From the Alberta Liberal Caucus, June 1, 2009:

Edmonton – Official Opposition Leader Dr. David Swann today introduced Private Member’s Motion 510, which aims to increase paid farm worker safety.

 The motion reads, “Be it resolved that the Legislative Assembly urge the Government to introduce amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Act to protect paid farm workers while continuing to exempt family members and other unpaid labourers.”

 The Premier, the Minister of Employment and Immigration and the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development have all faced questions about farm worker safety from Dr. Swann and Agriculture Critic Kevin Taft during the current sitting of the Alberta Legislature. Both Alberta Liberal MLAs have brought victims of farm accidents to the Legislature on numerous occasions.

 “We must do all we can to prevent more Albertans from being injured or killed for paid farm work. The Stelmach administration should provide farm workers with the necessary and court-recommended rights and protections enjoyed by other workers in Alberta,” says Swann.

 Since 1997, 223 Albertans have died on farms and there have been thousands of injuries. Many other farm injuries go unreported.

 “Had paid farm workers been included under Occupational Health and Safety, and not deliberately exempted, these human tragedies would be far more rare,” continues Swann.