FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron. (file photo/CKOM News Staff)

By paNOW Staff

Casino closures

FSIN requests consultation with provincial government over casino closures

Dec 18, 2020 | 12:02 PM

The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations is asking to be consulted by the provincial government regarding casino closures due to health concerns.

Casinos are scheduled to close tomorrow and remain closed until Jan. 15 as per the provincial health order.

“Our First Nations communities are the beneficiaries of the revenues generated by SIGA casinos operating across the province and these closures are having substantial and potentially lasting impacts within the First Nations,” FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron said in a media release.

“SIGA understands the seriousness and importance of doing their part to combat the spread of COVID-19 and they have respected and followed provincial guidelines, going above and beyond to keep everyone safe. Our casinos have some of the highest health and safety regulations for this reason.”

The release stated SIGA casinos maintain a high safety standard for patrons which included a mask mandate prior to the public health order, reductions in social interactions, a reduced number of slot machines and spacing divided by Plexiglas.

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SIGA casinos have also proposed to operate at a 12 per cent capacity.

“Our First Nations deserve fair and equitable treatment and opportunity as other businesses in the province,” Cameron said. “Other gaming machines like VLTs which are hosted in Saskatchewan hotels, bars and restaurants remain open. SIGA, and the 1,000 employees whoa re going to be out of work, simply seek a level playing field.”

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panews@jpbg.ca