FSIN Says It Wasn’t Consulted Over Budget Cut
Friday, April 16, 2010 at 15:49
The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations is calling on Environment Minister Nancy Heppner to restore funding to a partnership agreement that was not renewed due to provincial budget cuts.
The $290,000 agreement funded five staff with the FSIN’s lands and natural resources branch.
Vice-Chief Lyle Whitefish says he was shocked at the announcement to cut the funding.
Whitefish also says he did not receive 60 days notice of the funding cut — a clause in the partnership agreement.
But Heppner insists her ministry is respectful of the duty to consult process — and will continue to consult with individual First Nations, tribal councils and Metis groups.
Heppner adds duty to consult funding is available to First Nations and the FSIN.
Whitefish says he has sent invitations to the First Nations and Metis Relations Office to arrange a meeting with Heppner.