Citizens for a Livable Cranbrook Society provides grassroots leadership and an inclusive process, with a voice for all community members, to ensure that our community grows and develops in a way that incorporates an environmental ethic, offers a range of housing and transportation choices, encourages a vibrant and cultural life and supports sustainable, meaningful employment and business opportunities.

Thursday, April 24, 2014

A Bigger Think on MLA Bennett's Proposed Changes to the ALR after Public Responses

Minister promises consultation on Agricultural Land Reserve

Bill could be changed or withdrawn, Norm Letnick says after daylong meeting with farmers’ group
Rob Shaw / Times Colonist
April 24, 2014 10:03 AM
- See more at: http://www.timescolonist.com/life/minister-promises-consultation-on-agricultural-land-reserve-1.982892#sthash.PkWVqEHd.dpufVICTORIA — B.C.’s agriculture minister says he’s willing to reconsider legislation that would change the Agricultural Land Reserve, but wants to hear from all British Columbians before he makes up his mind.

Norm Letnick emerged from a seven-hour meeting with farmers and ranchers in Abbotsford on Wednesday to say he needs to hear from the rest of the province before deciding whether to change or withdraw from the legislature the proposed legislation that would alter the ALR.

“The opportunity is everything from amending the bill to leaving it alone to removing the bill,” Letnick said in an interview. “I haven’t landed on any particular recommendation yet, because I’m not finished my consultation process.”

Letnick said he’s asked ministry staff to organize a B.C.-wide consultation, which could take the form of a phone, Twitter or Web-based town hall meeting.

Core Review Minister Bill Bennett crafted the bill to change the ALR in late March, saying it was necessary to modernize and improve the management of protected farmland in the province, as well as the Agricultural Land Commission that oversees that land. - See more at: http://www.timescolonist.com/life/minister-promises-consultation-on-agricultural-land-reserve-1.982892#sthash.PkWVqEHd.dpuf

See also
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/new-bc-agriculture-minister-steps-into-alr-quagmire/article17943825/

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