A group representing Ontario farmers is lobbying the province on legislation derisively known as the "ag gag law" that was largely struck down by the Ontario Superior Court earlier this year.
The Ontario Federation of Agriculture was registered by Olivia Akena-Colim and Sam MacMillan, both consultants with Enterprise Canada, as well as in-house by Cathy Lennon, the group's general manager. The listed goal of their registrations was to discuss Bill 156, or the Security from Trespass and Protecting Food Safety Act, 2019.
The OFA says some special interest groups have alleged the legislation will hide how Ontario farm families produce food for Ontarians, which the group denies, arguing that Ontario farmers follow strict codes of conduct to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all farm animals. The OFA says it wants to voice its support for Bill 156 and its intent to protect farms, their families and the safety of the food chain by addressing the ongoing threat of unwanted trespassing and activists who think it is their right to disrupt farms and the safety of the food chain.