Deputy agriculture critic Trent Wotherspoon made his request for a special committee in the Legislature saying the following issues need to be publicly addressed—farmland ownership, rising operating costs and the potential future implications surrounding the creditor protection of Monette Farms.
Wotherspoon says a special committee would have hearings and witnesses similar to the House of Commons Agriculture Committee in Ottawa.
The Sask Party won every rural seat in the last election—but Wotherspoon says he has heard the message from the grassroots.
Provincial Agriculture Minister David Marit was touring flooded areas on Friday, but his office sent a written statement on Friday afternoon.
Saskatchewan farm land ownership is a priority for our government, which is why I have announced a comprehensive review of The Saskatchewan Farm Security Act including additional public and stakeholder consultations this summer.
To own land in Saskatchewan you must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and funds cannot include pension plans or non-family trust money.
I will continue to work with Saskatchewan producers to ensure that any potential changes to the Act will benefit Saskatchewan producers.
In 2003, under an NDP government, farm land ownership eligibility was expanded to allow Canadian citizens, permanent residents of Canada, and 100% Canadian owned companies to own more than ten acres of land. Prior to that change, only Saskatchewan residents could own farm land.
– David Marit, Minister of Agriculture
