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 consultation led to Bill 26, which became law in December 2019.

Why This Matters

Work on a farm or ranch in Alberta? This shaped the rules that now govern your hours, pay, and safety protections. Even if you don't farm, the balance between worker safety and agricultural flexibility affects food prices and rural communities.

What Could Change

Bill 26 passed in December 2019, changing workplace rules for Alberta's agriculture sector. Farms now have more flexibility on hours of work and can choose between WCB or private insurance for workers' compensation. Youth employment rules were also adjusted for farm work.

Key Issues

  • How flexible should hours of work, holiday pay, and minimum wage rules be for farms?
  • What basic safety standards should apply to agricultural workplaces?
  • Should farms choose between WCB and private insurance for workers' compensation?
  • 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 Alberta's agriculture sector to provide more flexibility while maintaining basic protections.

View Final Decision

Key Documents