Consultations begin on farm freedom and safety

By Janet Kanters Times Editor

The provincial government is repealing Bill 6, the Enhanced Protection for Farm and Ranch Workers Act. In its place, the government is set to introduce the Farm Freedom and Safety Act after a period of extensive consultation.
Bill 6 set off enormous protests from farmers and opposition parties when it was passed in the fall of 2015. According to today’s new provincial government, farms and ranches operate differently than other employers in Alberta, and the previous government’s Bill 6 was passed with limited public input and in the face of strong opposition from farmers.
“Alberta farmers need common-sense rules that promote farm safety – not process, not red tape,” said Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry. “We’re going to repeal Bill 6, and I plan to meet with farmers this summer to develop the legislation to replace it.”
Dreeshen will undertake a consultation tour this summer, meeting with farmers, ranchers and organizations across the province.
In response to initial discussions with agriculture organizations, the government will seek input on recognizing that a farm is unlike other businesses, and that farmers and ranchers require flexibility in meeting workplace standards; requiring employers to have workplace insurance but allowing a choice of market insurance or the Workers’ Compensation Board, if basic coverage standards are met; exempting small farms from employment standards legislation, similar to New Brunswick; promoting education and best practices to improve farm safety; and minimizing red tape and reducing the regulatory burden on farmers and ranchers, while still ensuring basic safety standards.
An online survey is also available to members of the public looking to share their views: https://extranet.gov.ab.ca/opinio6/s?s=45800.
The online survey is open until Aug. 31, 2019. Meanwhile, Dreeshen has already met with key industry leaders and will be at events across the province this summer, seeking input from Alberta’s farmers and ranchers.
In addition, the minister and other MLAs will participate in grassroots conversations with Albertans about the Farm Freedom and Safety Act throughout the summer.