Environment Minister Jason Nixon introduces Bill 16: The Public Lands Modernization Amendment Act along with representatives of Alberta’s ranching industry - Gov't of Alberta

By Dori Modney

Legislation to modernize ranch fees and grazing leases introduced in Alberta Legislature

Oct 16, 2019 | 1:47 PM

EDMONTON — The province has initiated modernization of the rent and fees ranchers pay for the use of public lands.

The current grazing fee framework has been frozen since 1994 and the government says it’s based on outdated data.

According to the government, Bill-16 will protect the beef industry against tariffs because it eliminates the perception of a subsidy for Alberta’s ranchers.

When passed, Bill-16 will be phased-in over a 5-year period. The fee structure will better align with land values and market fluctuations – so when markets are down, so are fees. As well, a flat-rate fee assignment will reduce red tape and administrative costs for ranchers, with a flat-rate fee for a lease transfer.

The dedicated revenue stream will fund rangeland sustainability research and initiatives to ensure ranching remains a successful industry.

Week-in-review: Federal Budget, water agreements and success for tourism industry

Apr 20, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: April 19, 2024

Apr 19, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: April 15, 2024

Apr 15, 2024

A provincial news release indicates the proposed changes have widespread support from stakeholders in the grazing and beef industries, who recognize the need for an updated grazing disposition fee framework.

The chair of the Alberta Beef Producers, Charlie Christie, says his group welcomes the modernize of the grazing lease rental rate framework on public lands.

“The new framework will reflect our current business environment and will align with other resource based industries in Alberta, while also ensuring our province is fairly compensated for leasing public lands. In addition, we are pleased that a portion of revenue generated from grazing lease rental rates will be used for environmental stewardship and range improvement, which ensures the land will continue to be healthy and sustainable for future generations.”

Amendments to the fee framework will not change recreational access to public lands for Albertans, and will not affect existing treaty rights for Indigenous Peoples.