(August 28, 2023, St. John’s) – Pleaman Forsey, PC Official Opposition Shadow Minister for Forestry, says an expensive, lengthy, and needless legal battle is set to take place this fall, as the provincial government is fighting its own citizens in court over outstanding Crown Lands issues.

“The Diamond family in Catalina will face the courts in October, simply because the Liberal Government has refused to find solutions for the many across our province who have discovered they don’t own the land they’ve lived on for decades,” said Forsey.

“For two years, the Diamonds have simply been trying to sell their home, but now face high costs and lengthy waits. The PC Opposition has repeatedly called for solutions from government, including through a private members resolution. Still, we are waiting for any answers from government. What is taking so long?”

Craig Pardy, MHA for Bonavista, says the Diamonds are just one case in his district, but there are far too many examples.

“Our province is an historic place, which means far too often we see these disputes with some land claims dating back hundreds of years. These issues are through no fault of the owners of their property, but rather the mismanagement of the Crown Lands issue by government,” said Pardy.

“I join my colleague in calling for solutions. We cannot expect people – many of whom are seniors – to face these lengthy, costly, needless court cases simply because their government refuses to find solutions to this issue. I hear it in my district, but families across our province are being affected. It’s time to solve this issue, once and for all.”

-30-

Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Strategic Communications

(cell) 709-725-0984

DavidMaher@gov.nl.ca