From the Minister

December 03, 2021 | Forestry
Spruce up your holidays

Yule need to get a free permit to cut your Christmas tree from Crown land.

Key information

  • Deregulation of Fusarium Graminearum

    • On June 3, 2020, Minister Dreeshen announced fusarium would be removed from the Pest and Nuisance Control Regulation to help farmers and bring Alberta in line with best practices from other provinces.
    • This change means seed growers in Alberta will soon have access to more seed varieties and cereal research.
    • Removing the disease from the regulation will allow Alberta to modernize to managing the disease, rather than having zero tolerance for it.

  • Amendments to the Meat Inspection Regulation

    • On July 29, 2020, Minister Dreeshen announced amendments to the Meat Inspection Regulation which will cut red tape and provide Albertans with greater access to locally produced meat while maintaining food safety.
    • These changes are giving operators more flexibility to meet legislated requirements and increase consumer access to high-quality local products.

  • Softwood Lumber trade dispute

    Agriculture and Forestry is committed to honouring Alberta's domestic and international trade obligations.

    The Department is actively engaged in ongoing trade related negotiations related to natural resources.

    The U.S. is Alberta's largest market for softwood lumber products; and because of the importance of forestry to Alberta's economy, a stable trading relationship is essential.

In focus

Budget 2021

Alberta’s budget is focused on protecting lives and livelihoods, investing in health care, preparing for recovery and spending responsibly.

Maintaining strong irrigation systems
The Irrigation Rehabilitation Program is providing $10 million to the province’s irrigation districts for infrastructure improvements.
Supporting Alberta’s agriculture industry through AgriRecovery
Introduced several new supports to help farmers and ranchers through AgriRecovery in response to mass disruptions caused by COVID-19.
Reducing the threat of wildfires
Hired 200 additional firefighters and increased both fine violations and funding to prepare for the 2020 wildfire season during COVID-19.

Biography

Nate Horner was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta for the constituency of Drumheller-Stettler on April 16, 2019.

Mr. Horner previously served as the associate minister of Rural Economic Development and deputy chair of the Select Special Democratic Accountability Committee.

He was also a member of the Standing Committee on Private Bills and Private Members’ Public Bills, the Standing Committee on Alberta’s Economic Future and the Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing.

Before he was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, he was a rancher with a cow-calf mix farm operation. He has also been an active volunteer, serving as an emergency medical responder for Dryland Emergency Medical Services Association, president of the Highway 9 Feeder Co-op Association and co-chair of the Hardgrass Bronc Match.

Mr. Horner has his ag business diploma from Olds College and his bachelor of science degree in agriculture from the University of Lethbridge. He was the Canadian Intercollegiate Rodeo Association saddle bronc champion in 2002 and 2004.

Mr. Horner and his wife Jennifer have three children, Avery, Luke and Kase.