Reserve Need More Environmental Protection: Fraser

Reserve Need More Environmental Protection: Fraser

Wednesday, November 04, 2009 at 13:39

Auditor-general Sheila Fraser is levelling criticism at Indian Affairs over the level of environmental protection on reserves, which Fraser says is less than what is provided to other Canadian communities.

In her fall report, Fraser says out of 67 First Nations in the Reserve Land and Environment Management program, only 28 have certified land managers.

The other 39 are still receiving training, which means that more than half are flying on their own.

Fraser also found that the department had not issued landfill permits to around 200 First Nations across the prairies.

In Saskatchewan, she found out that just 14 bands had actually received the permits.

Fraser adds that Indian Affairs has also stopped collecting information on fuel storage tanks on Saskatchewan reserves, yet it continues to do the work in Ontario and British Columbia.

Department officials say they will work to address Fraser’s recommendations.