Muskowekwan voters support development of potash mine
- EFN Staff | April 24, 2014
The eligible voters on the Muskowekwan First Nation who voted in a referendum on a proposed potash mine have voted overwhelmingly in favour of its construction and operation.
The majority supported the Council's vision to build a self-sufficient Treaty-based economy for future generations, said Chief Reginald Bellerose.
"The proposed development of a potash mine on First Nation Lands is precedent setting as no other First Nation in Canada has ever undertaken such an endeavour. The Council believes the development of a proposed potash mine represents a game changer for the members."
According to the band, more than 1,200 people were eligible to vote in the referendum. There were six ballot questions, and then number of voters who voted on each question was 436 or 437.
The percentage of those in favour ranged from 77 to 79 per cent.
The voting was conducted on April 15 at Muskowekwan and in the days preceeding by advance voting at scheduled information sessions and via a mail-in ballot.
Land designation is a process available to First Nations to assist in the management of reserve land. A designation identifies parcels of land for a specific purpose for a certain time period. This action will allow Her Majesty to lease the lands so that Muskowekwan can take advantage of economic opportunities.
Muskowekwan First Nation and Muskowekwan Resources Limited, the economic development arm that is wholly owned by the First Nation, entered into a Joint Venture Agreement with Encanto Potash Corp to develop a potash mine.
"The benefits from the mine will include equity, employment and business opportunities, and members will see economic benefits from income, wages and opportunities," said Bellerose.
The Chief noted that his Council looks forward to continuing their excellent working relationship with Encanto Potash Corp.
"Many members have told me they can't wait for construction to begin so that they can participate in the project."