Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation (PBCN) is set to begin taking part in meetings of the Regional Economic Development Committee meetings.
Regional Economic Development Committee (REDC) chair and Creighton mayor Bruce Fidler confirmed that PBCN representatives will be taking part in REDC meetings in the coming months.
“We had some really good discussions and I think they are going to sit at the table with us and see what it’s all about,” said Fidler, who met with PBCN economic development officer Mel Merasty in Prince Albert on July 11.
“We’ll go from there, but I’m pretty sure they will at least listen to us and see what our commission is all about.”
PBCN will continue discussions with the groups’ three member municipalities – Flin Flon, Creighton and Denare Beach.
As both the REDC and PBCN have goals to boost the northern economy, the partnership could benefit both parties– a windfall for the REDC will likely end up having a positive impact for PBCN, and vice versa.
Fidler sees partnership as one of the key aspects of a deal with PBCN, adding that multiple PBCN band members reside in the area.
“Partnership and the capacity for us to work together on numerous different projects and the benefit of another group being with us. PBCN is a very large regional entity and they have lots of members locally. It only seems like common sense that they should have the opportunity to be involved if they so desire.”
While PBCN is not officially joining the REDC as a full-fledged fourth community, Fidler said discussions to that effect have take place and he would be open to PBCN joining if representatives so desire.
“It would be beneficial for both sides for them to come and sit with us and have those discussions at the REDC table,” he said.
The Reminder attempted to contact representatives from PBCN, but they could not be reached.
