NDP Accused Of Exposing Band To Criticism

Friday, August 31, 2007 at 14:42

 

 

A Saskatchewan Party MLA says she can’t believe how badly the NDP government has botched the flooding problem near the Fishing Lake First Nation.

 

June Draude says government officials erred by not consulting the band over the initial repair plans before they tried to implement them.

 

This week, the government announced it has scrapped plans to build a drainage channel near the lake, due to concerns from the band.

 

Instead, berms will be constructed around flooded-out cabins in an effort to keep floodwaters at bay.

 

Draude claims the entire situation has been confusing, and has caused friction between band members and nearby cabin owners.

 

Draude says she also believes the province forgot to consult the federal government over its repair plan until late in the process.

 

But the province’s Public Safety minister insists great care went into the current plan to fix the problem.

 

Ron Harper also says the government is listening carefully to everyone affected, including the residents of the Fishing Lake reserve.

 

He adds the problem isn’t an easy one to address, with 100 to 145 cabins needing assistance.