It appears BC First Nations at the treaty table won't be a priority for the BC government unless they fit the jobs agenda. It was reported here that the BC government is cash strapped and is putting a priority on renting short term certainty over long term stability provided by treaties. Today, it is reported here that Premier Clark is now asking the Federal Government to "...support some of the non-treaty deals we intend to make." It is safe to assume the federal government will not be adding funds to its aboriginal affairs budget therefore Premier Clark is asking the federal government to divert funds from other priorities to 10 non-treaty deals by 2015.
It is also safe to assume that First Nations at the treaty table will need to frame their interests in terms of jobs to get the attention of the Premier. For example, a first nation will be able to get on the Premier's agenda if they can put a mine or gas plant on their territory.
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