While some people, especially those running to be the premier of Quebec, are very happy with this week’s budget – since they were showered in cash – many others are desperately unhappy. Included in them are aboriginal peoples, who found the budget contained very little for them, and who point to Third World conditions in many reserves across Canada.
The aboriginal leadership is incensed at Stephen Harper for killing the Kelowna Accord as one of his first acts of government. That deal, hammered out by Paul Martin between the feds, the provs and first nations, would have pumped $5 billion over time into native communities, raising the quality of life substantially.
Today some of the anger could be seen at a post-budget news conference held by the Assembly of First Nations, and MPtv was there. Speakers included Shirley Clark, Chief of the Glooscap in Nova Scotia, Linda Two Hear, Chief of the Sagkeeng in Manitoba, Don Maracle, Chief of the Tyendinaga in Ontario, Joanna Bernar, Chief of the Madawaska in New Brunswick, and Katherine Whitecloud, Regional Chief from Manitoba.
To view the video, click here.
110 comments ↓
Garth,
No ‘facts’ this time, but my only comment is when aren’t/haven’t the natives been p*ss*d? It seems like a constant state with them. Just an observation.
Ed the Hun
Kind of like you? — Garth
Darn, Being on vacation while the wife is still working and the girls in school gives me way to much time to read this blog. I am curious about one thing here Garth, at present the aboriginals are funded to 9.1 B. would the Liberal party now allow the Auditor General to fully review that funding down to the end of the disbursement trail i.e the band council level. Personally am bewildered how this level of funding can be spent each year with no improvement in the standard of living or noticeable decrease in the problems such as housing, medical care, and substance abuse, high educational drop rates and crime on the reserves.
$1 Billion per year for 5 years in new money for “aboriginal issues” was the so called Paul Martin Kelowna Accord. Aside from being a slogan with no money budgeted even after THREE Goodale budgets in 2005 the big airy fairy “fix the gap ” or some such unrealistic balderdash to once again con our First nations people is a big fat lie and Garth you know it.
There is more than $9 billion PER YEAR in annual program funding to our First Nations PLUS several billion more in one time funding to fix the mess on reserves for everything from water to housing to actually moving whole communities.
This did not happen in one year – it is a 50 year or ore tragedy. And now almost 1/2 of our First nations citizens are born with self inflicted brain damage from fetal alcohol and form the largest resident community in jails; “special needs” in schools, etc.
Garth – now you have sunk to an absolute new low to use this tragic reality for political purposes.
If you really wanted to help the First Nations you would have insisted that the billions and billions that is earmarked for them could be audited under the Accountability Act – the Liberals clocked that so the First nations will continue to get ripped off by “who knows who” because we have no control about where the money goes.
Until this money is allowed to be audited; until there is accountability do you really think just throwing MORE money is the answer?
Ask your fellow Liberals WHY they let down our First Nations people by taking accountability for their funds out of the Accountability Act. We all believe it is a great big Liberal friendly slush fund – until audits prove otherwise .
The Kelowna Accord was at least a first step in starting to address the years of neglect our Aboriginal peoples have suffered. Harper’s arrogant dismal of this achievment brings shame on us all.
Your party has pumped billions of dollars into aboriginal villages for years. Where did it go, either Indian Affairs didn’t get the money where it should have gone. The money got to the reserves but got lost in the shuffle,or did the top get rich and the people left to live like third world countries. Ask the chiefs what they have accomplished with the billions they received.
“aren’t/haven’t the natives been p*ss*d? ”
If you had to live in your bathroom because 300 years about someone got your ancenstors to agree to give you most of your house to them. You’ve never been able to build up any kind of wealth relative to them because all you’ve got is that bathroom to work with wouldn’t you be a little pissed too?
Garth:
Thanks ever so much for the vid . I am downloading it at this moment .
Seems we are riding the same wavelength on this issue .
I stated it was a racist budget and believe in my heart that this is true .
A sincere commitment from the government(?) would do wonders for our First Nations Peoples .
We cannot fix 240,years of wrongs overnight but there was not even a token in this budget for our FN’s .
Assimilation is not the answer .
Perhaps our schools should start teacing Cree along with French .
Thanks
Garth,
Cute. But actually no, I’m not p@ss#d all the time. I look forward to seeing the big Alberta sky everyday. At least I’m not always asking for handouts. And for that I’m very happy.
Ed the Hun
The Bloc and the Harper Party have many things in common including a lack of respect for our Aboriginal people and their culture. This budget is about money and buying votes and there are just not enough votes from our founding people to make a difference in the election so they are neglected again by Canada’s new and hopefully outgoing government.
Knowing Harper he will probably have everyone shot.
When in the House could you at least ask your peers to please, please not use the expression ‘prosperity gap’ when it clearly is the ‘income gap’. Political language is just getting so transparently stupid. Thanks.
Wasn’t it great the other night on CBC when Mulroney said “he liked the Kelowna Accord”?
Sadly, I notice that this post has only one comment so far.
“We in this house are the stewards of the greatest country in the world” (Budget speech yesterday)
I guess Flaherty was talking about stewards like you Garth. Bravo MPtv!
Lets’ remember who we stole this great country from Jimmy ol boy – eh?
Garth what is the latest on your election prediction? I need to read my tea leafs as well,,,,,sigh
Next week, or just after the HoC Easter break (like we need another one after the March break). — Garth
Just treat the natives the same way as everyone else.
The differentiation is what causes this continual dependence.
As the saying goes: “Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today. Teach a man to fish; and you have fed him for a lifetimeâ€
Hi there, Garth, so if the government triggers an election on the Clean Air Act, the election will be fought over, in large part, meeting the Kyoto objectives. Why on earth would they want to do this? Please give us your psychoanalysis of the Cons’ logic.
They will argue Kyoto is extreme and unrealistic and will cost billions of dollars and millions of jobs. The election will be on the economy vs. the environment. Oh yeah, and Stephane Dion is not a leader. — Garth
Ed: Kind of like the West also p*s*s*d at the East?
Can’t figure it out?
Not posting your own quote from last year demonstrates perfectly what you are…..unbelievable!
A search of the 1.2 million words I have written on this blog did not reveal that statement. If I did author it, please provide a date and context. — Garth
The re is a good question abouve-how can we spend billions of dollars every year and still have First Nations people living like third world people?
Sheila Fraser should have a good look at the books,policies and practices.
Judy,
Of course Judy. But we still send our truckloads of money east everyday. The p*ss#d at the east refers to the continual need to have to defend our interests against folks who just can’t stand seeing another region being prosperous.
I doubt you’d bother checking, but Alberta now has representation in its cabinet regarding the principle of defending its needs against the central-based governments of the last few decades. Ted Morton is now a cabinet minister and he is all for looking out for the eastern boogeymen who are continuously trying to take even more to fund its socialist agendas.
Ed the Hun
If these here first nations don`t like it here and don`t want to mix..let `um go back to where they came from!
Ed The Hun,
The difference is MOST people, aka, Canadians, are now p*****d off, and if blockades start there will be violence far greater than Caledonia experienced!
Harper’s quashing of the Kelowna Accord was about as dumb and arrogant as it comes. That was the product of the fed, the provinces, and the First Nations! I cannot think of a dumber move Harpo could have made, other than Ambrose and Baird as Ministers of the Environment!
I would laugh, but that pair makes Belinda and Peter look tame in comparison.
So, if everything Harper has said has been a lie, does that mean that Peter MacKay and Condoliar Rice “Our word is as good as gold” will soon be free to hitch up, and release all those pent up tensions?
Just let them build casinos like in the US. Guaranteed prosperity at no cost to the taxpayer.
Thanks Garth, Finally a direction from you on what you would like to see added to the Budget, an extra $1 billion per year in new money for Native communities. I know they sure need the money for a variety of problems.
Now would that be added to the spending as proposed in the current budget, or are you removing some other $1 billion program, please specify, as I understand you have stated the Budget as it currently stands is spending out of control..
Where did I say that? — Garth
Bill is going to cut and paste my question to Garth and ask your thoughts on it.
I am curious about one thing here Garth, at present the aboriginals are funded to 9.1 B. would the Liberal party now allow the Auditor General to fully review that funding down to the end of the disbursement trail i.e the band council level. Personally am bewildered how this level of funding can be spent each year with no improvement in the standard of living or noticeable decrease in the problems such as housing, medical care, and substance abuse, high educational drop rates and crime on the reserves.
Bill, Do you agree or not agree that this monies should be audited to the end of the disbursements.
Tom,
“if …all you’ve got is that bathroom to work with wouldn’t you be a little pissed too?”
I would be very careful to aim properly so as to not mess up what I have actually!
Seriously, the First nations have been given a lot of money, and it is not the First Nations people that are the problem, it is their own leadership.
I know from first hand experience, and I am truly sorry to have to say that, but Truth needs to be laid on the table and the real solutions found.
The solutions include First Nations leader stopping spending money meant for their people on themselves like vacations to Las Vegas, and insisting that their youth live like it is still 1890 restricting education, and job opportunities to please a few powerful Elders, who want to live in the ‘Good Old Days!
The saddest thing is, to me anyway, that the First Nations have so much rock solid societal knowledge to share, but they are not speaking, and therefore, no one is listening because of their silence!
Yet, the young people are taught to blame the White Man for everything…Yes, it is blatant racism, and I know they are truly above that, but they fight between leaders who will get them something, and the same leaders who enslave them to maintain their (the leader’s) status quo. Sound familiar? it is the same throughout human kind! In reality, Anglo and Francophone Canada is no different.
We need to wakeup and change our learned responses to such so-called ‘leaders’!
KH ..I think you`re onto something!
Bill-Muskoka,
Actually here in Alberta most of the reserves have no reason to ‘agitate’ or be violent. They have treaty arrangements different from other parts of the country and share in the same prosperity that Alberta is experiencing right now. I am no native expert, but believe (from newspaper reports — there are not alot of stories out here like you have in Ontario – Caledonia, the place where that native was killed by the OPP and of course Oka) that most of the reserves here have a political structure in place to look after the reserves’ needs. Casinos are being built on some reserves. As I’ve mentioned, most (if not all) benefit from a resource sharing agreement and given the shortage of jobs here, natives have the opportunity to learn trades and get ahead in life.
The whole country isn’t suffering from the problems that you are having in Ontario Bill.
Ed the Hun
Albert,
“If these here first nations don`t like it here and don`t want to mix..let `um go back to where they came from!”
I hope you are kidding, because otherwise that has to be the ,most dumb post I have read on any blog!
If you are serious you must apply for the TV show ‘Smart As A Cat’ hosted by the King of Redneck comedy!
All we are doing is continuing to fund an apartheid system. As long as we keep the aboriginal people separated and isolated, nothing will change. Indian Affairs and the funding should be shut down.
What should be done is to welcome them in to our multicultural society. If 100+ foreign cultures can thrive, both economically and culturally in our great country, then why can the aboriginals not do the same.
The money that is being wasted today would be better spent opening ‘immigration offices’ on native reserves, and bringing the aboriginals in to Canada.
Ed,
Guess who the major patrons of Casino Rama in Orillia, ON are? The Asians! They come by the busloads from Toronto!
They also have a great show schedule featuring top name entertainers, mostly American! LOL
Ed Brooks,
“The money that is being wasted today would be better spent opening ‘immigration offices’ on native reserves, and bringing the aboriginals in to Canada.”
Duh, the aboriginals were here and we got the name Canada from Kanata, an Iroquois word meaning ‘Village!’ Are you for real?
get off the reserves and get a job. plently of jobs here in southern Ont esp. in the skilled trades ( immigrants come from south america or eastern europe to fill these jobs while the natives stay on the reserves, collect welfare and complain ). Something is wrong here and its not any one govt. The welfare state gone awry.
. Ted Morton is now a cabinet minister and he is all for looking out for the eastern boogeymen who are continuously trying to take even more to fund its socialist agendas.
Ed the Hun
Get a grip Hon :
Morton is an MLA period he has no cabinet posting in Parliament .
Sheeesh ! What the neo-cons don’t know !
I hope you are kidding, because otherwise that has to be the ,most dumb post I have read on any blog!
If you are serious you must apply for the TV show ‘Smart As A Cat’ hosted by the King of Redneck comedy!
ROTFLMAO Bill .Good one .
KH,
“Bill, Do you agree or not agree that this monies should be audited to the end of the disbursements.”
Absolutely! The poor people I have witnessed on the reservations trust their leaders, but, just like us, they need an Ombudsman to protect them.
Remember they are often extremely small communities of under 100 people. No internet, few newspapers (I can guarantee that other than for a few solid souls with CBC North…no relevant news coverage), they believe what they are told. Gee, just like most Canadians, eh? (Gawd, are we all that stupid naturally?)
Too many Aboriginal leaders are nothing more than Al Sharptons, Elmer Gantry’s, living off their unfortunates, and living too darn well!
Bill,
Been there. Great place. I’m not sure of your point (I never said that reserves in Ontario don’t have casinos). What I indicated is that we don’t Caledonias out here.
Ed the Hun
Ed,
Yeppers, Alberta is Aboriginal Heaven. Just look at Five Cabins, it is just a tad north of High Level!
Travel upto Fort McMurray, it is just right across ‘60′, and you can see the wealth flowing everywhere.
Try Rae-Edso, or Lutselke (was Snowdrift), Dehta in the NWT, but then that is not Alberta. Come on Ed, I know you are wiser than this!
If any of you have any doubts about Stephen Harper’s intentions read Marcia Macdonld article
in the Walrus Magazine oct 2004.
cb ont
Wow. Talk about a group of ignorant Canadians posting about what is in the best interests of First Nations Peoples.
I love how everyone has an opinion on something they know little about and nobody ever asks the First Nations what they want.
Typical mentality of Canadians, sad to say.
Let’s get rid of some of the myths, first.
I drive a nice car. I bought it by working hard, something my parents always taught me. “You’ll never be handed anything in life for nothing, you have to go out there and earn it.”
One day, while driving said nice car with the roof down, listening to music, a car full of caucasians pulls up next to my sister and I. They flick the cigarette out the window and it lands in my backseat. My sister jumps up and throws it out and gets mad at them for throwing it in my car.
Then come the comments. “I paid for that car anyway.” “Go back to the reservation.” “I’m paying for your drug habit.”
Last I checked every payment made on the car was made by me, not the Canadian taxpayers.
Last I checked the reservation had no employment so I had to move to the big city to find work.
Last I checked, I’ve never done any drugs my whole entire life.
As for the “$9.1 billion” figure being thrown around. How much is spent on health care? Do you call the provincial governments to be accountable for their dollars? Why is it called a transfer payment to the provincial counterparts but when it comes to First Nations it’s called handouts? Resources are being taken from land without compensation as far back as Confederation.
Also with the $9.1 billion, a lot remains at the departmental level to pay employees who do monitor agreements with First Nations communities. For every employee the government funds on reserve, there’s someone in a department office working as well. So you can put that budget to maybe $5.0 billion, for arguments sake.
The government, and not just Conservative (although they’ve done nothing to promote adequate programs for First Nations Peoples), funds more for social assistance than they do for economic development. It’s easier, apparently. A single person living on reserve will receive $175 per month on social assistance. The unemployment rate for First Nations Peoples on reserve is around 85%.
Approximately half of First Nations Peoples live off-reserve in rural areas. I think this shows, adequately, that most don’t like living on “government handouts” and instead choose to live in areas where they can feed and clothe their families.
The problem with that is, First Nations Peoples are community-oriented. Life is family. You work for the betterment of all. My sister lives in the next province over and we’re there for each other when we need to be, but it’s hard, much like it is for “average” Canadians.
You lose touch with your culture when you’re away from home. Culture that your ancestors fought hard to keep.
When “potlatches” were outlawed, they’d have them at night. My blind Great-Grandmother would have my Dad walk her in the dark to a feast because it was important.
My parents both attended residential schools. Schools that also broke down the family unit. You weren’t taught education in schools, you were taught violence, cultural genocide. People that attended witnessed horrors that we only expect to see in countries without a democracy.
You can break it down to post-traumatic stress disorder. There’s a severe breakdown in the family unit.
There are exceptions to the rule and I’d be one of them, thanks to my parents unwillingness to become something they were always told they were: dumb, drunken Indians. They were and are too proud of that.
Suffice it to say, I’m extremely disappointed in the comments I’ve read on this site. In the age of the internet, I find it completely appalling that a lot of you choose to remain ignorant and have closed hearts to the First Peoples of this country and everything that they’ve had to SURVIVE.
I know that there are problems on reservations. The first being that Peoples that were used to roaming freely on their lands are now on isolated reservations.
The problems didn’t stem from the First Nations, it stemmed from a European system of dominance.
You can stop it by educating yourselves. Instead you choose to remain in the dark.
And that is sad. And un-Canadian.
Great, casinos are the option, or assimilation, or it’s the elders fault. Honestly, I’m ashamed of you people. For years and years it’s been nothing but talk talk talk, and you never listen. You ask how could so much money be dumped into the reserves and where does it all go. The answer, as it always has been, is that only cents on the dollar actually goes to the people it’s supposed to help. After that it goes into the nearest town which, you guessed it, is often not part of the reserve. The problems are myriad. One size does not fit all. Educate yourself at little bit. The Kelowna Accord took a lot of time and a lot of people working very hard. And Harper just tossed it aside because he could. Simply meanspirited and coldhearted. There was no good reason other than establishing the fact of his power. Well, we noticed. A lot of people noticed.
Albert, you’re so stupid I honestly don’t think there is any hope for you. I just hope you are not part of the gene pool.
Approximately half of First Nations Peoples live off-reserve in rural areas.
Should read: Approximately half of First Nations Peoples live off-reserve in urban areas.
I type faster than I think sometimes.
The spending contained in this budget may well eventually bankrupt the country. Less attention has been paid to its moral bankruptcy. Nowhere is this bankrupty more apparent than in the additional funds poured into the top of Canada’s white guilt machine:
Aboriginal Justice Strategy
* $14.5 million over two years to expand the Aboriginal Justice Strategy to significantly increase the number of Aboriginal Canadians that have access to community justice programs.
Housing in First Nations Communities
* $300 million to give First Nation members the opportunity to own their own homes when a new approach to on-reserve housing is developed.
Skills and Employment Partnership Program
* $105 million over five years to more than double the size of the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership initiative.
Atlantic Commercial Fisheries
* $20 million over the next two years to support First Nations in the Maritimes and in the Gaspé region of Quebec in increasing their management and harvesting capabilities and in playing a greater role in fisheries management.
In other words, millions of dollars to give indians free lawyers and build indians free house. Millions for make-work projects for indians. And millions to give indians bigger fishing boats. This in addition to the hundreds of millions of dollars already spent to enrich corrupt band officials and bureaucrats. All while continuing to perpetuate the poverty of reserve populations.
Howzit goin` in Northern Alberta Ed? Are them Lubicons crees or whatever ya call `em still whinin?
Great idea bringin` `em over…but what if they don`t wanna come? What then Ed?
If these here first nations don`t like it here and don`t want to mix..let `um go back to where they came from!
By Albert on 03.20.07 11:38 pm
Stupid remark Albert & not too bright. The first nations were here before us white guys so I think we owe them some respect & cash. How old are you anyway? 12?
I bet they are saying the same about us.
First Nations funding was increased to over $10 Billion in the budget. Cons are aiming for Native home ownership and gave $300 towards it. The extra Billion was focused and Native women, children, education and water. In 2006 the Cons started pilot projects for Wait Times Guarantees, re: Native pre-natal and Diabetes (?)
The Kelowna Accord ignored women and Metis (if I remember right).
A women Cheif stated today that half of the government funding goes to administration.
So why did the Liberals refuse to have First Nations included in the Accountability Act.
I smell a another Liberal scandal.
Someone should tell Flaherty to brush up on his French. I am French & I’ll be damned if I understood half of what he said.
Geoffery said; It’s a sad time in politics when trading for votes: i.e. @ $310 per kid for families is going at the expense of these programs:
My question is… as anyone figured it out yet that it adds up to .84.9 cents a day? Really helping out he kids heh?
Quebec should just separate
By Liberals Suck on 03.20.07 1:19 pm
Why? Harper needs them for support.
Bill,
How the reserves spend their money is their business, unless there has been some type of scandal (or the reserve’s band can’t administer — then the department of indian affairs will appoint independent auditors — believe it happened most recently in Manitoba). As you well know, reserves have ‘independence’ from the other levels of government. They fall outside of the provinces and the municipalities.
And I say again, we don’t have any Caledonias out here, regardless of how poorly some reserves might administer their own affairs.
Ed the Hun
Jackie:
I said:
“Ted Morton is now a cabinet minister and he is all for looking out for the eastern boogeymen who are continuously trying to take even more to fund its socialist agendas.
Ed the Hun
You said:
“Get a grip Hon :
Morton is an MLA period he has no cabinet posting in Parliament .
Sheeesh ! What the neo-cons don’t know !
By Jackie Chan’s Left Hand on 03.21.07 12:09 am”
Well Jackie if you could just think abit, you see that Ted Morton is a CABINET MINISTER in Ed Stelmach’s provincial government. I never stated he was in the federal government. Sheesh.
Biography for Honourable Ted Morton (PC)
Contact Information
MLA for Foothills-Rocky View
Minister of Sustainable Resource Development
Ed the Hun
Get a grip Hon :
Morton is an MLA period he has no cabinet posting in Parliament .
Sheeesh ! What the neo-cons don’t know !
By Jackie Chan’s Left Hand on 03.21.07 12:09 am
Irene,
While I won’t get the entire $310 a month, I will make great use of it to put her into a daycare that is closer to her school (the costs differential were almost $100/month). The rest I think I will use to put into an RESP so that one day she has the opportunity to attend post-secondary without having run up a bunch of debt. I think that most parents will find some reasonable way(s) to make use of the money that they will be receiving.
As far as Quebec. I don’t agree regarding their separation, but I do think they be allowed to run their province (which they are allowed to do pretty much), but should be made (like every province) to be responsible for the cost of running their affairs. $7 per day universal daycare? I don’t think we should be contributing to that.
Ed the Hun
Bill Muskoka, I never thought I’d say that but I agree 100% with you on this issue.
Garth, how is this different from giving money to Quebec?
It was a garbage budget.
Let’s hope the Libs and NDP pick it apart for recycling. In my opinion it was divisive and as poorly thought out as the Income Trust changes.
You ask how could so much money be dumped into the reserves and where does it all go. The answer, as it always has been, is that only cents on the dollar actually goes to the people it’s supposed to help.
Well that’s great. So get an auditor in there and make sure that the billions that we ALREADY spend go to the people that are supposed to receive it. Any reason why we should throw another extra few billions in this black hole until this issue is fixed?
Tania,
I was so pleased to see your comment, and am glad you are willing to dialogue here. Please do so often.
Would you agree, if you have had the experience, that there are distinct problems between First Nations in the Provinces and the Territories?
Most of my experience is from living in the NWT. There it is either where you are or it is far, far away! That makes employment almost impossible unless it is in government, mining, transportation, or tourism.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I have a serious question to ask, the reason as I read this blog that people are peed off about the budget is what, the most common refrain is that is doesn’t do anything for single or couples with no children. Sorry, I do not see a Liberal budget paying out 5.1 billion for a National Childcare Program helping out those groups either. The other reason is there is to much spending, Please tell us what spending you want to see reduced.
Carmen, I think you are right.
This is a con budget, most of the left leaning programs were already cut reduced during the course of last year, ( I have a list of 40) including, Health Care, status of women, HR development for youth, Firts Nations, Environment/Koyoto etc.)
The consensus is that this budget defenity leans left.
the Question is for the voters to decide:
Has Harper accomplished what he set out to do ?
How do we fool the world into thinking we’re moving to the left when we’re not?’
If Harper gets elected with a majority he’ll make a helluva of a change in this country.!
I drive a nice car. I bought it by working hard, something my parents always taught me. “You’ll never be handed anything in life for nothing, you have to go out there and earn it.â€
One day, while driving said nice car with the roof down, listening to music, a car full of caucasians pulls up next to my sister and I. They flick the cigarette out the window and it lands in my backseat. My sister jumps up and throws it out and gets mad at them for throwing it in my car.
Then come the comments. “I paid for that car anyway.†“Go back to the reservation.†“I’m paying for your drug habit.â€
Tania,
I wonder who paid for their car and which health care system will have to pay for their “drug habit”?
Amazing, everyone is still treating the symptoms and never the cause of the problems. How American of us!
Now print some more money and throw it at the symptoms because it just makes everyone feel so much better…like confetti at a parade.
Ed the Hun,
“How the reserves spend their money is their business,”
Oh really Ed? It happens to be our money, we supplied it remember? We all know you would be the very first to raise Hell if you saw it as your money…Right Ed?
Do you find it difficult to walk with both feet inserted in your own mouth day after day?
Ed the Hun,
Please don’t fill this blog with lies…It IS NOT 310/mth, it is 310/year…Harp’s cancelled the 100/month deal and replaced it with 310/year, what a great man!!!! (insert sarcasm)
NOT 310 PER MONTH, IT IS 310 PER YEAR…DON’T LET THEM FOOL YA, PH NO!!!
Tania, Wonderful post, With the exception of a few closed minded people in here, for the most part we all agree that the problems have to be addressed. My personal concern is any program that is using up 50% of its monetary resources for administration is not very effective and should be investigated to find cost savings and I hate to say it possible breaches of trust. I feel strongly about this percentage ratio concerning all departments and or charities as we all remember the story’s concerning 70% admin fees and only 30% going to the actual people who need it. If we are to assist the aboriginal people of Canada, we need to devote all of our resources allocated, not fifty percent.
Nelson, the 100$ a month has not been canceled. Please check your facts,
JMcCain,
“So get an auditor in there and make sure that the billions that we ALREADY spend go to the people that are supposed to receive it.”
See, we can agree from time to time, and on that I totally agree!
When I spend my money I make sure I get the expected value for it because I have worked hard to earn it. Likewise, I view the time required to earn the money as time from my life, and that is unreplaceable.
So, I ask this question when I want to buy something…’How much time from my allotted lifetime am I willing to expend on the item or thing?’
That puts a totally different perspective on monetary value for me!
Nelson,
Yeppers! Let’s see at $310 per year that equates to a 10 minute flight at $2,000 per hour for each Canadian aboard the PM’s private jet, eh? At $12,000 per hour…don’t even bother getting off the bus…your flight time is already gone!
I wonder how much those limos cost? What a total joke!
Runs out to buy a 649 Ticket, Bill and JM agree, lets run with this,
Garth, Will you ask Mr. Dion if he and the Liberal Party would support a full audit of the Dept of Indian Affairs to include down to the band council level.
Geez, I’m glad nobody brought up Israel!
I know/am related to many on/near reserves in Ontario and from what I’ve heard and seen the money rarely gets past the government (ie: spent on administration rather than programs). It is clear to me which way we need to head.
1) find a way to get at least basic housing needs covered in remote communities
2) improve education by using modern methods – rather than forcing children to live away from their parents (still a common practice in Northern Ontario) set up a single school house in each community with a satellite dish. Then set up computers on each desk with a camera and headphones. You could then have the 20 kids in a small community, of varying ages, all take classes with teachers in other communites. The children would all share one common ‘in school’ teacher who would help with minor issues but the remote teacher would cover the majority of school work. This way the children live at home until they are older, gain skills that would allow them to work remotely (perhaps have a second building attached that their parents could work remotely in) and allow growth on the reserve rather than forcing them to leave.
3) as much as possible, leave them alone to live as they choose but provide the tools (as in #2) to allow them to be part of society without having to live in the GTA.
Simple, would probably cost less in the long run than what is being done today and be many times more effective.
Ed :
Ted Morton is ,quite, simply a member of the legislative assembly and a minister. They do not have cabinet ministers . Period .
For someone who lives in Alberta you know precious little about the workings of your own government(?) .
They are ministers of Ed Stelmachs caucus not cabinet ministers.
Cabinet Ministers reside wholly in the Parliament of Canada .
Read this !
In today’s National Post a link to article :
“Prius Outdoes Hummer in Environmental
Damage”
Garth, please have the Finance Minister argue these facts! Plain to see this is a money grab or a real stupid iniative…poorly thought out and damaging to the Auto Industry.
Howzit goin` in Northern Alberta Ed? Are them Lubicons crees or whatever ya call `em still whinin?
Great idea bringin` `em over…but what if they don`t wanna come? What then Ed?
By Albert on 03.21.07 1:06 am
Garth :
Are you,really,going to expose and subject your loyal fans and contributors to this racist pigs insane rantings ?
Bill, well bev oda’s idling limos for 3 nights were over $5000. Aren’t you glad you paid for the heritage minister to live the high-life on the red carpet with all the other ‘celebrities’.
That $5000 could have been spent on her other portfolio… what was it, the status of women? *laugh*
Come on Jackie, your splitting hairs on this. We all understood Ed response.
Read this !
In today’s National Post a link to article :
“Prius Outdoes Hummer in Environmental
Damageâ€
Garth, please have the Finance Minister argue these facts! Plain to see this is a money grab or a real stupid iniative…poorly thought out and damaging to the Auto Industry.
By George on 03.21.07 12:01 pm
What was it P.T.Barnum said ” One born every minute “
JMcCain,
“So get an auditor in there and make sure that the billions that we ALREADY spend go to the people that are supposed to receive it.â€
See, we can agree from time to time, and on that I totally agree!
I’ve got this day marked on my calendar.
http://www.isuma.net/v02n01/rotman/rotman_e.pdf
Here is a journal article concerning Harper advisor Tom Flanagan’s view of Aboriginal Canadians.
The Kelowna Accord took five years to develop. All 10 premiers signed on as well as the territories. The conservatives said they wouldn’t sign on to an agreement that took place the night before in a restaurant on a table napkin. The First Nations people are not whiners, it’s the rest of us that have oppressed them for centuries – the wealthiest communities sit on their land, treaties still unsigned. They have a right to clean water, health care and education. They are not to be treated any differently than us.
Garth,
You have been actively lobbying the government (both Liberal and Conservative) to implement income-splitting measures. Why will you still oppose this budget considering it will be the first to implement income splitting for seniors, not to mention all of the other tax cuts for middle-class families with children?
Oops!
Garth,
What gives here with Liberals oust Ontario MP for supporting budget?
Is this how all the parties work? Hate to ask, but fairness must be the standard, or there is no standard!
KH,
“Runs out to buy a 649 Ticket, Bill and JM agree, lets run with this,”
Imagine how I felt saying that? LMAO!
“Two years ago, under the government of then prime minister Paul Martin, he resigned from cabinet over the Liberals’ same-sex marriage bill.”
Sounds like a Con dressed in a Red Riding Hood clothing to me?
THis just in:
OTTAWA — Liberal MP Joe Comuzzi was booted from the Grit caucus by leader Stéphane Dion on Wednesday after saying he might vote for the Conservative budget because it contained funds for a cancer research centre in his Thunder Bay, Ont., constituency.
He also said the budget is “a cookie jar” with Conservative instead of Liberal hands in it.
It is the second time since he became leader that Dion has faced a rebellious caucus member.
http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/news/story.html?id=a36d46dc-983c-4e7c-aaba-7577316d6816&k=0
Bill-Muskoka,
“Yet, the young people are taught to blame the White Man for everything…Yes, it is blatant racism, ”
I agree. My cousin is native (adopted). He is sick of the hand outs. Hand outs don’t do anything.
Incidently, my brother in law was helping build a new fitness facility (gov’t funded) in SK and the native chief was talking to him. He said to my brother in law, “yeah, I can’t wait until we can wreck it”. It is that attitude that is the problem, not funding. There is no pride of ownership because they were given the money. They never earned it.
GGF:
Yea, and some of my best friends are black.
GGF,
“There is no pride of ownership because they were given the money. They never earned it.”
While there is truth in what you say, I think the larger picture is one of militant reprisal. It is unproductive, alienates everyone, and has been the cause of delay in resolving the real problems.
I had a Canadian friend tell me once his greatest dream as a carpenter/builder was to get a contract for Native Housing. He said he would be rebuilding the same homes every six months.
That was in the U.S. BTW, and back in the late ’70’s when the AIM movement was very active!
Geez, here I am agreeing with someone I am usually at odds with again today? Must be the Spring Equinox that happened last night? LOL
Heck, I may even buy a Super 7 ticket myself! On second thought…No!
“Yeah, I can’t wait until we can wreck itâ€.
I suppose it was a white man the chief was talking to ?
Ever consider,that maybe, the Chief was jesting wearing a stereotype created by the white man .To get a rise out of your buddy .
Sounds like it to me .
Michael: There is no income splitting for seniors. It is pension splitting for a specific group of seniors, not for all.
Has nothing to do with income splitting.
Ed: You will be lucky to end up with $250. a YEAR. So good luck getting her into day care (if you can find a space). $20. a month will get you a 12 year old neighbour for one night.
And save the $20. for Coles notes. That is what it will buy to enhance her education.
It is that attitude that is the problem, not funding. There is no pride of ownership because they were given the money. They never earned it.
Can someone explain what pride in ownership will be given to kids who are getting $100 per month for child care and $310 tax break per child? Have they earned it?
Bill-Muskoka,
As for employment, when I lived back home, I had to drive, sometimes, 1.5 hours each direction for work. Winter driving conditions weren’t the best (which is why I laugh when it snows even a millimetre in Vancouver).
And another myth-breaker: social housing on reserve.
The government provides loan guarantees to First Nations communities for social housing. LOAN GUARANTEES. And that’s because, given it’s “crown land” and cannot be re-sold, the land has no value and therefore cannot be up for foreclosure. The FN Band then has to pay off the loan.
Where’s the “free housing” in that?
And the waitlist for housing on reserve is long. As a single person, no kids, I’m at the bottom of the pool to be eligible for a house since they favour giving homes to people who are living in crowded spaces.
I love how people justify their comments by having a relative, or adopted brother, or an aunt who once knew someone who was married to someone that was First Nations.
The arrogant statements on here (and I agree, not all) lead to apathy of the mostly First Nations women disappearing from the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver. It lead to a well-known serial killer in Saskatchewan. It’s lead to the Highway of Tears and missing women and girls.
Please, open up your eyes. Research, throughout the history of this country, why the “state of reservations” is what it is today.
There are parts of me that gets angry that people don’t try to better themselves, but having grown up amongst them, I also have firsthand knowledge on why they don’t know how.
I’m one of the lucky ones. But thanks to the imposition of various governments, provincial and federal, on the lives of First Nations Peoples, I know I’m the exception to the rule.
But if you believe people like “living on handouts” think again. We were once proud people. We will be again. And I think, honestly, that’s what a lot of people fear.
The Kelowna Accord took five years to develop. All 10 premiers signed on as well as the territories. The conservatives said they wouldn’t sign on to an agreement that took place the night before in a restaurant on a table napkin. The First Nations people are not whiners, it’s the rest of us that have oppressed them for centuries – the wealthiest communities sit on their land, treaties still unsigned. They have a right to clean water, health care and education. They are not to be treated any differently than us.
By Elizabeth on 03.21.07 1:02 pm
Elizabeth – you need to get your facts straight before you speak…Kelowna was not an accord and no one signed it – it was a document of general agreement…it did not take 5 years to develop – it took less than 9 months…
the conservatives said time and time again that they would support the targets but not the $ associated…
Tania,
“I know I’m the exception to the rule.”
Now work, as you are given the opportunity, to help someone else become the exception to the rule.
Regardless of how much funding is supplied, in the end, it is one person, or the community helping those in need. I know you know of what I speak!
Every victory begins with an individual who believes in a better way, a better life, and that others can achieve it.
Not all will, that is reality, but I can look back on my life and the ones I was able to help will be with my spirit always!
Adam,
Kelowna Accord
The Official PCO Record
What was that you were saying about getting facts straight? Try it, you might like it, eh?
the conservatives said time and time again that they would support the targets but not the $ associated…
Isn’t that the case for all funding when it comes to targeted groups that would never vote for a conservative candidate.
GGF:
Yea, and some of my best friends are black.
By Jackie Chan’s Left Hand
That and a $1.35 will get you a double double and Horton’s. I doubt that if you talk to your black friends the way you talk on this blog that you really have any friends at all.
Circle the wagons….
Adam,
Re the Kelowna Accord. All the premier and first nations refer to it as an accord. The deal, the result of 18 months of tough negotiations, committed the federal govt to spending $5.1 million over 5 years to help improve native education, housing, health & economic opportunities. The Kelowna accord is strongly supported by liberals, the NDP, the Green Party and native leaders. Native leaders were most concerned about the presence of Tom Flanagan, an americal political science prof at the University of Calgary, a senior advisor in Conservative campaign. He authored First Nations? Second Thoughts where he describes “aboriginal orthodoxy”. In his view, natives in Canada should more accurately be described as “first immigrants” rather than “first nations” because in much of Canada, their present place of habitation postdates the arrival of european settlers. He is scathing of his criticism of native political leaders and the “wasteful, destructive, familistic factionalism” of the govts they run. He calls the reserve system “anomalous & dysfunctional” and while he concedes that there is probably no realistic way of getting rid of them, Flanagan thinks the long-term solution to their problems might be to allow them to wither away by cutting off their supply of federal cash. Flanagan is hardely the first canadian to take a stab at radically rethinking the relationship between the feds and Canada’s native people, Pierre Trudeau in 1969 proposed abolishing the Indian Act,& the fed dept. that administered it, shutting down reserves and essentially turning the job of looking after Canada’s native people over to the provinces. Trudeau’s plan collapsed in the face of overwhelming resistance from native leaders and Trudeau later came around to supporting native self-government. Jim Prentice, conservative critic on indian affairs is not too keen on Flanagan’s ideas. Check out the book if you want to see what the future for native canadians might look like.
Bill,
in case no one told you, Wikipedia is not that reliable. This is the same website that reported that comedian Sinbad had died when in fact he had not. As i said, it is a document of general agreement that no one signed – i will stand corrected if you can find me a link to this document containing the 19 signatures! (10 provinces, 3 territories, 5 National Aboriginal Organizations, and the GoC).
What was signed however were political accords with the 5 national aboriginal organizations on May 31, 2005.
http://www.afn.ca/article.asp?id=1218
Racism is endemic and deep in the neo-con ranks .
Tom Flanagan(one of Harpo’s closest advisers ) is the author of a racist diatribe called’First Nations Second Thoughts ‘ Which calls for the total assimilation of the FN’s into White culture.disbanding the reserve status and taking away all their hunting and fishing rights .
The federal Conservatives have a moral duty to help Canada’s impoverished aboriginals, not because it wins votes but because it’s the “right thing to do,” former prime minister Paul Martin says.
MPs vote tonight on whether to resurrect Martin’s Kelowna Accord, a $5 billion deal meant to bring long-lasting improvements to the lives of aboriginal people that was scrapped by the new government.
If successful tonight, Martin’s private member’s bill would proceed to the Senate where he hopes it would also be passed. And he says that would create a “dilemma” for the Tories about whether to put it into force.
However, Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice said yesterday it would have no impact on the government’s direction.
Martin has won an important ally in his push to see the accord become reality. Former prime minister Brian Mulroney spoke in favour of the deal during an appearance on the CBC television show The Next Great Prime Minister.
“We’ve existed for 140 years and we have this shameful situation that (exists) today, and why? Very simple. We stole their land. We drove the Indians, the Inuit, the natives off their land,” Mulroney said on the show, broadcast Sunday night.
“I support it. Absolutely,” Mulroney said of the Liberal accord.
In an interview yesterday, Martin called Mulroney’s comments “helpful” as he looks to tonight’s vote, when his bill is expected to pass with the support of the opposition parties.
The accord was reached in November, 2005 when the federal government, the provinces and territories and five native groups met in Kelowna, B.C., and agreed to a package of investment in education, housing and economic opportunities for aboriginal people.
The deal capped 18 months of negotiations.
“Nobody did that because there were votes involved. Nobody thinks this is a huge vote-getting issue. We did it because it was the right thing to do and it was a unique coming together,” said Martin (LaSalle-Émard).
The accord was overturned by the minority Conservative government elected two months later. Martin has dedicated his last term in Parliament to trying to implement the deal.
“What is simply mind-boggling in (Monday’s) budget is that the Conservatives turned their back on Kelowna,” Martin said in an interview in his Parliament Hill office.
“Think what that means. You’ve got the youngest, fastest-growing population in Canada, which means that their education needs are growing … their health-care needs are growing and there wasn’t a penny to meet those needs,” he said.
“This is a fundamental moral issue. You don’t turn your back on a segment of your population,”
I can’t believe I am actually proud ,of the fact,that Brian Mulroney is a Canadian today.
Way to go Brian .
Now if you could only straighten Steve out on a bunch of other issues .
Jackie, we have been discussing off and on today if a need exists to have the auditor general audit the dept of Indian affairs all the way down to the band council level. The purpose of the audit would be to see where the approx 9.1 billion is being spent (some say 50% on administrative) and if we are getting value for money. Your opinion on that is welcome.
Well, KH as long as the audit was done without incrimination or blame .
What I can’t understand is if the bands are given funds to build twenty homes where does the $ go ?
What is needed is sustainable resources eco resource if you will .
Part 2.Native rights
First Nations groups in Canada are increasingly demonstrating the desire and the ability to forge partnerships that result in economic and environmental benefits. Not only are they ready to deal with industry giants to co–manage natural resources, they are demanding and winning the right to ensure that their environmental, social and cultural concerns be addressed.
When BC Hydro assessed the responses to its latest open call for green power, included in the proposals was a $100 million run–of–river hydro project spearheaded by the Kanaka Bar Indian Band, located near Lytton, BC. The 50 megawatt project would provide clean power to 22,000 homes, and would also provide important jobs and funding for social programs in the community.
One unique feature of the proposal was the band’s partnership with Montreal–based Innergex II Power Trust, which will allow the band to retain full ownership of the facility in the future.
“When we talk about a partnership, it isn’t just a name to be tagged onto the project. Fifty years down the road, the Kanaka Bar Indian Band will be the 100 percent owner,” band chief James Frank told Business in Vancouver.
What initiatives like the Kanaka Bar project provide is a chance for First Nations to control their own economic destinies, while at the same time ensuring that the natural environment upon which they depend is protected.
Apart from environmental business ventures, First Nations are also involved in a number of important resource partnerships that have significant environmental implications.
As Aboriginal Pipeline Group Chair Fred Carmichael notes, “One hat we wear identifies our traditional role as guardians and stewards of the land. The other hat represents our emerging role as business opportunity developers.”
And it is exactly those characteristics that make First Nations groups good partners for environmental business initiatives. With a rich history that relies on natural heritage, complemented by a growing awareness of the needs of their people for economic development, aboriginal groups can approach environmental issues from both perspectives.
While some see economic development as being in conflict with traditional values, others say that financial self–reliance helps to rebuild communities and spur traditional activities that help strengthen native culture.
Chief Clarence Louie, whose leadership of the British Columbia Osoyoos Indian Band has helped spur the development of businesses and also of a First Nations Heritage Centre that promotes cultural values, says that bands can preserve past traditions while looking to future development.
“I never bought that stuff about natives being non–competitive. Throwing the best potlatch required accumulating a certain amount of wealth,” he told BC Business magazine.
Working with First Nations firms provides a dual benefit, says Peter Vanriel of Canada North Environmental Services, an environmental consulting firm wholly owned by Kitaski Management that provides environmental training, environmental studies, and regulatory due diligence, mostly for the minerals industry in Northern Saskatchewan.
“The kind of work we do is technically rigorous, so they are meeting their regulatory needs, but at the same time our profits are benefiting aboriginal peoples in the north,” he said .
So yes,by all means audit them and figure out what they need .
We must maintain an arms length approach to our FN’s.
Give them the resources and let them get on with it .
Perhaps in the future they will develop a national initiative that all bands can use as a blueprint for sustainable development .
Jackie, thanks for the response, Is not sure what you mean by “without incrimination or blame” are you saying if the monies have been mismanaged or illegally used be it by govt, civilian servants or band councils they should not be held accountable if that is what the audit was to conclude. As to the Eco Resources will leave that to you, is not my specialty although I am trying to get up to speed but is not comfortable yet to make any kind of suggestion or arguments concerning it
Well KH in my experience the blame game helps no one and inevitably some will be alienated .
Personally I don’t believe this governments(?) numbers for one,hot, second.
As demonstrated on several reserves in Canada if given the resources both monetary and human the FN’s are fully capable of providing for themselves and becoming fully independent .
I take it your idea of an audit is to seek out miscreants .
Great ! as long as the audit starts with the government (?) I have no problem with that .
“Behold, my friends, the spring is come; the earth has gladly received the embraces of the sun, and we shall soon see the results of their love!”
Sitting Bull
My terms for the audit would be from the top to the bottom, if its politician, civil servants or a band councilor skimming I want to know. Nothing held back, let the chips fall where they may. Terms of Reference, AG, go to work.
I support that .
Bill-Muskoka,
Given the way the indian affairs works, funds are provided to the ‘band council’ to administer on behalf of the reserve members. I stand by my statement that it is their business given their semi-autonomous status. Of course if ‘thiefery, or mismanagement’ is afoot then the feds can impose their will.
Ed the Hun
Jackie/Bill,
The following is from the Alberta Government Website:
“Biography for Honourable Ted Morton (PC)
Contact Information
MLA for Foothills-Rocky View
Minister of Sustainable Resource Development”
Member of the Alberta Government Cabinet, Minister of Sustainable REsource Development.
Here is a link to Manitoba’s Cabinet Minister:
(http://www.gov.mb.ca/hansard/members/cabinet.html)
Don’t know what to tell you except the provinces (I’ve checked two, but I don’t have time to look at all of them — for a lark I’ll look at Ontario’s)
Anyway, you were saying what?
Ed the Hun
Bill,
Ed the Hun
Bill,
The situation between the natives and the provinces is COMPLETELY different. The natives (whether I like it or not) were provided with certain rights as part of the treaty process and are under the care and responsibility of the federal government. The don’t have the SAME rights as the provinces regarding taxation, etc.
The provinces have taxation powers and as a result I argue should be much more responsible for their own actions. They want a ‘program’ then they pay. I’ve already stated previously that while I philosophically am opposed to equalization, in reality it must and will exist. I just wish the provinces were forces to use their gifts in a much more productive manner to improve their lots. In my opinion many of them aren’t making much headway.
Ed the Hun
Albert,
No idea what in the hell you are talking about. I’m only wondering if you do?
Ed the Hun
Judy,
My mistake regarding the $310/year versus month. I had believed that this was replacing the $100/month already in place. But as I’ve since learned the $310/year (for every kid under 18 (is in addition to the $100/month for kids under 6.
My daughter is already in daycare, but thanks for the concern (and just so you know in Alberta, for lower-income families, the provincial government subsidizes daycare costs in private facilities (that are registered with the government). So economically-challenged parent(s) can get their kids into daycare if they want. The only problem that I’ve heard about daycare in Alberta is in Calgary because people from Ontario won’t stop moving there.
Ed the Hun
Ed,in the greater scheme of things it doesn’t really matter .