Northern Leaders Eye Sask. Oil Sands Potential

Wednesday, April 06, 2005 at 14:35

A Metis leader in La Loche is inviting other northern leaders to discuss the oil sands potential in northwestern Saskatchewan.

La Loche Metis local president Don Montgrand says they need to gather to plot strategy about how to maximize their involvement in the venture.

A Calgary firm is exploring the possibility of developing the oil sands sector on the Saskatchewan side of the border, north of La Loche.

Montgrand says, if it goes ahead, Aboriginal communities in the region can’t afford to get left behind.

Montgrand is asking northern mayors, chiefs and Metis local presidents to get in touch with him.

He says there are plans to have the leaders discuss the issue at a meeting in Descharme Lake in the next month or so.