photo courtesy rdnewsNOW/Josh Hall

By rdnewsNOW Staff

FARM SAFETY

Consultations begin on farm freedom and safety

Jul 13, 2019 | 9:31 AM

Albertans are being invited to participate in an online survey to help shape the future of farm workplace legislation.

According to government officials, farms and ranches are said to operate differently than other employers in the province, saying the previous government’s Bill 6 was passed with limited public input and in the face of strong opposition from farmers.

As a result, officials say the government now plans to repeal Bill 6 and introduce the Farm Freedom and Safety Act after a period of extensive consultation.

“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,” says Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, in a press release.

“I appreciate that Minister Dreeshen is seeking feedback from the farm and ranch community in advance of tabling new farm safety legislation,” adds Allison Ammeter, a central Alberta farmer. “We all value farm safety and employee protection, but recognize we are a unique work environment with unique requirements. I appreciate our collective voice will be heard by the government while crafting this bill.”

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Minister Dreeshen is expected to 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 is also anticipated to seek input on recognizing that a farm is unlike other businesses, and that farmers and ranchers require flexibility in meeting workplace standards.

The proposed new bill would also require employers to have workplace insurance but allow a choice of market insurance or the Workers’ Compensation Board, if basic coverage standards are met.

In addition, it would exempt small farms from employment standards legislation, similar to that of New Brunswick and promote education and best practices to improve farm safety.

Finally, the new bill would also aim to minimize red tape and reduce the regulatory burden on farmers and ranchers, while still ensuring basic safety standards.

An online survey is available to members of the public looking to share their views.

The online survey is open until Aug. 31, 2019.

(With files from the Government of Alberta)