Ministers and Mayors Discuss Duty to Consult

Ministers and Mayors Discuss Duty to Consult

Friday, December 15, 2006 at 16:15

 

 

Northern leaders heard an update from the provincial government yesterday about new rules requiring Aboriginal communities be consulted over development on their land.

 

Minister responsible Maynard Sonntag gave the address at the annual New North roundtable meeting in Prince Albert.

 

He explains the issue has recently come to a head due to some recent decisions by the Supreme Court involving other provinces.

 

Sonntag says the way he understands it, governments are supposed to consult Aboriginal communities about any development that occurs on their traditional lands, and simply telling bands about projects isn’t good enough.

 

However, Sonntag says he interprets the high court’s ruling to mean the rules kick in now, and not retroactively.

 

Meantime, a member of the New North executive confirms not much has changed in regards to the provincial government’s northern fire suppression strategy.

 

Gordon Stomp says it appears the main ideas behind the so-called “let it burn” policy remain in effect for 2007.

 

He says northern leaders are willing to work with the government over the issue, even though they’re not satisfied with the policy.

 

One of the other dominant issues at yesterday’s meeting was the status of funding for northern infrastructure.

 

Stomp says the need for water and sewer upgrades appears to outweigh what the government is willing to spend.

 

He adds the government is only offering a small percentage of what is required.

 

However, Stomp remains optimistic progress will eventually be made.