The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations is accusing the provincial government of “selling out” Saskatchewan’s environment to industry.
In a release, the FSIN says it is “gravely concerned” about the new Saskatchewan Environmental Code, and its review process.
The federation says, under the code, a resource development company will be allowed to conduct its own environmental assessments on proposed projects — without any on-the-ground scrutiny by the provincial government.
Vice-chief Bobby Cameron says Saskatchewan First Nations can’t believe this will be allowed to occur on their traditional territory.
Cameron says “foreign companies are dictating environmental policy in Saskatchewan” because the government is in such a hurry to invite resource development firms to conduct business in the province.
He also says First Nations have not been adequately consulted about the new code.