Overview
Alberta's rich soil and picturesque recreation areas are some of the province's most valuable resources. To ensure that these resources continue to be owned and enjoyed by Albertans and other Canadians, the Agricultural and Recreational Land Ownership Act and Foreign Ownership of Land Regulations (FOLR) were passed.
The FOLR ensures that private rural lands continue to exist primarily for Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and Canadian-controlled corporations or enterprises while still encouraging foreign economic investment.
The Foreign Ownership of Land Administration (FOLA) monitors and controls acquisition of these private rural lands (defined as 'controlled land' in the FOLR). Most transactions, including exemptions, are completed through FOLA and the Land Titles and Surveys offices. Additional exemptsions from the FOLR may be considered by way of Order in Council.
Requirements for interest in controlled lands
The Land Titles Act and FOLR require disclosure where there is an acquisition of an interest in controlled land. Canadians, Canadian corporations or entities, foreign individuals, and foreign corporations or entities, are all subject to this requirement. Refer to the information sheet and links to the forms below.
Regulations
The regulations are not retroactive for transactions that have been registered.
Parties involved or anticipating involvement in transactions which may fall under the controls should seek legal advice for an interpretation of the regulations.
Resources for Submissions
The information below provides additional guidance and tips to help you when submitting Foreign Ownership of Land documents.
Applying for an exemption process
Step 1: Determine if an exemption is required
The Foreign Ownership of Land regulations (FOLR) provide for Order in Council exemptions in certain circumstances.
Contact the Foreign Ownership of Land Administration office to determine whether an exemption is required or whether a general or use-specific exemption in the FOLR may apply.
Step 2. Submitting an application
Once we determine an Order in Council exemption is required, we will provide you with an information package on how to apply for an exemption, including the documents required. The information package is updated frequently, ensure you contact us prior to submitting an application.
Applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Step 3. Review process and decision
The length of the review process and timeline to receive a decision on the exemption varies depending on several factors, including, but not limited to the:
- completeness and quality of information provided in the application
- complexity of the proposal or transaction
- need to verify the information
- scope of required stakeholder consultation
- number of applications in the queue, and their urgency
- cabinet schedule and availability
The timeframe to receive an Order in Council exemption decision varies based on the factors above and can range from 4 to 8 months.
Contact
Connect with the Foreign Ownership of Land Administration office:
Hours: 8:15 am to 4:00 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Email: [email protected]
Mail:
Foreign Ownership of Land Administration
Mezzanine Floor, John E. Brownlee Building
10365 97 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 3W7