Privatization of brand inspection in Alberta has moved one step closer with the establishment of a not-for-profit corporation called Livestock Identification Services.
Four pieces of legislation and regulation changes must go through the legislature before the service changes from a government-run program to a private agency.
The new service could start in July, said Dale Wilson, Alberta Cattle Commission chair.
Information packages explaining the changes will be sent to producers. They will have time to respond with concerns and questions.
“We realize there are producers who are not up to speed with what is happening,” said Wilson.
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Discussions have been under way since 1996 with the involvement of the cattle commission, Alberta Auction Markets Association, Alberta Cattle Feeders’ Association, Alberta Livestock Dealers and Order Buyers Association, Feeder Associations of Alberta and the Western Stock Growers Association.
Staff kept on
The new corporation will have a board member from each of the six organizations. The board will then hire a general manager.
Most of the present brand inspection staff will be retained and the head office will likely remain in Stettler, said Wilson.
The province will have a one- or two-member secretariat to monitor the performance of the agency.
