ALEX McCUAIG
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Twitter:MccuaigNews
The Alberta government is hoping a property rights advocate will quell vocal critics of the province's land-use legislation.
During a 25-minute press conference with media from across Alberta on Tuesday, Environment Minister Diana McQueen and Agriculture Minister Evan Berger announced the province will move forward with legislation this week to create the advocate position.
The development of the position is the government's response to landowners' concerns expressed during the property rights task force meetings held across the province last month.
"I'll say this as simply as I can, our government respects landowners and their rights, that's exactly why this (property rights) task force was created," stated McQueen from a prepared statement.
"Our goal was to find grass-roots solutions to the serious property rights concerns that Albertans have raised."
McQueen said some Albertans expressed a desire to repel the legislation while others recognized the need for land-use planning. She added the consensus by all was landowners need access to the courts, fair competition for land appropriated, adequate consultation and a provincial property rights advocate.
In addition to the advocate, McQueen stated the province will engage more with landowners, take a closer look at land remediation and review legislation related to land compensation.
"But most importantly, we will create a property rights advocate for Albertans. This office will provide independence and impartial information about property rights to landowners, something that many Albertans felt was necessary," said McQueen.
She went on to acknowledge many Albertans have called on the province to repel its land-use legislation but others "weren't against the issues of the bills. What they wanted to tell us was they didn't like the way they were consulted."
McQueen added landowners expressed the need for certainty of their land rights.
The advocate will operate under the justice ministry and provide annual reports to the legislature.
The bill to introduce the new measures will be put before MLAs this week.