Saskatchewan Gaming Official Responds to Tribe's Concerns

SASKATCHEWAN – As reported by the Saskatoon Star Phoenix:"Liquor and Gaming Minister Eric Cline is concerned the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) got the wrong impression after he announced no decision had been made on a Saskatoon-area casino.

"On Friday, the FSIN issued a press release indicating Chief Alphonse Bird 'was disappointed to hear via media reports that the province is threatening to hold up the casino licence for the Dakota Dunes Casino on Whitecap Dakota Sioux Nation near Saskatoon.'

"…Cline said the government needs three conditions to be met before deciding the Whitecap casino's fate. First, the government must finish conducting an assessment of whether the market for more casino space exists in Saskatchewan. Secondly, it is waiting for an agreement to be signed between the proponents and Prairieland Exhibition over the fate of the existing Emerald Casino.

"Thirdly, it wants to be sure the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) meets conditions set out by the provincial auditor.

"…The government has stuck to the position it has consistently held over the need to meet the requirements set out by provincial auditor general Fred Wendel, Cline said. That doesn't vary from the position SIGA has set out in its annual report…"

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