AGRICULTURAL PESTS ACT
The
Agricultural Pests Act
is enabling legislation that provides legal authority to manage
native and introduced pests that affect agricultural production.
The
Agricultural Pests Act
consists of two parts:
·
Agricultural Pest Act
·
Pest and Nuisance Control Regulation.
The
Agricultural Pests Act
:
·
Defines a pest and nuisance
o
Actual species listed in Regulation
·
Minister’s powers and delegation of Minister’s powers
·
Duties of individual and local authorities
·
Requires municipal inspectors to be appointed
·
Powers of an inspector
o
on private land
o
warrant to enter a private entrance
·
Failure to enforce the
Act
·
Defines how notices are to be written and delivered
·
Appeals process for a notice
·
Ability of municipalities to recover expenses for enforcement work
·
Offences for contravening the
Act
The Regulation lists species that can be controlled or eradicated, transportation
restrictions, control options for certain pests and nuisances, permitting requirements,
issuance of notices and quarantine declaration.
The
Agricultural Pests Act
remains in force with the Pest and Nuisance Control Regulation
expiring August 31, 2016. It will be reviewed and updated at that time.
ASB Roles and Responsibilities under this Act
·
Provide recommendations to council regarding policies and programs to assist with
compliance under the Act (i.e. implementation of a bounty program for Richardson
Ground Squirrel tails)
·
Ensure adequate pest inspectors are appointed for the municipality
·
Ensure that an independent appeal committee has been appointed
Link to Act:
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptd cs.nsf/all/rsv13511
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