Draude Outlines Hopes For Duty To Consult Talks

Draude Outlines Hopes For Duty To Consult Talks

Friday, February 01, 2008 at 15:05

Saskatchewan’s Minister of First Nations and Metis Relations says she’s not sure how an upcoming conference will shape the duty to consult issue in this province.

But June Draude says her government will actively listen to Aboriginal groups to see what ideas they have in mind.

On May 12th and 13th, the government has said it will involve First Nations, Metis and some interest groups from northern Saskatchewan in a round table discussion with industry representatives.

Draude says the whole idea is to come to a solid understanding of what “duty to consult” means, and what steps have to happen before companies are allowed to develop on traditional lands.

She says while Aboriginal groups have some ideas of what they would like to see different, they also know the province needs a process to ensure a timely advancement of permits and development.