APAS Submissions on Surface Rights & Resource Legislation
While producers have been focused on seeding, spraying, and managing a challenging growing season, APAS has been actively representing Saskatchewan agricultural landowners through several important government consultations.
We are writing to share two recent submissions made by APAS regarding proposed changes to:
• The Surface Rights Acquisition and Compensation Act (SRACA)
• The Mineral Resources Act (MRA) and Oil and Gas Conservation Act (OGCA)
Copies of both submissions are attached for your review.
Surface Rights Act Proposed Changes
Protecting Landowner Rights
In both consultations, APAS focused on protecting the interests of Saskatchewan landowners and agricultural producers by advocating for:
• Fair compensation based on current land values, including compensation for damages resulting from weeds, pests, and other operator activities.
• Meaningful consultation that takes place outside of peak farming seasons, allowing producers and landowners a reasonable opportunity to participate.
• Recognition of agriculture as a priority use of subsurface pore space, given its importance to soil health, water movement, nutrient cycling, and carbon sequestration.
• Strong protections for landowners regarding property access, compensation processes, and proposed legislative changes affecting resource development.
APAS also raised concerns regarding proposals that could expand land access without landowner consent and highlighted the need for greater clarity around how certain amendments may affect agricultural operations.
These issues have significant implications for Saskatchewan farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. As always, APAS remains committed to ensuring the producer perspective is represented when decisions affecting agricultural land are being considered.