Auditor General Denise Hanrahan has released a scathing report into the provincial government’s administration of Crown lands.

Hanrahan has “serious concerns” with the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture’s ability to effectively manage the system.

Hanrahan argues that systemic issues may have created “opportunities for the misuse of, or allowed for, the extended illegal occupation of Crown lands.”

That problem, she says, may have also contributed to “public safety risks; negative environmental impacts; strains on the province’s court system; and affected the well-being of land owners,” preventing people from realizing the intended benefits of Crown Lands.

She highlights a lengthy list of issues with the current system, including many policies and procedures that are “significantly outdated, informal, or non-existent.”

She suggests that weaknesses in the system may have increased opportunities for conflicts of interest and the risk of fraud, but because of “gaps in governance” her office is unable to confirm or deny that fraud occurred.

The AG has made four recommendations to government, including reviewing, updating and implementing formal policies, implementing an oversight process, and addressing issues identified relating to land systems and public information around the availability of Crown land.

Government has accepted all of the recommendations.