The task force, created last month by Premier Alison Redford, is chaired by Diana McQueen, Minister of Environment and Water, with Evan Berger, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, as the vice-chair.

“We are committed to being better listeners, and are looking for common-sense input on property rights issues that will help us do a better job for Albertans,” said McQueen. “We aren’t looking for consensus. We expect to hear a number of perspectives, constructive criticisms, ideas, and comments that will help us understand what’s working and where we must improve.”

Other members include Verlyn Olson, Q.C., Minister of Justice and Attorney General; Jeff Johnson, Minister of Infrastructure; Cal Dallas, Minister of Intergovernmental, International and Aboriginal Relations; Frank Oberle, Minister of Sustainable Resource Development; Raymond Prins, MLA for Lacombe-Ponoka; and Arno Doerksen, MLA for Strathmore Brooks.

The communities that will be visited are Grimshaw, Grande Prairie, St. Paul, Westlock, Olds, Rocky Mountain House, Brooks, Hanna, Medicine Hat, and Lethbridge.

Apart from the community sessions with the task force, Albertans who would like to provide input can do so through email, traditional mail, or by calling a toll-free number. A special property rights task force website will also be available in January to further survey the opinions of Albertans on this issue. Information gathered will be incorporated in a public report to government.

For open house details and information on how to submit comments click here and scroll down to Backgrounder.