WEED CONTROL ACT
The new
Alberta Weed Control Act
received Proclamation and came into force on June 16,
2010.
The new
Act
is a comprehensive re-write of the old act for the purposes of re-
organizing, updating, and providing greater clarity to the existing provisions of the
Act
.
The
Weed Control Act
is enabling legislation that provides the legal authority to manage
plant species that affect agricultural production.
The
Weed Control Act
consists of two parts:
·
Weed Control Act
·
Weed Control Act Regulation
The
Weed Control Act
:
·
Defines categories of weed species and requirements for control
·
Defines landowners responsibilities
·
Requires licensing of seed cleaning plants
·
Regulation of weed seeds and spread of weeds
·
Requires municipalities to appoint inspectors
·
Outlines inspector’s powers for right of entry, inspection and enforcement
·
Requirements for issuing notices
o
Notice content
o
Delivery of notices
·
Establishment of appeal committees and right to appeal
·
Right of municipality to recover inspector’s expenses
·
Offences for contravening the
Act
·
Minister’s responsibilities and rights
The Weed Control Regulation outlines the requirements for Seed Cleaning Plant licensing,
the list of regulated species, bylaws that the municipality can create and the process to
appeal a notice.
The Weed Control Regulation expires on August 1, 2016.
ASB Roles and Responsibilities under this Act
·
Provide recommendations to council regarding policies and programs to assist with
compliance under the Act (i.e. reverse fenceline spraying programs)
·
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/deptdocs.nsf/all/rsv13511
15
link