Bill 22 Proposes Changes To Surface Rights Act To Reduce Red Tape

On June 11, 2020, the Honourable Grant Hunter, the Associate Minister of Red Tape Reduction, introduced Bill 22: Red Tape Reduction Implementation Act, 2020. Mr. Hunter noted Bill 22 "recommends 14 legislative changes across six ministries," including amendments to the Surface Rights Act. The following provides a brief overview of the changes to the Surface Rights Act as well considerations for operators arising from same.

Section 17 of Bill 22 proposes amendments to sections 27, 29, 30, and 36 of the Act, as well as the addition of a new section 35.1. The most notable proposed change is an increase to the maximum amount of damages that can be claimed by landowners or occupants in applications to the Surface Rights Board under section 30 of the Act, from $25,000 to $50,000.