The Saskatchewan government has passed the Saskatchewan First Act, asserting the province's autonomy and sovereignty over its natural resources.
Sask First Act passes, indigenous groups protest | Western Standard - Christopher Oldcorn:
March 16, 2023 - "Bill 88, known as the Saskatchewan First Act (SFA), passed Thursday after the third and final reading, as indigenous leaders and supporters expressed dissatisfaction with the legislation. During the vote, indigenous, First Nation, and Metis leaders stood along with the NDP MLAs voting against the SFA. The SFA passed easily, with 40 Sask Party MLAs voting to pass it.
"The SFA protects 'Saskatchewan’s autonomy and exclusive jurisdiction over its natural resources' and created a panel to review the economic impact of Justin Trudeau’s policies. Justice Minister and Attorney General Bronwyn Eyre said the SFA is 'historic legislation' which will stop 'intrusive federal policies' impeding the economic growth of the province.
"Premier Scott Moe spoke with the media following the vote and defended the SFA as it protects all Saskatchewanians, including indigenous people. 'This is very indicative of the ongoing conversation that has to happen around Bill 88 protecting our ability to provide that growth,' said Moe. 'This bill is not a division between that relationship and protecting treaty rights. This is a bill that's protecting our opportunity in this province from federal infringement.'
"The Western Standard asked Moe why there's a disconnect between what the government says the SFA does, and how indigenous peoples perceive it. 'There needs to be ongoing dialogue on that and as government's committed to doing that, committed to working through what Bill 88 is,” said Moe....
"Eyre said under section 35 of the Canadian Constitution the SFA does not infringe on any treaty rights and an amendment to the legislation added section 35 into the SFA. 'We have never shut out voices. We have had meetings, listening sessions, and dialogue sessions with communities ongoingly,' said Eyre....
"On Wednesday, NDP Justice and Attorney General Critic Nicole Sarauer attempted to have First Nations and Metis leaders testify in the SFA committee meeting. Still, the Sask Party blocked them from testifying.... FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron told the media 'Premier Scott Moe and his government have repeatedly used the treaties as a reason to exclude First Nations from some provincial revenue programs and natural resource revenue sharing'....
"'The province of Saskatchewan does not have the jurisdiction to claim exclusive ownership of natural resources,' said Cameron. 'The province was created after the signing of treaties. First Nations through treaties, maintain our rights to make decisions about their lands, resources, waters, and Nations. Treaties guarantee that First Nations would share in the revenue and resources derived from our homeland.'"
"MNS Vice-President Michelle LeClair is disappointed with the SFA. 'The Metis Nation Saskatchewan has been very direct and vocal in our opposition to the Saskatchewan First Act,' said LeClair.... 'This bill’s passage is a failure of the provincial government to recognize the Metis Nation as a partner in Saskatchewan, and it dismisses our citizens’ inherent rights.'"
No comments:
Post a Comment