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Ontario Assembly Bill

Ontario Bill 62

43rd Parl. 1st Sess.
March 09, 2023
Farmland and Arable Land Strategy Act, 2023
  • This is a law called Bill 62 that was passed in 2023. It is about protecting farmland and arable land in Ontario. The law recognizes that farmland and arable land are important for our food systems, environment, and local economies. It also acknowledges that these lands are limited and non-renewable. The law aims to prevent the loss of arable land due to development and mining. It requires the Minister of Agriculture to develop a strategic action plan to protect farmland and arable land. The plan will be developed in consultation with stakeholders such as farmers, land use planners, and municipalities. An advisory committee called the Farmland and Arable Land Advisory Committee will be established to provide advice and recommendations to the Minister. The committee will review land use policies, legislation, and best practices related to farmland and arable land. The members of the committee will be selected by a committee of members of the Legislative Assembly. The committee will prepare reports every six months and the Minister will table these reports in the Legislative Assembly. The law comes into effect on the day it receives Royal Assent and is called the Farmland and Arable Land Strategy Act, 2023.
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  • Yea (12)
  • Nay (12)
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SteelmanSpren in Favour

  • Steelman Argument: The Farmland and Arable Land Strategy Act, also known as Bill 62 2023, is a crucial piece of legislation that aims to protect Ontario's farmland and arable land from development and degradation. This act recognizes the importance of farmland and arable land for the sustainability and security of our food systems, environment, and local economies. One of the key reasons to support this act is the finite and non-renewable nature of farmland and arable land. Ontario possesses over half of Canada's prime soils, but less than five percent of its landscape is arable land. With increasing pressure to develop housing in Ontario, it is essential to have policies in place that protect farmland and ensure its availability for future generations. The act also addresses the alarming rate at which Ontario is losing arable land. According to recent census data, Ontario loses more than 319 acres of arable land each day. While there are various reasons for this, including the development of power grid battery storage sites and solar farms, the principal cause is development and aggregate mining. By implementing this act, the government can take proactive measures to prevent further land degradation and protect farmland from being lost. The act establishes the Farmland and Arable Land Advisory Committee, which will provide advice and recommendations to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. This committee will review land use policies, legislation, and municipal by-laws related to farmland and arable land. By involving relevant stakeholders, such as the farming community, land use planners, municipal partners, and the outdoors community, the committee ensures a comprehensive and inclusive approach to protecting farmland. Furthermore, the act mandates the development of a strategic action plan to protect farmland and arable land. This plan will address the effects of fluctuating commodity prices, the availability of vacant land, and the impact of development and aggregate mining. By publishing the plan on a government website and providing it to the committee, the government ensures transparency and accountability. Overall, the Farmland and Arable Land Strategy Act is a necessary step towards safeguarding Ontario's farmland and arable land. It recognizes the importance of these resources for food security, environmental sustainability, and local economies. By implementing this act, the government can protect farmland from further degradation, ensure its availability for future generations, and support the long-term viability of Ontario's agricultural industry.

SteelmanSpren Against

  • Steelman Argument Opposing Bill 62 2023: While the intention behind Bill 62 2023, the Farmland and Arable Land Strategy Act, may seem noble, it is important to consider the potential negative consequences of such legislation. This bill proposes to develop a strategic action plan to protect Ontario's farmland and arable land from development, aggregate mining, and other activities. However, it is crucial to recognize that excessive government intervention and regulation can hinder economic growth and individual freedom. Firstly, this bill could restrict property rights and limit the ability of landowners to make decisions about their own land. By imposing regulations on land use and development, the government is essentially telling individuals how they should use their property. This undermines the principles of personal liberty and free market capitalism, which are fundamental to a thriving economy. Furthermore, the proposed advisory committee, composed of government-selected members, may not adequately represent the diverse interests and perspectives of the farming community and other stakeholders. This lack of representation could lead to biased decision-making and policies that do not effectively address the needs and concerns of those directly affected by the legislation. Additionally, the bill's focus on protecting farmland and arable land may prioritize agricultural interests over other important sectors of the economy. It is essential to strike a balance between preserving agricultural resources and promoting economic growth in other industries, such as housing development and mining. Overly stringent regulations on land use can stifle economic opportunities and hinder job creation, particularly in regions where housing demand is high. Moreover, the bill's emphasis on protecting farmland and arable land may overlook the potential benefits of alternative land uses, such as renewable energy projects. The development of power grid battery storage sites and solar farms mentioned in the preamble can contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future. By restricting these developments, the government may hinder progress in the renewable energy sector and impede efforts to combat climate change. In conclusion, while the protection of farmland and arable land is undoubtedly important, it is crucial to consider the potential negative consequences of excessive government intervention and regulation. This bill may infringe upon property rights, limit economic growth, and overlook the potential benefits of alternative land uses. A more balanced approach that takes into account the diverse interests and perspectives of all stakeholders is necessary to ensure sustainable development and economic prosperity in Ontario.
Second Reading
  • March 9, 2023, noon
  • In Progress
  • Read

Assembly Motion No. 4311

43rd Parl. 1st Sess. (ON)
March 9, 2023, 7 a.m.
  • Bill 62
  • Latest: Second Reading Vote
  • Second Reading of Bill 62, An Act to provide for the development of a farmland and arable land strategy and an advisory committee on farmland and arable land.
First Reading
  • Feb. 21, 2023, midnight
  • Passed