As of right now, there are about 30 facilities on First Nation land that allow smoking inside their VLT lounges.
Brian Pallister is hoping that's not the case in the future. Pallister says "smoking is bad for you" and that you shouldn't be able to do it in lounges.
Pallister has issued mandate letters to each of his cabinet ministers and one of the main points is issued at Crown Services Minister, Jeff Wharton, who is responsible for Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries. Pallister wants Wharton to prohibit smoking in all gaming facilities across the province.
Darnell Duff chatted with Grand Chief Eugene Eastman to get his thoughts on the matter.
"Pallister is going way beyond his reach," said Eastman. "I think his reach has to be minimized or be removed, it's really as simple as that."
Premier Pallister has also said he wants this process to be through consultation rather than legislation.
"This is too much already, he's affecting so many people," concluded Eastman. "People are going to smoke whether they like it or not."
Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries was not available for comment on the matter.
