REGINA – The Saskatchewan NDP joined a group of farmers and ranchers from across Saskatchewan today calling on the Sask. Party and the Water Security Agency (WSA) to crackdown on illegal drainage that is damaging downstream farms.
Despite laws requiring drainage permits — and repeated recommendations from the Provincial Auditor since 2018 — producers say the WSA is allowing widespread illegal ditching and wetland destruction to continue without adequate oversight or conservation measures.
“There has to be accountability and fines to deter this. This is happening across the province without permits and we’re paying the price,” says Brent Ulner, a Melville-area farmer.
“This fall, once again, some farmers were busy with track hoes and scrapers draining wetlands onto their neighbors' land without permits or approvals. For more than a hundred years my family has protected Duck Creek, yet we’re now being told to hand over access to our land so upstream drainage can continue — even under threat of expropriation,” said Sandy Lowndes who farms near Kelvington.
“When farmers are threatened with expropriation so drainage can move ahead, government has failed them,” said Erika Ritchie, Saskatchewan NDP Shadow Minister for SaskWater and the Water Security Agency. “I stand with these producers in calling for real enforcement and a water governance framework that works for everyone.”
Producers say the WSA does not require monitoring or water-quality standards for drainage projects and warn that Conservation and Development Authorities, created to manage floods and protect communities, are increasingly being used to legitimize illegally drained wetlands. In some cases, C&D boards of just six people can expropriate land from downstream producers with no recourse.
“Scott Moe’s Water Security Agency has sunk to a new low by allowing and promoting the expropriation of privately owned land by upstream drainers, calling themselves a Conservation and Development group,” said Lane Mountney who farms near Moosomin.
“This is a clear misuse of power,” said Ritchie. “Farmers deserve fairness and their property rights protected— not a system where a handful of individuals can intimidate and override entire communities for private gain with no regard for broader conservation goals in the public interest.”
“Why is this government picking and choosing which farmers have a right to make a living,” added Lowndes. “We’re not here to fight. We’re here to ask government to work with us – and enforce the rules already in place."
Producers say Manitoba and Alberta have systems that balance and protect farmers, ranchers, and downstream communities alike. They argue Saskatchewan’s policies benefit only those conducting the drainage, whether approved or illegal.
“Saskatchewan farmers deserve better. They deserve a bright future,” added Ritchie.
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