Mr. Prudham:

A dominion land surveyor holds a certificate which entitles him to practise his profession in the Northwest Territories or any lands that are under the control of the federal government. He cannot register a transfer in a provincial registry office.

Mr. Knowles:

When we were at the resolution stage of this bill we had an interesting discussion concerning the proposal to change the title from Dominion Lands Surveys Act to Canada Lands Surveys Act. As a matter of fact I think it is a good change, but I note that in other places in the bill, particularly in this section, the word "dominion" still appears. Would the minister explain how it is that the government has decided to drop the term "dominion" in some instances and replace it with "Canada" and in other cases to leave the word "dominion"?

Canada Lands Surveys Act

Mr. Prudham:

Where the word "dominion" applied formerly to surveys of public lands in Canada it is now eliminated. It appears in the bill when it refers to the dominion land surveyors, who are a separate body of men with certain qualifications and a long tradition. There are some two or three hundred men qualified and licensed to practise as dominion land surveyors. Their status has no relation to the bill before us. If at any time that group should ask for a change of name the matter would then be considered, but we do not propose to interfere in any way with their name or their status by this bill.

Mr. Knowles:

I notice that the explanatory note says this section has been revised in order to adapt it to present-day conditions and modern surveying practices. This is the part of the bill headed "Standard of measure". Would the minister explain what kinds of changes or adaptations have been made?

Mr. Prudham:

The change there is that all tapes used must now be standardized by the national research council.

This part of the bill refers to surveys of public lands in the Northwest Territories, Yukon Territory and national parks and of surrendered lands and reserves. I should like to ask the minister if the surveying that is going on in connection with these northern areas is being broken down into township sections and quarter sections?

Mr. Prudham:

Generally speaking that is the way it is being done.

Mr. Goode:

I notice that part of the administration of this act is in the hands of the Minister of Resources and Development and another part is in the hands of the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. Is that not confusing? Would the minister give us an explanation?

Mr. Prudham:

Yes. With the reorganization of certain departments in 1950, the administration of public lands in the two territories and in the national parks was placed under the Minister of Resources and Development, and that of surrendered lands and reserves as defined in the Indian Act

under the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, whereas the management of all surveys of these lands was placed under the Minister of Mines and Technical Surveys. Provision has been made in the bill whereby the Minister of Mines and Technical Surveys shall initiate surveys at the request of the minister responsible for the administration of lands under his control. I believe part IV, section 61, of the bill also covers certain lands which may be alienated or affected anywhere in Canada, lands that are under the control of the federal government.

Mr. Shaw:

It is provided in subsection 2 of section 33 that where a survey to be made in a park or on an Indian reservation is likely to affect the rights of owners of adjoining lands, then a surveyor who holds a diploma within the province is utilized. Under what circumstances could a survey within a reserve or a park affect the owners of adjoining lands?

Mr. Prudham:

That would most likely be a boundary survey where private individuals own the adjoining land. There might be a dispute over a corner marker or other discrepancies. Provincial surveys can only be registered by a surveyor qualified to survey within the province. A dominion land surveyor cannot register a survey. Therefore this provision is put in the bill to avoid any arguments. If there is a boundary survey that might conflict with private owners, it is thought better to employ a provincial surveyor in order to avoid disputes.

Mr. Shaw:

Is it the private owner who must take the initiative in having this done? The minister said something about where a dispute is likely to occur. Does your department wait until there is a protest registered by a private owner, or is it automatic in every case?

Mr. Prudham:

I am informed there would have to be a protest or a request from the private owner.

Mr. McLure:

What is the difference between "dominion land surveyor" and "Canada land surveyor"?

Mr. Prudham:

There is no such person as a Canada land surveyor. There are dominion land surveyors, also surveyors designated by the provinces.

Mr. McLure:

What is the difference between the Dominion Lands Surveys Act and the Canada Lands Surveys Act? If you are going

Canada Lands Surveys Act to have such a hatred for the word Mr. Prudham: The Northwest Territories "dominion" why not use "Canada" through- and the Yukon are under the jurisdiction of out? Why not say "Canada land surveyor" the Minister of Resources and Development, instead of "dominion land surveyor"? There The Department of Mines and Technical Sur-must be some reason. veys carry out surveys at his request.