Saskatchewan liberals attack Native affirmative action plan

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Restricting construction tenders on some government projects to First Nation-owned companies isn't a good way to develop Aboriginal business or to employ Aboriginal people, say members of the province's Liberal party.

During the question period on March 7, Liberal labor critic Ron Gantefoer asked the governing New Democrats why a Crown corporation was asking for Native preference in some construction tenders.

"The Aboriginal peoples of Saskatchewan don't want a government crutch," Gantefoer said. "They want this government to provide policies that reflect their true needs, such as a long-term economic and job strategythey should not use the Crowns as a vehicle at the expense of the taxpayers of this province to single out anyone arbitrarily for special treatment."

Last winter, SaskEnergy issued a tender for office renovations in Saskatoon. The tender was open only to companies that were either owned by First Nations or who were working in partnership with First Nations owned companies. Bosgoed Project Consultants and Dominion Construction, the low bidders, were the successful bidders on that project.

The Aboriginal tendering restrictions insured that 25 per cent of the work done would be by Natives, said Eldon Lautermilch, minister responsible for SaskEnergy. While it was the first time that such a restriction was done on a government tender, it probably won't be the last, he added.

"If you look at the number of unemployed Metis and First Nations people in this province, it would clearly tell me the government has a responsibility to involve them in job opportunities and business opportunities," Lautermilch said.

During question period, Lautermilch asked member of legislative assembly for Athabasca Buckley Belanger if he agreed with the Liberals' position on Aboriginal tendering. While Belanger, who is Metis, kept quiet during the debate, he said outside the house that he agrees with the party.

"It's a very difficult position to be in, but we have to have confidence that Native people can participate on an even playing field."