Manitoba Grand Chief throws support behind giving police power to enforce First Nations laws, bylaws

 By Dave Baxter  Local Journalism Initiative Reporter A Manitoba Grand Chief says he is throwing his support behind two new bills introduced in the House of Commons last week that would give police greater powers and a greater mandate to enforce First Nations laws and bylaws in First Nations communities. Last Thursday, Senator MaryJane McCallum, a member of the Barren Lands First Nation, introduced two private member’s bills that propose amendments to both the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Act, and the Director of Public Prosecutions Act. McCallum said the bills would “provide certainty for the recognition, enforcement and prosecution of First Nation laws and bylaws.” A First Nation bylaw, also referred to as a band bylaw, is a local law passed by a First Nation council that governs the activity…

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