Barlow’s Bill C-205 Debated in MParliament (Biosecurity on Farms)
My Private Member’s Bill completed the first hour of debate in Parliament on Thursday November 26th in the House of Commons.
Bill C-205, An Act to amend the Health of Animals Act, addresses the critical issue of securing the biosecurity of our food supply, especially when people trespass onto farm property and at facilities. It will also increase the penalties for groups and organizations who encourage individuals to threaten the health of animals, workers and farm families.
This Bill does not limit an individual’s right to peacefully protest on public property.
“When activists trespass onto farm property and facilities they may not fully grasp the consequences of their actions,” said Barlow.
“First and foremost, they are endangering the safety of livestock, farmers, their families and workers.
“Protecting Canada’s food supply is critical–viruseslikeAfricanSwineFever (ASF), Avian Influenza (AI), Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) and Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) pose a real threat to Canadian agriculture.
“These biosecurity threats can decimate poultry operations, livestock herds and devastate our industry and economy.
“We have seen the devastating impact the Covid-19 pandemic has had on the entire Canadian economy, animal-borne diseases like ASF and FMD would equally devastate our agriculture sector from farm to table,” concluded MP Barlow.
Bill C-205 was first introduced in Parliament on February 18th 2020, however, debate was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the suspension of Parliament.
Strengthening biosecurity measures for trespassers is something farmers, ranchers, food processors, farm groups and commodity organizations all support.
My Bill received strong support from Conservatives, Bloc and NDP during debate.
John Barlow appointed Chair of Canada-Scotland Friendship Group
I am pleased to share some exciting news, the Canada-Scotland Friendship Group has been reconstituted on Parliament Hill and I am honoured to be appointed as friendship group chair.
Originally founded in 2011 and relaunched on October 27th, 2020, the group is a nonpartisan committee consisting of over 40 Members of Parliament and Senators, chaired by MP John Barlow (CPC), with executive committee members represented by MP John McKay (Lib), MP Marie- France Lalonde (Lib), MP Daniel Blaikie (NDP), MP Xavier Barsalou- Duval (Bloc), MP James Cumming (CPC), and Senator David Wells.
At the first meeting, members brought forward important topics of discussions for the group on which to focus. The topics include the upcoming election in Scotland, partnerships between Universities, agriculture, trade and economic partnerships as well as learning more about how Scottish Parliament functions.
At the end of the meeting, the friendship group reiterated the importance of further advancing the ties between Canada and Scotland, and strengthening our shared values though the work of this committee.
“Canada and Scotland share a profound relationship joined together by family links, strong business and trade relationships as well as shared values, culture and history. Through meaningful work and discussions, the Canada- Scotland Friendship Group will embark on strengthening the bond between our proud countries. During challenging times, friends support one another. This could not be more true than it is today and is certainly symbolized through the reconstitution of the Canada-Scotland Friendship group in 2020. It underpins our deep and meaningful friendship between our two countries, and continued support during the most trying of times.”
– John Barlow, Member of Parliament for Foothills, Friendship Chair (2020)
“The setting up this Group between our two parliaments is such good news. The friendships between our countries and our parliaments is real and deep. Indeed, when this Parliament was set up in 1999 we looked at how other legislatures across the world work so there is a little bit of Ottawa’s procedures and practices here in Edinburgh. I very much look forward to meeting with the Group members at the earliest opportunity.”
– Rt Hon Ken Macintosh MSP, Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament
John Barlow
Member of Parliament for Foothills
John.Barlow@parl.gc.ca
403-603-3665
