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The Government of Saskatchewan is conducting a thorough review of land ownership in the province.
The Saskatchewan Farm Security Act, which sets out rules governing who can own or control farm land in Saskatchewan, will be comprehensively reviewed after an initial review by the Farm Land Ownership Advisory Committee. Public and stakeholder consultations will also be part of the review process, according to a release from the provincial government.
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After meeting with agricultural, real estate, legal and financial service sector leaders in the province and conducting its own research, the advisory committee’s work has confirmed “no evidence of foreign ownership of Saskatchewan farm land under the current legislative framework.
“This aligns with the Provincial Auditor’s report, which found no instances of unauthorized foreign ownership,” the release stated.
The review will look into improvements when verifying ownership, strengthening tools for penalties and enforcement, modernize definitions and make reporting obligations and permanent resident oversight more robust.
“The review will also consider other components of the Act not reviewed by the Advisory Committee, including farm security and home quarter protection, to ensure ongoing relevance and effectiveness,” according to the province’s release.
“We feel this legislative review will help ensure the province’s farm land stays in the hands of Canadian farmers and that there will be a positive path forward for the next generation,” said Farm Land Ownership Advisory Committee chairperson, Ken McDonald, in the release.
“It’s taken a lot of energy, time and thought to wade through some of the issues we were asked to review. As a committee, we were well aware that an opportunity to make changes to systems like this, and in particular, to legislation, does not happen very often,” McDonald said at the Regina Legislature on Tues, April 14, adding that the committee has been “diligent” in its efforts.
Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association President Jeff Yorga said the government’s efforts to bring transparency around farm land ownership in the province are appreciated.
Saskatchewan Minister of Agriculture David Marit speaks at the Saskatchewan Legislature in Regina on Tues, April 14, 2026. (Lisa Schick/980 CJME)
“Producers want a level playing field, and the upcoming consultations are a great first step to ensuring that. We look forward to working with all stakeholders to make sure producer voices are heard,” Yorga said.
Chad Ross, chair of the Saskatchewan Cattle Association, said protecting Saskatchewan pasture and hayland is of “critical importance” to beef an cattle producers.
“There are no better caretakers of Saskatchewan’s grassland and farmland than ranchers and farmers,” Ross commented, saying the cattle association supports the advisory committee’s work on this review and the province’s plans for the review to be conducted.
Ross said the cattle association “looks forward to actively participating in consultations going forward.”
Stating the announcement of the review shows the “continued support our government continues to provide, ensuring a prosperous future for farmers facing more challenges than ever before,” Wheat Growers Association chair, Darryl Fransoo, said the statute is important, “designed to protect, support and provide security for Saskatchewan family farms.”
“Our farmland is one of Saskatchewan’s greatest assets, and it’s important that the rules around who can own and use it keep pace with the realities of farming today,” said Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities president, Bill Huber, commenting that the review is a chance “to protect family farms and support the future of our rural communities.”
“We would have liked to have interacted with everyone that expressed an interest in providing feedback. However, in the interest of time, that just was not possible,” McDonald said of the review process. “We are therefore very pleased that the ministry will be taking a much wider consultation process of the whole act.”
McDonald commended the Farmland Security Board for its work in overseeing farmland ownership in Saskatchewan.
“That said, there are some legislative and regulatory updates that need to be examined to streamline the process,” he commented, noting a review of ownership compliance prior to land transfer was “an immediate win with all the groups consulted, as long as it did not impede the speed of business and permanent residents should have to meet the residency requirements as set out by the federal government, and report their status to the board.”
The provincial release called Saskatchewan farm land “one of the province’s most valuable assets.
“As the nature of farming and business continues to evolve, the Government of Saskatchewan wants to ensure the legislative framework regarding farm land ownership meets the needs of the people of Saskatchewan.”
“Times have changed and continue to change, and it’s important to make sure that the goal of keeping this precious resource in the hands of Canadian farmers is maintained and updated when necessary,” McDonald said.
