E-Newsletter dsfsfa An update from MBP April 16, 2021
mbbeef.ca
MBP Made Presentation to Legislative Committee on Bill 63 This week Manitoba Beef Producers made a presentation to a Manitoba legislative committee (Justice) on Bill 63 – The Petty Trespasses Amendment and Occupiers’ Liability Amendment Act. In a March 10 news release the Manitoba government said the proposed changes in these two bills, along with proposed amendments to the Animal Diseases Act, are to “help landowners respond to concerns about trespassing on private property.” Changes to the Petty Trespasses Act that would “remove the need to confront trespassers where possible, by making entry onto certain specified premises without permission an offence, unless the person has a lawful reason for doing so.” Proposed amendments to the Occupiers Liability Act “would ensure a landowner’s legal responsibility for injury is fair and reasonable when someone is on their property without permission… amendments would reduce the duty of care that is owed to criminal trespassers and certain noncriminal trespassers to not creating a danger with the deliberate intent of doing harm or damage to the person or their property, and to not acting with reckless disregard of the safety of the person or their property.”
MBP’s comments on Bill 63 focused on the importance of biosecurity and trying to protect livestock from potential risks caused by people’s actions upon entering agricultural operations. These risks could include the introduction of foreign animal diseases and the devastating animal health, economic and trade consequences that could accompany them. Another concern cited was the possible introduction of invasive species and noxious weeds which can have negative production implications. MBP also commented on public safety, as farm families and their employees need to be safe from those trespassing with ill intent, such as to commit crimes. The potential for harm to people or injuries to animals could arise. Examples were cited of trespassing activities which have adversely impacted MBP members and their farms and ranches such as: theft of property, including cattle; dangerous use of firearms; gates left open or damaged thereby allowing cattle to get out and be placed in harm’s way; damage to other farm infrastructure or supplies; and, damage to forages, pastures and crops caused by people driving across them.
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