Indian Casinos Giving No Regard To New Smoking Laws in Canada

Indian tribes have used their sovereign land clause to wiggle their way around state and county laws for years, this week that trend continues after a tribal casino west of Edmonton claimed they will not respect the new smoking laws.

A ban on smoking in public places will take effect on January 1st and while many business owners will have to adhere to the new laws immediately, the Enoch Cree First Nation casino has stated that they will not.

Chief Ron Morin claims that his casino is on Federal land and therefore is not responsible for following provincial law. A self serving bylaw has been passed by the council of the Enoch Cree First Nation to allow smoking at their casino.

A similar situation is taking place just Southwest of Calgary where the Grey Eagle casino on the Tsuu T'ina reserve has showed that they will also not be in compliance with the new law.

Ottawa justice officials must still approve the Enoch Cree's motion. In the meantime, Health Minister Dave Hancock is hopeful the Nation will reconsider and follow the smoking ban.

December 20, 2007
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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