EDMONTON- The Alberta government’s contentious farm safety bill has passed and once proclaimed, the first part of the Enhanced Protections for Farm and Ranch Workers Act will take effect on Jan. 1.
Bill 6 passed third reading at the legislature on Thursday morning after an emotional final round of debate. Energy Minister Marg McCuaig-Boyd, broke down in tears as she spoke about being threatened and cyberbullied over the issue.
Watch below: Energy Minister Margaret McCuaig-Boyd breaks down during final debate over Bill 6
The proposed legislation has seen large numbers of farmers speak up and protest to what many called as a threat to their way of life.
The bill will mean paid farm workers will be eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits if they are injured at work. They will also gain the right to refuse unsafe work under occupational health and safety regulations.
The government passed the bill by using its legislative prerogative to cut off debate. House leader Brian Mason said there had been 20 hours of debate at the second reading alone and said the crux of the bill was to provide to farm workers basic rights that workers in other industries have.
“People have been dying on farms. People are injured on farms,” Mason told the house. “Those lives are worthwhile. Those lives are valuable.”
READ MORE: Provincial government limits debate on Bill 6
The Notley government has said more specific rules on safety and labour relations will be drafted in the coming year after further consultation with farmers.
During the final round of debate, opposition members accused the NDP government of not listening to Albertans’ views on the issue.
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