Disappointment with John van Dongen

The Hon. John van Dongen, M.L.A.
Minister of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries,
Abbotsford Constituency Office,
102- 2286 McCallum Rd.
Abbotsford B.C. V2S 3P4
May 20, 2002

Dear Minister,
We are extremely disappointed that you did not implement more restrictive noise controls for propane cannons and other noise makers used by berry farmers. We hoped farmers would be encouraged to use nets in order to minimize noise pollution. Providing a netting fund to farmers, without significantly tightening the controls on noise devices, is not effective.

You gave us the impression, via your newspaper article in the Abbotsford News in March 2002, that farmers using cannons would have a more regulated environment, with new and tough restrictions. However, to the best of our knowledge, you have not implemented any complaint policy nor policing method to accompany them.

We request a written response to the following questions, so that we might clarify the complaint procedure/policy. When a complaint is made, regarding violation of regulated times and/or frequency of noise makers:
1. Who do we contact?
2. What phone number(s) do we call?
3. Will telephone complaints be recorded?
4. Will letters of complaint be recorded?
5. Where will these records be kept?
6. Will a procedure be established to tabulate all complaints?

If a formal complaint is made to the Farm Practices Board:
1. Who records this complaint?
2. Where is the record kept?
3. Is this available to the public under the Freedom of Information Act?

We request a prompt written response to these questions to clarify the complaints procedure/policy.

If you have any questions, please contact me at 604 856-nnnn

Yours Sincerely,
A.C. Abbotsford BC.

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