Bill 57: The Land Rights and Responsibilities Act

On February 15, I introduced a new law to be debated in the Legislature.  Once again, I am fighting for the right of landowners to enjoy their property without worrying that government is lurking nearby to expropriate their land or regulate it without compensation.

After consulting with concerned stakeholders, and reading letters from nervous constituents, I decided to draft new legislation that will help strengthen the rights of landowners to have a fair hearing if their property is threatened.  Further, I am seeking stronger protections in the Human Rights Code for the peaceful enjoyment of one’s land and home.

Once I drafted my ideas, I sent them to one of the Queen’s Park lawyers to be written in formal legal language- in both official languages.  I then notified the Clerk that I intended to introduce legislation, submitted the official copies, and introduced it to the Legislature.

My Private Members’ Bill is known as Bill 57: An Act to amend the Expropriations Act and the Human Rights Code with respect to land rights and responsibilities.  As mentioned in the title, it seeks to enhance the rights of landowners to their land, and all Ontarians to their home- including tenants.

Several Provinces have made recent progress on property rights.  There are statutory protections in a diverse range of jurisdictions, including Quebec, Alberta, and even in the Yukon!  Why can’t Ontarians enjoy similar rights?

The issue of property rights has heated up in recent months- you may recall Stephen Harper promoting the idea of adding property rights to the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.  Indeed, this strategy would significantly reinforce the right of landowners to peacefully enjoy their property.  If entrenched in the constitution, we would have permanent protection from uncompensated government intrusion.

My Private Members’ Bill is, however, slightly different from the Prime Minister’s proposal.  Property rights and land rights are not necessarily the same thing- property includes corporate possessions, material items, and intellectual property.  I am simply seeking to reinforce the right to peacefully enjoy one’s land and home.

This proposal is part of a growing chorus of support for greater protection of landowners’ rights.  As the Rural Revolution heats up, we have seen the formation of a new group within our riding- The Oxford Norfolk Elgin Landowners’ Association.  As well, the Ontario Property and Environmental Rights Alliance (OPERA) agrees that landowners are not property protected and that it needs to become a priority.

Ideally, my Private Members’ Bill would include the right to receive fair compensation for unfairly expropriated or regulated land.  Unfortunately, according to the Standing Orders of the Legislative Assembly, the right to allocate funds is reserved for Ministers of the Crown.  Therefore, I am simply seeking greater rights for landowners to be heard when their land is under attack from the provincial government.

For your voice to be heard- both at my office and in the Legislature- I need to know where you stand on this issue.  I encourage you to voice your opinion on the need to enhance land rights by dropping me a line- over the phone or by mail.  Alternatively, you could stop by my office and sign my petition encouraging MPPs to vote in favour of this legislation.

If passed, my bill will give Ontario a stronger voice to ask that property rights be added to Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms.