WOLASTOQEY TERRITORY – Chief Allan Polchies Jr. of Sitansisk (St. Mary’s First Nation) welcomed comments in the legislature this morning from Aboriginal Affairs Minister Arlene Dunn, who disagreed with this week’s comments from Premier Blaine Higgs on fracking.

“I want to confirm as the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs that we will be consulting with First Nations when it comes to any sort of development in the province. It’s not only the right thing to do, it’s our legal and constitutional obligation to do that and it will be done,” said Dunn, in response to questions from opposition leader Susan Holt.

The minister then said she’s not been in contact with Premier Higgs, who is travelling in Europe, and declined to clarify the Premier’s comments to a business publication that he’s “just gotta find a way to move on” if First Nations don’t consent to fracking.

“I am the minister responsible, there will be consultation, and not only because it’s the right thing to do but because it’s respectful. It’s the law,” Dunn said, to applause from her conservative colleagues.

“This is a brave stance for Minister Dunn to take against her boss, and we hope she can muster support from her caucus colleagues when Premier Higgs returns from Europe,” said Chief Polchies.

“We look forward to the ‘meaningful consultation’ the minister promised.”

Media contact:

Logan Perley media@wolastoqey.ca