In October, Premier Jason Kenney, Minister of Justice and Attorney General Doug Schweitzer, and Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Devin Dreeshen announce new protections for farmers

By rdnewsNOW staff

PROPERTY OWNERS PROTECTION BILL

Bill 27 receives first reading in legislature

Nov 20, 2019 | 8:05 AM

EDMONTON- The UCP government has introduced legislation to strengthen protections for law-abiding Albertans and their property.

Bill 27 has received first reading in the legislature and, if passed, would better protect property owners from civil liability for injuries to trespassers where the owner has reasonable grounds to believe the trespasser is committing, or about to commit, a criminal offence.

“The proposed changes in Bill 27 came directly from listening to rural residents whose lives have been affected by crime. As our next step in our plan to combat rural crime, this legislation will not only protect property owners and help law-abiding Albertans feel safe in their communities, but also will ensure trespassers face the proper consequences for their actions.”

Doug Schweitzer, Minister of Justice and Solicitor General

The proposed legislation would also strengthen deterrents to trespassing through amendments to trespass laws.

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This includes five-fold increases to maximum fines for trespassing, with fines of up to $10,000 for a first offence and up to $25,000 for subsequent offences, as well as possible prison time of up to six months.

Corporations that help or direct trespassers would face fines up to $200,000 — a first for Canada.

In addition, the maximum amount a court may order for loss or damage to property would be raised from $25,000 to $100,000.

The maximum fines for first and subsequent offences would increase from $2,000 and $5,000 to $10,000 and $25,000, respectively.

Bill 27 would also better protect farmers and ranchers from harassment and occupation by protesters, which are actions that risk introducing disease and threaten the welfare of animals.

Once the changes came into force, Alberta would be the first province to have offences and penalties for creating a biosecurity hazard to animals.

However, property owners can still be held criminally responsible for their actions and should call law enforcement to deal with trespassers.

The amendments to the bill would be retroactive to Jan. 1, 2018.