(January 12, 2023, St. John’s) – Pleaman Forsey, PC Official Opposition Shadow Minister Responsible for Crown Lands and MHA for Exploits, is reacting to the recent announcement by government on Lands Act amendments.

“Government’s recent decision to seek input on amendments to the Lands Act is long overdue. Many families in rural areas of our province continue to be held at the mercy of this government over land that they have lived on for generations,” said Forsey.

Currently, government is seeking input on reducing the possessory period of land from 20 years prior to 1977 to 10 years, setting a time period where people have to make a claim, and allowing the Crown to issue a document declaring they have no interest in the land.

Forsey has been a long-time advocate of reforming Crown Lands in the province.

“There are many concerns regarding Crown Lands and ‘squatters rights’, one of which is a proposed time period where people have to make a claim. Many families don’t realize that there is an issue with their property until they attempt to sell their house. By limiting the time period where someone needs to make a claim, people could still get caught up in legal limbo when trying to sell their house,” says Forsey.

Legal fees can also be extremely costly when families attempt to sell their homes where they have resided for generations.

“I’m encouraging government and the Minister to get this issue fixed once and for all, without families being burdened with huge legal costs and fees. We owe it to the families that have called Newfoundland and Labrador their home for generations,” says Forsey.

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Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Strategic Communications

709-725-0984

DavidMaher@gov.nl.ca