Well the SpeNDPers passed Bill 6 using closure and sealed their fate as a one term government.
Majority of Alberta farmers oppose mandatory ‘one-size-fits-all’ legislation
Calgary, December 10, 2015 –The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) today released survey data highlighting farmers’ serious concerns about the Alberta Government’s Bill 6 - the Enhanced Protection for Farm and Ranch Workers Act.
According to the CFIB research, Alberta farmers say the most effective ways to promote farm safety are making safety measures more affordable (51 per cent), safety promotions at farm shows/demonstrations (45 per cent), and safety education programs in schools (42 per cent). Only seven per cent of Alberta farmers say government legislative requirements are most effective at promoting farm safety.
Farmers care about their employees; in fact, most of their employees are friends and family. “CFIB members believe one farm fatality is one too many. That’s why the Alberta government needs to listen to farmers and focus on practical ways to improve farm safety, rather than imposing blanket rules that don’t reflect the realities of farming,” said Amber Ruddy, CFIB’s Alberta Director.
“Even with the amendments to exempt family members, there are many outstanding concerns with Bill 6. There are fundamental flaws in the legislation that will hamper growth and development of our agricultural sector. Given this, the government needs to stop and consult with Alberta farmers.”
CFIB’s data reveals mandatory inclusion of legislation included in Bill 6 would have a negative impact on their farms:
· 79 per cent say mandatory inclusion of agriculture under the Employment Standards and Labour Code would have a negative impact on their business
· 75 per cent say mandatory inclusion of agriculture under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OH&S) would have a negative impact on their business
· 62 per cent say mandatory inclusion of agriculture under the Workers’ Compensation Act (WCB) would have a negative impact on their business
“Occupational Health & Safety, WCB, Employment Standards and the Labour Code were not written with the realities of farming in mind. Agriculture is not a nine to five business, especially during peak production, like harvest or calving season. We know calves aren’t all born before 4:59 pm,” added Ruddy. “Alberta’s economy is already fragile and Bill 6 will hit Alberta’s agriculture sector hard. The Government should be working to keep agriculture competitive in order to attract the next generation of farmers. Unfortunately, Bill 6 will do the exact opposite.”
“Clearly there are many reasons why Bill 6 is unworkable for Alberta farmers,” said Ruddy. “We urge the government to stop, listen and start a genuine consultation with farmers to find ways to improve farm safety without threatening the livelihood of thousands of Alberta producers.”