If activists come onto your property:
- Calmly but firmly ask the spokesperson or leader of the group to leave your property, specifically by invoking the right to private property and biosecurity rules;
- Call 911 to have the police service intervene if the activists refuse to comply, if they threaten your safety or that of your employees, or if they damage your property;
- Call your regional federation president;
- Take photos and videos;
- Take notes to remind yourself of the sequence of events.
If a protest is taking place on a public roadway in front of your property:
- Call the police if the protest impairs tra c or endangers your safety or that of public roadway userse;
- If you anticipate that a protest will be held, contact your municipality to inform them and to find out whether protests are regulated in your area. Request that the police service monitor the situation on the scheduled date, if it is known.
Preventing cases of breaking and entering: what steps should a producer take?
- Display signs stating that the property is private, that entering the property without permission is not allowed, and that biosecurity rules apply to your buildings and/or around your fields.;
- Install surveillance cameras (indoor and outdoor);
- Restrict entries and lock buildings if possible;
- Use a visitor log that includes a policy governing the presence of visitors in restricted areas;
- Implement best practices and train your employees on animal welfare
- Ask job applicants why they want to work on your farm;
- Add a clause to your employment contracts stating that employees may not take unauthorized photos or videos;
- Check your employees’ references.
This guide is intended as a reference tool for agricultural and forestry producers regarding defamation and harassment in the agricultural sector. It does not constitute legal advice, guidance, or opinion. If you have any questions, please contact the UPA's Legal Affairs Department by calling 450 679-0251.
L’Union des producteurs agricoles
Direction des affaires juridiques
555, boulevard Roland-Therrien, bureau 100
Longueuil (Québec) J4H 3Y9
Email : avocats@upa.qc.ca
Téléphone : 450 679-0251
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