February 6, 2013

Edmonton... Albertans can now get information to help them with their property rights.

Alberta’s first property rights office was officially opened in Lethbridge on February 6. The office opening follows the appointment of Lee Cutforth as Alberta’s first property rights advocate and the proclamation of the Property Rights Advocate Act in December 2012.

“Alberta is growing at an incredible rate, and it is vital that we strike the right balance between the rights of landowners and the need to expand our communities,” said Premier Alison Redford. "The opening of the Property Rights Advocate’s office is a vital part of my government’s commitment to landowners that their voices will be heard and their rights will be respected.”

The creation of a property rights advocate and the opening of a property rights office was a recommendation of the Property Rights Task Force. Premier Redford appointed the task force in November 2011. The task force asked Albertans about their property rights concerns before releasing the consultation results in February 2012.

“Property rights are incredibly important to Albertans and the new office will help Albertans to navigate what can be a complex process and find the best way to resolve their issues,” said Jonathan Denis, Minister of Justice and Solicitor General.

The Advocate is based in Lethbridge and was appointed to a three-year term following a competitive recruitment process.

“I am committed to working with Alberta landowners to bring them accurate information on property rights and help them work through property rights processes,” said Cutforth, Property Rights Advocate. “My office will provide property owners with a mechanism to voice their concerns.”

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Media inquiries may be directed to:
Michelle Davio
Communications
Justice and Solicitor General 
780-644-3009
Michelle.Davio@gov.ab.ca
Twitter: @ABSolGen

To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.