Resolution

WHEREAS threats to biosecurity in the form of weed seeds and soil-borne pathogens, like clubroot, can be spread through the movement of contaminated soil, resulting in billions of dollars of potential financial losses to agricultural operations and the provincial economy;

WHEREAS the management of wildlife populations through hunting is important for maintaining sustainable populations and helping to protect against crop damage from wildlife;

WHEREAS updated hunting and service provider procedures now promote the communication between hunters and service providers with landowners to request permission for land access;

WHEREAS issues of nuisance and criminal offences, like illegal dumping, are becoming more common on agricultural lands;

BE IT RESOLVED that APAS call on the Government of Saskatchewan to take immediate action to make changes to trespass legislation and regulations to reflect the following principles;

I.             The legal definition of Civil trespass and access to farmland be covered under a single piece of provincial legislation

II.            That all enclosed private land be considered posted for all purposes

III.           All cultivated lands be considered posted for all purposes

IV.          That maximum fines for civil trespass increase to $10,000