Canadian fighter jets scrambled to intercept a Russian bomber on the eve of Obama visit to Ottawa. Recent intrusions by Soviet aircraft are becoming more common as the world eyes the vast wealth of oil and natural resources beneath the Canadian Arctic.
Foreign Affairs Minister David Emerson said Russian intrusions into Canadian air space had greatly increased. The timing of this most recent intrusion is suspect and it is expected to increase an awareness that the start of another Cold War is imminent as the availability of oil is being strained on a world wide basis. Claims to Arctic sovereignty by Canada has always been suspect and had been increased with the crossing of these ice-covered waters by the US supertanker, Manhattan. Ottawa recently awarded recognition to an Inuit elder now in his nineties, for his years of continuous service on foot patrol on his native territory.
Stakeholders
Canada
Russia
US
President Obama
Peter Mckay, Defence Minister
David Emerson, Foreign Affairs Minister
NORAD
This story highlights the world's demand and greed for oil. Canada's position has always been considered questionable on this issue and it illustrates the Inuit Nation's traditional claim to this region. The audience is the world I would like to think, with the focus being on Canada and the Inuit Nation.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Quality of Health Care
Dr. Susan Burlacoff, 53, of Toronto is currently being charged with submitting $5000.00 worth of false claims to OHIP, writes Peter Small of the Toronto Star.
Dr. Thomas Gutheil, a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School has testified before defence counsel David Porter. She has traits of paranoia, narcissism and borderline personality disorder, he said. High intelligence and organizational skills have helped disguise her problems, he said.
What is the state of medical care in the outlying reaches populated by First Nation people and who is taking the time to ensure that we are getting proper care?
Stakeholders
OHIP
Dr. Susan Burlacoff
Dr. Thomas Gutheil
David Porter, defence counsel
Harvard Medical School
Established society ensures quality care for its adherents.
We need to review, evaluate and determine our own medical care as FN people.
There are obvious shortcomings within our systems, even as we think that we are being given the best of care.
Dr. Thomas Gutheil, a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School has testified before defence counsel David Porter. She has traits of paranoia, narcissism and borderline personality disorder, he said. High intelligence and organizational skills have helped disguise her problems, he said.
What is the state of medical care in the outlying reaches populated by First Nation people and who is taking the time to ensure that we are getting proper care?
Stakeholders
OHIP
Dr. Susan Burlacoff
Dr. Thomas Gutheil
David Porter, defence counsel
Harvard Medical School
Established society ensures quality care for its adherents.
We need to review, evaluate and determine our own medical care as FN people.
There are obvious shortcomings within our systems, even as we think that we are being given the best of care.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Schoolyard Bullying
Michele Mandel of the Toronto Sun writes of a young girl from a single parent parent family being bullied extensively by other young girls and the systemic frustration she faces in dealing with this situation. The bullying is described as very abusive to the extreme and she fears for her life. The West Credit school board claims that it is doing all it can in providing protection and counseling for her but mother and daughter denies that this is not the case.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Leaked Funding Document
Immediate Release
Native leader responds
to leaked Cabinet memo
NANAIMO, BRITISH COLUMBIA (February 24, 2008) - Grand Council Chief John Beaucage, a candidate for National Chief and leader of the 42 member First Nations of the Anishinabek Nation has real concerns with a leaked cabinet memo and apparent plans for the government to overhaul First Nations funding arrangements.
"Such paternalistic and unilateral actions cannot be pushed on us. We will resist," said Grand Council Chief Beaucage, who is in Nanaimo for a meeting of the B.C. Assembly of First Nations.
"This kind of cloak-and-dagger, secret memos and clandestine government schemes is a throwback to the times of Indian Agents, assimilation and the 1969 White Paper. Our government-to-government and nation-to-nation relationship should be built on trust and transparency, not by taking two steps backward."
The leaked federal Cabinet memo, obtained by APTN outlines a bureaucratic scheme to change the conditions in which First Nations are funded, apparently without little consultation or the risk of attempting another controversial legislative initiative. The previous Liberal government attempted similar measures under the First Nations Governance Act, which was met with significant resistance from First Nations leaders. The Act was eventually scrapped.
Beaucage is concerned over the tone of the memo and that it appears to be ignorant of recent Supreme Court precedent which requires the Crown to adequately consult with First Nations on changes in policy and, when required, accommodate their interests.
The memo states the scheme can be done without "the need for extensive or time-consuming engagement with First Nations or third parties."
"The government has a legal duty to consult and accommodate First Nations interests, especially when it comes to such significant processes such as First Nations governance and funding," said Grand Council Chief Beaucage. "The approach outlined in this memo, which appears to be legitimate, is not acceptable."
However, Grand Council Chief agrees that the means in which First Nations are funded and how those dollars are accounted for requires significant changes.
"This is one of the areas we need fundamental change. But it has to be driven by First Nations and not by anyone else," said Beaucage. "We need to be looking at new ways of funding First Nations governments and not only focus on transparency, but on the government-to-government relationship based on the treaties."
As part of his AFN election campaign, Grand Council Chief Beaucage proposes funding First Nations government in the same way that provinces are funded, through direct transfer payments and even equalization formulas.
"First Nations need to be seen as legitimate governments within the fabric of Canadian society. We are not part of the Indian Affairs bureaucracy, we are bona fide governments. As our governments are reestablished, we will have our own Constitutions. Accountability will be built into our constitutions, not just to the federal government and taxpayers, but first and foremost, to our own citizens."
- 30 -
For more information:
Bob Goulais
(705) 498-5250
info@johnbeaucage.com
Marci Becking
(705) 497-9127 ext. 2290
becmar@anishinabek.ca
Marci Becking
Communications Officer
Union of Ontario Indians
705.497.9127 ext 2290
becmar@anishinabek.ca
Native leader responds
to leaked Cabinet memo
NANAIMO, BRITISH COLUMBIA (February 24, 2008) - Grand Council Chief John Beaucage, a candidate for National Chief and leader of the 42 member First Nations of the Anishinabek Nation has real concerns with a leaked cabinet memo and apparent plans for the government to overhaul First Nations funding arrangements.
"Such paternalistic and unilateral actions cannot be pushed on us. We will resist," said Grand Council Chief Beaucage, who is in Nanaimo for a meeting of the B.C. Assembly of First Nations.
"This kind of cloak-and-dagger, secret memos and clandestine government schemes is a throwback to the times of Indian Agents, assimilation and the 1969 White Paper. Our government-to-government and nation-to-nation relationship should be built on trust and transparency, not by taking two steps backward."
The leaked federal Cabinet memo, obtained by APTN outlines a bureaucratic scheme to change the conditions in which First Nations are funded, apparently without little consultation or the risk of attempting another controversial legislative initiative. The previous Liberal government attempted similar measures under the First Nations Governance Act, which was met with significant resistance from First Nations leaders. The Act was eventually scrapped.
Beaucage is concerned over the tone of the memo and that it appears to be ignorant of recent Supreme Court precedent which requires the Crown to adequately consult with First Nations on changes in policy and, when required, accommodate their interests.
The memo states the scheme can be done without "the need for extensive or time-consuming engagement with First Nations or third parties."
"The government has a legal duty to consult and accommodate First Nations interests, especially when it comes to such significant processes such as First Nations governance and funding," said Grand Council Chief Beaucage. "The approach outlined in this memo, which appears to be legitimate, is not acceptable."
However, Grand Council Chief agrees that the means in which First Nations are funded and how those dollars are accounted for requires significant changes.
"This is one of the areas we need fundamental change. But it has to be driven by First Nations and not by anyone else," said Beaucage. "We need to be looking at new ways of funding First Nations governments and not only focus on transparency, but on the government-to-government relationship based on the treaties."
As part of his AFN election campaign, Grand Council Chief Beaucage proposes funding First Nations government in the same way that provinces are funded, through direct transfer payments and even equalization formulas.
"First Nations need to be seen as legitimate governments within the fabric of Canadian society. We are not part of the Indian Affairs bureaucracy, we are bona fide governments. As our governments are reestablished, we will have our own Constitutions. Accountability will be built into our constitutions, not just to the federal government and taxpayers, but first and foremost, to our own citizens."
- 30 -
For more information:
Bob Goulais
(705) 498-5250
info@johnbeaucage.com
Marci Becking
(705) 497-9127 ext. 2290
becmar@anishinabek.ca
Marci Becking
Communications Officer
Union of Ontario Indians
705.497.9127 ext 2290
becmar@anishinabek.ca
Coyotes in Toronto
Coyotes doing what coyotes do naturally are creating a PR problem in the Beaches area of Toronto. Seems that they are lunching out on smaller dogs that belong to the homeowners objecting to this loathsome habit of eating. I think that this is a story that is familiar to the Native people of this land worthy of further consideration.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
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