September 19, 2025
Clarenville, NL – Today, Premier John Hogan, KC, leader of the Liberal Party of Newfoundland and Labrador, joined by Liberal Candidate for Terra Nova, Greg French, announced a commitment to improve the management of Crown lands.
Newfoundland and Labrador is blessed with a vast landscape of rugged natural beauty, and from the Avalon Peninsula all the way to Labrador, much of our province remains Crown lands. When individuals, businesses or organizations seek to use Crown lands, whether to build a home, a cabin, a farm or a business, they must engage the provincial government for legal use, whether through a purchase, lease or permit.
Many people across the Province who have properties, structures and businesses have discovered that they are on Crown lands, often to the surprise of families who have lived in their homes for generations. When they seek a survey for a sale, or to make an insurance claim, many find that they are lacking the required legal documents or status to prove their ownership of their property.
Unfortunately for many, the historic process for acquiring or clarifying Crown lands title in Newfoundland and Labrador requires individuals to jump through too many hoops. In some cases, land may have been in families for generations, yet the Crown lands registration process makes it too onerous to prove ownership of the land.
The Liberal Government recently led changes to the Lands Act, which shortened requirements for establishing squatters’ rights, and streamlined access to Crown lands through an online applications and payment portal.
Today, the Liberal Party is announcing several steps to make it easier for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to obtain and confirm title to land – to live, work, and enjoy.
A re-elected Hogan government will further improve the Crown lands process by expediting approvals for land and titles that lawyers have already certified as legitimate. We will work with the Law Society to establish title standards. In short, this means reduced red tape and an easier process.
We will also expand the Primary Residence Land Title Program beyond primary residences, including to allow eligibility for secondary residences. This allows
Newfoundlanders and Labradorians without the clear title required for a Crown Grant the ability to obtain a quitclaim deed.
Further, a re-elected Liberal Government will review its Crown Lands inventory to identify areas of the Province for new development opportunities. This will include Requests for Proposals for housing developments in high-demand areas, as well as increased draws for cabin development. Crown Lands in our Province is an opportunity to address the pressing need for housing and we must take advantage.
The Liberal Government will help you secure titles where it is fair, and make it easier for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to benefit from the land our Province has to offer.
With real momentum, energy and leadership, the Liberal Party of Newfoundland and Labrador is embracing our province’s tremendous opportunities to deliver a stronger future for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.
Media Contact:
Ben Murphy
Liberal Party of Newfoundland and Labrador
Tel: 709-740-3156
E-mail: [email protected]