People who own land in Gatineau Park should not have to face the risk of having that land expropriated by the National Capital Commission, says the cabinet minister responsible.

"I have real concerns with expropriation powers," said John Baird, the minister of state in charge of the National Capital Commission, on Monday. "Obviously we want to protect the park, but we don't want to have to get rid of all private land ownership within it … I think we struck a reasonably good balance."

Baird, who is also transport and infrustructure minister, as well as the Conservative MP for Ottawa West-Nepean, was speaking before the House of Commons committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities about Bill C-37, which would amend the act governing the NCC. The commission is in charge of federal lands and buildings in the Ottawa-Gatineau region, including Gatineau Park.

In response to questions from the committee, Baird said in French that he believes the section of the act that allows the NCC to expropriate land should be repealed and revoked, and that is something he will raise with his officials.

He added that the NCC would still have the capacity to buy properties within the park or neighbouring the park if they go up for sale via a first right of refusal.

Baird also noted that the NCC has not used its expropriation powers in at least two decades.

Don Malloy, whose family has lived in Gatineau Park since his grandparents bought a property there in the 1930s, said the type of protection Baird is proposing is something his family has been wanting for years.

"Protecting the park is a very important thing, but protecting people's rights is equally important, you know?" he said Tuesday.

Bill C-37 was introduced in June and has gone through its first reading.

The bill would not make Gatineau Park a national park, but would:

  • Allow the NCC to make certain real estate transactions without seeking Governor in Council approval
  • Let the NCC to set rules concerning user fees with Governor in Council approval.
  • Require the NCC to hold at least four meetings per year and submit a 50-year master plan every 10 years.
  • Expand the NCC's powers to protect wilderness and wildlife.