Resolution 34-02M

BE IT RESOLVED, that SARM lobby the appropriate federal authorities to establish provisions for the recovery of fire fighting costs where fires originating on First Nations Reserve lands have extended beyond Reserve boundaries and require control and/or suppression by non-First Nation parties.

Response From Hon. Robert D. Nault, PC, MP:

Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), which is mandated to provide fire protection services for on-reserve lands and assets, encourages all FIrst Nations to work co-operatively with their neighbors and provide fire protection services. In Saskatchewan, there are now several First Nations who have entered into fire protection services agreements with neighboring towns, villages and rural municipalities.

In this spirit of co-operation, the department does accept financial responsibility for reasonable costs associated with fighting off-reserve fores where it can be confirmed that the fire originated on reserve lands. Rural municipalities are encouraged to formally communicate with First Nations and with the respective INAC officers in Fort Qu'Appelle and Prince Albert in those circumstances where it is believed there are unsatisfied federal liabilities for fire fighting costs.