The Official Opposition Critic for First Nations and Métis Relations, Betty Nippi-Albright, is calling on the Sask. Party government to strengthen its consultation framework which she says is hurting both businesses and First Nations and Métis communities. Nippi-Albright says recent tensions between the Birch Narrows Dene Nation and a Toronto-based uranium mining company have highlighted Saskatchewan’s insufficient consultation framework with respect to impacted First Nations communities.

Nippi-Albright says, “The Sask. Party government’s failure regarding Truth and Reconciliation and duty to consult is failing everyone,”

Nippi-Albright says the government’s 2010 and 2013 documents regarding consultation framework and duty to consult policy contradict each other, leading to confusion for both industry and First Nations and Métis communities.

The NDP says First Nations communities shouldn’t feel it necessary to set up blockades in order to have their voices heard.