MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY - The county’s agricultural service board (ASB) is sending a letter to the Senate of Canada, Red Deer-Mountain View Member of Parliament Earl Dreeshen, and the federal minister of agriculture expressing concerns with proposed pandemic-related legislation (Bill C-293) and its possible impact on the agriculture industry.
The move came by way of motion at the board’s Dec. 16 meeting. The ASB is made up of county councillors and members of the agriculture community.
The federal Bill C-293 has already received second reading in the House of Commons and is now before the Senate.
Regarding the agriculture industry, the bill states that “After consultation with the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Minister of Industry and provincial governments, provide for measures to reduce risks posed by antimicrobial resistance, regulate commercial activities that can contribute to pandemic risk, including industrial animal agriculture.”
Bill C-293 also calls for the ministers to “promote commercial activities that can help reduce pandemic risk, including production of alternative proteins.”
The ASB passed a motion to forward a letter outlining concerns with Bill C-293, including impacts on agriculture and food supply, provincial jurisdiction, and economic impacts.
Regarding the legislation’s possible impact on agriculture and food supply, the letter states, in part, that, “The bill’s language around regulating high-risk activities, particularly in the context of industrial animal agriculture, is vague and could lead to significant disruptions in the agri-food sector.”
Regarding provincial jurisdiction, the letter states, in part, that, “Agriculture and health care are areas where provinces have significant authority, and the bill’s provisions could bypass local health measures and fail to account for region-specific conditions.
Regarding powers outlined in the bill, the letter states, in part, that, “The lack of specificity creates uncertainty and could lead to broad interpretations that disrupt essential services and industries.”
Regarding economic impact, the letter states, in part, that, “The bill’s provisions could lead to increased costs for farmers and ranchers, who may need to invest in new technologies or alter their practices to comply with the regulations. This could result in high prices of consumers.”
The ABS has included a number of recommendation vis-a-vis Bill C-293.
• Clarify definitions: Provide a clear definitions for terms such as ‘high-risk activities’ to prevent broad and subjective interpretations.
• Respect provincial jurisdiction: Ensure that the bill includes provision for collaboration with provincial governments and respects their authority over agriculture and health care.
• Economic impact assessment: Conduct thorough assessments of the potential economic impacts on the agriculture sector and include measures to mitigate any adverse effects.
• Stakeholder consultation: Engage with stakeholders, including farmers, ranchers, and provincial authorities, to ensure their concerns are adequately addressed.
ASBs in a number of other jurisdictions have also sent out letters expressing concerns with C-293.
