Paula Steckler, Senior Communications Consultant, Communications Branch, Regina
Saskatchewan’s agricultural land is more than fields and crops— it is a cornerstone of community, economy and heritage. At the center of efforts to protect this vital resource stands the Farm Land Security Board (FLSB), a quasi-judicial tribunal responsible for administering farm foreclosure protection, home quarter protection, and farm ownership protection.
A Mission Rooted in Stability and Fairness
The Farm Land Security Board operates under the authority of The Saskatchewan Farm Security Act, a legislative framework designed to safeguard farm families during times of financial hardship and maintain stability in rural Saskatchewan. While the Board is funded through the Ministry of Agriculture, its decision-making remains independent, ensuring fairness and impartiality in every case.
The Board’s responsibilities are diverse and they collectively aim to preserve the integrity of Saskatchewan’s agricultural sector and protect those who depend on it.
In 2024, the Provincial Auditor reviewed the Board’s procedures to regulate and enforce The Saskatchewan Farm Security Act. The review confirmed that the Board’s practices met legislative requirements and were effective, while also providing 10 recommendations aimed at further strengthening its procedures. All 10 recommendations have been implemented. Notably, the Provincial Auditor’s report found no instances of unauthorized foreign farm land ownership in Saskatchewan.
Protecting Farmers in Times of Need
Financial challenges can strike even the most resilient farm operations. Under Part II of the act, the Board provides a lifeline for farmers facing foreclosure. Before any foreclosure application reaches the courts, creditors must follow a protocol that prioritizes mediation. This process gives farmers and lenders an opportunity to resolve disputes without resorting to costly and disruptive legal proceedings. If mediation fails, the Board steps in with an objective financial assessment, helping the court make informed decisions that balance fairness and sustainability.
Similarly, Home Quarter Protection, outlined in Part III, ensures that the land closest to a farmer’s home – the heart of their operation – receives special consideration. In cases where excluding a mortgage from this protection serves the farmer’s best interest, the Board has the authority to act decisively.
Keeping Saskatchewan Land in Canadian Hands
Ownership of farm land is more than a business transaction – it is the livelihood and future of Saskatchewan farmers. Under Part VI of the Act, the Board enforces restrictions on who can own and lease farm land in Saskatchewan. Recent regulatory amendments strengthened these protections, ensuring that Saskatchewan farm land remains Canadian-owned. These changes include removing exemptions that previously allowed the Canada Pension Plan to own farm land and clarifying the Board’s authority to enforce compliance through penalties.
To ensure all landowners meet the eligibility criteria to acquire farm land, the Board recently began requiring all landowners who conduct a farm land transaction in Saskatchewan to complete a statutory declaration. It includes specific questions about a person’s citizenship or residency status and where financing for the transaction is being obtained to ensure no foreign entity has an interest in land. Where the land interest is acquired by a corporate entity, the corporation must provide information about the ownership structure of the corporation and the status of individual shareholders.
Statutory declarations are a critical tool in regulating farm ownership. Once requested by the Board, completion is mandatory and failure to complete the statutory declaration may result in enforcement action.
The Farm Land Security Board also has the authority to grant Farm Ownership Exemption Orders. These orders can be granted to individuals or companies that would normally be restricted to holding an interest in 10 acres or less. This authority helps the Board strike a balance between ensuring Canadian ownership of farm land and allowing limited exemptions that benefit the province.
A Strong Foundation for Generations to Come
The Farm Land Security Board’s work safeguards Saskatchewan’s agricultural future. By protecting farmers during financial hardship, preserving home quarters and ensuring Canadian ownership of farm land, the Board helps secure one of Saskatchewan’s most important industries for future generations.