Prentice says he’ll revisit contentious Alberta aboriginal policies

EDMONTON – Alberta Premier Jim Prentice says he’ll revisit some policies that have led to a welter of lawsuits and bad will between his government and First Nations over energy development.

Prentice, who also serves as aboriginal affairs minister, says Alberta’s rules on how industry consults with aboriginals need to be reconsidered.

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He’s promising more consultation with area First Nations on how the province balances environmental concerns and development in the oilsands.

He tells The Canadian Press that he wants to ensure that the province’s energy regulator is consulting widely enough in public hearings on project proposals.

Aboriginal groups have filed a series of lawsuits and have said they will no longer take part in government-led discussions.