June 1, 2021
As the Manitoba Legislature rises for the summer, Manitoba Pork commends the Manitoba government on the passage of Bill 62, The Animal Diseases Amendment Act, and Bill 63, The Petty Trespasses Amendment and Occupiers’ Liability Amendment Act. These two pieces of legislation are critical for agricultural producers across the province when it comes to maintaining biosecurity and the integrity of our food system.
“Trespassers and unwanted visitors on our farms and in our barns threaten the delicate work of maintaining biosecurity,” Manitoba Pork chair Rick Préjet said today. “This new legislation will better protect our animals from diseases or other contaminants and will better protect farmers and producers by discouraging confrontation by placing action in the hands of law enforcement.”
Farmers restrict contact with the outside world by carefully limiting access to only those who provide animal care. Industry-led biosecurity requirements, like showering when entering and exiting hog barns, as well as wearing appropriate personal protective equipment, are key to limiting disease and contaminants that could force entire herds to be culled.
“We want to thank the provincial government for their dedicated consultation process on this legislation, and for their work to better protect the agriculture and food system in our province,” Préjet added. “We recognize their commitment to ensuring our food supply continues to be safe for everybody.”
Manitoba Pork looks forward to continuing our strong working relationship with the provincial government on trespassing and biosecurity issues, including in the development of necessary regulations and toward the proclamation of this legislation.
Manitoba Pork is the representative organization for all pork producers in Manitoba. Our mission is to foster the sustainability and prosperity of the hog sector for the good of pork producers and all Manitobans.
For further information:
Communications and Website Coordinator
Manitoba Pork
(204) 232-4916
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28 Terracon Place
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Canada R2J 4G7
Tel: (204) 237-7447
Toll-Free: 1-888-893-7447
Fax: (204) 237-9831
www.manitobapork.com
