By Dori Modney (@Dori_Modney on Twitter)

Unofficial ABP plebiscite results – continue refundable service charge

Dec 3, 2018 | 1:37 PM

CALGARY —  The Alberta Agricultural Products Marketing Council (Marketing Council) has releaed unnofficial results of the Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) service charge plebiscite.
 
ABP Chair Charlie Christie admits he was hoping to see more producers vote in the plebiscite but, appreciates the effort of those who did vote, and hopes all beef producers will concur with the vote’s outcome.
 
“In a democracy, decisions are made by the people who participate and as we’ve said all along, Alberta Beef Producers will honour the decision made by producers and the service charge will remain refundable.”
 
There were 1874 votes cast by producers between October 19 and November 27, 2018 with 962 votes (51.3%) in favour of a refundable service charge model and 908 votes (48.5%) in favour of a non-refundable service charge model. Four ballots (0.2%) were spoiled.

ABP has received many resolutions from producers at fall meetings over the years, supporting a non-refundable service charge. The requests lead ABP and the Alberta Cattle Feeders’ Association (ACFA) to support a non-refundable service charge and they requested a plebiscite on the issue.  
 
The results mean producers will continue to pay service charges, but retain the ability to request a refund following the process outlined in the ABP regulations.

ACFA Chair, Ryan Kasko,  respects the decision of producers that voted.
 
“While we wish the results were in favour of a non-refundable service charge and would have liked to see a higher voter turnout, we will continue to work hard to strengthen industry collaboration and create efficiencies regardless of the outcome.”
 
Results of the plebiscite can be contested by challenging the voting process to the Returning Officer before December 11, 2018; however, ABP intends to abide by the producers’ decision.