A Saskatchewan Metis leader says it is time for a review of the province’s duty to consult policy.
Metis Nation – Saskatchewan president Robert Doucette is making that call in the wake of the court injunction handed to Dene trappers staging a roadblock.
The protesters were served with the court order on Monday — and the RCMP towed away a trailer that was blocking a highway north of La Loche.
The injunction was requested by Saskatchewan Highways.
Provincial officials have been having conversations with the protesters about their concerns — but Doucette says the real issue is how exploration companies are currently exempt from the duty to consult.
“Their position is that there is no duty to consult there. And these exploration companies, these junior companies that are doing exploration activities, are doing the most damage to the traditional lands of the Metis people — without any consultation.”
At last word, the protesters were still at the site of the blockade.