Calculation of Buddhist land holdings could lead to better enforcement of land limits, group hopes [Video]

An investigation into Buddhist land holdings in P.E.I. ordered by Minister of Land Steven Myers could provide the first legal test of measures in the Lands Protection Act meant to prevent concentration of land ownership across multiple linked corporations.

It could also peel back the curtain to provide Islanders with a glimpse into how that landmark piece of legislation is being enforced — something that hasn’t been made public for more than a decade.

On Feb. 4, Myers directed the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission to investigate the land holdings of the Great Wisdom Buddhist Institute (GWBI) and the Great Enlightenment Buddhist Institute Society (GEBIS) “to determine whether the corporations have contravened the [Lands Protection Act] or regulations.”

In his letter to IRAC, Myers referred to a specific amendment to the act from 2022 that refers to direct and indirect control of land, representing the latest attempt by Island lawmakers to prevent large corporations with deep pockets from getting around the intent of the act.

• LISTEN: How much land …