On July 23, 2020, changes were made to the Marketing of Agricultural Products Act (MAPA) to enhance governance, improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Alberta’s agricultural marketing boards and commissions’ (MBCs) legislative framework, and reduce unnecessary regulatory burden. One of the ways in which the MAPA amendments accomplish these goals is by providing MBCs with the authority to develop bylaws. The implementation of ALP’s initial bylaws in 2021-22 involved drafting a new Alberta Lamb Producers Plan Regulation to remove various governance and administrative provisions and shift them into the bylaws.
Alberta Lamb Producers Transitioning to Bylaws Background Document
One benefit of adopting a bylaws framework is the nimbleness to manage changes or amendments in a timely manner. Development of, and amendments to, bylaws require stakeholder consultation, and approval from ALP’s producers/delegates/board of directors and Marketing Council. No further government decisions are required, and ALP is responsible for maintaining the bylaws and ensuring they are available to all stakeholders.