Sask. First Act passes in front of gallery full of First Nations and Métis people opposed to bill

Saskatchewan's governing party voted unanimously to pass the Saskatchewan First Act on Thursday in front of a gallery full of First Nations and Métis community members who travelled to the legislature in opposition of the bill.

Last fall, the government introduced Bill 88, saying it would confirm the province's autonomy and jurisdiction over its natural resources.

The act "asserts its exclusive legislative jurisdiction under the Constitution of Canada, and in particular, those matters listed in sections 92 and 92A of the Constitution Act,1867."

The act says Saskatchewan has jurisdiction over the following:

Premier Scott Moe said the bill is meant to benefit all Saskatchewan people. He said it is designed to "prevent federal intrusion into provincial jurisdiction, which is in all people's best interest in this province."

The passage of Bill 88 on Thursday was a formality, thanks to the Saskatchewan Party government having a voting majority. All Saskatchewan Party MLAs in attendance voted in favour of the bill, as did Saskatchewan United Party Leader Nadine Wilson.

Opposition NDP members stood and voted against the bill. While they stood, the Indigenous guests in the gallery stood in a show of solidarity.

The bill has been criticized by the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN), which represents Saskatchewan's First Nations.

The FSIN has said the bill infringes on treaty rights. On Thursday, the FSIN "reaffirmed" its opposition to the act and said it wants to be included in revenue sharing from natural resources.

"First Nations leaders believe the province of Saskatchewan does not have the legal authority to assert exclusive jurisdiction over natural resources, as Treaties signed with First Nations take precedence and pre-date the creation of the government," the FSIN said in a statement.

"FSIN will take legal action to oppose the Act, as it infringes on First Nations Inherent and Treaty Rights to land, water and resources."

Last fall, the legislative assembly of the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan (MN-S) unanimously rejected Bill 88.

The bill was amended before passage Thursday. Government MLA for Athabasca Jim Lemaigre moved to make three changes, most notably to include the following:

"Nothing in the Act abrogates or derogates from the existing Aboriginal and treaty rights of the Aboriginal peoples of Canada that are recognized and affirmed by section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982."