QUESTION PERIOD — Transport
Pickering Lands
November 4, 2025
My question is for the Government Representative in the Senate. Welcome back, colleague.
Senator Moreau, in 1972, the government acquired 18,600 acres of land northeast of Toronto, known as the Pickering Lands, to develop a future airport. In 2015, Transport Canada transferred approximately 4,700 acres to Parks Canada for the creation of the Rouge National Urban Park. Then in 2017, an additional 5,200 acres were transferred, with the government retaining 8,700 acres for a potential airport. At that time and until 2024, the remaining land was being leased out by Transport Canada for various uses, including agricultural production. Senator Moreau, in January 2025, your government announced:
. . . the Pickering Lands will not be used for a future airport site. The Government of Canada intends to transfer the high conservation value lands to Parks Canada.
Senator Moreau, what is your government’s plans for the Pickering Lands and who have they invited to participate in the initial consultation process?
Thank you, Senator Black, for your kind words. As you noted, the government announced it intends to transfer portions of the Pickering Lands with high conservation value to Parks Canada to expand the Rouge National Urban Park. I can confirm that Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada alongside Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, which is responsible for rural development, are part of the discussions on this matter. Moreover, as the custodian of the Pickering Lands, Transport Canada is working closely with Parks Canada, Public Services and Procurement Canada, the Canada Lands Company and Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada. The government will also work very closely with Indigenous, provincial and municipal partners.
I do want to assure you, senator, that the public consultation will ensure that various perspectives from the community and stakeholders are recognized.
Can you please advise this chamber when the public consultations will be launched for the communities surrounding the Pickering Lands and how long it will be open for? Can you also reassure Canadians that your government will not approve any future development plans on prime ag land needed to produce the food we all eat — three times a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year — whether it’s those lands or other lands deemed prime ag land?
Thank you for your question, senator, and I will get back to you as to when the consultation will take place and how long it will last.
