Ontario Minister of Agriculture Ernie Hardiman was in Blyth on Friday (Feb 7th) to talk with farmers about Ontario bill 156
The government says that the proposed “Security from Trespass and Protecting Food Safety Act” is meant to provide protections to farmers by increasing trespassing fines on areas designated as “animal protection zones”, allowing farmers to seek restitution in court in case of damages and protecting farmers from civil litigation if trespassers were injured on their property.
Some have criticized, saying that it prevents people from protesting in support of animal rights. Minister Hardiman says that the government is ready for any potential resistance this bill might have
Hardiman says that bill is not about stopping protests, but rather protecting farmers and animals from people who trespass on private property
Bill 156 is still in second reading at Queens park, and is expected to pass later this year.
