Consulting with Farmers and Agribusinesses
On September 8th, 2020, MPP Sylvia Jones, joined Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Ernie Hardeman along with Dufferin-Caledon farmers and agribusinesses for a roundtable to consult and receive feedback on proposed regulations for the Security from Trespass and Protecting Food Safety Act, 2020. This legislation was introduced to address concerns about food safety, biosecurity and farm families feeling unsafe in their own homes.
“It was great that representatives from both the Peel and Dufferin Federations of Agriculture and the Dufferin-Wellington Christian Farmers took the time today, to speak directly to Minister Hardeman,” said Jones. “Their input helps the Minister to clearly define the provisions that will be included in the regulations. This is necessary to reduce the risks posed by on-farm trespass and to better protect Ontario’s animal and food supply chain.”
“Our government will always stand with Ontario’s agri-food heroes who work hard everyday so that food remains on grocery store shelves and family dinner tables – especially at this challenging time,” said Minister Hardeman. “I truly appreciate hearing what Ontario’s farmers and members of the agriculture sector have to say about the Act, and I invite the public to provide their thoughts and feedback on the proposed regulations.”
Nearly 130 municipalities passed or supported council resolutions calling on the government to strengthen protections for farm families, employees and animals. This is part of the government’s commitment to protecting the health and safety of our agri-food sector, farm animal welfare and food safety.
To address an urgent public safety concern, on September 2nd the Ontario government proclaimed a portion of the Act which prohibit stopping, hindering, obstructing or otherwise interfering with a motor vehicle transporting farm animals.
The legislation respects rights of people to participate in legal protests that take place in public spaces, provided such protests do not have the potential to cause harm. Careful work was put into crafting this Act to balance the rights of farmers and their farm operations as well as the rights for people to participate in lawful protests on public property.
Opportunity to provide written submissions on the provisions of the Act is open until October 15, 2020, by visiting Ontario’s Regulatory Registry. If you have any questions about the online submissions, please contact MPP Jones office at 1-800-265-1603.
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