[BCFSN] Address BC's food insecurity crisis due to rapid climate change: Peg medical marijuana production to food production

[Women's Food and Water Initiative]

Via Vicki Huntington, MLA. 

Very bad news for the ALR.

Arzeena

Amara Farm
Courtenay, BC
(250) 702-5657
https://www.facebook.com/AmaraFarm
https://twitter.com/arzeena

> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Huntington.MLA, Vicki [mailto:Vicki.Huntington.MLA at leg.bc.ca] 
> Sent: May-27-14 1:37 PM
> To: undisclosed-recipients:
> Subject: Bill 24 facing closure
> 
> Good afternoon,
> This morning, the government moved to end debate on Bill 24 by 5:30 pm on
> Thursday. Even if the legislation hasn't been examined clause-by-clause,
> which would require the minister to answer for its many flaws, it will be
> passed on Thursday.
> 
> As you know, this legislation threatens the future of agriculture and food
> security in B.C. The government spin is that this bill is designed to help
> farmers, but ninety-five per cent of the applications to exclude land from
> the ALR come from landowners who have no intention of engaging in
> agricultural activity.
> 
> I have spoken against the bill at every opportunity and will continue to do
> so, both in the legislature and publicly. I do not believe this bill was
> drafted with adequate data that looked at climate change, food security, and
> soil science, as well as the bill's likely effect on agricultural jobs and
> increasing land prices, which will shut out new farmers. The government's
> pledge to consult on the regulations of this terrible law is embarrassing
> and inadequate - no meaningful consultation took place prior to the bill's
> introduction. The government's own amendments to the bill do not represent
> significant improvements, and in at least one case they've made the bill
> worse, by giving Cabinet-ordered exclusion application reviews more
> opportunities to succeed.
> 
> Even if there is no time for meaningful debate, I will ensure the minister
> receives all of my questions. The government must answer for this
> legislation, and I would ask you to keep writing letters. If the government
> can't answer for this bill, then the legislation should be repealed.
> 
> Thank you for taking the time to write.
> 
> Sincerely,
> Vicki Huntington
> MLA, Delta South
> 
> 

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