February 2003

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Lean and mean beef man blasts the Liberal machine

ST. ALBERT — Henry Vanerdbyl told a packed community centre what others dared not say.

Before a crowd of 180 farmers Sept. 16 and in front of Liberal MP Don Bourdria, Conservative leader Peter Mackay, OFA president Ron Bonnett and CFA president Rob Frieson, Vandenbyl let his fury fall on the Liberal government.

It peaked when he threw out his hands in despair. "By geeze, Mr. Boudria, this federal government has to get off its ass and get us some help."

After receiving thundering applause, Vanderbyl boomed: "Where has Vanclief been all summer – playing golf? Where is the plan? How long will it take? How many farmers have to go bankrupt? Does one farmer have to go bankrupt first?"

Referring to the BSE crisis that began May 20 when one Alberta cow was found to have mad cow disease, Vanderbly’s voice broke with emotion during question period when he spoke of his own family situation and the help he received from friends. "We came really close to losing our farm because of BSE."

All eyes were riveted on Vanderbyl during his berating of the federal government when one of his brothers walked up to the microphone and quietly told Vanderbly sit down. "No, I won’t sit down," Vanderyl replied, adding that he’d have to be dragged out by the police officer standing at the back of the St. Albert community Centre.

Vanderbyl left the microphone in disgust as almost half of the farmers in the hall stood up and applauded him.

It was Vanderbyl’s thunder that uncovered the worst. With deadpan face, Liberal MP Don Boudria revealed the Liberal government had no plan to handle what is becoming the largest single agricultural crisis in the history of Canada. Boudria credited Vanclief for partially opening the border and said Vanclief "has been busy on this." He did not provide any details of what the word "busy" translates to.