The Changes

By Guy Dauncey

Assuming I will be able to actually change my address after my recent move (have you ever been to the Province of BC's website? not very user friendly) I, like every other BC resident as of December 31, 2007, will receive $100 Climate Action Dividend.

(And yes, some of it I copied from my SPUD letter. Is that a crime?)

Dear Honorable Members of the Legislative Assembly,

In the wake of last week's tragic bus crash in Abbotsford, I am writing to encourage you to help ensure the safety and fair treatment of those who work on BC farms. For me, the crash highlighted the unfair working conditions for these British Columbians, and the need for more direct oversight of the agriculture industry. I urge you to protect these vulnerable workers by providing such oversight.

I was pleased to see the government announce spot checks for vehicles transporting farm workers. Now, I would like to see this government go farther, by re-instating the inter-agency teams that ensure regulations are followed on the job as well as on the road. I would also welcome changes to the Employment Standards Act to grant agricultural workers the same rights as other British Columbians, including an hourly minimum wage.

I recognize that agriculture is a very competitive industry and that some BC farms are struggling to survive. However, survival should not come at the expense of worker rights or safety. As a consumer of BC produce, I would be willing to pay a premium for the assurance that food was harvested fairly, much like many consumers who pay more for "Fair Trade' or "organic" products. I would like to see BC's agriculture industry become a leader in ethical business practices.

Thank you for your attention to this. I am confident that you share my concerns for British Columbians health and safety and I look forward to your response.

If you want to learn about Freedom of Information and how to make the BC Government more accountable, then check out this conference. It will be pretty interesting and the speakers represent all perspectives.

The BC Information Summit – Friday September 29