Terms of Reference
Purpose:
The Ranching Task Force will identify key issues and opportunities facing the ranching and beef industry in British Columbia, and make recommendations to ensure a strong, vibrant and sustainable industry in British Columbia for this generation, and future generations.
To meet this outcome the Task Force will:
- Identify policies, regulations and legislation that are adversely affecting the competitive position of the BC cattle industry;
- Identify the most immediate non-regulatory industry priorities;
- Identify actions to be taken by industry and government to ensure a more profitable self-sustaining industry in the long-term.
The regulatory review will include policies, regulations, and legislation overseen by the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, as well as those of the Ministries of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation, Community and Rural Development, Environment, Forests and Range, the Integrated Land Management Bureau, Transportation and Infrastructure, Healthy Living and Sport, and Finance.
The Ranching Task Force members will not be expected to reach consensus or agreement, nor is the Ranching Task Force a decision making body.
Operation:
The Parliamentary Secretary for the Ranching Task Force will co-chair the Task Force with the President of the BC Cattlemen’s Association.
The regulatory review and identification of immediate and long-term actions required by industry and government will be based on input and recommendations from the beef and cattle sector, the broader agricultural sector, and senior ministry officials.
The Task Force will welcome presentations, input and ideas from agriculture sector representatives, associations and interested individuals. The Task Force will be asked to review and comment on proposals, questions or issues, and will have the ability to request briefings from agriculture sector or other experts.
A website will be established to provide for public input and provide public information about the Task Force and ranching in British Columbia.
Secretariat Support:
The Ministry of Agriculture and Lands will provide secretariat support to the Task Force and will coordinate the working group of Ministries and agencies tasked to undertake the regulatory work, and associated research. Policy, regulatory and legislative changes, as well as actions to move the industry onto a self-sustaining footing, will be assessed based on their financial cost, time required for implementation, and overall impact.
Principles:
The following principles will be followed:
- Existing agreements will be honoured;
- First Nations rights will be respected;
- No subsidies will be provided to business;
- Government’s commitment to the climate action plan will be maintained.
Task Force Membership:
Terry Lake, Parliamentary Secretary for the Ranching Task Force, Co-Chair
Roland Bauman, President, British Columbia Cattlemen’s Association, Co-Chair
Ed Salle, British Columbia Cattlemen’s Association
Judy Guichon, British Columbia Cattleman’s Association
Bill Freding, British Columbia Association of Cattle Feeders
Karen Kochel, British Columbia Breeders & Feeders Association
Andy Dolberg, British Columbia Agriculture Council
Robin Smith, British Columbia Food Processors Association
Ella Brown, Independent Rural Representative
Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Lands (ex-officio)
Deputy Minister of Forest and Range (ex-officio)
Reporting:
The Task Force will make recommendations to the Minister of Agriculture and Lands within 90 days of their first meeting.
