Opposition hammers gov't on native casino
Last Updated: Friday, April 16, 2004 | 11:35 AM AT
CBC News
The Liberals say the government is ignoring alleged illegal gambling at a casino in Tobique First Nation.
It's called Lucky's. And according to the Liberals, its patrons can try their luck at 300 video-lottery machines–VLTs that aren't part of the Atlantic Lottery network.
Liberal Aboriginal Affairs critic T.J. Burke says it's obvious that the Tobique First Nation is operating a casino in defiance of provincial law.
"They have not hidden the fact that a casino is working. In fact, they're quite proud of having a casino. I believe that it's illuminated in neon lights– Lucky's Casino is the name," said Burke.
Aboriginal Affairs Minister Brad Green says the government is not turning a blind-eye to the casino's operation. He says it's up to the police to lay charges, not politicians.
"If it's commonly held knowledge then the police should investigate. And if they investigate, they'll pass their report on to the attorney general's office," said Green.
T.J. Burke also has another complaint with the way the government is dealing with the issue. He says Patrick Francis, the deputy minister of aboriginal affairs, is a former chief of the Tobique First Nation. That, says Burke, puts Francis in a conflict of interest when dealing with the casino file.
"There's been tremendous scrutiny and issues concerning Lucky's Casino and I don't feel that this deputy minister can provide effective, sound advice that doesn't preclude him from making any type of conflicting decision when informing the premier on a day to day basis or week to week basis," said Burke.
Aboriginal Affairs Minister Green denies the deputy minister is in a conflict of interest.
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