The B.C. government is releasing a letter of expectations for the British Columbia Farm Industry Review Board (BCFIRB) to highlight the services the board provides to the public when dealing with agricultural matters.

The BCFIRB has been an administrative tribunal for more than 80 years and adheres to natural justice and administrative law. It is governed by a special set of legal requirements, responsibilities and accountabilities, and the overriding importance of ensuring administrative tribunals are independent in their statutory decision-making.

The BCFIRB letter, signed by both the Minister of Agriculture and chair of the board, includes the accountabilities and responsibilities of the board to ensure open communication and encourage positive working relationships with the public. The expectations promote transparency and efficiency to ensure excellent service and are in accord with the Ministry of Justice’s Tribunal Transformation Initiative, which includes establishing accountability expectations and performance measures for the overall tribunal community.

The public can expect BCFIRB to meet established timelines for decisions on regulated marketing, agricultural produce grading, animal custody appeals and farm practice complaints when issues are brought before the board. As well, it is expected that BCFIRB will fully adopt the taxpayer accountability principles, which include being efficient, accountable and operating with appropriate compensation, service, respect and integrity.

The rules and guidelines set out in the letter require that BCFIRB meet a level of service that strengthens administrative accountability and promoting cost control.

Quotes:

Norm Letnick, Minister of Agriculture –

“The British Columbia Farm Industry Review Board letter of expectations outlines the administrative responsibilities and accountabilities of the board to government, while protecting its independence in decision making. Ongoing two-way communication between government and the board will continue and is important to maintaining an effective and appropriate working relationship.”

John Les, chair, British Columbia Farm Industry Review Board –

“The letter represents a careful balance between the important principles of tribunal independence in decision making and accountability to government for the use of taxpayer dollars.”

Learn More:

Letter of Expectations: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/Letter_of_expectations_BCFIRB.pdf

For more information on the B.C. Farm Industry Review Board, visit: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/organizational-structure/ministries-organizations/boards-commissions-tribunals/bc-farm-industry-review-board