What is the Saskatchewan government’s legal duty to consult with First Nation and Métis communities? – Prince Albert Daily Herald

May 27, 2025

The Government of Saskatchewan is legally obligated to follow what is known as the duty to consult doctrine, which was established to protect the Treaty rights of First Nations and Métis communities in Canadian provinces. As determined by the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) in a series of rulings since 2004, before a government makes a decision that has the potential to impact Aboriginal or Treaty rights, they must consult with the Indigenous people in the community. This same rule applies and is legally binding for Crown corporations.

As of January 1, 2024, a revised First Nation and Métis Consultation Policy Framework (CPF) came into effect. The duty to consult law was determined as being owed to First Nations, Métis and Inuit people of Canada by the Crown. The predominant purpose for the duty to consult doctrine ensures that legal enforcement can be issued for the government to comply with the law and honour reconciliation efforts.

Read More: https://paherald.sk.ca/what-is-the-saskatchewan-governments-legal-duty-to-consult-with-first-nation-and-metis-communities/