The Official Opposition Critic for First Nations and Metis Relations urges the provincial government to move from having the Duty to Consult as a policy and instead enshrine it in legislation. In September, the government announced it was looking for feedback on the First Nation and Metis Duty to Consult policy. Saskatoon Centre MLA Betty Nippi-Albright says she has heard concerns that consultations with Indigenous people have been rushed and they are not feeling heard. She adds that some believe online surveys and written statements aren’t enough.

During Question Period today (Thurs), Government Relations Minister Don McMorris responded that the engagement isn’t just surveys and written forms. Government representatives have been speaking directly with all stakeholders and if they want to meet in person, that is what is done, and it hasn’t been rushed, because the deadline has been extended. He didn’t respond to Nippi-Albright’s question about moving from a Duty to Consult policy to legislation.