The Issue
The Doug Ford government pushed through their “Ag-Gag” legislation, the Ontario Bill 156, with as little discussion as possible. They did this during the early months of the pandemic, while citizens were distracted with other matters. The law is now known as the Security from Trespass and Protecting Food Safety Act.
Ag-Gag laws are contrary to free speech. They criminalize the respected practice of under-cover investigation. Under-cover investigations are necessary to expose abuses. This is especially true for businesses where those who are vulnerable (human and non-human) are hidden from public view. Advocates and journalists alike have conducted these kinds of investigations. Ag-Gag laws focus specifically on the agricultural sector and only protect the owners of animal-using businesses. They do not protect the general public, farm workers or farmed animals. In fact, human workers and farmed animals are at greater risk when whistle-blowers are subject to harsh laws and penalties.
It’s important to contact elected representatives to voice our opposition to this legislation. We must do this so that our voices become part of the permanent public record.
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