A local MLA says that the recently appointed property rights advocate won't help Albertans maintain their land rights.
Joe Anglin, MLA for the Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre constituency said legislation is the only thing that will protect landowners.
"You need to get rid of this government,î Anglin said of how to help property owners maintain their rights.
The Progressive Conservative government announced that Lee Cutforth, a Lethbridge-based lawyer, had been appointed to the position of property rights advocate on Dec. 12.
The position was created via the Property Rights Advocate Act, which was given royal assent in March. The role was recommended by the Property Rights Task Force that was created in November 2011.
Cutforth will serve a three-year term as the advocate. A press release from the ministry of justice and solicitor general said he'll "work with Albertans to provide them with impartial and independent information to deal with issues that could affect their property rights and help them find the appropriate resolution mechanisms when disputes arise.î
Concerns about property rights have been raised after some legislation passed over the last few years. Anglin pointed to Bill 36, the Alberta Land Stewardship Act enacted in 2009, in particular.
"They pretty much removed a lot of property rights,î he said.
He said the recent bill to go down to a single energy regulator, the Responsible Energy Development Act, was the "icing on the cakeî because, he says, the public won't have rights to information.
He said the current system is not balanced and having the property rights advocate will not help citizens.
"It's going to create more problems than it's worth,î he said. "It's a great job for someone who has nothing to do.î
Minister of Justice and Solicitor General Jonathan Denis said: "Property rights are fundamental to our province and the advocate will ensure individuals, municipalities, government and industry are aware of the principles enshrined in our legislation.î
Anglin maintains that legislation should be designed to treat people fairly.
"People will have to give up their land, we know that,î he said. "We want them to be treated fair and just ñ that's all.î
"You need to get rid of this government.'Joe Anglin, Rocky-Rimbey-Sundre MLA
