Another group has come out against Jason Kenney’s proposal to sell off a piece of Peace country land. The United Conservative Leader suggested in November that the sale of Crown land could be used to bring in more revenue if his party is elected.
The Alberta Fish & Game Association says it is concerned that Kenney is referring to land as unproductive and in need of being turned into productive agricultural land. President Doug Butler argues large areas of land are needed for biodiversity and for fish and wildlife to survive.
“It is government’s responsibility to steward the land for all Albertans; an action that does not involve selling it. This sentiment has been expressed by Albertans on a continuous basis.”
Butler is urging people to contact the UCP or their local MLA to let them know their thoughts on the proposal. It was brought up at the Rural Municipalities of Alberta conference.
The association’s concerns follow those of Treaty 8. Earlier this month, a group of chiefs travelled to Edmonton to speak out about Kenney’s proposal.
Treaty 8 Grand Chief Arthur Noskey said he was surprised by it, as his community hadn’t been approached and the Beaver First Nation has an outstanding land claim settlement that includes land in Peace Country. Kenney compares the move to when former premier Ed Stelmach auctioned off roughly 100,000 acres of Crown forest to be turned into agricultural land.
