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BC NDP to focus on First Nations

Horgan is committing to transform stalling treaty talks and negotiate revenue-sharing agreements
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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier John Horgan met in Ottawa on Tuesday. (JustinTrudeau/Twitter)

Premier John Horgan has placed British Columbia First Nations issues near the top of his governmentÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s priority list, committing his cabinet to transform the stalled treaty talks and negotiate revenue-sharing agreements.

Horgan issued letters to each his 22 cabinet ministers reminding them of his governmentÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s promise to adopt the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the recommendations of CanadaÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

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First Nations leaders say they eagerly anticipate working with HorganÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s New Democrats after years of road blocks under the former Liberal government.

First Nations Summit spokeswoman Cheryl Casimer says the Liberals consistently rejected calls to share provincial gaming revenues even though most other provinces in Canada have such agreements.

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs says he expects a huge change in relations now with a government committed to move on economic, legal, social, environmental and cultural fronts.

Horgan has told Indigenous Relations Minister Scott Fraser to start negotiations with First Nations to expand opportunities for a share of B.C.Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s gaming industry.


katya.slepian@bpdigital.ca

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