The beef cattle sector could be impacted by pending legislation.
According to Alberta Beef Producers, Bills C-282 and 293 are in the spotlight federally and at the provincial level Bill 28 is another to watch closely.
Mark Lyseng, ABP Government Relations and Policy Lead, highlights the fact that ABP supports Alberta’s Bill 28. He says “it aims to increase fines for the sale of uninspected meats from $10,000 to $100,000 and increase the allowable investigation time from one year to two years. Selling uninspected meat in Alberta is illegal, and ABP supports this move to further deter unlawful sales.”
Lyseng says Bill C-282 looks to take supply management out of future trade negotiations but it is a fundamentally flawed policy that threatens the long-term sustainability of Canadian farmers and ranchers. He adds, Bill C-293 is a pandemic prevention and preparedness bill. Lyseng notes that the overall goal of the bill is good, however it unfairly targets animal agriculture.
He notes that efforts continue to correct legislation that would adversely impact producers. Lyseng says “ABP is working on producers behalf alongside other organizations both here in the province and nationally with organizations like the Canadian Cattle Association. We will keep your communication channels updated as we move forward on advocacy efforts.”
According to Lyseng, Bills C-282 and 293 have passed third reading in the House of Commons and currently are being considered in the Senate where amendments could be made before returning to the House.
