N.S. premier reaffirms commitment to First Nations consultation amid resource development push

The Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi'kaw Chiefs is reminding Premier Tim Houston that he has a duty to consult with them before pushing ahead with plans for expanded natural resource development in the province.

In recent weeks, the premier has talked about the need for more resource extraction as a means to bolster and diversify Nova Scotia's economy. He's also talked about lifting bans on things such as fracking and uranium mining.

On Thursday, the co-chairs of the assembly issued an open letter reminding Houston of the requirement for consultation.

"Nova Scotia has a duty to consult the Mi'kmaq when it comes to what happens on the lands, waters and with resources," assembly co-chairs Chief Sidney Peters and Chief Leroy Denny write in their letter.

"We are nation partners whom Nova Scotia must have important conversations with."

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In an interview Friday at the Progressive Conservative Party's annual general meeting in Halifax, Houston said he has respect for the chiefs and believes his government has a good relationship with them.

The premier pledged lots of discussion as his government moves ahead with its recently released plans.

"I think they want to see progress for their communities and they want to see progress for Nova Scotia, so I'm excited about what's possible there," said Houston.

'Statement was a bit concerning to us,' say chiefs

Although Denny and Peters write that they agree it is time everyone comes together as a province to confront the uncertain challenges Nova Scotia faces, they also note that some of the bans Houston has talked about reversing could be things the Mi'kmaq "potentially fought very hard to ensure did not happen in our territory."

"This statement was a bit concerning to us, and we hope that even in these actions you would continue to fulfil your duty to consult on such important matters before any decisions are made."

Spring legislature session starts this month

Legislation to lift some development bans could come as soon as this month when MLAs return to Province House for the spring session of the legislature. Although Houston would not tip his hand Friday, he said he wants to see bans removed soon.

During a speech to crowd of about 500 people gathered in a Halifax hotel ballroom, Houston said his government would not allow special interest groups and "professional protesters" to hold back efforts to expand the province's economy.

Nova Scotia has an abundance of resource potential, he said, adding that that potential can be tapped while also doing right by the environment.

"It can be done safely," he said.

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