From the Desk of Jeff Bogaerts, President
Saturday April 18, 2026
Fellow Landowners and Friends,
What a day we had in Cobourg. I want to start by saying a heartfelt thank-you to every single one of you who made the trip to the Cobourg Legion for our 2026 Annual General Meeting. Whether you drove an hour or five, your presence matters — it sends a clear message that Ontario landowners are paying attention, standing together, and refusing to be ignored.
A big thank-you goes out to the Cobourg Legion for once again providing us with a first-rate hall for our meeting. And as in past years, the refreshments and lunch did not disappoint. We are grateful for their hospitality and their continued support for our gathering.
I want to give special recognition to Donna Burns for spearheading and organizing this year’s AGM. Donna, you put in the hours behind the scenes to make sure everything ran smoothly, and it showed. I also want to thank Shirley Dolan, Bob Weirmeir, and Deiter Stadnyk for their participation in making this event happen. The OLA runs on volunteers, and these folks are the backbone of what we do.
As I told the room on Saturday, the fight to protect property rights in Ontario has never been more important. We are facing pressure from expropriation, from UNDRIP, from government overreach at every level. But the OLA has always been a grassroots organization — built by landowners, for landowners — and that is exactly how we will continue to meet these challenges: together, on the ground, neighbour to neighbour.
So here is my ask to each of you: Stay engaged. Attend your local chapter meetings. Bring a neighbour. Bring a friend. Talk to the people in your community about what the OLA does and why it matters. The more members we have, the louder our voice. We need you — every one of you — in this fight.
Thank you for your trust, your time, and your dedication.
Jeff Bogaerts
President, Ontario Landowners Association
AGM Agenda Highlights
The 2026 Annual General Meeting brought together members from across Ontario for a full day of business, education, and fellowship. The meeting opened with remarks from President Jeff Bogaerts, who set the tone for the day by addressing the current landscape of property rights issues facing Ontario landowners and outlining the OLA’s priorities for the year ahead.
The day featured a strong lineup of guest speakers and presentations covering topics of critical importance to the membership — from expropriation law and Bill C-15, to Indigenous treaties and UNDRIP, to a landmark British Columbia land claim case with national implications, to the fight for free speech and the right to record public municipal council meetings. These presentations are detailed in the following section.
Members also participated in executive elections, which saw all positions filled by acclamation and one new addition — a testament to the unity and confidence of the membership. Award presentations honoured individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the OLA and the property rights movement. The meeting included time for general business and open member discussion, giving everyone the opportunity to raise issues, ask questions, and contribute to the direction of the organization.
Guest Speakers and Presentations
This year’s AGM featured an exceptional roster of speakers addressing issues at the very heart of the OLA’s mission. Each presentation provided members with critical knowledge and context for the property rights battles unfolding across Ontario and Canada.
Davies Howe LLP and Robson Associates — Expropriation Law, Bill C-15, and the ALTO Project
Davies Howe LLP, a prominent Canadian law firm, delivered a presentation covering three critical topics of direct relevance to Ontario landowners and property rights:
- Expropriation Law — An overview of the legal framework governing the compulsory acquisition of private property by government authorities, including landowners’ rights in the process.
- Bill C-15 — An examination of the federal legislation implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples into Canadian law, and its potential impact on private land ownership.
- The ALTO Project — A discussion of the Aboriginal Land Title in Ontario project and its implications for property rights holders across the province.
These topics are of direct and immediate concern to every landowner in Ontario, and Davies Howe’s expertise provided the membership with a clear-eyed view of the legal landscape ahead.
Robson Associates Inc., a Toronto-origin real estate appraisal firm founded in 1988, specializes in complex, often expropriation and litigation-related property valuation, as well as development land valuation in Southern Ontario and beyond. Their expertise in property valuation is an invaluable resource for landowners navigating expropriation proceedings and ensuring fair compensation for their land.
Philip Lawrence, MP — Federal Engagement with Property Rights
Philip Lawrence, Member of Parliament for the riding of Northumberland—Clarke and Shadow Minister for Intergovernmental Affairs and One Canadian Economy, Inter-Provincial Trade, addressed the membership at the AGM. His participation demonstrated meaningful federal-level engagement with property rights issues and signalled that the concerns of Ontario landowners are being heard on Parliament Hill. The OLA values the presence and support of elected officials who take the time to listen to and stand with rural Canadians.
Donna Burns — Indigenous Treaties and UNDRIP
Donna Burns delivered an informative presentation on Indigenous treaties and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). Her presentation helped members understand the historical and legal context of treaties in Canada and the far-reaching implications of UNDRIP for private property rights.
What is UNDRIP?
UNDRIP stands for the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, a comprehensive international instrument adopted in 2007 that outlines the individual and collective rights of Indigenous peoples worldwide. It sets minimum standards for survival, dignity, and well-being, including self-determination, cultural preservation, and free, prior, and informed consent.
Elizabeth Marshall — UNDRIP and the Cowichan Tribes Land Claim
Elizabeth Marshall presented on UNDRIP and the Cowichan Tribes land claim case in British Columbia. This case represents a significant legal development with implications for private property rights across Canada. Marshall’s presentation underscored the need for OLA members to be fully informed about how Aboriginal title claims under UNDRIP frameworks may affect landowners nationwide — not just in British Columbia, but in every province and territory. What happens in one jurisdiction sets precedent for all others, and Ontario landowners must be prepared. Your Crown Land Patent Grant is more valuable than ever for Private Land Protection.
Ed Jamnisek — Free Speech and Recording Public Municipal Council Meetings
Ed Jamnisek of Pickering delivered a compelling presentation on the issue of free speech and the right to record open public municipal council meetings. Jamnisek outlined the growing restrictions being placed on attendees who wish to record these meetings — meetings that are, by law, open to the public.
His presentation detailed a disturbing incident in which police showed up in force, and he was issued a trespass notice for exercising what he maintains is his right to record public proceedings. Jamnisek is now taking legal action against the trespass notice, a case that has significant implications for government transparency, public accountability, and the fundamental right of citizens to document the actions of their elected officials.
Special Guest
I would like to thank Rebel News, Tamara Ugolini and her crew for attending and reporting on our AGM. It is always refreshing to see a well-documented and balanced news report.
Executive Election Results
Elections for the OLA Executive were held during the AGM, and all positions were filled by acclamation — reflecting the unity, confidence, and trust of the membership in its leadership team. The results are as follows:
| Position | Name | Status |
| President | Jeff Bogaerts | Acclaimed |
| Vice-President East | Donna Burns | Acclaimed |
| Vice-President West | Bob Weirmeir | Acclaimed |
| Governor | Stefanos Karatopis | Acclaimed |
| Governor | Vaughn Johnstone | Acclaimed |
| Governor | Russ Robson | Acclaimed |
| Governor (New) | Anthony Kaluzny | Acclaimed |
Congratulations to all members of the Executive on their election. A special welcome to Anthony Kaluzny, who joins the Executive as a new Governor. Anthony’s willingness to step up and serve speaks to the kind of grassroots commitment that makes the OLA strong. Thank you to every member of the Executive for your continued dedication and service to Ontario’s landowners.
Award Presentations
The Terrance James Green Award
The Terrance James Green Award recognizes outstanding service to the Ontario Landowners Association and the property rights movement. This award honours individuals whose dedication, hard work, and commitment have strengthened the OLA and advanced the cause of property rights for all Ontario landowners. This year, the following individuals were honoured with the award:
- Donna Burns
- Bob Weirmeir
- Vaughn Johnstone
- Stefanos Karatopis
- Kythe Baldwin
- Shirley Dolan
- Joan Olech
- Anthony Kaluzny
- Erica Furney
Congratulations to every recipient. Your dedication and service to the OLA and to the broader property rights movement are deeply appreciated. These awards are well deserved.
Landowner of the Year Award
Shirley Dolan was honoured with the Landowner of the Year Award in recognition of her exceptional contributions to the Ontario Landowners Association. Shirley’s tireless work, leadership, and unwavering commitment to property rights have made a lasting impact on this organization and the communities it serves.
Double Honours for Shirley Dolan
A well-deserved recognition, Shirley Dolan received both the Terrance James Green Award and the Landowner of the Year Award at this year’s AGM. This dual honour reflects the depth and breadth of Shirley’s years of contribution to the OLA. Congratulations, Shirley — your fellow landowners, thank you.
Growing the OLA — New Team Members and Chapters
The OLA is growing, and we are proud to announce new legal and organizational capacity being added to our team. These additions strengthen our ability to serve and defend landowners across Ontario.
Holly Bogaerts — Executive Secretary, Lanark Chapter
Holly Bogaerts, based in Carleton Place, will be assisting Jeff with the OLA Lanark Chapter in the role of Executive Secretary while she is learning the law. Holly’s addition to the team reflects the OLA’s commitment to building capacity at the chapter level where the real work of defending property rights happens every day. Holly will also act as a Law Clerk for Jeff and Canadian Property Rights Legal Services until she writes her licensing exams as a Paralegal.
Ky-Lee Hanson — Law Clerk, Eastern Ontario
Ky-Lee Hanson is a recent graduate who is assisting Jeff as a Law Clerk until she is licensed. Ky-Lee will be covering Eastern Ontario — from the Ontario-Quebec border, the Ottawa River in the north, the St. Lawrence in the south, west to Ottawa, and all points in between.
Ky-Lee will be looking after the South Dundas Glengarry chapter to get started, bringing new energy and legal capacity to that region. In addition, Ky-Lee will be running as a candidate in the municipal elections in October — demonstrating the kind of civic engagement and grassroots leadership that the OLA stands for.
Wendy Dillistone — Paralegal, Almonte
Wendy Dillistone, a Paralegal based in Almonte, is joining the OLA team to assist with property rights issues. Wendy’s professional expertise will be an asset as the OLA continues to expand its capacity to support landowners facing legal challenges.
These new additions to our team mean that more landowners across Ontario will have access to knowledgeable, dedicated support when they need it most. Welcome aboard, Holly, Ky-Lee, and Wendy.
Looking Ahead
As we move forward from another successful AGM, I want to leave you with this reminder: the strength of the Ontario Landowners Association has never come from the top down. It comes from our chapters, our volunteers, and our engaged members — people just like you who show up, speak up, and stand up for what is right.
I encourage every one of you to attend your local chapter meetings. Bring your neighbours. Bring the farmer down the road who has been dealing with a bylaw issue. Bring the family who just got a notice from the conservation authority. The more people who know about the OLA and what we do, the stronger we become.
Make no mistake — property rights in Ontario are under pressure from multiple directions. Expropriation, UNDRIP, Aboriginal title claims, government overreach — these are not theoretical threats. They are real, they are happening now, and they affect real families on real land. The OLA remains the frontline defence for Ontario landowners, and we will continue to fight on your behalf with everything we have.
But we cannot do it without you. Stay informed. Stay engaged. Stay involved. Together, we are a force that cannot be ignored.
Thank you for standing with us.
Jeff Bogaerts
President, Ontario Landowners Association
Protecting Property Rights Since 2003