NEWS

Dear Stakeholders,

My government has proposed the Farm Freedom and Safety Act (FFSA) to ensure sustainability in the agriculture sector by reducing the regulatory burden and getting Albertans back to work.  We are committed to a comprehensive consultation on how best to balance the unique economic needs of farming with the need for a common sense, flexible farm and ranch workplace legislation.

We are consulting on how new legislation can:

• Recognize that a farm is unlike other businesses and that farmers and ranchers require flexibility in meeting workplace standards.
• Require employers to have workplace insurance, but allow the choice of market insurance or the Workers’ Compensation Board as long as basic standards of coverage are met.
• Exempt small farms from employment standards legislation.
• Minimize red tape and reduce the regulatory burden on farmers and ranchers, while still ensuring basic safety standards.

We are seeking targeted input directly from farmers, ranchers, agricultural workers, and others, as well as indirectly from a broader audience:

• A survey is now available at https://www.alberta.ca/farm-freedom-and-safety-engagement.aspx, and I encourage you to share it with your members.
• Social media links on Facebook and Twitter that you can share and re-Tweet.
• You may also see me and other MLAs across the province this summer as we participate in grassroots conversations with Albertans about the Farm Freedom and Safety Act.  For more information about these opportunities I encourage you and your members to contact your local MLA office.

I hope you take this opportunity to ensure your voice is heard.

Sincerely,

Honourable Devin Dreeshen
Minister, Agriculture and Forestry

FROM THE BYLAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICE     Colm Fitz-Gerald, Community Peace Officer

Coronation RCMP Encouraging Residents to Join the #9PMRoutine

Coronation, Alta. – RCMP along with Paintearth County Peace Officer are advising the public to ensure their properties are secured and valuables removed from their vehicles.

The Coronation RCMP are requesting local residents within Paintearth County to follow simple steps for crime prevention, such as those outlined in the #9PMRoutine. Getting in a daily routine of checking the security of your property can deter crime and protect your hard earned belongings.

Most thefts are crimes of opportunity which means that the criminal is looking for unlocked vehicles or houses where they can easily steal property. By removing valuables from vehicles and by locking cars and homes, we remove the easy opportunity and most criminals will then move on to easier pickings.

The #9PMRoutine recommends:

• Removing valuables from vehicles.
• Ensuring vehicles are locked, windows are closed and if possible, parked in a garage.
• Closing garage doors and windows.
• Locking all doors in the garage, including those leading into a house.
• Checking that all house doors – front, back, side and garage – are locked.
• Ensuring all windows are shut.
• Turning on an exterior light.

It’s 9 p.m. Are you locked up and secure for the night? Join the movement by using #9PMRoutine and following our social media accounts on Twitter (@RCMPAlberta) and Facebook (@RCMPinAlberta).

Coronation RCMP encourage citizens to report suspicious persons and vehicles to police. Contact the Coronation RCMP at 403-578-3666 or call your local police. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the "P3 Tips" app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.

Media Contact: Sgt. Jason Smith, Coronation RCMP  County Community Peace Officer: Colm Fitz-Gerald

Follow the link to directly provide your input: https://www.alberta.ca/farm-freedom-and-safety-engagement.aspx,