TLE SELECTION PROCESS ON AGRICULTURAL CROWN LAND CLARIFIED

Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization Minister Mark Wartman today outlined the Treaty Land Entitlement (TLE) selection process regarding agricultural Crown land.

Wartman said an interdepartmental committee has reviewed existing policies on agricultural Crown land and the TLE Framework Agreement, and has made recommendations to Cabinet.

One of those recommendations states that where an agricultural lease expires during the 18-month TLE selection period, Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization will keep issuing one year leases even if the land is selected a number of times.

Under the TLE Framework Agreement, First Nations have to address third-party interests (lessees) before the selected agricultural Crown land can be sold to First Nations.

"We believe in the concept of willing buyer-willing seller," Wartman said.

"The Government of Saskatchewan encourages the lessees and First Nations to work together to achieve agreements that accommodate the interests of both parties. We are balancing the need for ranchers to have long-term security in their leases with the need of First Nations to create economic opportunities from their own land base."

The interdepartmental committee also recommended that the provincial government offer mediation if requested by either party.

"Cabinet has accepted the recommendations and we will respond to TLE selections that are outstanding," Wartman said.

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For More Information, Contact:

Scott Brown Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization Regina Phone: (306) 787-4031