The man who could shape land use rules for P.E.I. says he plans to listen to people before making any recommendations about changes to the Lands Protection Act.
During a speech Tuesday morning, former cabinet minister Horace Carver said he has already had people approach him to give their opinions, including while he was at church.
“I have been reminded, even though I do not need reminding, that people in this province have deeply held opinions on land ownership and related issues,” he said.
Carver was at the Farm Centre in Charlottetown Tuesday as part of a breakfast series through the P.E.I. ADAPT Council.
He officially started in his new role as commissioner on Jan. 1 after the government appointed him to undertake a review of the legislation that regulates the amount of land any person or corporation can own in P.E.I.
The Lands Protection Act came into effect in 1982 and Carver was one of the people involved in drafting the initial legislation.
Carver said he plans to hold 12 sessions around the province to get input from the public and those sessions will be as informal as possible, although dates and locations have yet to be determined.
“I intend to listen but I can only listen if someone is speaking or making their opinions known,” he said.
As for what the outcome will be at the end of the public consultations, Carver said he isn’t going into the process with any pre-conceived notions, including that land ownership limits should be increased.
“I’m of the opinion that all points of view are worthy of discussion, examination and understanding,” he said.
Carver said the legislation was passed 30 years ago and it has been a long time since an in-depth report was done.
A report with Carver’s recommendations is expected to be finished by the end of June.
Anyone who wants to comment on the Lands Protection Act can do so by emailing lpa@gov.pe.ca.
