Bill 15 is facing tough questioning from opposition MLAs during committee hearings this week, raising the chances that third reading could be delayed until this fall. The bill proposes several amendments to the Agricultural Land Commission, including consolidation of decision-making in a single provincial panel rather than the six regional panels that exist today. It …
NEWS
Changes to slaughter rules taking too long
CHASE – It’s been a year of waiting for the meat processing industry in BC, which has yet to see any movement on some of its key issues. A year ago, optimism abounded when the BC Association of Abattoirs met for its annual general meeting. The provincial government was wrapping up a survey of class …
Asian hornet identified
BC beekeepers could be facing a new threat with the positive identification of a hornet native to Asia in Vancouver. A female black-tailed hornet (Vespa ducalis) was caught in Vancouver on May 10. Researchers at UBC and Japan’s Hokkaido University Museum and Ibaraki University confirmed its identity this week. Wasps are known to devastate colonies, …
What’s a ‘Product of Canada’?
Should foods made with 15% imported ingredients qualify as products of Canada? The Canadian Food Inspection Agency launched a consultation this week to find out. Right now, only products made with 98% domestic ingredients can qualify for the “Product of Canada” designation. All other products must bear the qualifier, “Made in Canada from domestic and …
Hog farm won’t face charges
ABBOTSFORD – BC SPCA is declining to press charges against an Abbotsford hog farm targeted by animal rights activists. Representatives of the association, which is responsible under the province’s Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act to investigate complaints and enforce laws related to animal welfare, visited the farm in early May and found no grounds …
Johnston’s Packers targeted by activists
CHILLIWACK – Bonnie Windsor is assistant plant manager at Johnston’s Packers Ltd., the largest provincially inspected slaughterhouse in BC. The business has been processing hogs in Chilliwack since 1937, making it one of the province’s oldest plants, too. Windsor is bright, articulate, hardworking and has a raucous sense of humour. She could be working in …