St. John’s, NL (November 21, 2024) Pleaman Forsey, Shadow Minister for Forestry and Agrifoods and Member of the House of Assembly for Exploits, expressed his satisfaction today that the Progressive Conservative’s proposal to waive fees for quitclaims has been accepted by the House of Assembly.

"People should not have to pay for land that is already theirs," said Forsey. "Making quitclaims free is a significant win for residents, particularly those in rural Newfoundland and Labrador, who have long faced uncertainty regarding their land ownership."

The Liberal government’s recent changes to Crown Lands legislation is one step in the right direction in reforming Crown Lands policy. However, Forsey emphasized that more work remains to ensure fairness and clarity for residents dealing with land issues.

"A Progressive Conservative government would go further," Forsey stated. "We will address key issues, such as extending the timeframe for individuals to apply for ‘squatters' rights’ and adjusting the timeline required to prove continuous occupation or ownership in order to receive a grant under these provisions.”

Forsey criticized the Liberal government for failing to act sooner.
"For too long, the Liberal government allowed residents of rural Newfoundland and Labrador to live in fear that their land may be taken from them. While this legislation is a step in the right direction, it does not go far enough."