Blog

The Liberal party leader, Andrew Wilkinson, and several Liberal MLAs congregated at Crystal at York Hall in Surrey to address a disaffected group of Farmers numbering about 200 -300 Sunday afternoon. The gathering focused on the controversial Bill 52, recently passed into law, and Bill 15 which is has been denounced for removing farmers’ ability to make application directly to the ALC.

Liberal leader, Andrew Wilkinson, said if the Liberals are elected to power in the next election, they would repeal both Bill 52 and Bill 15. MLA for Abbotsford West, Michael de Jong, said the new legislation is an “attack on a broad front”, and that Agriculture Community’s “fundamental rights have been stripped.” The takeaway message was though that in order to stop Bill 15, it was really up to the farming groups to organize and oppose effectively.

Although most BC farm groups are not happy with changes, the most vocal has been the newly formed BC Farmland Owners Association (BCFOA). The BC Agriculture Council (BCAC), umberella organization representing BC Farming has been noticeably quiet.

The comulative impact of government policy over the last two years has the potential to undermined BC Agriculture. Rapid minimum wage increases, water license fees, payroll health tax, and carbon tax has added to the burden of the struggling Ag sector.

It is yet to be seen whether the Liberals can provide the catalyst needed for farmers to organize effectively to challenge the NDP government’s policy initiatives. After, many years in power, the Liberals are still trying to master the role of effective opposition.

.