Guelph, ON [May 31, 2017] – The Ontario government’s proposed changes to employment and labour laws could have significant impact on the province’s agri-food industry. The proposed changes were announced yesterday in response to the release of the final report from the Changing Workplaces Review.
Proposed changes to the Employment Standards Act include a commitment by the Ministry of Labour to conduct a review of ESA exemptions and special industry rules beginning fall 2017. The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) is pleased the special advisors have carried forward this concept from the interim report rather than recommending the wholesale removal of all Employment Standards Act exemptions. OFA will continue to express the views of our farm business members to government throughout stakeholder consultations on this issue. Farms are becoming increasingly automated, but many sectors of our industry require the discerning mind and gentle touch of a person, and OFA maintains there is no justification for changes to the current, flexible approach for farm workers under the Employment Standards Act. OFA believes the recommendation from the Changing Workplaces Review final report that the agricultural sector should no longer be exempt from the Labour Relations Act to be unjustified. OFA appreciates the Ministry of Labour has recognized the legitimacy and efficacy of Agricultural Employees Protection Act to protect the rights of farm workers and has chosen not to adopt this recommendation. OFA is concerned the government will raise the minimum wage to $15 by 2019. This shows the government chose to ignore the recommendations of their own minimum wage advisory panel in 2014 that advised the process for raising minimum wage should be depoliticised. That advisory panel also noted research generally shows raising the minimum wage has an adverse employment effect, especially for young workers. An increase of this magnitude in the minimum wage leads to overall wage and price inflation. Farm and food prices are globally driven, this wage increase serves to make Ontario famers and agri-food businesses less competitive, threatens food security and the sustainability of agricultural products available to Ontario consumers. The minimum wage advisory panel heard an almost universal agreement among stakeholders that the process of revising minimum wage rates should be more transparent and predictable, and at arms-length from government’s own near-term concerns. By raising minimum wage, the government’s actions work in opposition to the predictability and payroll stability their minimum wage review was meant to bring to businesses in Ontario. OFA will continue working together with business and farm organization partners to secure fair and respectful employment law to balance the needs of workers and the agri-food sector. The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) is the largest general farm organization in Ontario, representing 36,000 farm families across the province. As a dynamic farmer-led organization based in Guelph, the OFA works to represent and champion the interests of Ontario farmers through government relations, farm policy recommendations, research, lobby efforts, community representation, media relations and more. OFA is the leading advocate for Ontario’s farmers and is Ontario’s voice of the farmer. -30- For more information: Keith Currie President Ontario Federation of Agriculture 705-441-3362 Neil Currie General Manager Ontario Federation of Agriculture 519-821-8883
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Changing Workplaces Review needs economic assessment to determine feasibility in agriculture5/29/2017 By Mark Wales, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
The Minister of Labor, Kevin Flynn recently released the Changing Workplaces Review. The review was commissioned in early 2015 by the Minister of Labour, who tasked a group of Special Advisors to determine what changes, if any, should be made to labour legislation in light of the changing nature of the workforce, the workplace, and the economy itself. Consideration was to be given to globalization, trade liberalization, technological change, and changes in the nature of standard employment relationships. The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) has worked with many partners to ensure the interests and concerns of the farming and food sectors were represented and clearly understandable to the Special Advisors. Several of the ministry’s 173 recommendations affect farm employers and farm workers. We are awaiting the government’s response to these recommendations to determine how they intend to proceed. Along with many other agriculture and business groups, OFA has called on the government to subject the proposed reforms to an economic impact analysis. This analysis should have clear thresholds, and the reforms implemented should only be those that pass a transparent assessment process. OFA is reviewing the recommendations specific to agricultural employees and will be addressing concerns with the Ministry of Labour. We have already flagged recommendation 132 that suggests agricultural and horticultural employees should be included in the Labour Relations Act and be given the same rights and protections as other employees, including the right to strike. The review suggests that labour strikes could impose significant hardship on some, but not all, agricultural enterprises. The review states that strikes by agricultural workers, “could have a profound adverse impact on planting, growing and harvesting, on animal health and safety, on bio-security and on perishable products.” OFA agrees with this statement in the review and believes that all farms share these characteristics at some point across the seasons. This concern over the ability for agricultural employees to strike was recognized and defended by the Ontario government when the Agricultural Employees Protection Act was challenged at the Supreme Court. The Agricultural Employees Protection Act mirrors the Labour Relations Act while recognizing the unique circumstances of agricultural production,while protecting the interests of employees. The Attorney General of Ontario was a partner in defending this legislation at the Supreme Court. The Changing Workplaces Review fails to recognize the Agricultural Employees Protection Act, and appears to reinvent the wheel with new exceptions to the Labour Relations Act. This is unnecessary. The Supreme Court has already supported this legislation, clearly stating agricultural employees should not have the right to strike. Farm employment also requires recognized exemptions to the Employment Standards Act. Regulations need to maintain a flexible approach to human resources management in the context of uncertain agricultural production. OFA believes we can entertain options for reducing uncertainty and vulnerability of our workers, farm businesses and employers compete for workers like any other business. We know that we need to keep our workplaces safe and equitable for those that choose to work in our sector. A review of labour legislation is important, but the government must subject each and every proposed reform in the Changing Workplaces Review to an economic impact analysis. Agriculture relies on a skilled workforce. And any changes that make labour unaffordable will cause a shift away from labour intensive crops grown in our province. The impact could lead to less employment and a reduction in Ontario’s production of fruits and vegetables, for example. Agriculture employment has been recognized in law as requiring unique considerations. These must be sustained. For more information, contact: Mark Wales Director Ontario Federation of Agriculture 519-773-6706 Neil Currie General Manager Ontario Federation of Agriculture 519-821-8883 Guelph, ON [May 12, 2017] – There’s still work to do on Canada’s next agricultural policy framework, and Minister Leal raised important concerns within the business risk management portion of the program in the May 10 Federal-Provincial-Territorial meeting of agricultural ministers.
“Minister Leal stood up for farmers across Canada when he proposed the necessary review of business risk management programs,” says Keith Currie, President of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA). “Risk management is an integral part of running a sustainable farm business. We need a new program design to address shortcomings in the current suite of programs.” The next agricultural policy framework is scheduled to be presented in July at the next meeting of the Federal-Provincial-Territorial agricultural ministers. Agricultural groups across Canada, including OFA, have been requesting a review and revision of the business risk management programs before the final program is presented. The next agricultural policy framework will contain initiatives including business risk management programs, innovation and research, market development, environmental sustainability and climate change. National farm organizations are solidly behind Minister Leal’s proposal to delay the inclusion of new business risk management programs in the next agricultural policy framework until sufficient changes are made to meet the needs of farmers and ranchers across Canada. “We need to review and reform what we already have before we can move forward with any new risk management programs,” says Currie. The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) is the largest general farm organization in Ontario, representing 36,000 farm families across the province. As a dynamic farmer-led organization based in Guelph, the OFA works to represent and champion the interests of Ontario farmers through government relations, farm policy recommendations, research, lobby efforts, community representation, media relations and more. OFA is the leading advocate for Ontario’s farmers and is Ontario’s voice of the farmer. For more information: Keith Currie President Ontario Federation of Agriculture 705-441-3362 Neil Currie General Manager Ontario Federation of Agriculture 519-821-8883 Eleanor Renaud, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
Our growing world population and shifting climate puts increasing pressure on agriculture and farmers to produce more food. Maintaining sustainable farms and preserving productive farmland is another significant challenge as Ontario’s agri-food industry evolves. To address these challenges, the Ontario government recently mapped out a discussion paper, Farms Forever, to help inform policy development to support a strong and innovative agri-food sector. Farms Forever is a new initiative by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), first tasked to Minister Jeff Leal in the Premier’s mandate letter in fall 2016. The new discussion paper outlines four policy objectives of Farms Forever:
The discussion paper clearly outlines the importance of working with stakeholders to accomplish the Farms Forever objectives and the government is asking for feedback on the direction of this new initiative. Although the timing of the consultations is challenging for Ontario farmers with our current planting season, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) encourages members to offer their views on this initiative. Discussion questions in the document ask for input to build strategies for success, identify opportunities and obstacles to the initiative, support farming and food processing and support consumer awareness and demand of Ontario products. OFA is a key stakeholder in Ontario’s agri-food industry, and will be responding to the discussion paper with suggestions and identifying synergies to work together with government and fellow stakeholders to preserve Ontario farms and farmers. Our job is to advocate for Ontario farmers, and ensure farming remains viable for future generations by keeping our land and farm businesses sustainable. Supporting our farmers and the agri-food industry today is the first step to ensuring a safe, steady food supply for future generations. It all starts with the goals outlined in the Farms Forever discussion paper – strengthening the province’s agri-food sector, preserving farmland, supporting the local sourcing of food and supporting new farmers. This is the just the start, there’s a lot of work to do to, but OFA is confident the government’s Farms Forever is a step in the right direction for our industry’s future. Read more about the Farms Forever discussion paper on OMAFRA’s website, omafra.gov.on.ca, and share your outlook on the future of Ontario’s agri-food sector. -30- For more information, contact: Eleanor Renaud Director Ontario Federation of Agriculture 613-213-2130 Neil Currie General Manager Ontario Federation of Agriculture 519-821-8883 By Keith Currie, President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
The recent Ontario trial for criminal mischief with farm animals in transit reminds us all that farmers and our everyday practices are constantly under scrutiny. Our customers and special interest groups have never been more engaged with how farmers grow crops and raise animals. Raising farm animals using safe, humane practices is never negotiable and Ontario farmers follow strict codes of practice. But public pressure on approved farming practices reminds us that social license must be earned each and every day. Social license has been defined as the privilege to operate with minimal restrictions by maintaining the public’s trust for doing what is seen to be right. Farmers have traditionally been held in high esteem and trusted to produce the food we eat. But with each generation, Canadians are increasingly disconnected from food production. This growing gap in basic understanding of where food comes from and how it is grown and raised creates ongoing challenges in maintaining the trust that is essential for social license. OFA advocates every day for Ontario farmers’ ability to operate responsible and sustainable farm businesses. Building public trust and a sustainable farming sector is one of OFA’s key objectives. Obviously, we need to ensure that our farm businesses operate within accepted practices. The challenge is to achieve general agreement on what constitutes “acceptable” practices. There are a lot of special interest groups working hard to convert the public to their own idea of acceptable farming practices. Make no mistake – farmers need to step up every day and clearly demonstrate they are farming in a humane and sustainable way. But government needs to step up and help establish and promote an attainable bar and defend the farms that reach or exceed that bar. The judiciary must protect responsible farmers from costly legal challenges that weaken public trust and weaken our competitive position. The recent Barton report to the federal government singled out food production as a major growth area, citing opportunities to export food to developing markets. Indeed, being blessed with abundant resources and skills, we have an obligation to ensure we feed our growing world. Frankly, we won’t get there without a clear and concerted effort to recognize a balance of sustainable and humane farm practices that are also competitive. We need our governments to work with us to educate the public in food production and build the trust in our industry that is now flagging. Trust begins with awareness of farm practices that are deemed just and humane. This awareness then leads to an acceptance of those farm practices, at least by the majority. Then farmers and the entire agri-food chain must clearly demonstrate that they are meeting or exceeding those standards – every day. This is no simple task. But it is a necessary task. Our citizens and others around the world need food. We need to ensure they trust us as the source of that food. We must strengthen our social license. For more information, contact: Keith Currie President Ontario Federation of Agriculture 705-441-3362 Neil Currie General Manager Ontario Federation of Agriculture 519-821-8883 May 4, 2017 (Milton) – Farm & Food Care Ontario, Ontario Pork, Ontario Federation of Agriculture and the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario released a joint statement today in response to the dismissal of charges announced by Justice David Harris on Anita Krajnc’s charge for criminal mischief related to interfering with farm animals while in transit.
The Ontario farm organizations are extremely disappointed with the decision and are concerned that activists will be encouraged to engage in escalating activities that are a growing threat to animal welfare, food security and human safety. Bruce Kelly, Farm & Food Care Ontario said that “Ontario farmers work hard to ensure high standards of animal welfare and a safe and healthy food supply for Canadians. Actions by Krajnc and activists like her should not be condoned by the courts as they threaten acceptable and legal farming practices and are a threat to food safety.” Eric Schwindt, board chair for Ontario Pork added, “This is frustrating for Ontario pork producers, who adhere to federal regulations and high standards of animal care, and are constantly evolving to further enhance their commitment to healthy animals and communities. Our concern in this instance was specific to the safety of food and people.” Furthermore, Pat Jilesen, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture said, “The livestock industry abides by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s Health of Animals transport regulations. This ensures the well-being of all livestock during movement and transport. Interfering with animals during transport is simply unsafe for the animals and the people involved.” Clarence Nywening, President of the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario, concluded, “This is a huge disappointment to Ontario farmers who are committed to keeping animals healthy and safe throughout their lives. Actions like this by activists are putting pigs, families, communities and livelihoods at risk.” Farm & Food Care Ontario, Ontario Pork, Ontario Federation of Agriculture and Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario share a mandate to support agriculture and Ontario farmers. The four groups will meet to discuss next steps related to this issue. -30- For further information: Bruce Kelly, Program Manager, Farm & Food Care Ontario – www.farmfoodcareON.org 519-837-1326 extension 292 Stacey Ash, Manager Communications and Consumer Marketing, Ontario Pork – www.ontariopork.on.ca; 519-820-3119; [email protected] Clarence Nywening, Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario – www.christianfarmers.org; 519-837-1620 Pat Jilesen, Ontario Federation of Agriculture – www.ofa.on.ca; 519-386-1330 Farm & Food Care Ontario is a coalition of farmers, agriculture and food partners proactively working together to build public trust and confidence in food and farming. Find out more at www.FarmFoodCareON.org Ontario Pork represents the 1,284 farmers who raise pigs in the province. The organization focuses on many areas, including research, government representation, environmental issues, consumer education and food quality assurance. The Ontario industry contributes $932.8 million in gross domestic product, $2.7 billion in economic output and 17,015 full-time job equivalents. Visit Ontario Pork’s website: www.ontariopork.on.ca. The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) is the largest general farm organization in Ontario, representing 36,000 farm families across the province. As a dynamic farmer-led organization based in Guelph, the OFA works to represent and champion the interests of Ontario farmers through government relations, farm policy recommendations, research, lobby efforts, community representation, media relations and more. OFA is the leading advocate for Ontario’s farmers and is Ontario’s voice of the farmer. www.ofa.on.ca The Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario (CFFO) is a professional organization for families called to the vocation of farming. The CFFO values family farm enterprise, profitability, and responsible stewardship of resources. CFFO policy promotes economically, socially and environmentally sustainable farming, advocating that farmers receive fair return for their production and stewardship efforts. www.christianfarmers.org By Keith Currie, President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
The recent Ontario trial for criminal mischief with farm animals in transit reminds us all that farmers and our everyday practices are constantly under scrutiny. Our customers and special interest groups have never been more engaged with how farmers grow crops and raise animals. Raising farm animals using safe, humane practices is never negotiable and Ontario farmers follow strict codes of practice. But public pressure on approved farming practices reminds us that social license must be earned each and every day. Social license has been defined as the privilege to operate with minimal restrictions by maintaining the public’s trust for doing what is seen to be right. Farmers have traditionally been held in high esteem and trusted to produce the food we eat. But with each generation, Canadians are increasingly disconnected from food production. This growing gap in basic understanding of where food comes from and how it is grown and raised creates ongoing challenges in maintaining the trust that is essential for social license. OFA advocates every day for Ontario farmers’ ability to operate responsible and sustainable farm businesses. Building public trust and a sustainable farming sector is one of OFA’s key objectives. Obviously, we need to ensure that our farm businesses operate within accepted practices. The challenge is to achieve general agreement on what constitutes “acceptable” practices. There are a lot of special interest groups working hard to convert the public to their own idea of acceptable farming practices. Make no mistake – farmers need to step up every day and clearly demonstrate they are farming in a humane and sustainable way. But government needs to step up and help establish and promote an attainable bar and defend the farms that reach or exceed that bar. The judiciary must protect responsible farmers from costly legal challenges that weaken public trust and weaken our competitive position. The recent Barton report to the federal government singled out food production as a major growth area, citing opportunities to export food to developing markets. Indeed, being blessed with abundant resources and skills, we have an obligation to ensure we feed our growing world. Frankly, we won’t get there without a clear and concerted effort to recognize a balance of sustainable and humane farm practices that are also competitive. We need our governments to work with us to educate the public in food production and build the trust in our industry that is now flagging. Trust begins with awareness of farm practices that are deemed just and humane. This awareness then leads to an acceptance of those farm practices, at least by the majority. Then farmers and the entire agri-food chain must clearly demonstrate that they are meeting or exceeding those standards – every day. This is no simple task. But it is a necessary task. Our citizens and others around the world need food. We need to ensure they trust us as the source of that food. We must strengthen our social license. -30- For more information, contact: Keith Currie President Ontario Federation of Agriculture 705-441-3362 Neil Currie General Manager Ontario Federation of Agriculture 519-821-8883 |
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