New West Likely Won’t Affect Duty To Consult: Prof
Wednesday, May 05, 2010 at 15:00
A professor from the University of Saskatchewan says she doesn’t believe a new deal signed by the province will affect the duty to consult process.
Still, Joyce Green says it would be in the best interests of Aboriginal groups to keep their eyes on the situation.
Last week, the Saskatchewan government signed the New West Partnership Agreement with the governments of B.C. and Alberta.
The deal essentially says the three will work to reduce trade barriers and other red tape.
Green says Aboriginal rights are too deeply ingrained in the Constitution to be affected by the move — but she says First Nations shouldn’t take anything for granted.
She says history has shown that Aboriginal rights are vulnerable unless Aboriginal people are prepared to make governments accountable, usually in the form of court action.
Green adds she will be interested to see the details of the New West Partnership once they become known.