Airdrie is the next stop in a series of consultations on farm safety legislation by Alberta Agriculture minister Devin Dreeshen that will continue into late August.

Dreeshen will be in Airdrie on Aug. 19 for a two-hour engagement from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at 52 East Lake Ave. NE. It is the closest session to Cochrane on his provincewide tour. Later that day he will be holding a similar two-hour session in Okotoks

Airdrie-Cochrane MLA Peter Guthrie says he will be in attendance at the Airdrie engagement and is keen to hear from the farming community.

"We've been out notifying people in the community that may be interested in participating."

The government seeks 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.

The ministry is also accepting online input until Aug. 31 on employment standards, occupational health and safety, workers compensation and labour relations.

Agriculture minister Devin DreeshenIn launching the consultation tour this summer, Dreeshen says he wanted frank and honest discussions on the safety legislation with the farming industry.

"It will be very grassroots, talking to farmers in their areas to say what makes sense? What is actually practical, common-sense farm regulations, rather than just, 'Here's a big giant booklet or set of regulations that you're supposed to do'."

Innisfail hosted the first consultation in June that attracted over 100 participants.

Dreeshen says he believes they're on the right track.

"We asked the question at the end of the day, 'Are these questions the right questions we need to ask to actually get this consultation done right?', and I think it was over 97 per cent said yes."

The new UCP government believes the NDP's Bill 6 was passed with limited public input and in the face of strong opposition from farmers. The Kenney administration intends to repeal Bill 6 and introduce the Farm Freedom and Safety Act in the fall session. 

During the spring election campaign and in its Throne Speech, the UCP said their Farm Freedom and Safety Act would reduce the tax and regulatory burden on producers. It also aims to strengthen farmers' property rights.

SEE MORE:

Reduction in Taxes, New Regulations in Works for Farmers

(with notes from Jessica Giles, agriculture reporter)