Premier Scott Moe’s government does not believe it needs to consult Indigenous groups prior to tabling retaliatory legislation in response to British Columbia halting construction on the federally approved Trans Mountain Pipeline project.
Moe who says the legislation is expected to be tabled in the coming days says Saskatchewan will limit exports of petroleum products to BC, a move of solidarity to Alberta. “This is not a development or in any way necessitates that duty with the FSIN,” stated Moe. “We look forward to the FSIN supporting Saskatchewan’s position of advancing our economic opportunities,” Moe said.
In clarifying the government’s position, Jim Billington Moe’s Press Secretary said in an email statement. “This legislation is in response to an emergent situation relating to inter-provincial exports where a duty to consult does not exist. As stated, this legislation does not impact resource development where a duty to consult does exist.”
Moe did say his government would reach out to Chief Bobby Cameron very shortly.
The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations issued a press release Tuesday cautioning the province that “any legislation that is drafted which would limit energy exports to British Columbia should be done so in consultation with First Nations in Saskatchewan.”
“This is a classic case of the Province’s failure to consult. When the Province drafts legislation in any way related to resource development, it must consult First Nations and accommodate their interests,” said Cameron in a release.
Cameron stated that First Nations have concerns over oil and gas development, while others have interests, as reasoning for the consultation. “We have First Nations in our region who are concerned about pipelines running through their Treaty, traditional and reserve lands, particularly in light of the recent Husky Oil spill. We also have First Nations in Saskatchewan that participate within the oil and gas industry in this province,” stated Cameron.
The FSIN also suggests that “if meaningful consultation and accommodation was undertaken with First Nations regarding Trans Mountain, perhaps this wouldn’t be happening.”
(PHOTO – Premier Scott Moe at a recent press event in Saskatoon. Photo by Joel Willick)