Court strikes down several claims in wheat board lawsuit, but case move ahead

OTTAWA – The federal court has struck down most of the claims in a lawsuit by supporters of the old Canadian Wheat Board, but the case is still moving forward.

The board supporters are seeking $17 billion for damages they claim were caused when the federal government ended the board’s monopoly over western wheat and barley sales.

Justice Daniele Tremblay-Lamer struck out several claims, including those for expropriation, unlawful interference with economic relations and breach of trust.

Tremblay-Lamer writes in the decision that the loss of the single marketing desk is not enough to claim a loss of a property interest by board supporters.

She also notes that the government has not replaced the wheat board as the marketer of grains and producers are still able to sell their grain to the same customers as before.

However, Tremblay-Lamer says claims by board supporters that there was mismanagement of revenues in 2011-2012 will continue to be heard.