Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs
February 11, 2015
Improving Services for the People of Newfoundland and Labrador
Provincial Government Announces Review of Lands Act
The Department of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs is initiating a review of the current Lands Act which deals primarily with Crown lands in Newfoundland and Labrador. The purpose of the review is to develop informed recommendations on how to modernize the Act and make the Crown lands application process simpler and more efficient.
"This review will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to share their views on ways to enhance the current Lands Act. A Review Committee will lead the review, consulting with a broad range of stakeholders including municipalities, legal representatives and developers, as well as the general public. This review will create an opportunity to streamline current processes and improve service delivery."
- The Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs
To ensure a comprehensive approach to the review from both a legislative and process perspective, a Review Committee has been established which comprises professionals with expertise in the areas of law, policy and process improvement. Biographies of Review Committee members can be found in the backgrounder below. Over the coming months, this committee will consult with a broad range of stakeholders throughout the province to hear their views and gather innovative ideas to enhance the legislation. Opportunities on how to take part in the review will be posted on the department's website and can also be obtained through direct contact with the Review Committee.
As part of the review process, the department will collaborate with the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador given their expertise in legal proceedings regarding the sale and purchase of land.
"We are pleased to play an advisory role in this review process. Solicitors in private practice are key stakeholders when it comes to the sale and purchase of land and the investigation of title to and ownership of land. Including those with day to day knowledge of current practices and processes will ensure that this review captures the insights of those most familiar with the legislation and its application."
- Kenneth Baggs, QC, President, Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador
When the consultations are completed, a "What We Heard Document" will be released on the Department of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs' website.
QUICK FACTS
- The Department of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs is initiating a review to modernize and update the Lands Act.
- The Lands Act guides the management and administration of provincial Crown lands.
- Consultations are being led by a Review Committee consisting of individuals with considerable knowledge, experience and education in the areas of law, policy and process improvement.
- When consultations are completed, a "What We Heard Document" will be released.
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Media contacts:
|
Kevin Guest
Director of Communications Department of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs 709-729-1983, 730-2320 kevinjguest@gov.nl.ca |
Brenda Grimes, QC
Executive Director Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador 709-722-4795 brenda.grimes@lawsociety.nf.ca |
BACKGROUNDER
Biographies for Members of the Review Committee
Krista Connolly
Ms. Connolly has over eight years of experience in the Public Service in progressively more responsible roles, including Program and Policy Development Specialist roles with Transportation and Works and the Rural Secretariat (now under the Office of Public Engagement) where she received extensive training in facilitation and partnership brokering. In addition, Ms. Connolly also worked as an Evaluation Consultant with the Department of Health and Community Services. Ms. Connolly most recently served as Director of Policy and Strategic Planning with the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services. In these roles, Ms. Connolly has gained significant experience in analyzing, designing, evaluating and recommending policy, program and legislative changes. In addition, she has also developed and facilitated several consultations for government as well as assisted the Harris Centre in their consultation process for the development of Memorial University's Research Plan.
Ms. Connolly has a Masters in Applied Social Psychology from Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, a program which focusses on Program Evaluation, Research Design, and Statistical Analysis.
Tracy Freeman
Ms. Freeman is a lawyer who specializes in policy development, legislative reviews and legal research. She most recently served as legislative consultant to the 2014 Statutory Review of the ATIPPA. Before entering private practice, she worked for the Provincial Government for 15 years in the Department of Justice, Executive Council, and the Court of Appeal.
Ms. Freeman has a law degree and certificate in environmental law from Dalhousie University.
Paul Pope
Mr. Pope has worked in the Management Engineering Services Department of Eastern Health as a Process Improvement Manager since 1998. He has experience in consolidation of services; implementation of computerized maintenance systems; operational reviews; work process reviews; facility/layout design, and project management. Prior to working with Eastern Health, he provided technical support to the aquaculture and sawmilling industry on the Great Northern Peninsula.
Mr. Pope has a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) degree from Memorial University and is a member of the Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Newfoundland and Labrador.
2015 02 11 2:25 p.m.