While there's still a shortage of answers surrounding Bill 6, there's no question the Alberta's farm community's response to the NDP government's proposed farm labour legislation has captured the attention of many Albertans. RealAg's Shaun Haney and Jeff Nonay of Lakeside Dairy, a farmer near Edmonton, were guests on The Ryan Jesperson Show on Thursday... Read More
Category: Ag Policy
Following several large protests and opposition from the farm community, the Alberta government on Tuesday announced amendments to "clarify" Bill 6 — The Enhanced Protection for Farm and Ranch Workers Act. The proposed changes would: make clear Workers' Compensation Board coverage would be required only for paid employees, with an option for farmers to extend... Read More
The debate and protest over Bill 6 has taken several turns in the last ten days. One part of the debate has been over the definition of family farms in the discussion and whether family farms should be protected from Bill 6 legislation. Some farmers are pleading that the added costs of insurance are too... Read More
Details of Alberta’s proposed farm workplace regulations have yet to be formalized, but it’s important farmers remain engaged in shaping what any rules look like, says a farm leader from another NDP-run prairie province. Bill 6 would subject Alberta farms and ranches to Occupational Health and Safety Legislation while making Workers’ Compensation Board insurance coverage... Read More
Rallies continued in Alberta today, with many farmers and ranchers asking the NDP government to slow or halt Bill 6 – The Enhancement of Protection of Farm and Ranch Workers Act. “Alberta is the only province where OHS legislation does not apply to farms and ranches,” according to the Alberta Government’s FAQ page. “Alberta’s farm... Read More
Alberta's crop commissions have joined forces in urging the provincial government to delay the implementation of its new farm safety and labour legislation to further consult with farmers. “The current government process is causing fear and uncertainty to grasp the industry. Farmers can provide good input and are the subject matter experts on what will... Read More
Farmers and ranchers made their way to the Alberta Legislature today, to voice opposition to Bill 6. Their concerns were largely centred around the loss of a 'lifestyle,' and the 'family farm,' should the bill move forward. The rally was organized on Facebook, with another planned for Monday. Related: Alberta Labour Minister’s Perspective on Bill... Read More
Last week, the Alberta government announced the introduction of Bill 6, the Enhanced Protection for Farm and Ranchers Workers Act. Farmers have engaged in a hefty amount of debate on the new legislation. As the Minister of Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour states in the interview below, “this is a complex bill.” Read: Farm Safety... Read More
The Canadian Federation of Agriculture is hoping the arrival of new federal Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay will mark a change in the impact farmers have on public policy. MacAulay’s been on the job for less than a month, but so far Ron Bonnett likes what he sees. The CFA president received a call from the... Read More
The Ontario Federation of Agriculture has re-elected Don McCabe as its president for 2016. The Lambton County farmer was unopposed for the position, which he won for the second consecutive year during the OFA’s annual meeting in Toronto this week. Despite being acclaimed, there were some challenges for the returning president regarding how he and... Read More