Should Alberta Change Workplace Rules for Farms and Ranches?

Official title: Farm freedom and safety engagement

Closed Legislation Agriculture & Food Economy & Jobs Health & Safety
Alberta asked farmers, ranchers, and workers how workplace rules should apply to agriculture. The focus was on hours of work, safety standards, workers' compensation, and union rules. The government wanted to find a balance between farm economics and worker protections. This consultation led to Bill 26, which became law in December 2019.

Why This Matters

Work on a farm or ranch? This shaped the rules that now govern your hours, pay, and safety protections. Even if you don't farm, you might know someone who does. Alberta's agriculture sector employs tens of thousands of people.

What Could Change

Bill 26 changed how employment standards, safety rules, and workers' compensation apply to farms. Farmers got more flexibility on hours of work and holiday pay. Workers' compensation became optional for some farm operations, with market insurance as an alternative.

Key Issues

  • How flexible should rules on hours of work, holiday pay, and minimum wage be for farms?
  • What basic safety standards should apply to agricultural workplaces?
  • Should farms be required to use WCB or be allowed to choose private insurance?
  • What improvements are needed to labour relations rules for agriculture?

What Happened

The consultation led to Bill 26: the Farm Freedom and Safety Act, which received royal assent on December 5, 2019. The legislation changed workplace rules for the agriculture sector to provide more flexibility while maintaining basic protections.

Key Documents