one available.  For greater detail on policy discussions, either in governance or agricultural policy, please feel free to contact me at any time.  As always, if there are initiatives you would like to add to or criticize, we would appreciate the opportunity to make certain your thoughts are known at our next District meeting.

  General Commentary

Executive Elections

APAS now elects the executive through a Board nomination and vote.  Greg Marshall of the RM of Mount Hope #279 was elected President.  Don Connick of the RM of Carmichael #109 and Jeff Simpson of the RM of Mountain View of #318 were elected Vice-Presidents. 

Director Elections – District Two

Norm Nordgulen of the RM of Rivers #72 and myself, Shawn Bourgeois of the RM of Wood River #74, were elected as District Two’s new Directors.  A very special thanks goes to Aaron Strauss and Jim Thorson for their countless hours of hard work on behalf of District 2 and APAS.  Their intelligence, focus on change, and overall ability as  Directors will be greatly missed.  District 2 looks forward to their continued insight in forwarding agricultural policy and APAS success as informed Representatives.

APAS – Aim of Renewed Focus

The 2008 AGM presented a positive diversion from some of the old issues which have caused some grief to members in the last 15 months.  The members expressed a real fatigue over some of the non-agricultural policy related issues which have come forward in the past.  Replacing that fatigue was real enthusiasm that the organization may emerge as a largely united group with a vigorous focus on agricultural policy.  As Jim Thorson mentioned to me during the AGM, “All organizations must go through periods of refocus and consolidation… with success comes growing pains”.  I believe that Jim provides helpful insight in that comment.  Understanding that APAS is going through a challenging period indicates that the organization must refocus, and with success, will be stronger as a result.  Not unlike running a farming operation, there are few mistakes to be emphasized here…only lessons.

For those RM’s considering  joining or maintaining membership in APAS, we encourage you to contact the head office directly at 306-789-7774.  Nial Kuyek will be pleased to review membership details with you.  Also, please visit our new website at www.APAS.ca, where you can read highlights of recent events and membership benefits.

Remember, this organization is yours.  Put it to work for you.  Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Shawn Bourgeois                            Norm Nordgulen
Director - District 2                        Director – District 2
RM#74 Wood River                       RM#72 Lake of the River  

shawnbourgeois@sasktel.net    lindanorm@sasktel.net
Ph: 306-472-7704                          Ph: 306-642-4961