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The United Conservative Party announced its latest campaign promise Sunday to protect property rights.

In a news release, the party outlined eight commitments to “restore public trust” on property rights and “ensure Albertans are protected from the day-to-day whims of government.”

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The UCP plan includes the creation of a new Alberta Property Rights Protection Act to establish the right to own and enjoy property, and not be deprived of that right without due process of law. It also includes proposed amendments to the Constitution to enshrine property rights and the Land Titles Act to bar adverse possession claims, in addition to treating government regulation in the same way as government expropriation for the purpose of compensation, while preserving the right of government to expropriate and regulate for the public good.

The proposal also mentions tasking a legislature committee with reviewing relevant legislation and government policies to determine where, and if, changes are needed to ensure compliance with property rights, ensuring the government accounts for potential costs or loss of value to private property in new regulatory proposals, and creating a Property and Farmer’s Rights Advocate Office to provide focused support for Albertans.

“Property rights are an essential part of a free society,” said Wes Taylor, UCP caucus spokesman on property rights. “This UCP plan will make Alberta a world leader in protecting these rights, a key part of our vision for an Alberta that is strong and free.”

More to come …