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Introduction and Background (Continued)
The Livestock Identification and Commerce Act (Bill 38) received Royal Assent on May 24, 2006. The Act, which will come into force upon Proclamation, consolidates and revises provisions of the Brand Act, the Livestock Identification and Brand Inspection Act, and the Livestock and Livestock Products Act. The Act facilitates fair commerce, protects personal property, and promotes the integrity of marketing within the livestock industry. Regulations pursuant to the Act are being developed. As was the case in developing the Act, this is largely a process of consolidation and modernization. On December 7th, 2007 amendments to the Livestock Identification and Commerce Act received Royal Assent. Amendments to LICA include the clarification of requirements relating to security interest disclosure, sale documentation, prompt payment and livestock permits. These amendments will strengthen due diligence practices so as to increase recognition of security interests of lenders and provide protection to buyers of livestock.
The stakeholder consultation process formally commenced four years ago. In January 2003, a discussion paper and questionnaire were distributed to approximately 225 industry associations and other stakeholders. In February 2003, a letter explaining the consultation process and availability of the discussion paper were sent to each brand-owner in Alberta. Stakeholder feedback on the discussion paper was accepted until April 30, 2003. In January 2005, AF and LIS commenced a subsequent joint public consultation process. The proposed framework of livestock marketing and brand inspection legislation was provided to stakeholders in the livestock industry to garner further feedback. A discussion document was distributed to Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and over 650 stakeholders. Four public meetings and eight meetings with key stakeholder groups were held in January 2005. Throughout 2005 and to date in 2006, additional stakeholder consultation has occurred through discussions and workshops with industry representatives. Three workshops with representatives of the Cattle Industry Committee (CIC) were held. CIC was initiated by the Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) and includes representation from the diversity of sectors in the cattle industry. Legal counsel and policy advisors from AF, LIS, Justice and ABP play a critical role in the legislative review process.
The Act is a product of over four years of stakeholder consultation. Based on this input, the Act reflects the goals of the government and industry representatives to facilitate fair and efficient commerce in livestock. The stakeholder consultation process continues today and involves representatives from the diverse livestock industry and representatives of the lending community. Stakeholders have been invited to participate in developing the regulations that will further define livestock identification and marketing policies.
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