FSIN Unsettled With Trespass To Property Act

FSIN Unsettled With Trespass To Property Act

Friday, July 10, 2009 at 14:10

 

 

A new law against trespassing in the province isn’t sitting well with the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations.

 

The FSIN is worried the Trespass to Property Act will be subject to abuse and could infringe on the inherent rights of band members.

 

The legislation was passed into law last week, and gives police the right to fine people who don’t leave private or commercial property after being instructed to do so.

 

Before now, police had to take people to court to prove the charge.

 

But FSIN Vice-Chief Delbert Wapass says the federation believes the legislation has the potential to limit the activity of First Nations who want to hunt, fish and trap in certain areas.

 

Wapass is also worried First Nations people could be penalized if they were to engage in protests which authorities decide aren’t peaceful enough.

 

A lawyer with the government says the new law applies on reserves that don’t have pre-existing bylaws in place.

 

Anyone found guilty of violating the new law could receive a fine of up to $2,000.