Incumbent District 10 wheat board director Bill Toews is being criticized for using the Canadian Wheat Board’s “wheat” logo in his election material.
Farmers voting in the CWB election could get the impression Toews has the CWB’s endorsement, said Rolf Penner, who is one of four candidates running against Toews.
Last week the CWB issued a news release saying it doesn’t endorse candidates or the use of its logo by any candidate or third-party intervener.
Although Toews’ use of the logo on his signs and election flyer was unauthorized, election co-ordinator Ian Craven said there is no sanction for doing so under CWB election regulations.
If it’s an honest mistake it will be brought to the candidate’s attention, but if it’s a serious breach the matter could end up in court. The CWB Act outlines penalties in the event of a conviction, said CWB spokeswoman Maureen Fitzhenry.
“We look for ways for these things to be resolved amicably,” she said. “We want to make sure things are kept as fair and evenhanded and balanced as possible.”
During a previous CWB election, then election coordinator Peter Eckersley ruled the Western Canadian Wheat Growers Association should register as a third-party intervener. The association disagreed and did not register. No penalty was imposed.
Last week Toews said he wasn’t in a position to comment, except to say he used the logo to differentiate his signs from those of candidates running in the recent federal election. He said he has covered the logo with duct tape.
Neither Penner, nor Curtis Sims, who is also running against Toews, had any suggestions as to what, if any, penalty should be imposed.
“I’m not proposing any specific recourse of any sort, other than stop using it, except you can’t call back what’s already done,” Sims said.
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