| | Table of contents
| Resolution 1: | Provincial Enforcement of Weed Control Act in Urban Centres |
| Resolution 2: | Weed Control in Provincial Parks |
| Resolution 3: | Restricted and Noxious Weed Prevention on Reclamation Sites |
| Resolution 4: | Designation of Undesired Vegetation |
| Resolution 5: | Certified Forage Seed and Weed Analysis for Land Reclamation |
| Resolution 6: | Weed Control Act Designation List: Purple Loosestrife |
| Resolution 7: | Weed Control Act |
| Resolution 8: | Free Trade of Cattle |
| Resolution 9: | Cost Sharing Under Alberta Water Management and Erosion Control Program (AWMECP) |
| Resolution 10: | Drought Assistance - Northeastern Alberta - DEFEATED |
| Resolution 11: | Changes to Regulations of the Motor Transport Act Regarding Hay Hauling |
| Resolution 12: | Encourage Joint Dialogue Between the Federal and Provincial Governments Before Changing the Use of Pesticides |
| Resolution 13: | Use of Insecticides - DEFEATED |
| Resolution 14: | Agricultural Lease Review Report - DEFEATED |
| Resolution 15: | Agricultural Lease Review Report - DEFEATED |
| Resolution 16: | Treatment of Revenues from Lifetime Brand Fees |
Resolution #1
Provincial enforcement of weed control act in urban centers
Be it resolved - That Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development enforce the Weed Control Act in urban municipalities to ensure that rural municipalities are not faced with financial hardship of controlling weeds from a never ending source in urban municipalities.
Response - Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development. The Weed Control Act is enabling provincial legislation that provides for municipalities to control weeds within their jurisdictions. It identifies certain restricted weeds which must be controlled in the province and a large number of noxious and nuisance weeds which may be the responsibility of the local authority. This provides for flexibility in responding to the varying climate, soil and moisture conditions that support different weed species in different parts of the province as well as differing local standards of weed tolerance, financial resources and priorities to manage weeds.
If the problem is with the restricted weeds such as diffuse and spotted knapweed, nodding thistle, red bartsia, yellow star thistle, dodder or Eurasion water milfoil, Provincial action can and will be taken to curtail growth and prevent spread. However, if it is a question of noxious or nuisance weeds, it should remain an issue to be resolved among the municipal jurisdictions involved whether they are urban and rural or both rural. The cost of weed control must be borne by the .residents of a municipality and it must be their decision to spend limited financial resources. This is where the power of persuasion of neighboring municipalities can play a major role and regional programs are most effective.
Resolution #2
Weed control in provincial parks
Be it resolved - That Alberta Environmental Protection assume their legislated responsibilities like all other Albertans and immediately implement a long-term, adequately funded weed control program in Provincial parks to preserve Alberta's environment and prevent weed spread.
Response - Alberta Environmental Protection. The department is responsible for the control of weeds on Crown lands under its administration, including provincial parks and recreation areas. Park management plans may require that natural processes be allowed to continue with minimal interference. Nevertheless, the department's "Use of Pesticides" policy identifies how and where pesticides will be applied in parks to control weeds, as defined and required under the regulations of the Weed Control Act or under the by-laws of appropriate municipal governments. Pesticide use is, therefore, appropriate to avoid the spread of weeds on to adjacent private lands.
The department works with adjacent landowners, municipalities and other groups to control noxious and restricted weeds within and adjacent to provincial parks. Many sites are now operated by contracted operators or lessees, and in these cases it is the operators' responsibility to control weeds. At these sites the department remains ultimately responsible for weed management. It should be noted that the Crown is bound by the Weed Control Act and must act on any weed notice issued.
The department is aware that weed management has become a problem in some parks. Weed control programs in these parks will be implemented as budgets allow. For example, five-year weed control programs for Fish Creek Provincial Park and Big Hill Springs Provincial Park were developed in January 1999.
In the Green Area, the department is the land manager and it is important for the government to show a positive stewardship role towards controlling weeds. Weed control has been identified as a forest protection issue because of the threat weeds are to the forest eco-system. Weed control programs in the Green Area (including Parks) are supported by the Environmental Protection and Enhancement fund.
Resolution #3
Restricted and noxious weed prevention on reclamation sites
Be it resolved - That the Minister of Environment ensure that all reclamation criteria and guidelines under the Environmental Enhancement and Protection Act, reflect that a landholder must be notified prior to any soil or soil amendment being brought onto his or her property and that the soil or soil amendment may be refused if there is a definite probability or the material containing restricted or noxious weed seeds.
Response - Alberta Environmental Protection. The department believes that our requirements and processes are practical and provide the necessary tools to address this issue. Therefore, we do not support Resolution #3, which states that Conservation and Reclamation Inspectors ensure landowners are notified by operators before they bring soil amendments on site.
Resolution #3 background
Vegetation criteria are described in Reclamation Criteria for Wellsites and Associated Facilities - 1995 update. Wellsite operators must eradicate restricted or noxious weeds that are introduced to an oil or gas site by equipment, soil amendments, or seed mixes if these weeds are present in greater amounts than on the adjacent land. Sites with weeds in excess of the adjacent land will not meet the vegetation criteria, and the Conservation and Reclamation Inspector will refuse to issue a reclamation certificate until weeds are dealt with.
The local municipal weed inspector has the responsibility for ensuring that restricted and noxious weeds are eradicated under the Weed Control Act. If the operator does not follow the department's direction to control the weeds, the local weed inspector will be contacted to follow- up under the Weed Control Act. The weed inspector can issue a Weed Notice to the occupant (operator).
Resolution #4
Designation of undesired vegetation
Be it resolved - That undesired vegetation under the Reclamation Criteria and Guidelines be defined as the weed species designated restricted and noxious weeds under the Weed Control Act or through a municipal by-law.
Response - Alberta Environmental Protection. For the same reasons outlined for Resolution #3, the department does not support Resolution #4, which states that the Reclamation Criteria for Wellsites and Associated Facilities identify specific weeds that are unacceptable. The department will, however, draft an Information Letter for discussion by stakeholders that will provide more guidance on the issue of weeds on reclaimed sites.
Resolution #4 background
Vegetation criteria are described in Reclamation Criteria for Wellsites and Associated Facilities - 1995 update. Wellsite operators must eradicate restricted or noxious weeds that are introduced to an oil or gas site by equipment, soil amendments, or seed mixes if these weeds are present in greater amounts than on the adjacent land. Sites with weeds in excess of the adjacent land will not meet the vegetation criteria, and the Conservation and Reclamation Inspector will refuse to issue a reclamation certificate until weeds are dealt with.
The local municipal weed inspector has the responsibility for ensuring that restricted and noxious weeds are eradicated under the Weed Control Act. If the operator does not follow the department's direction to control the weeds, the local weed inspector will be contacted to follow- up under the Weed Control Act. The weed inspector can issue a Weed Notice to the occupant (operator).
Resolution #5
Certified forage seed and weed analysis for land reclamation
Be it resolved - That lease operators be required to use no less than Canada Certified No. 1 Forage Seed and to provide a Weed Seed Analysis to the landowner and Municipality prior to reestablishment of oil and gas reclaimed lands.
Response - Alberta Environmental Protection. For the same reasons outlined for Resolution #3, the department does not support Resolution #5, (i.e. that Conservation and Reclamation Inspectors ensure that operators provide a Weed Seed Analysis of the seed mix to the landowner before they apply the seed mix on site.) The department, however, will continue to encourage operators to use Canada Certified #1 seed where applicable.
Resolution #5 background
Vegetation criteria are described in Reclamation Criteria for Wellsites and Associated Facilities - 1995 update. Wellsite operators must eradicate restricted or noxious weeds that are introduced to an oil or gas site by equipment, soil amendments, or seed mixes if these weeds are present in greater amounts than on the adjacent land. Sites with weeds in excess of the adjacent land will not meet the vegetation criteria, and the Conservation and Reclamation Inspector will refuse to issue a reclamation certificate until weeds are dealt with.
The local municipal weed inspector has the responsibility for ensuring that restricted and noxious weeds are eradicated under the Weed Control Act. If the operator does not follow the department's direction to control the weeds, the local weed inspector will be contacted to follow- up under the Weed Control Act. The weed inspector can issue a Weed Notice to the occupant (operator).
Resolution #6
Weed control act designation list: purple loosestrife
Be it resolved - That the Weed Designation List of the Weed Control Act be changed from Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum Salicaria) to Lythrum Species.
Response - Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development. In designating plant species as weeds, we have to be very specific as to the target species. As part of the biodiversity principle we have to be sure of the problem species. By targeting the genus Lythrum, we may be inappropriately removing other Lythrums which in themselves are not a problem even though if crossed do produce viable seed. This is not uncommon in the plant world. This could also apply to some of the mustard-like weeds which can cross with some canolas to produce new plants, but we do not target all Brassicas. To ensure that the Act retains its credibility with all segments of Alberta society we do not view any major benefit by designating the Lythrum genes as weedy.
Resolution #7
Weed Control Act
Be it resolved - That the provincial government increase the appeal fee to two hundred and fifty dollars to better reflect the actual costs involved in the formation and sitting of this committee.
Response - Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development. The current Weed Control Act has been in place since 1991 with the appeal costs and fines reflected in 1991 dollars. As a result we will be reviewing the monetary portion of the Act with a view of more accurately reflecting costs involved in performing the function.
Resolution #8
Free trade of cattle
Be it resolved - That the Agricultural Service Boards in the Province of Alberta urge and support the Provincial and Federal Governments to increase political pressure to ensure the continuation of free trade of cattle.
Response - Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development. The Government of Alberta has been actively involved in the two major issues currently surrounding this Resolution, including (1) US meat labeling legislation currently in Congress, and (2) antidumping and countervailing duty petitions recently filed by the Ranchers Cattlemen Legal Foundation.
1. US meat labeling legislation
In June of last year, Alberta urged the Government of Canada to enact new regulations allowing for smoother flow of US feeder cattle into Alberta feedlots as part of the North West Cattle Project, in an attempt to show "good faith" and thwart protectionist sentiments in the US.
The government of Alberta is also working closely with the cattle and beef industry to provide technical and policy input into the study being conducted by USDA. Diplomatic efforts to persuade the US Congress not to pass any legislation on country of origin labeling for meats until results of the USDA study are published and the impacts better understood continue. Alberta is also working closely with the cattle and beef industry to establish longer term alternative marketing plans that emphasize opportunities in offshore markets, while moving toward branded beef programs.
2. Antidumping and countervailing duty petitions
The Government of Alberta has employed legal counsel in Washington, D.C. to defend our cattle industry against these unfounded subsidy allegations. The Canadian Cattlemen's Association is taking the lead in fending off the dumping allegations. The Government of Canada and other provincial governments, as well as the Canadian Wheat Board have legal counsel working on their behalf. Given the large number of provincial and federal programs under investigation, a joint defense strategy is being implemented.
Honourable Minister Ed Stelmach is actively corresponding with the Canadian and US federal governments to ensure the smooth flow of Alberta cattle and beef to the US, Alberta's largest and most important trading partner.
Resolution #9
Cost sharing under Alberta water management and erosion control program (AWMECP)
Be it resolved - The Province reinstate the 75-25 cost-share of the Alberta Water Management and Erosion Control Program (AWMECP).
Response - Alberta Environmental Protection. Effective April 1, 1999, the cost share ration changed from 75%-25% to 65%-35%, with a maximum per project grant of $275,000. The impact that revising the cost share ration could have on local authorities using the AWMECP was given much consideration. While the department does not wish to place an additional burden on local authorities, we do need to stay within program budgets. Past cost sharing has resulted in a program deficit of $9 million, and resulted in a less effective level of funding for some water management projects.
The department is confident that the changes initiated will allow for increased fiscal responsibility, while continuing to contribute significantly to funding of important water management projects.
Resolution #10
Drought assistance - Northeastern Alberta
Be it resolved - The Provincial and Federal Governments make the necessary changes to existing programs to create long term solutions to address continuing drought conditions, and that these programs are more responsive to the needs of the producers ensuring that they more closely reflect current agricultural conditions.
Defeated
Resolution #11
Changes to regulations of the motor transport act regarding hay hauling
Be it resolved - Alberta Transportation and Utilities revise the Public Vehicle Dimension and Weight Regulations of the Motor Transport Act so they are not discriminatory to tridem trailers, and allow load extensions and institute standardized safety regulations for over-length and over-width loads, regardless of the cargo carried.
Response - Alberta Transportation and Utilities. The resolution contains several misinterpretations of the regulations and policies concerning the legal and permitted dimensions of trucks hauling hay bales. As per our oversize policy for the transportation of hay bales, we permit vehicles for additional width and height, but not for additional length. This applies equally to all equipment types and configurations, regardless of the number of axles.
The maximum legal length of a semi-trailer is 16.2 meters (53 feet), including any extensions of the load beyond the ends of the deck. Typically extensions are used on shorter trailers to get them to the maximum 53 foot cargo space. Newer trailers built to the 53 foot maximum do not need extensions to haul the same number of bales.
Similarly, double trailer combinations are limited to a legal box length (from the front of the lead trailer or load to the back of the rear trailer or load) of 20.0 meters (65.5 feet).
We are currently conducting a research project on the transportation of hay bales. This study is reviewing the stability of the trucks, vehicle safety, load security and payload considerations. Once completed later this spring, we will have an up to date policy for the maximum dimensions which we can allow without compromising the safety of the traveling public.
Resolution #12
Encourage joint dialogue between the federal and provincial governments before changing the use of pesticides
Be it resolved - The Agricultural Service Boards urge Alberta Environmental Protection to contact the Federal Government, Pesticide Management Regulatory Agency and discuss the importance of joint involvement in the decision making process regarding use of pesticides.
Response - Alberta Environmental Protection. The department has developed a Discussion Document regarding the use of pesticides in riparian areas. A draft is presently being circulated to key provincial stakeholders that are directly affected by regulatory provisions regarding pesticide use in riparian areas and/or provisions to protect surface water. The draft Discussion Document reviews current federal/provincial responsibilities for pesticide management, and the overlap that exists with regard to the protection of riparian areas. Reviewers are requested to provide input regarding role clarification. A final Discussion Document reflecting input from reviewers, will be forwarded to the federal Pest Management Regulatory Agency this April.
Dupont Canada, the manufacturer of Escort, has changed the label to allow the use of Escort as authorized under provincial legislation. This change will be in effect for the 1999 pesticide application season.
The herbicide Garlon can be used to control Tansy. The Garlon label does not specifically list Tansy as a controlled species, but identifies use of the product generally for undesirable annual and perennial broadleaved weeds. Tansy would qualify under this general provision.
Resolution #13
Use of insecticides - defeated
Be it resolved - The Province establish recommendations and guidelines for the use of insecticides to prevent adverse impacts, along with educational opportunities for rural residents and agricultural producers concerning safe handling requirements and procedures to follow when insecticide spraying is occurring near residential properties, livestock, water bodies and apairy yards.
Defeated
Resolution #14
Agricultural lease review report - defeated
Be it resolved - Agricultural Service Boards urge the province to justify their claims of inequities in the market-driven status quo and before implementing any changes, the province should ensure that the impact on the land and municipalities will be positive.
Defeated
Resolution #15
Agricultural lease review report - defeated
Be it resolved - The Agricultural Service Boards be invited to offer their services at the informal appeal level to the Provincial Government for all levels of public land concerns.
Defeated
Resolution #16
Treatment of revenues from lifetime brand fees
Be it resolved - That Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development release all funds received from lifetime brand fees to Livestock Identification Services to cover future administration costs of the lifetime brands and to implement service improvements and industry projects consistent with the objectives set out in the Delegation Regulations.
Response - Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development. Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development and Livestock Identification Services (LIS) have had a continuing dialogue on this issue and have exchanged position papers putting forward how these funds should or have been distributed.
LIS requested an opportunity to address the Agriculture Standing Policy Committee (SPC) on this issue. On February 22, 1999, representatives from the LIS board and the Minister of Agriculture met with SPC and viewpoints from both sides were presented. SPC later forwarded the recommendation to LIS that the LIS board should continue to work with the Minister of Agriculture on all issues raised by the board. The on-going dialogue between LIS board and the Minister will hopefully bring about some resolve that will be satisfactory to both parties.
This information is provided by:
Pam Retzloff
Pam Retzloff, Program Assistant
Agricultural Service Board Program
Room 201, 7000 - 113 Street
Edmonton, Alberta
T6H 5T6
Phone: 780-427-4213 Fax: 780-422-7755 |
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