Policy Monitor Canada » Agriculture

New Brunswick Agriculture Strategy Released

Admin — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 21:58:06 +0000

Agriculture Strategy Released

NB 1050

June 23, 2010

FREDERICTON (CNB) – The first multi-year strategy for transforming the agriculture sector in New Brunswick was released today.

The New Brunswick Agriculture Strategy – Transforming Agriculture Together was released during the quarterly meeting marking the first anniversary of the Minister’s Permanent Roundtable on Agriculture.

“At the agriculture summit held in April 2008, the sector called for a vision and strategy for the future of agriculture in our province,” said Agriculture and Aquaculture Minister Ronald Ouellette. “During the past two years, we have worked together to develop this strategy, which outlines the current state of the sector and the actions necessary to accomplish our shared long-term vision.”

The New Brunswick Agriculture Strategy – Transforming Agriculture Together is the culmination of extensive consultation and involvement with stakeholders. Working from a shared vision for the future of the sector, the provincial government and stakeholders identified 14 overarching strategies.

From promoting the image of agriculture to facilitating more training opportunities for producers and aspiring producers, these strategies frame the implementation of The New Brunswick Agriculture Strategy – Transforming Agriculture Together over several years.

“We sincerely hope that the agriculture summit will become a benchmark for future generations of producers and public decision-makers and lead to greater public participation in the entire food production process,” said Jean-Eudes Chiasson, president, National Farmers Union in New Brunswick.

The next step is the development of a first-phase action plan to address priority recommendations more fully by identifying lead agencies, resource requirements and indicators of success.

“This strategy is a roadmap of what agriculture can and should become, and I hope it will serve as a wake-up call to New Brunswickers to think about where our food will be coming from after this generation of farmers retire from the industry,” said Patrice Finnigan, president, Agricultural Alliance of New Brunswick.

The agriculture and agri-food industry is diverse in New Brunswick, involving more than 2,700 farms and 100 processing plants producing close to $1.2 billion worth of agri-food and beverage products annually.

“When we are all on the same page and working together in the same direction, much can be accomplished,” said Ouellette. “This process has been thought-provoking and extremely motivating, and I commend the members of the roundtable and all stakeholders for being forthright and constructive throughout the process.”

The New Brunswick Agriculture Strategy – Transforming Agriculture Together is available on the Department of Agriculture and Aquaculture website.

LINK:

Department of Agriculture and Aquaculture: www.gnb.ca/agriculture

Alberta’s New Weed Control Act and regulation now in effect

Admin — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 23:09:04 +0000

Edmonton… Alberta’s agricultural land and natural spaces will benefit from enhanced protection with the new Weed Control Act and regulation, which came into effect on June 16.

The new legislation replaces the old Act and consolidates regulations for a more streamlined and comprehensive approach to protecting the production and quality of Alberta land from invasive plants.

One of the most significant changes in the legislation is an expanded list of invasive plants, which increases Alberta’s ability to be vigilant in keeping prohibited noxious weeds out of the province. Many of the plants added to the list are the result of an extensive study of invasive plant species in bordering provinces and states which may pose a threat to Alberta’s eco-system and agriculture industry.

In addition to providing greater clarity of legislation, other changes include improvements to enforcement and appeal processes, and updates to better reflect current activity in the seed-cleaning sector and other industry developments.

The Alberta government developed the new Act and regulation in consultation with a broad range of stakeholders to ensure the legislation reflects Alberta’s current realities and needs in the shared effort to protect the province’s natural resources and agriculture industry.

In addition to effective legislation, Alberta’s early detection and rapid response to weeds is supported by programs such as the Crop Pest Surveillance System and the Alberta Weed Survey. These efforts protect the competitiveness of Alberta’s agriculture industry and support the Government of Alberta’s plan for a strong economic recovery. Ensuring that our province’s industries are competitive and continue to attract investment to provide jobs and prosperity is part of The Way Forward.

For more information on the Weed Control Act and associated regulation call 780-422-1881 or visit the Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development website at www.agriculture.alberta.ca. To find details online click on the Information tab, then click on the Diseases/Insects/Pests link, and look under the heading Legislation.

June 18, 2010

Details on Alberta’s Weed Control Act and regulation

Alberta’s Weed Control Regulation amalgamates the former Weed Regulation and Seed Cleaning Plant Regulation and provides operational guidelines for the Weed Control Act. It details lists of recognized weeds and outlines the appeal process on fines for weed control infractions. Rules regarding seed cleaning facility inspections and licensing are also included.

List of Designated Plants:
The regulation now organizes weed lists into two designations; Prohibited Noxious and Noxious. It lists 46 Prohibited Noxious weeds and 29 Noxious weeds.

An expanded list of invasive plants strengthens the legislation and the ability of the province and municipalities to work with the agriculture industry and other Albertans to increase our vigilance in keeping weeds out of Alberta. Many of the plants added to the list are the result of an extensive study of invasive plant species in bordering provinces and states which may pose a threat to Alberta’s eco-system and agriculture industry. A more extensive list also expands Albertans awareness of these invasive weeds, resulting in earlier detection and greater probability of eradication.

Prohibited Noxious weeds are species with demonstrated detrimental effects in other provinces or states that are not established in Alberta. The objective of identifying them is to prevent them from becoming established in the province.

Noxious weeds are species that are widely spread in various areas of the province, but can still pose a significant economic hardship once established. Controlling the spread of Noxious weeds is critical to protecting areas that are not infested.

Descriptions and photos of the new list of designated weeds will be posted on the Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development website in the near future.

Stakeholder consultations:
Development of the regulation was supported by a comprehensive stakeholder consultation process which included agriculture fieldmen from municipalities, the Federation of Alberta Naturalists, Native Plant Councils, the Invasive Plant Council, urban centres, Alberta academic institutions and research organizations.

Awareness & training efforts:
Information on the new list of designated plants is being shared with municipalities, and training for agriculture fieldmen and bylaw officers is underway.

Canada Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations

Admin — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 17:52:23 +0000

OTTAWA, Ont. — March 19, 2010 — Environment Minister Jim Prentice today announced that the proposed Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations have been published in Canada Gazette, Part I beginning the formal 60-day public comment period.

“Last month, I released a public-consultation draft of the regulations because we wanted to hear back from Canadians. And today with the Canada Gazette posting, we are again listening to Canadians and working to make the proposed wastewater regulations law. These are concrete steps we are taking to make sure that Canadians continue to enjoy water that is clean, safe and plentiful for generations to come,” said Minister Prentice. ”

The Government of Canada is taking the lead in proposing regulations for municipal, community, federal and other wastewater systems, which include standards for national wastewater effluent quality and provide regulatory clarity for rules on reporting for more than 3,700 Canadian facilities. For those not already meeting the effluent quality standards, there is a proposed phase-in approach. For higher-risk wastewater effluent discharges, facilities will have up until 2020 to upgrade, whereas others would have until 2030 or 2040 depending on level of risk associated with existing effluent quality and environmental considerations.

“We are committed to continue working together with provinces, territories and municipalities to make this a reality,” said the Minister. “These regulations will help us conserve and protect Canada’s water quality. And I am happy to point out that this collaborative spirit and progress speak to the theme of “Clean Water for a Healthy World” that is the global focus of the upcoming World Water Day on March 22.

The regulations are the principal instrument that Environment Canada is using to implement the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) Canada-wide Strategy for the Management of Municipal Wastewater that was endorsed in 2009.

The Government of Canada is partnering with provinces, territories and municipalities to make significant investments in water and wastewater infrastructure. Under Government of Canada infrastructure funds, including the Building Canada, Green Infrastructure, Stimulus and Gas Tax Funds, over $3.25 billion has been spent or committed for wastewater and water infrastructure. Such projects are a top priority for these funds.

Canadians can now access the proposed regulations at http://www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/2010/2010-03-20/html/reg1-eng.html

Aquaculture Policy BC Revised

Admin — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 20:11:01 +0000

VICTORIA – The Province has placed a moratorium on issuing new finfish aquaculture licences and will no longer be accepting new applications for shellfish aquaculture, following Tuesday’s B.C. Supreme Court ruling. The province will also negotiate the regulatory transfer of shellfish aquaculture to the federal government in addition to the transfer of finfish aquaculture currently underway, Agriculture and Lands Minister Steve Thomson announced today.

“The purpose of this moratorium is to both meet the spirit of the recent B.C. Supreme Court ruling while ensuring a smooth transition of aquaculture regulation to the federal government,” said Thomson. “Negotiating the regulatory transfer of shellfish in addition to the court ordered transfer of finfish aquaculture will ensure B.C.’s aquaculture industry has an efficient and unified regulatory system.”

On Tuesday the B.C. Supreme Court granted an extension to the transfer deadline for finfish aquaculture to federal regulation until Dec. 18, 2010. As part of this extension, the Court ordered a suspension on approvals of all new marine finfish licenses in B.C.

In addition, the Province is also announcing it will no longer be accepting new applications for shellfish aquaculture licenses and will only process those applications received prior to Jan. 26, 2010. Furthermore, the Province has announced its intention to negotiate the transfer of shellfish aquaculture regulation to the federal government. This decision will enable the federal government to become the single regulator for aquaculture, while the Province retains management over Crown land.

“By moving towards a transfer of shellfish aquaculture regulation, we are laying the foundation for a more efficient aquaculture management system,” said Thomson. “Our aim is to work with the federal government to create a streamlined aquaculture regulation that sustainably manages B.C.’s aquaculture sectors.”

In February 2009, the B.C. Supreme Court ruled that marine finfish aquaculture is a fishery and a matter of federal jurisdiction. The court directed the transfer of administration and regulatory control to the federal government.

FINFISH POLICY

The Province is placing a moratorium on issuing new finfish aquaculture licences and tenures.

The Province will continue to process applications from existing licensees, on existing tenures, that do not result in an overall increase in annual production.

The Province will also continue to renew existing tenures according to established procedures for decision, as part of our obligation and duty under the B.C. Land Act.

As freshwater and non-tidal aquaculture are subject to further federal-provincial discussions, no restrictive actions are being taken on this sector at this time.

There are seven applications for new finfish sites currently being adjudicated that will be suspended as a result of this moratorium and the court decision.

SHELLFISH POLICY

The Province will continue to make decisions according to established procedures on shellfish applications that have been received before Jan. 26, 2010.

There are 42 applications for new shellfish sites that will continue to be adjudicated.

No applications for shellfish aquaculture received after Jan. 26, 2010 will be accepted.

Note: “Established procedures for decision” include biological, bio-physical and environmental assessment, referral to federal and provincial agencies and local government and potentially affected parties such as fishing organizations, marine carriers and First Nations consultation.

Review of Railway Cost of Capital

Admin — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 19:20:09 +0000

Review of Railway Cost of Capital Methodology

- January 18, 2010
A review of the Canadian Transportation Agency’s (Agency) cost of capital methodology is currently in progress. The review is being conducted in two phases: a study phase and a hearing phase. In the study phase, an independent consultant will examine existing cost of capital methodologies and principles. The consultant will also review the Agency’s current cost of capital methodology and the cost of capital methodologies used by other economic regulatory bodies. When this phase has concluded, there will be a hearing phase during which a panel of Agency Members will consider the consultant’s report and gather evidence from railway companies, shippers and other interested parties to ascertain if there is a potentially superior methodology or methodologies, or improvements that should be made, to the Agency’s current “benchmark” methodology. During the study phase, interested parties will be given the opportunity to provide feedback at specific points in the process as outlined in the Terms of Reference. Submissions should be forwarded to:

Canadian Transportation Agency
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0N9

January 18, 2010 – Final Terms of Reference Distributed to Stakeholders

Correspondence from the Agency Secretary – January 18, 2010
Distribution List
Final Terms of Reference [PDF]

Report of the Commission on Land and Local Governance: PEI

Admin — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 04:28:47 +0000

New Foundations – Report of the Commission on Land and Local Governance

The Commission on Land and Local Governance is pleased to present its final report, the result of twelve months of consultations, research and analysis. The report is accessible on-line through this website and can be obtained in printed form in English and French from the Provincial Government publication centre on the ground floor of the Jones Building, 11 Kent street, Charlottetown, or at Access PEI Offices in Tignish, Alberton, O’Leary, Wellington, Summerside, Charlottetown, Montague and Souris.

The final report contains the findings and recommendations of the Commission as well as an action plan. Appendices provide additional information on the work of the Commission as well as a detailed analysis of the recommendations of the 1973 and 1990 Royal Commissions and the 1997 Round Table on Land Use.

The Commission welcomes comments on the report, and these may be forwarded to the Commissioner at the following email address:

landandlocalgovernance@gov.pe.ca

Pesticide Consultations: Nova Scotia

Admin — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 04:18:54 +0000

Non-essential Pesticides Ban Open to Comment
Environment January 7, 2010 11:02 AM Nova Scotians will have an opportunity to comment on a proposed ban on the use and sale of non-essential lawn care pesticides. A public consultation will help government better understand opinions, concerns and issues arising from the non-essential use of pesticides for residential, public and commercial lawn maintenance. Comments will be considered before decisions are made on changes to laws or regulations. “The province is committed to fostering a healthier, more sustainable environment and is looking for ways to reduce non-essential pesticide use,” said Environment Minister Sterling Belliveau. “This proposal is consistent with the municipalities’ request and we look forward to hearing Nova Scotians’ comments on it.” Health Canada has said it is good practice to reduce or eliminate unnecessary exposure to pesticides and Canadians should minimize exposure to pesticides. Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency approves which pesticides may be sold or used in Canada. The provincial Department of Environment currently regulates how commercial and restricted pesticides may be sold, used, stored, disposed of and transported. The provincial consultation will address the use and sale of pesticides for non-essential lawn care, not uses such as pest control to protect public health, maintain commercial golf courses, or agricultural and forestry application. To view the Limiting Our Risk discussion paper about the proposed provincial ban on non-essential lawn care pesticides, and to provide comment, visit www.gov.ns.ca/nse/pests . Comments will also be accepted by phone at 1-888-320-0555. The deadline for comment is March 7.

Nova Scotia Consultation on Drinking Water Standards and Guidelines

Admin — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 23:32:04 +0000

Consultation Sought on Nova Scotia’s Drinking Water Standards and Guidelines

Municipalities and businesses have an opportunity to comment on Nova Scotia’s strengthened drinking water standards and guidelines.

Improvements to the Municipal Water Approvals Protocols will reflect changes to the Health Canada drinking water guidelines and new treatment technologies.

“These updates will bring Nova Scotia’s water treatment standards in line with national guidelines,” said Environment Minister Sterling Belliveau. “We are continuously working to improve our treatment process to ensure it meets the highest standards.”

Nova Scotia’s Guidelines for Monitoring Public Drinking Water Supplies are also being improved.

“Nova Scotia’s drinking water is safe. Meeting new guidelines will ensure that it remains that way,” said Mr. Belliveau. “The province’s municipal drinking water is tested regularly. These guidelines simply raise the standard for Nova Scotians.”

Municipalities and businesses affected by the changes have until March 31 to comment on the proposals. Information on the consultation process, and the proposed guideline updates, are available at www.gov.ns.ca/nse/water/.

Amending the Health of Animals Regulations

Admin — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 17:57:58 +0000

http://www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/2009/2009-12-19/html/reg1-eng.html#rias

Issue: Canada has no national regulations to control the import or movement of crustaceans, molluscs or finfish species other than salmonids for disease control purposes. In areas where programs for the control of aquatic animal disease exist, implementation is limited and varies between provinces/ territories. This leaves Canada’s aquatic resources vulnerable to devastation by the introduction or spread of diseases and also leaves exporters vulnerable to market closures. Canada’s regulatory infrastructure currently lags behind international standards for aquatic animal health control measures.

Description: Amendments to the Health of Animals Regulations and the Reportable Diseases Regulations are needed to address regulatory gaps and to implement Canada’s National Aquatic Animal Health Program (NAAHP). Federal intervention is required to meet international trade standards and prevent loss of aquatic resources due to disease introduction or spread. The proposed amendments to the Health of Animals Regulations (the Regulations) add aquatic animals and diseases of national and international significance to the regulatory framework currently applied to terrestrial animals. The regulatory changes require the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to be informed of the presence of listed diseases and implement controls to prevent these diseases from being introduced into, or spread within, Canada.

Cost-benefit statement: These regulations ensure aquatic animals, and their products that pose a risk of listed disease spread, meet the requirements of international standards for national aquatic animal disease management. This supports Canada’s reputation for high quality seafood exports and the CFIA’s current investment in securing market access (domestic and international).

In 2006, Canada exported marine, freshwater and aquaculture fish and seafood products worth $4.1 billion, representing 85% (in value) of catches and aquaculture production. Imports for the same period were worth $2.1 billion, some of which were processed and re-exported. Fishery harvest and processing industries represent a multi-billion-dollar investment to coastal and rural economies in Canada, including Aboriginal communities. In 2006, marine and freshwater fisheries employed (directly and indirectly) 51 462 people, while the processing industry and aquaculture employed, respectively, 28 587 and 3 970 people. Furthermore, money spent on recreational fishing activities contributed $7.5 billion to local economies across Canada.

Increasingly stringent international standards are driving seafood importing nations to require Canada to certify health (disease) status, not just food safety, of live aquatic animals and their products. Without the proposed regulatory amendments, Canada cannot meet these standards, and is facing increasing challenges to export market access. Canada is already subject to a lesser market access than the United States, Europe and some other nations due to our current, outdated, federal regulatory framework.

Business and consumer impacts: Import controls and compulsory notification of regulated diseases would support the health attestation required to access current markets and would also increase the competitive access for Canadian fish and seafood to new export markets. The regulatory amendments would also reduce Canada’s current vulnerability to losses by a wide range of seafood sector users due to the introduction or spread of infectious diseases. Costs of compliance for businesses and individuals involved in importing live aquatic animals and products or movements within Canada from high-risk to low-risk areas would depend on the conditions imposed to mitigate the risk of disease transfer.

Currently, if an aquatic disease were to be discovered in one part of Canada, it would have the potential to affect the disease status of the whole country. This amendment would allow for areas to be designated as infected and as buffer areas, thereby preserving a higher status in the rest of the country.

The impact on consumers would be minimal as table ready seafood is not controlled under the proposed regulatory amendments. However, the protection given to Canada’s aquatic animal resources would help sustainable productivity which, indirectly, benefits consumers with stable pricing.

Domestic and international coordination and cooperation: Canada is a member of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), which has 175 member countries and is the international standard-setting body for the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement), as applied to animal health. Canada is an active member at the world and regional levels, and is working with the United States on measures applied to shared waters. Canada is working to ensure that the application of the standards are aligned with those of key trade partners, such as Europe. The regulations proposed for the amendment are based on the international standard with specific conditions to protect Canada’s aquatic resources and health status.

B.C. SEEKS INPUT ON COSMETIC USE OF PESTICIDES

Admin — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 04:59:13 +0000

VICTORIA – Environment Minister Barry Penner is asking British Columbians for their input on whether additional restrictions should be placed on the use of pesticides for cosmetic purposes.

“It just makes sense to limit pesticide use to what is actually required to accomplish a particular task, which is why we already require the use of integrated pest management for many pesticide uses in B.C.,” said Penner. “We now want to have a discussion about how we can encourage all British Columbians to reduce unnecessary pesticide use.”

An online public consultation launched today asks British Columbians for their views on a number of issues, including: how to define the cosmetic use of pesticides, when it is appropriate to use pesticides and how to best regulate specific pesticides that have both cosmetic and non-cosmetic uses.

The B.C. Government’s August 2009 speech from the throne committed to consulting British Columbians on how to further safeguard our environment from the use of chemical pesticides for cosmetic uses.

Pesticides used in B.C. must first be approved by Health Canada and are also regulated through the Integrated Pest Management Act, which sets rules for both the sale and use of pesticides. The act requires pest control companies to practice integrated pest management, which includes pest prevention and considering alternatives to pesticides. The act also requires that people be notified when pesticides are used on public land, and around multi-resident buildings.

The public consultation, officially launched today, will remain open until Feb. 15, 2010. The results of the consultation will be made public in the spring of 2010, along with information about any next steps to address cosmetic use of pesticides in British Columbia.

People can participate in the consultation by visiting the website at http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/ipmp/ and clicking on the Cosmetic Use of Pesticides Consultation button.

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