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Nfld. to review Crown lands policy

Feb. 12, 2015 - The Department of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs is initiating a review of the current Lands Act, which deals primarily with Crown lands in Newfoundland and Labrador. The purpose of the review is to develop informed recommendations on how to modernize the Act and make the Crown lands application process simpler and more efficient.

Newfoundland and Labrador contain approximately 22.3 million hectares of forested lands, with over 7.8 million hectares available or partially available for harvest. (Source: Canadian Council of Forest Ministers)

"This review will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to share their views on ways to enhance the current Lands Act,” says The Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs. “A Review Committee will lead the review, consulting with a broad range of stakeholders including municipalities, legal representatives and developers, as well as the general public. This review will create an opportunity to streamline current processes and improve service delivery."

To ensure a comprehensive approach to the review from both a legislative and process perspective, a Review Committee has been established which comprises professionals with expertise in the areas of law, policy and process improvement. Biographies of Review Committee members can be found in the backgrounder below. Over the coming months, this committee will consult with a broad range of stakeholders throughout the province to hear their views and gather innovative ideas to enhance the legislation. Opportunities on how to take part in the review will be posted on the department's website and can also be obtained through direct contact with the Review Committee.

When the consultations are completed, a "What We Heard Document" will be released on the Department of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs' website.

February 12, 2015  By  Andrew Macklin