How does land expropriation work?

Expropriation is when the government or certain empowered public agencies take your land without your consent. This happens when the government needs that specific land for some public works or public purpose.  Examples can include a building or expanding military base, utilities or schools.

Each province has its own expropriation act, and so does the federal government, so laws are not entirely the same across Canada. However, there are similarities in most acts.

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Can the government take aboriginal land?

Section 4 of the federal Expropriation Act sets limitations on acquisition of aboriginal land. It details certain Cree, Sechelt, and Yukon lands that are not to be expropriated except by order of the Governor in Council (the Governor-General, acting on advice of the federal cabinet).

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