BC First Nations Slam Provincial Gambling Policies
The BC Premier, Christy Clark received a sharp letter from Grand Chief Joe Hall over what the First Nations leader calls "immoral" behavior by the province towards gambling rights for all.
The Premier was told that the First Nations would no longer ask for permission to offer gambling on their territories and would openly defy local laws in order to open casinos.
The angry letter was triggered by a proposal by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation to construct a $100 million gambling complex in South Surrey. The Semiahmoo First Nations have claimed that the land is unceded aboriginal territory and complain that they were not consulted by the BCLC.
"Untenured direct award licenses have been issued and are currently being issued for gaming on the doorstep of several First Nation reserves, all without consultation and without accommodation," wrote Chief Joe Hall in his letter to the premier, dated November 9th. "This conduct is not only immoral but is illegal."
Calls for BC Gambling Revenue Sharing
Hall blamed the BC government for being the only provincial jurisdiction to "categorically exclude First Nations" from gambling revenue sharing in Canada.
He said that sharing a part of the $1 billion in annual provincial gaming revenue would go a long way in helping First Nations in terms of social programs, housing and jobs.
The chief claimed that First Nations have tried to negotiate with the BC government for years about revenue sharing but these talks never advanced past the first stage.
"There is a percentage of revenue that should be shared with all First Nations in the province for any casino that goes up on unceded territory," said Hall.
The Premier delegated Energy and Mines Minister Rich Coleman to deal with First Nations gambling revenue share claims. The First Nations were told by Coleman several months ago that "provincial revenue is currently not enough to meet the demand for public services and that is why the province is unable to consider a model to share gaming revenue directly with First Nations."
First Nations Remain Defiant
Premier Clark was told that the First Nations "are not asking your permission anymore."
"We will pursue gambling opportunities, including online gambling, and we are prepared to defend our rights in the courts," said Clark.
The government has not yet issued a response regarding Hall's claims and demands over BC gambling policies.
