Article content continued

Under the legislation, fines for trespassing would be set at a maximum of $15,000 for a first offence and up to $25,000 for subsequent offences, compared to current maximum trespassing fines of $10,000.

The bill would also allow a court to order restitution for any injury, loss or damage caused as a result of an offence.

The proposed law would also increase protection for farmers against civil liability from people who are hurt while trespassing on their property.

Hardeman said the proposed law would help ensure the biosecurity of the province’s food supply while also striking a balance which ensures the right to protest.

“People have a right to participate in legal protests, but this does not include trespassing on farms and agriculture businesses or interfering with livestock in transport,” he said.

Ontario Federation of Agriculture spokesman Keith Currie said the farming community has been dealing with aggressive protests for years, and action was needed.

“As farmers, we respect the right of people to protest, however, when it encroaches on private property, endangering the safety of families, (and) farmers, … something needs to be done,” he said.

The executive director of animal protection group Animal Justice, however, said the legislation is “utterly chilling” and would restrict free speech if it becomes law.

Camille Labchuk said the bill would also make it illegal to gain access to a farm or processing plant under “false pretenses.” That would mean animal rights groups could not expose cases of abuse by using whistleblowers.