Jan. 17 is a day most farmers and ranchers are not likely to forget. At least not until they are satisfied with the results of the government open house that was held to gain the public opinion on Bill 36.
“I think [the open house] was a chance for everyone to voice their concerns,” said James Hargrave, a ranch owner from south of Walsh.
“This is the first time the government has sat down and listened. I think that is a commendable step.”
According to Hargrave, the Land Stewardship Act, Bill 36, is not moving forward in the right direction.
Bill 36, which was passed in 2009, gives politicians sitting in the Cabinet room complete authority to make decisions affecting existing property rights.
Section 11 of the Act also says that the Cabinet can rescind the rights of the landowner, whenever, however, and for whatever reason the Cabinet decides.
The Act also restricts a landowner’s right to compensation, as well as it is designed a landowner’s access to the courts.
“It is the disrespect to people’s drive to invest in their property. This is a market driven economy,” said Hargrave.
“If you can’t invest in your assets then what do you have. [The government] is messing with the foundation of our economy.”
During the open house, approximately 100 participants were split into four “listening” groups, where a government representative took all concerns and wrote them on paper.
According to Hargrave this is the first time the government has actually taken the time to listen to what the landowners are concerned about.
“I think they do want to listen. I think that they have to listen. I think the people of Alberta have pushed them to this point.”
What Hargrave said is the most interesting fact is that the government is now hosting this public open house close to an election.
“I don’t think anyone hasn’t noticed that. I hope their intentions are good, and this isn’t just a smokescreen.”
Len Mitzel, MLA Cypress-Medicine Hat, felt that the open house, like Hargrave, went well.
“I know most the people that are here, and they all had an opportunity to express their concerns; and they are all legitimate concerns.
“I look forward to seeing how these look, compared to the others [that have taken place over the province].”
According to Mitzel, Hargrave’s fears about the opening house being a smokescreen should be evaporated.
“The Premier, [Alison Redford], constructed the task force, not just as a PR move but to find out what is the problem, and she has said that we will fix it.”
According to Mitzel, he thinks that perhaps the concerns of the landowners were not listened to originally.
Although Mitzel said that Redford has said she wants to fix the problem, many of the landowners at the open house said it will take a lot for them to trust in the government again.
“The government needs to replace the legislation with something that assures us that the government will honour the agreements made,” said Frank Ivanics, a local landowner from near Etzikom.
“Our history with this government has eroded our trust.”
The general consensus at the open house was that the public wants the government to repeal Bill 36, as well as a couple others pertaining to property rights.
Everyone believes for the government to do this process right, should they repeal and start over, they need to make the process public and open.
According to the landowners’, more say has to be given to the local community.
According to Hargrave, he wants the government to start over with a clean slate, with a proposal that is respectable to the stakeholders.
“I do like how they listened. Previous engagements have been a battle back and forth.”
Hargrave said he finds the bill very important, and as Albertans and landowners, everybody needs to stand up and make their representatives listen to them.
“Maybe this is the first step.”