It might not be the perfect answer or solution, but it’s a good starting point. And critics should give the process a chance before declaring the P.E.I. land review a failure and a waste of time and money.
The province has asked the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission to conduct a review of land ownership, tabulate how much land that corporations and non-residents own and see if anyone is breaking the rules.
RELATED: IRAC to review P.E.I. land ownership
Richard Brown, the minister of communities, land and environment, is reacting to concerns from farming organizations and Islanders in general that too much land is being controlled by groups or corporations, and by those who don't live on the Island. A common theme being heard is that the spirit and intent of the Lands Protection Act is being circumvented and there are too many loopholes in the legislation passed by the Angus MacLean government in 1982.
If corporate pressure is driving up land prices and making it more difficult for Islanders to buy property or expand farming operations, then we have a problem. If farmland is being taken out of production through land speculation or misuse, we have a problem. If new residents are buying large tracts of agricultural land and not farming it, we have a problem. And if individuals or corporations are using other entities to circumvent acreage limits, we have a problem.
IRAC is responsible for the general administration of the LPA, including making recommendations to government on applications for land purchases, monitoring the land holdings of large land owners and enforcing the act. So, really, who is better qualified to carry out the minister’s request? IRAC can only enforce legislation placed before it. And critics haven’t suggested who could do a better job on the land review.
There seems to be widespread uncertainty about what’s happening with land ownership and this review can hopefully present an accurate picture. If no rules are being broken and problems remain widespread, then it’s obvious the act needs amendments and revisions.
Once IRAC reports, Mr. Brown can hold public consultations, accept proposals to close loopholes and ensure acreage limits are enforced. MLAs should be prepared to get to work — and farm organizations should stand ready to propose amendments — to update the legislation.
Government would not have asked for the review if it felt the rules are being followed. The intent of the LPA was to keep land in the hands of Island residents, that those who obtained acreage would live on the land and farm it responsibly, and keep the land intact for future generations. A vibrant farming community ensures a vibrant rural Prince Edward Island.
The land and Islanders have a passionate relationship. Islanders fought long and hard to gain control of the land from absentee British landowners and we don't want to see that problem reappear.
The minister was prudent to order this formal review and to get all the facts on the table. Then the government and legislature can take informed action.
