The head of the Muskowekwan First Nation says a recent referendum shows band members want to move ahead with economic development.
In an April 15 vote, more than 77 per cent of Muskowekwan band members voted in favour of moving ahead with an on-reserve potash mine.
Chief Reg Bellerose says the referendum results show band members are in favour of using business development to fund social programs.
“One thing came out very clear is that our young people, our youth, do not want welfare,” he says. “They don’t see welfare as an option and they believe through a project like this we can create opportunities, create jobs and careers and business opportunities.”
In spite of the fact only 36 per cent of eligible voters participated in the referendum, Bellerose says council still believes it has a firm mandate to move ahead with the project.
“You do your effort, we’ve been having two designation votes previous, a band election – I believe there was some voter fatigue. Just by those that cast ballots, though, there’s overwhelming support.”
Nevertheless, he warns there are still a number of obstacles to clear, including raising the necessary financing, and the opening of the mine is still at least another five years away.
Roughly $3 billion needs to be raised to make the project a go, Bellerose says.
The mine is a joint venture between Muskowekwan Resources Limited and Encanto Potash Corporation.