Effective immediately, Ministry of Agriculture Crown land auction sales and lease auctions are being paused for two years to allow for implementation of the newly revised First Nation and Metis Consultation Policy Framework. A government news release says First Nation communities will still be able to purchase agricultural Crown land under their Treaty Land Entitlement and Specific Claims agreements.

The Ministry of Government Relations will assist First Nation and Metis communities with their participation in the duty to consult process. When an action or decision triggers the duty to consult, officials will consult with First Nation and rights-bearing Metis communities. The current policy will remain in place until all the necessary supports are in place, and the goal is to be ready by January.

Minister responsible for First Nations, Métis and Northern Affairs, Don McMorris, says, “The changes to the CPF were informed by what we heard from First Nation and Métis communities and organizations as well as industry stakeholders during our engagement held last year.”