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2010 May 04 (Tue)

Land-use Framework Aboriginal Consultation

Kevin asks the Minister of Aboriginal Relations when an aboriginal consultation process will be developed.

 

813 Alberta Hansard Monday April 19, 2010

Dr. Taft: Mr. Speaker, dedicated aboriginal consultation is essential for developing oil and gas and implementing the land-use framework. Aboriginal groups hold that meaningful consultation is not taking place, and some have taken their fight all the way to the Supreme Court of Canada and won. My question is to the Minister of Aboriginal Relations. Why does this government continue to put the legitimacy of the land-use framework at risk and provoke expensive legal battles by continuing an inadequate approach to consultation?

Mr. Webber: Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank the hon. member for the question as well. I would also like to say that it’s about time that the opposition asked a question on aboriginal relations. Being a member and sitting here, that’s quite frustrating when aboriginal relations issues are important. My department is working with all First Nations, all three treaties with regard to consultation, and we are working forward. We’re doing some wonderful things with respect to consultation, anyway.

Dr. Taft: Well, given that this consultation has been going on for years and given that the courts have ruled that the way the Alberta government approaches its duty to consult is contrary to treaties, to reconciliation, and to mutual respect, how and when will this be remedied?

Mr. Webber: It is something that is ongoing, Mr. Speaker. It can’t be fixed overnight. We’ve been working diligently with all our ministries with respect to consultation in the aboriginal communities. We are moving forward, and we are progressing.

Dr. Taft: Well, it seems whole lifetimes are passing, Mr. Speaker. When will this government finally begin a legitimate process of consultation with the aboriginal groups who are affected by the landuse framework and by oil and gas development?

Mr. Webber: Mr. Speaker, I’ve been consulting with all of the grand chiefs within Alberta, and we are working positively. We are making progress, and I look forward to continuing our relationship with all the grand chiefs and chiefs throughout Alberta. We will get a consultation process in place soon, I hope.

 

 

Date: Tue May 4 09:58:16 MDT 2010 Author: Rebecca IP: 68.149.137.22