Tribal casino operators in the Canadian province of Manitoba say the provincial government can’t tell them where they can or cannot locate their gaming business.

Last week, Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister (pictured) gave an “absolutely no” response to a request by the tribal operators of the Aseneskak Casino near The Pas to relocate their struggling gaming business to the grounds of the Assiniboia Downs racetrack just outside the capital Winnipeg.

On Thursday, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) issued a statement saying “In no uncertain terms is it acceptable for the Pallister government to undermine and unilaterally dismiss the Aseneskak Casino board request to relocate their casino.”

Grand Chief Derek Nepinak took particular issue with the fact that Pallister had chosen to deliver his response to the media. “If the province has a policy, they should be talking to us, rather than passing policy through the newspaper.”