Farmers seed a field outside of Medicine Hat in April (CHAT News File Photo)

By Charles Lefebvre

Farm legislation

Local consultation dates set for proposed farm legislation

Jul 18, 2019 | 4:30 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — Albertans will have a chance to have their voices heard to help shape the province’s new farm safety legislation.

Two local consultations have been set for July 26 to gather feedback from farmers, ranchers and other stakeholders about the United Conservative Party’s proposed farm legislation.

The United Conservative Party campaigned to repeal Bill 6, the Enhanced Protection for Farm and Ranch Workers Act. The bill, passed in 2015, and coming into effect the next year, extended workplace legislation to farms and ranches with paid employees. It added basic safety standards under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and required insurance coverage under the Workers’ Compensation Board for waged, non-family employees.

The bill received significant criticism and protests before it was passed, with critics saying the bill would essentially end the family farm.

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During the election campaign, the United Conservative Party pledged to scrap Bill 6 and replace it with a bill of their own, the Farm Freedom and Safety Act. The act is expected to be released in the fall, following the consultation.

The government will seek input on subjects such as flexibility in meeting workplace standards, allowing choice for workplace insurance besides the Workers’ Compensation Board and exempting small farms from employment standards legislation, similar to current legislation in New Brunswick.

Meetings locally will take place in Brooks at the Heritage Inn on July 27 from 10 a.m. – noon, and in Irvine at the Community Hall from 6-8 p.m.

Those who cannot attend either of the events can also submit their feedback through an online survey.

The survey is available until August 31, and can be accessed here.