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,4-Orono Weekly Times, Wednesday, March 30th, 1979 Mainstream Canada A Dicey Issue a double pricing system to squeeze the competition," says Bertrand. "In some cases, the big firms' price to the end user is less than the wholesale price to the independent distributor." Bertrand claims many smaller companies are at least as efficient -- perhaps more efficient -- than their multinational counterparts. "Small firms are beating the hell out of larger companies, companies, particularly in areas where innovation is important," important," he says. "The small and medium-sized business sector is dynamite in the Canadian Canadian economy." Bertrand's solution to the • situation as it exists: "Wp need a new competition bill'; and we need it now," he says. "The survival of our independent independent business community hangs in the balance." Farmer cost to again rise By W. Ro'ger Worth Robert Bertrand is not . your average bureaucrat. Armed Armed with a sheaf of degrees from some of the world's leading universities, Bertrand is now slugging it out in the trenches, attempting to protect protect Canada's independent businesses from being squeezed squeezed by large multinational companies. Bertrand's official title is Director of Investigation and Research .enforcing Canada's Combines Investigation Act, but he's also an advocate of new legislation forcing stronger competition, perhaps perhaps reducing consumer prices. What's unusual is that government bureaucrat Bertrand Bertrand has been allowed to be so publicly outspoken in his denunciation of big business, business, seemingly damning the kingpins of Canadian commerce commerce every chance he géts. "It's a Wonder Bertrand Still has a job," says Toronto Toronto businessman Gordon Quinn. "He really hits big Roger Worth is Director, Public Affairs, Canadiih Federation of Independent Business. business where it hurts, charging charging the multinationals are less than competitive, in addition to squeezing independent companies." What so upsets Bertrand is the successful 10-year battle battle waged by major firms to delay tough, new competition competition legislation, bringing Canadian Canadian law more into line with standards in the U.S. ■ The multinationals, oij.the other hand, argue vehemently vehemently the changes would 8 halt needed integration of larger firms, depriving them of the economies of scale that allow cheap production, both for Canadian and international markets. Not so, says Bertrand,re- ' futing presentations made by .'every major lobbying group from the powerful Business Council on National Issues to the Canadian Construction Association. "Every time protected big business has a chance it.simply it.simply doesn't compete with the rest of the world," he says. "Northern Electric, for example, example, sells telephones cheaper cheaper in the U.S. than it does in Canada. How come?" Bertrand also says the multinationals are taking advantage advantage of their position by squeezing small firms, driving driving some of them out of business. He cites the petroleum companies, concrete manufacturers, manufacturers, the tire producers and the steel and forestry industries industries as sectors where big firms are using unfair methods methods to drive independent distributors and processors out of business. "Some big companies that both manufacture products an4 compete with distributors distributors and processors at the retail retail and wholesale levels use , Recent statistics have indicated indicated that farmers may expect to pay 10 to 35 percent more for fertilizer, seed, machinery and farm labour, Ralph Barrie, First Vice- . President, Ontario Federation Federation of Agriculture (OFA), said recently. Speaking to the Annual Meeting of Prince Edward County Federation of Agriculture, Agriculture, where Governor- General Ed Schreyer was the honoured guest, Mr. Barrie added, there might also be a shortage in many products. "All of this could quickly erode any advantages made in agricultu. e in recent years, with our better production techniques and higher output". output". The big problem could be in petroleum products, Mr. Barrie Barrie explained. Price increases, increases, both in diesel and gas, are expected and there could be serious shortages: allocation allocation has already been dec lared in some areas in the U.S. Mr. Barrie said, estimates indicate increases in fertilizer costs could range from 15 to 20 percent: in fact increases of 30 percent over last year could be anticipated for potash, because of the low supply and transportation problems. Small seeds - alfalfa, clover and timothy - are going to be expensive and in short supply, supply, he added, because of the low yields of last year and because European dealers have bought up much of the supply. * • Chemical costs are expected expected to increase by 15-20 percent: coarse grains - oats, barley - are the only products where the price might drop slightly, he added. General farm supplies will increase by 10 to 35 percent, depending on whether they're from Canada, the U.S., Eur ope and Asia - the main reason for the rise is the devalued Canadian dollar. "As Ontario farmers, we must be very conscious that' we are in the spotlight as consumers grope for someone to blame for the so-called high food prices. We must give - them a true picture of our problems." "At the same time," he added, "farmers must be careful not to rest on their laurels as honest, hardworking, hardworking, high productive producers. producers. We must strive for even greater output, expand ed markets, increase ant improve research and new managerial techniques". With this approach, we should be able to gain the support of consumers in our attempt to obtain the proper legislation to enable farmers to produce more efficiently and economically. "We must look for initiative and resourcefulness from our own people," he added. "Farmers helping farmers have been the motto of OFA for a long time: I think it's even more important now than ever before." Concerned over road to Japanese recreational centre Counc. Ann Cowman on Monday night expressed a concern over road access to the proposed Japanese Canadian Canadian Cultural Centre to be built east of Orono. She said having this concern she could not support a recommendation recommendation from the Planning committee committee to give approval in •principal to the project. Mayor Rickard said the road access had not been resolved at this time but that the Director of Public Works would have comment as to this matter before any final approval. Counc. Cowman presented an amendment that they received the proposal to establish the Recreation Cen tre east of Orono for information information to be used for the necessary public hearings etc. The Director of Planning was also given authority to process the application as soon as possible and to report back to council. The amendment was seconded seconded by Councillor Holliday and passed by council: 1 Great Pine Ridge Kinsmen and their annual FERTILIZER DRIVE^-g^ Saturday, March 31 Kinsmen will be around in trucks. Regular Weed and Lawn Fertilizer Feed 1 $4.50 $7.00 Please give us more of your support in helping to pay for Arena and Community Room. * Read howbuying'Onlario' saves you fooadollars Ontario's good summer crops of vegetables and fruits are in the stores now. Many are fresh--cabbage, carrots, apples, potatôes, parsnips, rutabagas and more. Others are canned or frozen. But aIf of them bring you the good taste for which Ontario produce is famous. If you compare the prices of these Ontarib foods with prices of imports, it's easy to see why Ontario fruits 'and vegetables vegetables are one of the good food bargains in your store. And not only do you get good value when you buy Ontario products, you also help strengthen Ontario's economy.. ' Good things grow in Ontario Whenever you shop, look for the Foodland • Ontario symbol. It helps tell you you're buying genuine Ontario food. If you don't see the symbol, speak to your store manager. Bill Newman, Minister of Agriculture and Food William Davis,.Premier Province of Ontario