The AMC opposes the government of Manitoba’s interference with First Nation jurisdiction under the guise of COVID-19 emergency measures
July 6, 2020
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba
alexpapineau
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) is expressing vehement opposition to the Province of Manitoba overstepping its jurisdiction by using the COVID-‐19 pandemic emergency response measures to apply provincial policy on First Nations through its attempt to ban smoking in casinos and VLT areas on reserves in Manitoba indefinitely.
AMC Grand Chief Arlen Dumas said, “It is unacceptable and disheartening that the Pallister government and Province of Manitoba would attempt to use the current COVID-‐19 health crisis to unilaterally attempt to usurp First Nations autonomy under the guise of a public health order. We have consistently made constructive efforts to discuss the jurisdictional conflicts with the Province of Manitoba and offer solutions, however, the Premier continues to refuse our attempts to resolve these issues and appears content to continue these practices of systemic racism.”