By paNOW Staff

SARM resolution ‘deeply concerning’: Farmers Union

Mar 19, 2017 | 12:00 PM

A group representing Canadian farmers has raised concerns over a resolution intended to expand an individual’s rights to defend their property.

On Friday the National Farmers Union (NFU) released a statement highly critical of a resolution which passed at the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities annual convention March 14. The resolution in question called on SARM to lobby the federal government in order to “expand the rights and justification for an individual to defend or protect himself, herself, and persons under their care and their property.”

The resolution passed with more than 90 per cent in favour.

NFU’s Saskatchewan Regional Coordinator Rachelle Ternier said the resolution, passed in the shadow of the shooting of Colton Boushie by Saskatchewan farmer Gerald Stanley last summer, reveals an ongoing undercurrent of fear and aggression in the province.

“We, the NFU, affirm the value of people over property,” Ternier said in a written statement. “We do not support the ongoing colonial violence that continues to damage the social fabric of Saskatchewan.”

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In their statement, the NFU said the “deeply concerning” resolution encourages vigilante justice and promotes a “wild-west” attitude about individuals taking the law into their own hands. Condemning the implied sentiments, Ternier said the best way to deal with rural issues is through cooperation and understanding.

“We call upon fellow farmers, and other rural residents to work together, treating each other with respect and dignity, to create better living conditions for all rural people,” Ternier said.

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