The Sask Party government has voted down Bill 610, the Meaningful Duty to Consult Act at its second reading on Thursday. NDP Critic for First Nations and Metis Relations, Betty Nippi-Albright, introduced the Bill last fall. She considers this a blow to Reconciliation and a slap in the face to Indigenous communities across Saskatchewan.

During Question Period, she stated that the Duty to Consult impacts First Nations and Metis people in many ways, including the access to jobs. She says, “The Premier has the worst jobs record in the nation and it’s in part because this government isn’t working in a meaningful way with First Nations and Metis as equity partners when it comes to economic development and the Duty to Consult”.

Minister Responsible for First Nations, Métis and Northern Affairs, Don McMorris, stressed that the government respects the Treaties and the Canada’s Constitution, which includes the Duty to Consult. He added that Saskatchewan leads the nation with over 885,000 acres of land transferred through Treaty Land Entitlement.