The Enhanced Protection for Farm and Ranch Workers Act was passed December 10, 2015, only 23 days after first reading despite being met with widespread opposition in the public and the legislative assembly. This legislation, which came into effect January 1, 2016, applies to Alberta farm and ranch producers with paid employees and excludes family members, including children. As of January 1 the changes that affect paid, non-family workers include:
The Government of Alberta has also announced that consultations will be held with farmers, ranchers and other stakeholders to design workplace regulations that reflect the unique nature of the farm and ranch industry. The consultations will focus on the following six tables:
Chairs and members of these tables will be appointed in February 2016 with representatives being drawn from agricultural producer groups, municipal governments, agriculture service boards, labour, and individual producers and employees. WSGA will be putting forth nominations for representatives at these tables.
For more information and to provide further feedback, you can call the government information line at 1-866-415-8690. Or email them at farmandranch@gov.ab.ca.