Tractor in sugar beet field -- LethbridgeNewsNOw

By Dori Modney

Province embarks on farm freedom and safety consultations

Jul 12, 2019 | 1:54 PM

EDMONTON — The provincial government is going to take a another look at farm safety legislation.

The UCP government’s stance is that the previous government’s Bill 6 was passed with limited public input and in the face of strong opposition from farmers. The UCP government will repeal Bill 6 and introduce the Farm Freedom and Safety Act after a period of extensive consultation.

Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Devin Dreeshen, views farms and ranches as operating differently than other employers in Alberta.

“Alberta farmers need common-sense rules that promote farm safety – not process, not red tape. We’re going to repeal Bill 6, and I plan to meet with farmers this summer to develop the legislation to replace it.”

Minister Dreeshen will participate in a consultation tour this summer, meeting with farmers, ranchers and organizations across the province. He and MLAs will participate in grassroots conversations with Albertans about the Farm Freedom and Safety Act, to fulfill the government’s commitment to launch comprehensive consultations with farmers, ranchers and agricultural workers.

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Based on previous initial discussions with agriculture organizations, the government will be looking for input in the following areas:

• 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
• minimizing red tape and reducing the regulatory burden on farmers and ranchers, while still ensuring basic safety standards

An online survey is also available for the public to share their views and will be open until August 31, 2019.

Detailed information about the Government’s Farm Freedom and Safety Act can be found on the provincial website.