WARKENTIN CALLS FOR NDP GOVERNMENT TO OPEN INFORMATION MEETINGS TO ALL FARMERS AND WITHDRAW BILL 6 UNTIL FARMERS HAVE BEEN CONSULTED
GRANDE-PRAIRIE, November 26, 2015 – Peace Country farmers have become increasingly concerned over the proposed Provincial NDP Government legislation known as Bill 6. An Information Session on this extremely controversial bill is scheduled for today in Grande Prairie, however in their attempts to register this morning, untold numbers of Peace Country farmers are finding out they are being locked out of these meetings as they cannot register to attend.
Bill 6 was introduced on November 17, 2015, and proposes substantial changes to every area of farm life.
“Farm families are some of the most responsible, generous, respected and conscientious members of our communities and form the bedrock of our rural economies throughout Alberta. Farmers and their families work hard to produce the best and safest food in the world,” said Chris Warkentin.
“Farms are not just businesses; they are a way of life for thousands of Albertans. We are proud of the contributions that farm families make to our communities and to the Province and we believe that they must be consulted, and listened to, prior to any changes being made that will impact their livelihoods.”
“Improving safety on farms is important, but poorly drafted legislation will hinder the ability for Alberta producers to support their families and contribute to our communities. Any proposed legislative changes should be grounded in common sense, give adequate time for farmers to adopt, and not be an attempt to apply a one-size-fits-all framework from other industries to farm life.”
Warkentin, who represents a largely agricultural riding, has already heard from numerous farm families who are extremely unhappy that they have been excluded from consultations.
“This morning, I spoke to dozens of very upset and concerned farmers who have been unable to register for the public consultations,” Warkentin said.
“On behalf of Peace Country residents and farm families across the Province, I demand that all consultations on this bill be open to the public so that any and every concerned farmer can voice their concerns. I also ask that the provincial government halt the advancement of any legislation until farmers have been properly and thoroughly consulted.” Warkentin said.
For more information, please contact Chris Warkentin, MP at: (780) 538-1677