Alberta Passes Controversial Farm-safety Bill; Changes Begin Jan. 1

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 10 Dec, 2015 11:48 AM

EDMONTON — Alberta's controversial farm bill has passed in the legislature following one final round of heated debate.

Once proclaimed, the first part of the Enhanced Protections for Farm and Ranch Workers Act will come into force on Jan. 1.

Paid farm workers will be eligible to receive workers' compensation benefits if they're hurt on the job.

They will also be allowed to refuse unsafe work, without fear of repercussion, under occupational health and safety rules.

More specific rules on safety, labour relations and employment standards are to be crafted in the coming year in consultation with farmers.

Before the bill passed, opposition members accused the government of not listening to constituents, while the New Democrats said a farm safety law is the right thing to do.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Richmond's Secret Decorator Mulls Seasonal Surprise As Minister Seeks Wreathed Lion Return To Bridge

Each Christmas, for more than 16 years, Mauro Azzano secretly hung wreaths and bows around the necks of the huge stone lions at the south end of the Lions Gate Bridge, connecting Vancouver and the North Shore.

Richmond's Secret Decorator Mulls Seasonal Surprise As Minister Seeks Wreathed Lion Return To Bridge

Telus To Cut Workforce By 1,500 Positions In Effort To Cut Annual Costs By Up To $125 Million

The Vancouver-based company, which operates one of Canada's biggest telecommunications networks, provided few details about the downsizing except that many of the cuts include voluntary departures and early retirements.

Telus To Cut Workforce By 1,500 Positions In Effort To Cut Annual Costs By Up To $125 Million

New Liberal Government Reinstating Long-Form Census, But Won't Talk Penalties

Navdeep Bains, the minister of innovation, science and economic development, said the new government is focused on evidence-based decision-making over ideology.

New Liberal Government Reinstating Long-Form Census, But Won't Talk Penalties

Justin Trudeau Relaxes Conservative Control Of Diplomats, Urges Them To Engage

Trudeau sent a letter Wednesday to the ambassadors and high commissioners of Canada's foreign missions telling them he and his cabinet will be relying on their judgment and insight to advance Canada's foreign policy goals.

Justin Trudeau Relaxes Conservative Control Of Diplomats, Urges Them To Engage

Saskatoon Children With Rare Disease To Have $500,000 Drug Covered By Province

Muhammed Akhter says when he got the phone call from the health minister he had to ask the woman on the line three times to repeat what she was saying. He calls it "life-changing news."

Saskatoon Children With Rare Disease To Have $500,000 Drug Covered By Province

Newfoundland And Labrador On Verge Of Provincial Election Call For Nov. 30

ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — Voters in Newfoundland and Labrador will go to the polls on Nov. 30 in a provincial election that was scheduled to formally start on Thursday.