WHEREAS the revised proposal to amend The Noxious Weed Act, 1984 Early Detection and Eradication option (EDE) in the “noxious weeds” category limits the area of treatment to less than one hectare; and 

WHEREAS a new weed that established in an area not readily visible may have proliferated to a point where it is substantially more than one hectare before it is reported or identified; 

BE IT RESOLVED that SARM strongly recommend that the treatable area under the EDE option in the “noxious category” be increased to 10% of the land parcel area or 16 acres per quarter section.

Response from Honourable Bob Bjornerud, Minister of Agriculture:

The Ministry of Agriculture is aware that a major revision of The Noxious Weeds Act as well as The Noxious Weeds Designation Regulations and The Noxious Weeds Regulations is necessary. Consultations are being conducted to seek the input from a wide range of industry stakeholders regarding the proposed changes and how these changes are expected to address past concerns.  

I appreciate all stakeholder comments regarding proposed changes to The Noxious Weeds Act. These resolutions will be taken into consideration when revising the Act.