The Fédération des Jeunes Agricoles du Québec (FRAQ) participated today in special consultations on Bill 70, an act to amend the Animal Health Protection Act.
This bill, approved by the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, strengthens animal protection measures throughout Quebec, particularly with regard to health controls, with the aim of ensuring better protection of animal health and public health.
However, although the government says it wants to strengthen the legislation, many of the provisions of this amendment lack precision and could lead to additional costs and an increased administrative burden on aid workers.
“FRAQ welcomes the draft law, but the lack of details on the implementation of the new regulations makes us fear that the responsibilities and workload of the next generation will increase, without any support measures being identified,” says David Bouvet, President of the Federation of Young Farmers and Sheep Producers.
Given that nearly 50% of members work in animal production, FRAQ recommends that PL70 emphasize the importance of all persons designated as “licensed” following the same recognized and standardized training in order to avoid disparities in treatment, that there be a mandatory registry, and that traceability systems be harmonized with those already in place, or recognized as equivalent. All this to avoid increased paperwork. In addition, the next generation requires that any new procedures be accompanied by financial and human support.
“We already have quite a few expenses and paperwork. We really don’t need more. Keep in mind that every additional fee or paperwork request can make or break a startup. That’s why we need to think about compensation or reimbursement mechanisms,” adds the FRAQ president.
Finally, FRAQ requests, before adopting the bill, that the government commit to ensuring that emerging agricultural producers are consulted before the regulatory implementation that will follow the adoption of the law.
