The provincial government has taken down the listings for 18 parcels of publicly owned land that were up for auction, as it decided to extend the halt on Crown land sales. This action followed a broadcast of CBC Radio’s “Blue Sky” program on Monday afternoon, during which critics expressed their opposition to the sales while the listings were still active. The listings were removed by Tuesday, and a government representative contacted CBC to confirm the pause in sales.
According to an emailed statement, the Ministry of Agriculture will explore alternative approaches to manage vacant Crown land, such as leasing suitable parcels and issuing short-term permits. The NDP Opposition’s environment critic criticized the resumption of sales, highlighting that the government has sold approximately 1.2 million acres of Crown land in the province, generating $486 million in revenue since 2022.
Agriculture Minister Darryl Harrison was unavailable for comment on Monday regarding Crown land sales, and no government officials involved in the matter were accessible. Premier Scott Moe acknowledged the situation, stating that the process resumed prematurely, and assured that the pause will be prolonged.
Jared Clarke, the NDP’s shadow minister for the environment, raised concerns about the government’s focus on short-term financial gains through Crown land sales and questioned the long-term vision for Saskatchewan. Treaty Commissioner Kathy Walker emphasized the significance of unoccupied Crown land for First Nations communities to maintain their cultural ties and economic sustainability.
Michael Gertler, a member of the National Farmers Union, expressed worries about the sale of Crown lands potentially leading to the consolidation of large farms and negative impacts on rural development. Naturalist Trevor Herriot underscored the importance of preserving natural habitats and ecological values amid escalating land prices and land use changes.
The auction of the 18 parcels of Crown land is viewed as a small part of a larger trend promoting the sale of privately held Crown land leases, raising concerns about ecological conservation and sustainable land management practices.