Category: General oversight
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Letter: Prokam Enterprises Ltd. to B.C. Vegetable Marketing Commission — Request to issue a Class 1 producer license
Prokam Enterprises Ltd. requests that BCVMC issue Prokam a Class 1 license for the 2021-22 growing season, despite not growing regulated vegetables in the previous season. The letter discusses Prokam’s appeal to BCFIRB and plans for potato planting and marketing.
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Directive: BCFIRB to regulated marketing boards and commissions — Final framework for Administrative Monetary Penalties and next steps
BCFIRB outlines the final framework for administrative monetary penalties (AMPs) under the Natural Products Marketing (BC) Act, requiring commodity boards to submit their policies by April 1, 2022. Boards not using penalties must provide a SAFETI-based rationale by June 30, 2021. BCFIRB will review biosecurity program outcomes and ensure consistency across boards.
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Administrative Penalty Framework for Commodity Boards
BCFIRB outlines the Administrative Penalty Framework for B.C.’s regulated marketing boards and commissions. The framework ensures the development and application of administrative penalty policies and procedures in accordance with legislative requirements and procedural fairness, focusing on mandatory biosecurity programs under the NPMA.
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Letter:BCFIRB to BCBHEC — Prior approval of Ontario Reserve Fund transfer
BCFIRB approves the BCBHEC’s request to transfer the Ontario Reserve Fund to the restricted ‘Reserve for the Unforeseen’, to be used for Avian Influenza response or insurance.
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Request: BCFIRB to Minister of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries — Assistance with addressing animal activism and orderly marketing concerns
BCFIRB acknowledges concerns raised by livestock commodity boards about trespass by animal activists on farms. BCFIRB offers assistance to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries in addressing these issues, suggesting potential amendments to the Farm Practices Protection (Right to Farm) Act.
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Letter: BCFIRB to B.C. Vegetable Marketing Commission — Input on B.C. Vegetable Marketing Commission conflict of interest rules, declaration form and codes of conduct
BCFIRB provides input to the BCVMC on their conflict of interest rules, declaration form and codes of conduct. BCFIRB suggests amendments for effectiveness and transparency, including cross-referencing documents, assembling them into one package, and emphasizing proactive conflict disclosure and public interest recognition.
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Approval: BCFIRB to B.C. Cranberry Marketing Commission — Extension granted for rationale on administrative monetary penalties
BCFIRB approves the BCCMC’s request to extend the deadline to July 30, 2021, for providing its rationale for not using administrative monetary penalties (AMPs). The extension allows for further discussion on implementing penalties and mandatory biosecurity programs.
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Directive: BCFIRB to B.C. Vegetable Marketing Commission — Compliance with amended Vegetable Order under APMA
BCFIRB outlines expectations for the BCVMC regarding the amended Vegetable Order under the Agricultural Products Marketing Act. The Commission must document and integrate pricing policies with General Orders and provide copies to BCFIRB by May 7, 2021. BCFIRB also expects adherence to SAFETI principles.
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Approval: BCFIRB to B.C. Vegetable Marketing Commission — 2021 Election Policy changes and deadline extension
BCFIRB approves changes to the BCVMC’s 2021 Election Policy, including eligibility and nomination requirements, and directs a temporary amendment to extend the election deadline. The Commission must complete a full policy review with industry and submit amendments by November 26, 2021.
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Excerpt: Conducting Administrative, Oversight & Ombudsman Investigations
This document outlines a template used by Ombudsman Ontario for assessing complaints, including steps for deciding whether to investigate, resolve informally or close cases.