The backlash against Bill 6, or the Enhanced Protection for Farm and Ranch Workers Act has prompted a response from the Minister of Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour.

Lori Sigurdson says she wants to assure Alberta's farm families the bill will do nothing more than bring Alberta's safety standards into line with every other province where family farms have thrived.

She says kids will be able to continue to work in 4-H as they have for years, and friends, relatives and neighbours will still be able to help each other out.

In the meantime, Sigurdson says the legislation provides two things.

A paid farm worker who is directed to do something dangerous can say no, just like other workers in Alberta and Canada.

And if they are hurt or killed at work, they or their family can be compensated, just like other workers across the country.

"Statutory protection of farm and ranch employees and the preservation of family farm traditions are complementary goals of Bill 6," she says. " I encourage Albertans to continue providing their feedback on how we can accomplish both.”