Saskatchewan extends its moratorium on Crown land sales, removing 18 parcels from auction amid concerns over debt, ecology, and Indigenous land rights.
Saskatchewan Extends Pause on Crown Land Sales
A Sudden Halt After Public Concern
The Saskatchewan government has reimposed a moratorium on Crown land sales, halting auctions for 18 parcels totaling 4,471 acres. The listings, which briefly appeared online Monday, were removed by Tuesday after Premier Scott Moe acknowledged the province “got a little bit ahead” in restarting the sale process.
Government Clarifies Position
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Agriculture confirmed in an email that all sales are paused. The ministry will now explore alternative uses for vacant Crown land, such as leasing or short-term permits, to balance economic needs with long-term stewardship.
Opposition Questions Fiscal Motives
NDP environment critic Jared Clarke condemned the government’s attempt to resume sales, calling it a “quick cash grab” amid mounting provincial debt and a projected 2025 deficit. Since 2007, Saskatchewan has sold roughly 1.2 million acres of Crown land, generating about $486 million in revenue.
Indigenous Land Access at Stake
Treaty Commissioner Kathy Walker emphasized that unoccupied Crown land is vital for First Nations’ cultural and economic practices. She noted that while 36 Saskatchewan First Nations have Treaty Land Entitlement agreements, outdated valuations and third-party interests make it difficult for them to purchase land.
Farmers Raise Equity and Sustainability Issues
Michael Gertler of the National Farmers Union criticized Crown land sales as “unsustainable rural policy.” He warned that selling to the highest bidder concentrates ownership, undermines community stability, and erodes conservation efforts. Gertler, who leases Crown land, said he refuses to participate in privatization that “creates instability in the countryside.”
Conservationists Call for Stronger Protections
Naturalist and author Trevor Herriot warned that high land prices drive ecological degradation. He argued that every remaining patch of native habitat in Saskatchewan’s aspen parkland is “ecologically invaluable” for carbon storage and biodiversity. Herriot also questioned the enforcement of conservation easements, saying government oversight is weak and easily revoked.
Looking Ahead
The province has not provided a timeline for lifting the moratorium. Premier Moe has indicated that further consultation and policy review will determine the next steps. For now, public land advocates and Indigenous leaders are urging the government to focus on long-term stewardship rather than short-term revenue.
