8 Oct 2024JAMES RODD COMMENTARY James Rodd is an organic producer in North Milton P.E.I. where he farms with his partner, Rita Jackson. He is a founder and current member of the Coalition for the Protection of P.E.I. Lands.
Along with other members of the Coalition for the Protection of P.E.I. Lands, I am shocked at the P.E.I. government’s blatant lack of transparency with respect to the land.
Land protection advocates have reason to be disappointed in the performance of the current government. Before being twice elected as premier, an enthusiastic and hopeful Dennis King as election candidate, made elaborate declarations about his plan to be a land protector. He identified himself as a follower of the Honourable Angus Maclean and was specific about his intention to use every means possible to strengthen the Lands Protection Act. He also declared that if elected, his government would make the lands registry easier to navigate. In many other ways he promised Islanders transparency in government.
MULTIPLE LOOPHOLES
With many other Islanders, I believed that King sincerely meant what he said. However, the performance of the premier and the P.E.I. government on the land protection file is dismal. The loopholes in the Lands Protection Act have not been closed. The community sees government basing its land decisions on short-term economic gain.
Big money seems be the driving force with this government. The community sees big money swallowing up P.E.I. lands at an alarming pace. Investment dollars today have become more important than protecting P.E.I. lands for future generations.
In relation to transparency, the current regime now has the reputation of being the most closed government in our memory. Making decisions behind closed doors deprives the community of their right to know what the government is doing on their behalf. As well, government is depriving itself of the wisdom of the community. Strawberry socials, and chance meetings with people do not count, nor does talking only with faithful party followers.
LACK OF RESPONSE
The Coalition for the Protection of P.E.I. Lands has asked for a meeting with Premier King to discuss the issues surrounding the Lands Protection Act. Over the past four years we have received no return calls and no emails indicating possible times to meet. That is just plain rude.
Here is a specific matter relating to transparency. At the directive of the community, the Coalition for the Protection of P.E.I. Lands asked the premier to set up a public inquiry into lands transactions going back to 2013 and up to the present. Premier King has not given a reason why he won’t call for an inquiry. We are left to wonder if this lack of response is a sign of fear about what would be revealed in such an inquiry.
During our encounter with Rob Lantz, minister of Lands and Community Affairs, it was clear that he did not have any understanding of how community social issue organizations operate. In response to our concerns about who is buying up the land in P.E.I. and how much, he challenged us to verify that by research.
Our coalition is not funded. It is made up of volunteers. Knowing what land transactions are taking place on P.E.I. is the job of government.
LAWS NOT ENACTED
In our discussion with Minister Lantz about how P.E.I. land is used, he indicated that the government has adopted most of the recommendations of the Land Matters Advisory Committee That is good news, but to-date, the recommendations of the Land Matters Advisory Committee have yet to be proclaimed. The recommendations have had third reading and passed, yet they have not been given Royal Assent and therefore not enacted or made part of public policy.
A recent item in our list of government’s non-transparency is Minister Lantz’ decision to give an allotment of 350 acres for research purposes, to any of the 21 corporations that are at or approaching 3,000 acres. There is no explanation of who was asking for this acreage, why, or how this will be regulated. What about the Lands Protection Act having allowed only 10 acres to be set aside for research purposes for corporations?
To governments and capital investors, the Lands Protection Act is bothersome, getting in the way of doing business, their business. However, the Lands Protection Act should remain the pride of P.E.I. If there was enforcement, it would be great legislation. It is unique in Canada and the envy of other provinces.