Foreign ownership of land regulations (FOLR) engagement

Overview

We explored realignment measures toward achieving the initial policy intent behind the Foreign Ownership of Land Regulations (FOLR) to reduce red tape and improve administrative efficiency by exempting certain commercially or industrially zoned lands from FOLR requirements. This applies specifically in areas where municipal zoning no longer aligns with the original agricultural intent of the policy and exempting estate planning transfers between foreign family members from needing Cabinet approval under FOLR.

Get informed

The Agricultural and Recreational Land Ownership Act and FOLR restrict the amount of land and/or for which purposes a foreign entity (whether a foreign individual or a foreign owned or controlled corporation) can acquire an interest in privately held agricultural and recreational land in Alberta. All persons or organizations acquiring an interest in lands designated as controlled are required to complete a declaration under FOLR.

Input received

Stakeholders, including relevant Alberta municipalities and counties, as well as lawyers that deal with FOLR requests were invited to provide insight on reducing red tape in the FOLR process.

Outcomes

Feedback received from stakeholders will help inform government policy aimed at modernizing the application of FOLR and reducing administrative burdens while ensuring that private rural lands remain primarily in the hands of Canadian citizens, permanent residents and Canadian-controlled corporations or enterprises, without discouraging foreign economic investment.

Connect with us at:
Email: [email protected].