Ontario Pork strongly supports Bill 156, important legislation that will serve to protect Ontario's farmers, farm animals and food supply.

Ontario’s pork farmers are committed to internationally recognized high standards of biosecurity, animal care and farm practices, based on science, education and animal husbandry best practices. They are proud of how they manage their animals and work hard to produce high-quality food for Canadians.

Farmers need equal protection under the law when their homes, property and workplaces are threatened. Pork producers support peaceful protest on public property as a right enjoyed by all Canadians. Ontario Pork members, like most Canadians, also embrace a system where there are clear consequences for breaking the law and meaningful prosecutions which act as a deterrent to future crimes.

Maintaining farm biosecurity is also crucial: Anyone entering barns or farms, handling animals or moving between barns without following proper biosecurity protocols puts the health of animals, the safety of food and the livelihood of farmers at risk. Safe farms are important for the people who live and work there, as well as for animals and consumers.

Learn more about Ontario’s Security from Trespass and Protecting Food Safety Act at www.aboutbill156.com

December 5, 2020

The Act came into force. Regulations for the Security from Trespass and Protecting Food Safety Act, 2020, S.O. 2020, c. 9

October 14, 2020 

Ontario Pork submission regarding the proposed regulation under the Security from Trespass and Protecting Food Safety Act

Ontario Pork firmly believes that Bill 156 respects peaceful protest, while restoring balance between the high standards of animal care inherent to pork farming, and protection for farmers, transporters and others involved in food production.

Ontario Pork provided comments and suggestions regarding the proposed regulation under the Act to ensure key terms are defined appropriately, as well as ensuring that the Act and Regulation encompass four types of “animal protection zones”: farms, pastures, livestock transport vehicles and other farm animal facilities (including agricultural fairs and exhibitions, auction sales, commercial vehicle inspection stations (i.e. weigh scales), community pastures, livestock transport rest stops, sales barns, and stockyards when farm animals are present. Ontario Pork also stressed that any animal protection zone on a farm is private property and no one should enter the property unless invited or permitted. Ontario Pork supported the proposed aggravating factors allowing for increased penalties for persons who are found guilty of committing offences under the Act. 

OFA supports stronger education and enforcement of new and existing legislation, to ensure the safety of Ontario’s food value chain, from farm to table.

June 18, 2020

Bill 156 received Royal Assent.

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Last updated February 2, 2021