In May of this year, the Government of Saskatchewan asked for people’s opinions on farmland ownership in Saskatchewan; specifically, who should or should not be able to own farmland in the province.
From May 20 to August 10, more than 3,200 individuals, organizations and businesses shared their opinions.
A comprehensive survey was available to complete online. In addition, written submissions were accepted and Ministry officials held one-on-one meetings with stakeholder groups.
The complete results of the consultations, including the results of the online survey, a summary of meetings with stakeholder groups and all written submissions, can be viewed.
Identifying information and offensive language has been removed from the written comments. The document, A Summary of Results from Public Consultations is also available.
Snapshot of results
- The vast majority of respondents, 95% were Saskatchewan residents;
- Sixty-two per cent of all respondents were farmers.
- Seventy-five per cent of respondents opposed allowing investors such as Canadian pension funds or larger Canadian investment trusts (of 10 or more beneficiaries) to purchase farmland in Saskatchewan;
- Eighty-seven per cent of respondents did not support foreign ownership of farmland;
- Sixty-nine per cent did not support allowing foreign financing of Saskatchewan farmland.
- Eighty-five per cent supported giving the Farm Land Security Board (FLSB) a greater role in enforcing compliance of farmland ownership rules.