REGINA — Auctions of Saskatchewan crown lease land are once again on hold.
Auctions were set to open Oct. 7 and close Oct. 28 after not being held for two years.
However, premier Scott Moe announced Oct. 3 they would not go ahead.
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According to the government, the land slated for sale was previously leased agricultural land that had either been surrendered or the lease cancelled. It was to continue to be used for farming.
“The ministry will review other approaches to ensure the vacant crown land is used for productive purposes,” said a government statement issued Oct. 6.
This could include leasing some of it, as well as short-term permitting.
“The decision to pause the sale of crown land in the October auction does not constitute a change in overall government direction as it relates to crown land management,” the statement said.
The August 2023 halt was to consult on and draft an updated consultation process with First Nations. However, the agriculture ministry said it has heard from individuals who are still concerned, so more consultation will take place.
During the two-year pause, First Nations were still able to buy agricultural crown land under the Treaty Land Entitlement and Specific Claims processes. Existing renters were also able to apply to buy their leased land.
The lands that were up for auction included 4,480 acres of both cultivated and grazing land split into 18 lots.
The opposition NDP is opposed to the sales. Regina MLA Jared Clarke, the party’s shadow minister for the environment, told a radio show that crown land is public land that has incredible value.
“In the last 17 years, we’ve seen them liquidating it for quite a lot of money,” he said.
“We’re very concerned about this.”
He suggested the government needs to sell the land because it is running a significant deficit and accumulating debt.
Clarke said the government has sold 1.2 million acres and brought in $486 million since it began selling crown land.
“I’m afraid that this is viewed as a quick cash grab for a government that is not managing its finances well,” he said.
