Canada's New Government announces sales program for the 11,000 acres of land in Mirabel, Québec

Prime Minister Stephen Harper fulfilled a longstanding commitment today by announcing the establishment of a sales program for the 11,000 acres of farmland in Mirabel. In November 2004, while in opposition, Prime Minister Harper tabled a motion in the House of Commons calling on the government to sell these acres, which were needlessly expropriated in 1969. 

“I’m pleased to announce today that our new government is going to allow Mirabel farmers to buy back the land they are currently leasing,” said Prime Minister Harper.  “We made a promise and we kept our word.”

“Today’s announcement finally gives Mirabel farmers the chance to own the land they have worked for so many years,” added Minister of Transportation, Infrastructure, and Communities Lawrence Cannon.  “For some, this means a chance to reclaim the land that has been in their family for generations, as well as an opportunity to close one chapter and open a new one.” 

A transition committee made up of representatives of the Union des producteurs agricoles, tenants, Transport Canada, and Public Works and Government Services Canada will be set up within the next few weeks to develop the details of this sales program.

The transition committee will be responsible for recommending the terms of the program implementation for selling land to farmers and for proposing solutions to any issues that may arise.  Daniel Picotte, a lawyer with a thorough knowledge of issues related to the airport’s transactions and acquisitions, will serve as chair of the body. 

In accordance with the government’s commitment to the environment, a management partnership between Transport Canada and Environment Canada will also be created to protect wetlands located within the 11,000 acres. 


The 11,000 acres of land are now part of a lease between Aéroports de Montréal and Transport Canada. Discussions between the department and Aéroports de Montréal to remove these lands from the lease are already underway.