Smoky Lake Signal Article No. 209 (February 22, 2012)
Whispering in the Wind
Over the past six weeks I’ve devoted a lot of “Whispering in the Wind” space to Alberta’s upcoming election and I expect to devote even more space to the campaign as things start to really heat up. And of course there is the aftermath of the election; that is, the days and weeks after the polls declare the winners. At this moment in time there is a bit of a lull in the lead up to the official campaign with preparations still underway and the various parties sharpening their swords.
The Candidates –
As of February 18: the Alberta PCs have put in place 86 candidates of 87 constituencies; the Wildrose have 84 / 87 candidates; the NDP have 84 / 87; the Liberals have 41 / 87; the Alberta Party has 13 / 87; the Social Credit Party has 1 / 87; the EverGreens have 6 / 87. For the Athabasca – Redwater constituency we continue to have three candidates: for the Alberta PCs, incumbent Jeff Johnson; for the Wildrose, Travis Olson; for the NDP, Mandy Melnyk.
The Polls –
It is a little early in the proceedings to declare any winners but the polls are suggesting that the major battles will be on the right; between the more “extreme” right and the more moderate, “progressive” right. For Alison Redford and the Alberta PCs, the polls have suggest continued support with one poll taken in mid-January suggesting that her party would obtain 53 percent of the vote – that same poll suggested that Danielle Smith and her Wildrose Party would obtain 16 percent of the vote. In the most recent poll (taken on February 10, one day after the budget was tabled in the Legislative Assembly) the PC party support has narrowed considerably (with Alberta PC Party support at 37 percent with the Wildrose Party at 30 percent). On the left, the polls have been pretty solid and steady with the latest poll suggesting that the Liberals getting 14 percent support, the NDP getting 13 percent; with the Alberta Party and others getting 6 percent.
At This Stage in the Game –
At this stage in the game, a good two thirds of eligible voters in Alberta are leaning toward the political right and still trying to decide what to do in the 2012 election. The edge has to be given to Alison Redford’s PC party so it will be up to Danielle Smith and her nominees to explain and convince Albertans that her option is the better option – and that means I and I think most Albertans want real solutions to the challenges facing our government – and not simply offer criticisms.
Footnote –
Last week I had the pleasure of attending Alberta’s Legislative Assembly and watched (and tried to listen) to the day’s Question Period. I sat in the Member’s Gallery, in amongst 50 or so well behaved youngsters. Across the way was another gallery with another 50 youngsters, all eager to see and watch civil democracy in action. I was embarrassed for the children at what took place and thought the Speaker should not allow anyone to watch the proceedings unless you are of voting age. In my view what the Liberals and the Wildrose members did with their banging of fists and their hollering, was not only uncalled for, it was disrespectful of the institution of government.
Tuesday, 21 February 2012
Sunday, 19 February 2012
Let the Games Begin
Smoky Lake Signal Article No. 208 (February 15, 2012)
Whispering in the Wind
Let the Games Begin!
On Tuesday of last week Alberta’s Lieutenant Governor delivered a Speech from the Throne that clearly reflected Premier Redford’s vision of “change” and a new approach toward governance in Alberta. Two days later that same vision was translated into a budget statement and tabled in Alberta’s Legislative Assembly for debate and public scrutiny. With an election expected in early, mid-April, the vision statement and the budget have become the Alberta PC party’s platform statement and an interesting “kickoff” for the 2012 election campaign – so let the games begin and may the best “person” win in each of Alberta’s 87 constituencies.
Vision Statement –
With all the pomp and ceremony attached to the Throne Speech and the resulting budget statement it is sometimes difficult to distinguish the wheat from the chaff. In my view, Lieutenant Governor Donald Ethell voiced four particularly important initiatives that Alison Redford’s government wants to achieve:
First, a new approach to budgeting: “that emphasizes results for Albertans and fiscal discipline for government.” Included in this new budgeting approach, is the implementation of a “predictable” 3 year budget cycle for education, advanced education and municipal financing.
Second, a new approach in healthcare delivery with the establishment of community based healthcare clinics, starting with three pilot projects, to be implemented in the spring of 2012. Included in the government’s vision statement on healthcare; the establishment of more effective Local Health Advisory Councils that will have a greater role in decision making.
Third, implement a comprehensive Northern Alberta development strategy.
Fourth, work with other provinces and the federal government to develop a Canadian Energy Strategy.
If I were to draw one conclusion from the Throne Speech, it is that Albertans are going to experience “change” under a Redford government, something she promised last year, during her leadership campaign.
The Budget –
Possibly the biggest surprise in last Thursday’s budget presentation was that the budget did not include any tax increases for Albertans – that’s pretty good news for Albertans and for those campaigning under the Alberta PC banner. I personally hope to study the budget in more detail and will write about it in future columns – my first impression (and from what I have read) the government’s operating component of the budget is expected to be balanced by the revenues collected, it is the capital component that is expected to record an expenditure deficit and that capital deficit will be covered by dipping into Alberta’s Sustainability Fund – after all that what the Sustainability Fund is for. All in all, the budget appears to be well balanced and promises a new way of pre / post evaluation and auditing.
Whispering in the Wind
Let the Games Begin!
On Tuesday of last week Alberta’s Lieutenant Governor delivered a Speech from the Throne that clearly reflected Premier Redford’s vision of “change” and a new approach toward governance in Alberta. Two days later that same vision was translated into a budget statement and tabled in Alberta’s Legislative Assembly for debate and public scrutiny. With an election expected in early, mid-April, the vision statement and the budget have become the Alberta PC party’s platform statement and an interesting “kickoff” for the 2012 election campaign – so let the games begin and may the best “person” win in each of Alberta’s 87 constituencies.
Vision Statement –
With all the pomp and ceremony attached to the Throne Speech and the resulting budget statement it is sometimes difficult to distinguish the wheat from the chaff. In my view, Lieutenant Governor Donald Ethell voiced four particularly important initiatives that Alison Redford’s government wants to achieve:
First, a new approach to budgeting: “that emphasizes results for Albertans and fiscal discipline for government.” Included in this new budgeting approach, is the implementation of a “predictable” 3 year budget cycle for education, advanced education and municipal financing.
Second, a new approach in healthcare delivery with the establishment of community based healthcare clinics, starting with three pilot projects, to be implemented in the spring of 2012. Included in the government’s vision statement on healthcare; the establishment of more effective Local Health Advisory Councils that will have a greater role in decision making.
Third, implement a comprehensive Northern Alberta development strategy.
Fourth, work with other provinces and the federal government to develop a Canadian Energy Strategy.
If I were to draw one conclusion from the Throne Speech, it is that Albertans are going to experience “change” under a Redford government, something she promised last year, during her leadership campaign.
The Budget –
Possibly the biggest surprise in last Thursday’s budget presentation was that the budget did not include any tax increases for Albertans – that’s pretty good news for Albertans and for those campaigning under the Alberta PC banner. I personally hope to study the budget in more detail and will write about it in future columns – my first impression (and from what I have read) the government’s operating component of the budget is expected to be balanced by the revenues collected, it is the capital component that is expected to record an expenditure deficit and that capital deficit will be covered by dipping into Alberta’s Sustainability Fund – after all that what the Sustainability Fund is for. All in all, the budget appears to be well balanced and promises a new way of pre / post evaluation and auditing.
Alberta Election - update
Smoky Lake Signal Article No 207 (February 8, 2012)
Whispering in the Wind
Alberta Election Preparations
Nominations –
For at least some of Alberta’s political parties the nomination process is fast drawing to a conclusion, the Alberta PC team should have all 87 of its nominees in place by the end of this week and as of February 6th: the Alberta Party has nominated 13 candidates in Alberta’s 87 constituencies; the new (in name only) EverGreen party has 1 candidate in Alberta’s 87 constituencies; the Liberals are at 34 / 87; the NDP are at 74 / 87; the PCs are at 85 / 87; and the Wildrose are at 81 / 87. I still think that the NDP, PC, and Wildrose parties will offer a full slate of candidates when the election is called – although the New Democratic Party seems to be dragging its feet in some areas and that could mean some strategic thinking opposite the Liberal’s nominees?
The Electorate’s Mood –
The latest opinion polls are all suggesting that Alison Redford’s PC party is well in front of her closest rival, Danielle Smith and the Wildrose party. Actually, the three “published” polls taken in January indicate a significant margin of support favoring Alison Redford’s Progressive Conservatives with an average 46 percent popular support. Danielle Smith’s Wildrose garnered an average of 23 percent support with Brian Mason’s NDP and Raj Sherman’s Liberals each getting about 12 percent support. Glenn Taylor, former Mayor of Hinton, heads up the Alberta Party and is supported by 3 percent of the polling vote. At this stage of the election campaign I feel the polls only reflect the public’s attitude toward the party leaders – since Albertans are only starting to hear about issues and party platforms regarding the issues. As well, Albertans don’t know (or know very little) about many of the individual candidates running, so at this stage in the campaign, Alison Redford has got to be elated at what the polls are reflecting.
Local Constituency –
For those living (and voting) in the Smoky Lake area, the Athabasca – Sturgeon – Redwater constituency is particularly relevant. In Smoky Lake, the campaign will include Alberta PC incumbent Jeff Johnson, Minister of Infrastructure in Alison Redford’s cabinet. Running against Mr. Johnson are; Travis Olson of the Wildrose Party and Mandy Melnyk of the NDP. Jeff has often been seen in the Smoky Lake area and is expected to be seen again and again as the campaign progresses – hopefully with some positive pronouncements. Travis Olson is from Athabasca and was in Smoky Lake last week along with Danielle Smith. I look forward to hearing from Mr. Travis Olson again with some ideas on how he can contribute to the Smoky Lake region. Mandy Melnyk, the NDP’s candidate for the constituency is from and has family the Waskatenau area. Ms. Melnyk has already opined in The Smoky Lake Signal, giving her critical opinions on Alberta’s de-regulated power industry. To get to know the individual candidates better and how they can contribute to the Smoky Lake region, the Smoky Lake and District Chamber of Commerce is undertaking to organize an “All Candidates Forum” in Smoky Lake after the election date is announced.
Whispering in the Wind
Alberta Election Preparations
Nominations –
For at least some of Alberta’s political parties the nomination process is fast drawing to a conclusion, the Alberta PC team should have all 87 of its nominees in place by the end of this week and as of February 6th: the Alberta Party has nominated 13 candidates in Alberta’s 87 constituencies; the new (in name only) EverGreen party has 1 candidate in Alberta’s 87 constituencies; the Liberals are at 34 / 87; the NDP are at 74 / 87; the PCs are at 85 / 87; and the Wildrose are at 81 / 87. I still think that the NDP, PC, and Wildrose parties will offer a full slate of candidates when the election is called – although the New Democratic Party seems to be dragging its feet in some areas and that could mean some strategic thinking opposite the Liberal’s nominees?
The Electorate’s Mood –
The latest opinion polls are all suggesting that Alison Redford’s PC party is well in front of her closest rival, Danielle Smith and the Wildrose party. Actually, the three “published” polls taken in January indicate a significant margin of support favoring Alison Redford’s Progressive Conservatives with an average 46 percent popular support. Danielle Smith’s Wildrose garnered an average of 23 percent support with Brian Mason’s NDP and Raj Sherman’s Liberals each getting about 12 percent support. Glenn Taylor, former Mayor of Hinton, heads up the Alberta Party and is supported by 3 percent of the polling vote. At this stage of the election campaign I feel the polls only reflect the public’s attitude toward the party leaders – since Albertans are only starting to hear about issues and party platforms regarding the issues. As well, Albertans don’t know (or know very little) about many of the individual candidates running, so at this stage in the campaign, Alison Redford has got to be elated at what the polls are reflecting.
Local Constituency –
For those living (and voting) in the Smoky Lake area, the Athabasca – Sturgeon – Redwater constituency is particularly relevant. In Smoky Lake, the campaign will include Alberta PC incumbent Jeff Johnson, Minister of Infrastructure in Alison Redford’s cabinet. Running against Mr. Johnson are; Travis Olson of the Wildrose Party and Mandy Melnyk of the NDP. Jeff has often been seen in the Smoky Lake area and is expected to be seen again and again as the campaign progresses – hopefully with some positive pronouncements. Travis Olson is from Athabasca and was in Smoky Lake last week along with Danielle Smith. I look forward to hearing from Mr. Travis Olson again with some ideas on how he can contribute to the Smoky Lake region. Mandy Melnyk, the NDP’s candidate for the constituency is from and has family the Waskatenau area. Ms. Melnyk has already opined in The Smoky Lake Signal, giving her critical opinions on Alberta’s de-regulated power industry. To get to know the individual candidates better and how they can contribute to the Smoky Lake region, the Smoky Lake and District Chamber of Commerce is undertaking to organize an “All Candidates Forum” in Smoky Lake after the election date is announced.
Election Time in Alberta
Smoky Lake Signal Article No. 206 (February 1, 2012)
Whispering in the Wind
Alberta’s Election Preparations
Timetable – Here is what we know so far: Speaker Ken Kowalski announced that the Alberta’s Legislative Assembly will reconvene on February 7th with a Throne Speech. Finance Minister, Ron Liepert will table the government’s budget on February 9th. Premier Redford has also made it clear that her government’s financial budget will be debated and passed prior to dissolving the Legislative Assembly and the call for an election. Because the debate on the budget will likely take 4 or 5 weeks, my thoughts as to when Albertans will be going to the polls still stands, sometime around mid-April – and that means, the actual election day could be on Monday, April 16 and possibly a week later on April 23.
Nominations – As of January 26 the Alberta Party has nominated 12 candidates in Alberta’s 87 constituencies; the Liberals have nominated 25 out of 87; the New Democratic Party has put in place 73 candidates out of the 87; the Alberta PC Party has nominated 66 / 87; and the Wildrose have chosen 79 / 87. Nominations will continue well into February. The Alberta New Democratic Party, the Alberta Progressive Conservative Party; and the Alberta Wildrose Party are all expected to have a full slate of 87 candidates when the election is called. The Alberta Liberal Party wants to have 87 candidates but is expected to have great difficulty in running a full slate. The Alberta Party never intended to run a full slate of candidates, their strategy is to run select candidates in select constituencies.
Alberta Political Opinion Polls – Opinion polls can be dangerous tools when it comes to measuring the mood of an electorate and yet it seems that the telephone survey method is the only thing used by commercial research groups when it comes to judging Alberta public, political opinion. Over the last three months four polls have been conducted with some surprising results. First the easy conclusion from the four polls: the Liberals and NDP parties in Alberta equally share about 25 percent “hard core” support from Albertans and that will not change. For the PC party and the Wildrose party the support seems to be all over the map – from one polling firm’s survey in mid-January, the Alberta PC party garnered 53 percent support (the Wildrose got 16 percent) another firm took their survey at the same time and their results were quite different – the Alberta PC party got 38 percent support while the Wildrose received 29 percent. The conclusion that one can draw from these current poll result is that things a very volatile – I’m sure that I will have a lot more to say about polling in the weeks and months ahead but one thing is for sure it’s time to talk about the issues facing Alberta and Albertans.
The Issues – As I have mentioned in past columns, the three most important issues facing Alberta in this upcoming election are: healthcare; property rights; and resource development. I have been chastised for not including education as one of the priorities but in my view Premier Redford handled that issue in her leadership campaign and will be fair in its treatment in the upcoming budget. What I want to see happen in this election campaign are solutions and action strategies to deal with the major issues facing Albertans and Alberta. There is one area that has been picked up by NDP leader, Brian Mason and it is the pricing of power in Alberta as a result of deregulation. I think Mr. Mason will gain support for pushing the power issue, particularly opposite the Liberals.
Whispering in the Wind
Alberta’s Election Preparations
Timetable – Here is what we know so far: Speaker Ken Kowalski announced that the Alberta’s Legislative Assembly will reconvene on February 7th with a Throne Speech. Finance Minister, Ron Liepert will table the government’s budget on February 9th. Premier Redford has also made it clear that her government’s financial budget will be debated and passed prior to dissolving the Legislative Assembly and the call for an election. Because the debate on the budget will likely take 4 or 5 weeks, my thoughts as to when Albertans will be going to the polls still stands, sometime around mid-April – and that means, the actual election day could be on Monday, April 16 and possibly a week later on April 23.
Nominations – As of January 26 the Alberta Party has nominated 12 candidates in Alberta’s 87 constituencies; the Liberals have nominated 25 out of 87; the New Democratic Party has put in place 73 candidates out of the 87; the Alberta PC Party has nominated 66 / 87; and the Wildrose have chosen 79 / 87. Nominations will continue well into February. The Alberta New Democratic Party, the Alberta Progressive Conservative Party; and the Alberta Wildrose Party are all expected to have a full slate of 87 candidates when the election is called. The Alberta Liberal Party wants to have 87 candidates but is expected to have great difficulty in running a full slate. The Alberta Party never intended to run a full slate of candidates, their strategy is to run select candidates in select constituencies.
Alberta Political Opinion Polls – Opinion polls can be dangerous tools when it comes to measuring the mood of an electorate and yet it seems that the telephone survey method is the only thing used by commercial research groups when it comes to judging Alberta public, political opinion. Over the last three months four polls have been conducted with some surprising results. First the easy conclusion from the four polls: the Liberals and NDP parties in Alberta equally share about 25 percent “hard core” support from Albertans and that will not change. For the PC party and the Wildrose party the support seems to be all over the map – from one polling firm’s survey in mid-January, the Alberta PC party garnered 53 percent support (the Wildrose got 16 percent) another firm took their survey at the same time and their results were quite different – the Alberta PC party got 38 percent support while the Wildrose received 29 percent. The conclusion that one can draw from these current poll result is that things a very volatile – I’m sure that I will have a lot more to say about polling in the weeks and months ahead but one thing is for sure it’s time to talk about the issues facing Alberta and Albertans.
The Issues – As I have mentioned in past columns, the three most important issues facing Alberta in this upcoming election are: healthcare; property rights; and resource development. I have been chastised for not including education as one of the priorities but in my view Premier Redford handled that issue in her leadership campaign and will be fair in its treatment in the upcoming budget. What I want to see happen in this election campaign are solutions and action strategies to deal with the major issues facing Albertans and Alberta. There is one area that has been picked up by NDP leader, Brian Mason and it is the pricing of power in Alberta as a result of deregulation. I think Mr. Mason will gain support for pushing the power issue, particularly opposite the Liberals.
Election Campaign
Smoky Lake Signal Article No. 205 (January 25, 2012)
Whispering in the Wind
Albertans Going to the Polls – Likely Mid-April:
Premier Alison Redford has made her intentions quite clear; the 5th Session of the 27th Legislature will commence business on February 7th, 3:00 pm. Premier Redford has also tweeted that her government’s budget will be tabled and debated in the Alberta Legislature starting February 9th. When all is said and done, Albertans can expect to be going to the polls sometime in the first half of April.
Election Preparations:
All Alberta’s political parties are identifying candidates to fill the 87 seat Legislative Assembly – incidentally, that’s up 4 seats from the 2008 election where 83 seats were contested. As of Monday, January 23 rd the Alberta PC Party has nominated 63 candidates; the Wildrose Party has nominated 79; Liberals have nominated 25; the New Democratic Party has put in place 73 candidates; and the Alberta Party has nominated 12. Over the next couple of weeks the various parties will complete their nomination (appointment) process and I expect to see a full slate of 87 candidates for each of the major political parties – for the Liberals getting a full slate might be difficult.
Constituency (People) of Interest:
For the people in the Smoky Lake region, the ATHABASCA – STURGEON – REDWATER constituency is of particular interest – and what might be even more important are the individual candidates running in “our” constituency. For the Alberta PC Party, incumbent MLA, Jeff Johnson is the candidate. Jeff Johnson is the sitting member of the Alberta Legislature and is presently Minister of Infrastructure on the Alison Redford’s team. Jeff Johnson resides in Athabasca, nevertheless he is a frequent visitor to the Smoky Lake area – he has come to the Smoky Lake area numerous times, offering funding support to various area projects. On an informal basis, Jeff has participated in a number of social events, just to meet and talk with local residents – Jeff Johnson participated in the 2011 Christmas Light-up event and was at the 2011 Agricultural Society’s New Years Eve event. Travis Olson is the Wildrose Party’s nominee for the Athabasca – Sturgeon – Redwater constituency. I met Travis Olson briefly last fall in Waskatenau and I hope to see him again to discuss how he personally views the issues facing Smoky Lake and more generally the issues facing the province – from the internet Travis lives in Athabasca; is a graduate of Olds College; volunteers with the 4H and coaches a local basketball team. Travis considers himself to be a libertarian in his approach to government. Running for the New Democratic Party in the Athabasca – Sturgeon – Redwater constituency is Mandy Melnyk. Mandy Melnyk was raised in the Waskatenau area and she considers herself to be a beef, pork and poultry producer that sells directly to the consumer. Mandy studied journalism at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, has farmed in the Peace Country and has been very active at the provincial executive of the Alberta NDP. Mandy currently resides with her family in the Waskatenau area.
Whispering in the Wind
Albertans Going to the Polls – Likely Mid-April:
Premier Alison Redford has made her intentions quite clear; the 5th Session of the 27th Legislature will commence business on February 7th, 3:00 pm. Premier Redford has also tweeted that her government’s budget will be tabled and debated in the Alberta Legislature starting February 9th. When all is said and done, Albertans can expect to be going to the polls sometime in the first half of April.
Election Preparations:
All Alberta’s political parties are identifying candidates to fill the 87 seat Legislative Assembly – incidentally, that’s up 4 seats from the 2008 election where 83 seats were contested. As of Monday, January 23 rd the Alberta PC Party has nominated 63 candidates; the Wildrose Party has nominated 79; Liberals have nominated 25; the New Democratic Party has put in place 73 candidates; and the Alberta Party has nominated 12. Over the next couple of weeks the various parties will complete their nomination (appointment) process and I expect to see a full slate of 87 candidates for each of the major political parties – for the Liberals getting a full slate might be difficult.
Constituency (People) of Interest:
For the people in the Smoky Lake region, the ATHABASCA – STURGEON – REDWATER constituency is of particular interest – and what might be even more important are the individual candidates running in “our” constituency. For the Alberta PC Party, incumbent MLA, Jeff Johnson is the candidate. Jeff Johnson is the sitting member of the Alberta Legislature and is presently Minister of Infrastructure on the Alison Redford’s team. Jeff Johnson resides in Athabasca, nevertheless he is a frequent visitor to the Smoky Lake area – he has come to the Smoky Lake area numerous times, offering funding support to various area projects. On an informal basis, Jeff has participated in a number of social events, just to meet and talk with local residents – Jeff Johnson participated in the 2011 Christmas Light-up event and was at the 2011 Agricultural Society’s New Years Eve event. Travis Olson is the Wildrose Party’s nominee for the Athabasca – Sturgeon – Redwater constituency. I met Travis Olson briefly last fall in Waskatenau and I hope to see him again to discuss how he personally views the issues facing Smoky Lake and more generally the issues facing the province – from the internet Travis lives in Athabasca; is a graduate of Olds College; volunteers with the 4H and coaches a local basketball team. Travis considers himself to be a libertarian in his approach to government. Running for the New Democratic Party in the Athabasca – Sturgeon – Redwater constituency is Mandy Melnyk. Mandy Melnyk was raised in the Waskatenau area and she considers herself to be a beef, pork and poultry producer that sells directly to the consumer. Mandy studied journalism at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, has farmed in the Peace Country and has been very active at the provincial executive of the Alberta NDP. Mandy currently resides with her family in the Waskatenau area.
Election Issues in Alberta
Smoky Lake Signal Article No. 204 (January 18, 2012)
Whispering in the Wind
Albertans will be going to the polls somewhere between March 1 and May 31 and that means all of Alberta’s political parties are scurrying around the province trying to determine what Albertans want in terms of a government – and from that, what has to be put in platform statements to get votes. As I wrote in last week’s column, the major issues facing Alberta in this election are: healthcare; property rights and the transportation / upgrading of Alberta’s natural resources. That’s not to say that other issues won’t crop up during the campaign; I’m sure some will be contentious, and even dangerous, particularly for individual candidates. If the three issues identified aren’t addressed in a party’s platform with concrete, measurable strategies (i.e. solutions) then that party (and yes, the candidate representing that party) is not worthy of support, or a vote. Let me give the reader some impressions of the three issues that I’ve identified:
HEALTHCARE –
To say that healthcare in Alberta isn’t a complex, costly issue is a major understatement and I’m sure there have been tons of studies undertaken to find solutions. From my perspective the first thing that has to be understood is that healthcare in Alberta is part of the Canadian healthcare system and that makes it even more complex and yes, even more costly. I know I’m skating on some thin ice but let me give you a two impressions that, in my view need clarification from the political types seeking office. First, Alberta’s healthcare system is fraught with layer upon layer of decision making administration. At one point in time Alberta had one department of health, today there is some sort of “super board” as well as a department of health, as well as a number of regions and zones, each with advisory groups, all with authority and little responsibility – the bureaucracy is getting far too complex for me to understand or appreciate. Another area of healthcare that requires a lot of explanation is the exorbitant cost of drugs which I understand to be a huge factor in healthcare cost increases. I understand that addressing the cost of drugs issue means changing national patent laws which is clearly within federal authority and responsibility. Healthcare is mind boggling but it is apart of Canada’s national framework, so what I expect from Alberta’s political parties and the candidates is a stated strategy, a plan on how healthcare costs can be contained, controlled and possibly reduced.
PROPERTY RIGHTS –
The property rights question is of particular interest to many rural Albertans. I also suspect that both Alison Redford and Danielle Smith view the issue as being pivotal to success at the polls. To address the property rights question and find “solutions”, Premier Redford established a task force of six cabinet ministers and two MLAs, including our own Jeff Johnson, Minister of Infrastructure. The task force visited ten communities (Grimshaw, Grande Prairie, St. Paul, Weslock, Olds, Rocky Mountain House, Brooks, Hanna, Medicine Hat and Lethbridge). I went to the session in St. Paul and from my perspective the hundred or so participants were well informed, knew the property rights issue and offered reasoned, thought out recommendations. Whether “solutions” comes out of Premier Redford’s consultative process is a good question, for that, we’ll have to wait until sometime in February or March. As a footnote to the St. Paul session that I attended – I felt that the agricultural community was well represented and was crystal clear in its message to the Redford Ministers: when it comes to property rights; level the playing field for agriculture opposite the corporate giants and if that’s not going to happen, accept the consequences at the polls.
TRANSPORTATION, UPGRADING ALBERTA RESOURCES –
Over the past four or five months news broadcasts have featured shipment of Alberta bitumen to faraway markets as a scary, unwanted economic exercise – this is done at a time when most of North America is struggling with economic recession. First, the approval of Keystone XL pipeline proposal has been delayed for (so called) environmental reasons – actually the clock is again ticking on was an obvious political decision and the US President Obama will have to make another decision by the end of February – so look for more delaying tactics, so that an actual decision can be further delayed until after the US presidential elections in November. Second, the Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline proposal is in some kind of limbo because of aboriginal objections in Canada. The Enbridge proposal will cross something like 50 or 60 First Nation protected areas – and that opens up a real can of worms for the Prime Minister In the meantime Premier Redford is facing an election, so all she can say publicly is that Canada needs a National Energy Strategy. In my mind I think Premier Redford can say a lot more when it comes to the development of Alberta’s oilsands and the further diversification of Alberta’s economy. I simply refer to Jeff Johnson’s “unofficial” paper entitled: “Upgrading Alberta’s Future” and sub-titled “Securing Long-term Economic Opportunities Through Adding Value to Bitumen”.
Whispering in the Wind
Albertans will be going to the polls somewhere between March 1 and May 31 and that means all of Alberta’s political parties are scurrying around the province trying to determine what Albertans want in terms of a government – and from that, what has to be put in platform statements to get votes. As I wrote in last week’s column, the major issues facing Alberta in this election are: healthcare; property rights and the transportation / upgrading of Alberta’s natural resources. That’s not to say that other issues won’t crop up during the campaign; I’m sure some will be contentious, and even dangerous, particularly for individual candidates. If the three issues identified aren’t addressed in a party’s platform with concrete, measurable strategies (i.e. solutions) then that party (and yes, the candidate representing that party) is not worthy of support, or a vote. Let me give the reader some impressions of the three issues that I’ve identified:
HEALTHCARE –
To say that healthcare in Alberta isn’t a complex, costly issue is a major understatement and I’m sure there have been tons of studies undertaken to find solutions. From my perspective the first thing that has to be understood is that healthcare in Alberta is part of the Canadian healthcare system and that makes it even more complex and yes, even more costly. I know I’m skating on some thin ice but let me give you a two impressions that, in my view need clarification from the political types seeking office. First, Alberta’s healthcare system is fraught with layer upon layer of decision making administration. At one point in time Alberta had one department of health, today there is some sort of “super board” as well as a department of health, as well as a number of regions and zones, each with advisory groups, all with authority and little responsibility – the bureaucracy is getting far too complex for me to understand or appreciate. Another area of healthcare that requires a lot of explanation is the exorbitant cost of drugs which I understand to be a huge factor in healthcare cost increases. I understand that addressing the cost of drugs issue means changing national patent laws which is clearly within federal authority and responsibility. Healthcare is mind boggling but it is apart of Canada’s national framework, so what I expect from Alberta’s political parties and the candidates is a stated strategy, a plan on how healthcare costs can be contained, controlled and possibly reduced.
PROPERTY RIGHTS –
The property rights question is of particular interest to many rural Albertans. I also suspect that both Alison Redford and Danielle Smith view the issue as being pivotal to success at the polls. To address the property rights question and find “solutions”, Premier Redford established a task force of six cabinet ministers and two MLAs, including our own Jeff Johnson, Minister of Infrastructure. The task force visited ten communities (Grimshaw, Grande Prairie, St. Paul, Weslock, Olds, Rocky Mountain House, Brooks, Hanna, Medicine Hat and Lethbridge). I went to the session in St. Paul and from my perspective the hundred or so participants were well informed, knew the property rights issue and offered reasoned, thought out recommendations. Whether “solutions” comes out of Premier Redford’s consultative process is a good question, for that, we’ll have to wait until sometime in February or March. As a footnote to the St. Paul session that I attended – I felt that the agricultural community was well represented and was crystal clear in its message to the Redford Ministers: when it comes to property rights; level the playing field for agriculture opposite the corporate giants and if that’s not going to happen, accept the consequences at the polls.
TRANSPORTATION, UPGRADING ALBERTA RESOURCES –
Over the past four or five months news broadcasts have featured shipment of Alberta bitumen to faraway markets as a scary, unwanted economic exercise – this is done at a time when most of North America is struggling with economic recession. First, the approval of Keystone XL pipeline proposal has been delayed for (so called) environmental reasons – actually the clock is again ticking on was an obvious political decision and the US President Obama will have to make another decision by the end of February – so look for more delaying tactics, so that an actual decision can be further delayed until after the US presidential elections in November. Second, the Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline proposal is in some kind of limbo because of aboriginal objections in Canada. The Enbridge proposal will cross something like 50 or 60 First Nation protected areas – and that opens up a real can of worms for the Prime Minister In the meantime Premier Redford is facing an election, so all she can say publicly is that Canada needs a National Energy Strategy. In my mind I think Premier Redford can say a lot more when it comes to the development of Alberta’s oilsands and the further diversification of Alberta’s economy. I simply refer to Jeff Johnson’s “unofficial” paper entitled: “Upgrading Alberta’s Future” and sub-titled “Securing Long-term Economic Opportunities Through Adding Value to Bitumen”.
Election Time in Alberta
Smoky Lake Signal Article No. 203 (January 4, 2012)
Whispering in the Wing
Election Time in Alberta –
Based on a piece of legislation passed on December 6, 2011, Albertans will be going to the polls sometime between March 1 and May 31, 2012 – the specific date has yet to be announced but a good guess is that the election will be called immediately after the provincial budget is tabled at the Alberta Legislature. Currently, the Alberta Legislative Assembly is made up of 83 members: 68 Progressive Conservatives; 8 Liberals; 4 Wildrose; 2 New Democrats; and 1 Alberta Party – for the 2012 election four additional seats will be contested which means that there will be 87 sitting members of the Alberta Legislative Assembly. As to preparations by the various political parties, I don’t think there is any doubt as to what might be going on in the back rooms with the party’s elite: they will be frantically studying their polling data; refining political platforms statements and strategies; getting committed party supporters all excited and putting in place their most “winnable” candidates. All in all, Alberta politics is going to be interesting over the next two or three months.
Political Polls in Alberta –
Opinion polls are very confusing and at times, dangerous devices when it comes to judging electorate mood and voting intentions – nevertheless, polls are still the cheapest way in which to measure the mood of the electorate and that’s why they’re done. For the three or four latest polls detailed on the internet (these polls taken in the last 3 months) the Alberta PC Party s is comfortably ahead of its rival, the Wildrose Party – the Progressive Conservative Party has an apparent acceptance level of somewhere between 45 and 50 percent while the Wildrose’s acceptance level ranks second, at about 20 percent. The Liberals and the New Democrats are at about 15 points each. Looking at historical poll profiles taken over the last two or three years, I don’t think there is any question; Alison Redford in her leadership role has re-invigorated the Alberta PC Party and helped the Alberta PC Party regain its clear, dominant position in Alberta politics.
The Issues in Alberta –
In just a matter of months Alison Redford has shown herself to be an impressive, articulate political leader; but what she has to keep in mind is that the honeymoon period is over and the challenge of an election process has just begun. From my perspective the electorate is particularly interested in three major issues that, to a large extent, will determine their vote – so what I will be looking for from all the political leadership and all of our local candidates are real solutions and implementation strategies regarding: Alberta’s HEALTHCARE screw-up; the PROPERTY RIGHTS confusion which is of particular interest to rural Albertans; and the TRANSPORTATION and UPGRADING of ALBERTA’S NATURAL RESOURCES. In the weeks to come I hope to write about each of these issues in a fair amount of detail while not ignoring other important questions which might come up in this spring’s election competitions.
.
Whispering in the Wing
Election Time in Alberta –
Based on a piece of legislation passed on December 6, 2011, Albertans will be going to the polls sometime between March 1 and May 31, 2012 – the specific date has yet to be announced but a good guess is that the election will be called immediately after the provincial budget is tabled at the Alberta Legislature. Currently, the Alberta Legislative Assembly is made up of 83 members: 68 Progressive Conservatives; 8 Liberals; 4 Wildrose; 2 New Democrats; and 1 Alberta Party – for the 2012 election four additional seats will be contested which means that there will be 87 sitting members of the Alberta Legislative Assembly. As to preparations by the various political parties, I don’t think there is any doubt as to what might be going on in the back rooms with the party’s elite: they will be frantically studying their polling data; refining political platforms statements and strategies; getting committed party supporters all excited and putting in place their most “winnable” candidates. All in all, Alberta politics is going to be interesting over the next two or three months.
Political Polls in Alberta –
Opinion polls are very confusing and at times, dangerous devices when it comes to judging electorate mood and voting intentions – nevertheless, polls are still the cheapest way in which to measure the mood of the electorate and that’s why they’re done. For the three or four latest polls detailed on the internet (these polls taken in the last 3 months) the Alberta PC Party s is comfortably ahead of its rival, the Wildrose Party – the Progressive Conservative Party has an apparent acceptance level of somewhere between 45 and 50 percent while the Wildrose’s acceptance level ranks second, at about 20 percent. The Liberals and the New Democrats are at about 15 points each. Looking at historical poll profiles taken over the last two or three years, I don’t think there is any question; Alison Redford in her leadership role has re-invigorated the Alberta PC Party and helped the Alberta PC Party regain its clear, dominant position in Alberta politics.
The Issues in Alberta –
In just a matter of months Alison Redford has shown herself to be an impressive, articulate political leader; but what she has to keep in mind is that the honeymoon period is over and the challenge of an election process has just begun. From my perspective the electorate is particularly interested in three major issues that, to a large extent, will determine their vote – so what I will be looking for from all the political leadership and all of our local candidates are real solutions and implementation strategies regarding: Alberta’s HEALTHCARE screw-up; the PROPERTY RIGHTS confusion which is of particular interest to rural Albertans; and the TRANSPORTATION and UPGRADING of ALBERTA’S NATURAL RESOURCES. In the weeks to come I hope to write about each of these issues in a fair amount of detail while not ignoring other important questions which might come up in this spring’s election competitions.
.
The Redford Team
Smoky Lake Signal Article No. 202 (December 21, 2011)
Whispering in the Wind
Year End Political Notables –
At this time of year the news media generally offers a lot of comment on politicians and how they have fared in 2011. Maclean’s Magazine labeled interim leader of the Liberal Party, Bob Rae as Parliamentarian of the Year, a label that I totally disagree with; nevertheless, it should help him in his “unannounced” bid for the Liberal leadership. John Baird of the Conservatives has been identified as being the Best Orator in Ottawa which is a real surprise to me – Mr. Baird was up to a few months ago, the Conservative’s bully in the House of Commons, now he is being recognized as a level headed, seasoned diplomat – in my view Mr. Baird is a man wearing a coat of many colors so when will we see the real John Baird?. Rex Murphy of the CBC recognized Prime Minister Steven Harper as the Most Over-Rated Politician in Canada, a strange label and a strange choice. Mr. Murphy’s argument for choosing Mr. Harper as Canada’s most over-rated politicians is that the opposition parties are overestimating Mr. Harper’s power and influence. From my perspective, Mr. Harper, as Prime Minister, has proved to be the most Under-Rated politician in Canada – in my view Mr. Harper clearly stated what he wanted to do with a majority government in the election campaign and is now implementing his clearly stated agenda. Unfortunately the Prime Minister’s tenacity has been at the expense of some important parliamentary traditions which could prove to be a very dangerous strategy when it comes to building a better Canada. For me Mark Carney should be identified as Canada’s Most Notable Canadian. Mr. Carney is Chairman of the Bank of Canada and recently appointed Chairman of the extremely influential Financial Stability Board – one could say that Mark Carney is currently the most important “financial mind” in the world, and he’s not a politician.
Attawapiskat, Harper’s Achilles Heel
Attawapiskat is proving to be a festering wound in the side of the federal government and the smell that is emerging is a clear indicator of a very rotten system. Prime Minister Harper has agreed to a meeting with the First Nations hierarchy on January 24 and hopefully that meeting will be the beginning of the end for a broken system of privilege and dependence. In the short term, the financial situation in Attawapiskat is a mess (and there could be many more messes in other aboriginal communities) – the RCMP should be sent into Attawapiskat to assure Canadian law is upheld and the appointed “third party manager” is able to do his job. I think what the Chief Theresa Spence of Attawapiskat First Nation is claiming is outrageously wrong and her decisions are an affront to Canada. Interestingly enough I do see some parallels between what is going on in Attawapiskat today and what went on in Quebec in the 1970s and 80s regarding Quebec separatism – it’s time a strong leader like Prime Minister Harper takes on these issues and settle matters once and for all – after all he does have a majority in both the House of Commons and the Senate so why not take on two particularly thorny issues.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year:
I’ve been writing “Whispering in the Wind” for the past three and one half years and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. I’m actually surprised on the amount of input and comment I’ve received from readers – I regularly receive magazines and e-mails giving me a gentle nudge to offer another perspective – more than once I’ve been stopped on the streets of Smoky Lake with suggestions on what to write about and where I might have made a mistake. To all of you thank you and please keep the comments and ideas coming – have a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful, joyous 2012 – and yes, let’s take on the political / economic system, it needs a lot of fixing!
Whispering in the Wind
Year End Political Notables –
At this time of year the news media generally offers a lot of comment on politicians and how they have fared in 2011. Maclean’s Magazine labeled interim leader of the Liberal Party, Bob Rae as Parliamentarian of the Year, a label that I totally disagree with; nevertheless, it should help him in his “unannounced” bid for the Liberal leadership. John Baird of the Conservatives has been identified as being the Best Orator in Ottawa which is a real surprise to me – Mr. Baird was up to a few months ago, the Conservative’s bully in the House of Commons, now he is being recognized as a level headed, seasoned diplomat – in my view Mr. Baird is a man wearing a coat of many colors so when will we see the real John Baird?. Rex Murphy of the CBC recognized Prime Minister Steven Harper as the Most Over-Rated Politician in Canada, a strange label and a strange choice. Mr. Murphy’s argument for choosing Mr. Harper as Canada’s most over-rated politicians is that the opposition parties are overestimating Mr. Harper’s power and influence. From my perspective, Mr. Harper, as Prime Minister, has proved to be the most Under-Rated politician in Canada – in my view Mr. Harper clearly stated what he wanted to do with a majority government in the election campaign and is now implementing his clearly stated agenda. Unfortunately the Prime Minister’s tenacity has been at the expense of some important parliamentary traditions which could prove to be a very dangerous strategy when it comes to building a better Canada. For me Mark Carney should be identified as Canada’s Most Notable Canadian. Mr. Carney is Chairman of the Bank of Canada and recently appointed Chairman of the extremely influential Financial Stability Board – one could say that Mark Carney is currently the most important “financial mind” in the world, and he’s not a politician.
Attawapiskat, Harper’s Achilles Heel
Attawapiskat is proving to be a festering wound in the side of the federal government and the smell that is emerging is a clear indicator of a very rotten system. Prime Minister Harper has agreed to a meeting with the First Nations hierarchy on January 24 and hopefully that meeting will be the beginning of the end for a broken system of privilege and dependence. In the short term, the financial situation in Attawapiskat is a mess (and there could be many more messes in other aboriginal communities) – the RCMP should be sent into Attawapiskat to assure Canadian law is upheld and the appointed “third party manager” is able to do his job. I think what the Chief Theresa Spence of Attawapiskat First Nation is claiming is outrageously wrong and her decisions are an affront to Canada. Interestingly enough I do see some parallels between what is going on in Attawapiskat today and what went on in Quebec in the 1970s and 80s regarding Quebec separatism – it’s time a strong leader like Prime Minister Harper takes on these issues and settle matters once and for all – after all he does have a majority in both the House of Commons and the Senate so why not take on two particularly thorny issues.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year:
I’ve been writing “Whispering in the Wind” for the past three and one half years and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. I’m actually surprised on the amount of input and comment I’ve received from readers – I regularly receive magazines and e-mails giving me a gentle nudge to offer another perspective – more than once I’ve been stopped on the streets of Smoky Lake with suggestions on what to write about and where I might have made a mistake. To all of you thank you and please keep the comments and ideas coming – have a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful, joyous 2012 – and yes, let’s take on the political / economic system, it needs a lot of fixing!
First Nations?
Smoky Lake Signal Article No. 201 (December 14, 2011)
Whispering in the Wind
Attawapiskat – Tip of the Iceberg:
Over the last couple of weeks the Canadian press has focused a great deal of it’s attention on the apparent “unacceptable” living conditions in Attawapiskat, a First Nations community of about 2000 residents living in the James Bay area of northern Ontario. The press has described Attawapiskat as a community in crisis and in desperate need of the most basic living conditions – press reports are also suggesting that there are dozens and dozens of other Canadian aboriginal communities that are equally lacking in the basic services with the people in these communities surviving under equally desperate circumstances. Prime Minister Harper’s government responded to the specific Attawapiskat situation with commitments of portable housing units and renovation supplies to address the known deficiencies in existing housing units, all to be delivered to the community at the earliest possible date (i.e. when a stable ice road is available). The most immediate needs in Attawapiskat (sleeping bags, blankets, portable toilets and heating units) have already been delivered to the community by the Canadian Red Cross. If you ask me, the immediate, so called “disaster” situation in the Attawapiskat community has been addressed by the federal government and the Canadian Red Cross so the question now becomes: Can the federal government address the more fundamental causes of what is obviously a broken, dysfunctional system? For some answers, Canadians will have to wait until the end of next month when Prime Minister Harper publicly meets with First Nation leaders in Ottawa. In the meantime let me offer a few observations that shows where I stand on this very convoluted subject.
Attawapiskat –
First let me say that I think that the Government of Canada acted with appropriate haste in dealing with the specific circumstances in Attawapiskat. Ottawa was also correct in identifying a “third party manager” to take over the finances of the Attawapiskat community – after all the Government of Canada has pumped $100 million into the Attawapiskat community over the past five years with no apparent audit of performance or effectiveness. The Prime Minister has also suggested that the Attawapiskat community’s leadership might have mismanaged its finances, immediate action should be undertaken to determine if there is any mismanagement of funds and people responsible should be prosecuted and if found guilty, the guilty should be thrown into jail. One last point under the Attawapiskat heading, the Government of Canada appointed “third party manager” has not been able to work in the Attawapiskat community – that directive should be immediately reversed so that the government officer can do his job of assessing and directing the federal government’s aid.
Assembly of First Nations (AFN) –
Chief Shawn Atleo is head of the Assembly of First Nations and was the first person Prime Minister Harper met with after the Attawapiskat story was aired to Canadians. The role of Chief Atleo is embodied within the aims of the Assembly of First Nations organization and the aims are listed to be “to protect the rights, treaty obligations, ceremonies, and claims of citizens of the First Nations in Canada.” Two questions that come to my mind: First; what are the AFN responsibilities regarding the operations of individual First Nations communities and what protection is afforded to First Nations citizens, no matter where they live? Second; what commitment does the AFN have to work within Canada’s Constitution and does the AFN respect the supreme authority of the Government of Canada?
Whispering in the Wind
Attawapiskat – Tip of the Iceberg:
Over the last couple of weeks the Canadian press has focused a great deal of it’s attention on the apparent “unacceptable” living conditions in Attawapiskat, a First Nations community of about 2000 residents living in the James Bay area of northern Ontario. The press has described Attawapiskat as a community in crisis and in desperate need of the most basic living conditions – press reports are also suggesting that there are dozens and dozens of other Canadian aboriginal communities that are equally lacking in the basic services with the people in these communities surviving under equally desperate circumstances. Prime Minister Harper’s government responded to the specific Attawapiskat situation with commitments of portable housing units and renovation supplies to address the known deficiencies in existing housing units, all to be delivered to the community at the earliest possible date (i.e. when a stable ice road is available). The most immediate needs in Attawapiskat (sleeping bags, blankets, portable toilets and heating units) have already been delivered to the community by the Canadian Red Cross. If you ask me, the immediate, so called “disaster” situation in the Attawapiskat community has been addressed by the federal government and the Canadian Red Cross so the question now becomes: Can the federal government address the more fundamental causes of what is obviously a broken, dysfunctional system? For some answers, Canadians will have to wait until the end of next month when Prime Minister Harper publicly meets with First Nation leaders in Ottawa. In the meantime let me offer a few observations that shows where I stand on this very convoluted subject.
Attawapiskat –
First let me say that I think that the Government of Canada acted with appropriate haste in dealing with the specific circumstances in Attawapiskat. Ottawa was also correct in identifying a “third party manager” to take over the finances of the Attawapiskat community – after all the Government of Canada has pumped $100 million into the Attawapiskat community over the past five years with no apparent audit of performance or effectiveness. The Prime Minister has also suggested that the Attawapiskat community’s leadership might have mismanaged its finances, immediate action should be undertaken to determine if there is any mismanagement of funds and people responsible should be prosecuted and if found guilty, the guilty should be thrown into jail. One last point under the Attawapiskat heading, the Government of Canada appointed “third party manager” has not been able to work in the Attawapiskat community – that directive should be immediately reversed so that the government officer can do his job of assessing and directing the federal government’s aid.
Assembly of First Nations (AFN) –
Chief Shawn Atleo is head of the Assembly of First Nations and was the first person Prime Minister Harper met with after the Attawapiskat story was aired to Canadians. The role of Chief Atleo is embodied within the aims of the Assembly of First Nations organization and the aims are listed to be “to protect the rights, treaty obligations, ceremonies, and claims of citizens of the First Nations in Canada.” Two questions that come to my mind: First; what are the AFN responsibilities regarding the operations of individual First Nations communities and what protection is afforded to First Nations citizens, no matter where they live? Second; what commitment does the AFN have to work within Canada’s Constitution and does the AFN respect the supreme authority of the Government of Canada?
Smoky Lake Signal Article No. 200 (December 7, 2011)
Whispering in the Wind
Ultimately the prime role of Canada’s governmental system is the protection of its citizens, it’s that simple. So when the system fails, as it has in the aboriginal community of Attawapiskat in northern Ontario, it’s up to our political masters to fix things so it doesn’t ever happen again, and yes, it’s that simple.
Attawapiskat, a First Nations Community –
Up until a week, ten days ago I never even heard of Attawapiskat, never mind knowing that it is a community of about 2,000 people living in absolute squalor and despair. Now, the news is full of graphic descriptions detailing unacceptable, unhealthy living conditions in the Attawapiskat community – commentators and First Nations leaders are now indicating that there are dozens if not hundreds of other aboriginal communities in Canada operating under similar, unacceptable conditions. To do things with political correctness, Prime Minister Harper quickly met with the Canada’s Assembly of First Nations Chief Atleo, and without mentioning Attawapiskat directly, agreed to have a national conference of First Nations leaders in Ottawa, January, 2012. In the meantime the Red Cross is supplying blankets, clothing and other essential items to the northern Ontario community so that the community can make it through the winter. To address the immediate housing crisis in the community, a healing center and an arena are being used to house the most desperate families.
Attawapiskat, in Context –
The Attawapiskat Cree reserve is located on the coastal region of James Bay and governed by a locally elected band council. Since 2006 the federal government has pumped in over $90 million to improve the community’s situation and conditions – to use Prime Minister Harper’s words its $50,000 for every man woman and child in Attawapiskat. As well, last year the Ontario government gave $4.7 million and the community received $3.4 million in casino revenue. Relevant to the financial operations of the Attawapiskat community is the De Beers’ diamond mining operation, about 90 kilometers from the community – De Beers started operations in 2008 and signed four aboriginal agreement, including a $16 million benefits package with the Attawapiskat band council. All in all the community has done well in terms of dollars yet the results are not evident. The question I would ask whom ever is in charge: what happened to all the money? Prime Minister Harper has taken some necessary but un-welcomed action and placed Attawapiskat under third-party management which means that Attawapiskat finances have been taken out of the control of the local band council and given to an accounting firm. What is equally astonishing is that the critical audits undertaken seem to have been lost in political bureaucracy. To add to the bizarre circumstance is a romantic connection between the band’s co-manager (the band’s financial manager) and the band’s chief – from what I have read, both deny any conflict of interest.
Attawapiskat, Requires Leadership –
I don’t think there is any doubt, quick, no immediate action is necessary for the Attawapiskat community – and any other community that is facing similar circumstances. I’m sure Prime Minister Harper and his government is up to the task … but the more fundamental issues regarding First Nations communities will likely linger: the use of federal funds; addressing follow-up to critical federal audits; changes, if not the abolishment of the Indian Act; having government more accountable and more transparent in its dealings with aboriginal groups; and yes, settling the issue of First Nations groups in the Canadian Constitution once and for all. In my view the Attawapiskat situation, if not handled correctly, could become Prime Minister Harper’s Achilles Heel.
Whispering in the Wind
Ultimately the prime role of Canada’s governmental system is the protection of its citizens, it’s that simple. So when the system fails, as it has in the aboriginal community of Attawapiskat in northern Ontario, it’s up to our political masters to fix things so it doesn’t ever happen again, and yes, it’s that simple.
Attawapiskat, a First Nations Community –
Up until a week, ten days ago I never even heard of Attawapiskat, never mind knowing that it is a community of about 2,000 people living in absolute squalor and despair. Now, the news is full of graphic descriptions detailing unacceptable, unhealthy living conditions in the Attawapiskat community – commentators and First Nations leaders are now indicating that there are dozens if not hundreds of other aboriginal communities in Canada operating under similar, unacceptable conditions. To do things with political correctness, Prime Minister Harper quickly met with the Canada’s Assembly of First Nations Chief Atleo, and without mentioning Attawapiskat directly, agreed to have a national conference of First Nations leaders in Ottawa, January, 2012. In the meantime the Red Cross is supplying blankets, clothing and other essential items to the northern Ontario community so that the community can make it through the winter. To address the immediate housing crisis in the community, a healing center and an arena are being used to house the most desperate families.
Attawapiskat, in Context –
The Attawapiskat Cree reserve is located on the coastal region of James Bay and governed by a locally elected band council. Since 2006 the federal government has pumped in over $90 million to improve the community’s situation and conditions – to use Prime Minister Harper’s words its $50,000 for every man woman and child in Attawapiskat. As well, last year the Ontario government gave $4.7 million and the community received $3.4 million in casino revenue. Relevant to the financial operations of the Attawapiskat community is the De Beers’ diamond mining operation, about 90 kilometers from the community – De Beers started operations in 2008 and signed four aboriginal agreement, including a $16 million benefits package with the Attawapiskat band council. All in all the community has done well in terms of dollars yet the results are not evident. The question I would ask whom ever is in charge: what happened to all the money? Prime Minister Harper has taken some necessary but un-welcomed action and placed Attawapiskat under third-party management which means that Attawapiskat finances have been taken out of the control of the local band council and given to an accounting firm. What is equally astonishing is that the critical audits undertaken seem to have been lost in political bureaucracy. To add to the bizarre circumstance is a romantic connection between the band’s co-manager (the band’s financial manager) and the band’s chief – from what I have read, both deny any conflict of interest.
Attawapiskat, Requires Leadership –
I don’t think there is any doubt, quick, no immediate action is necessary for the Attawapiskat community – and any other community that is facing similar circumstances. I’m sure Prime Minister Harper and his government is up to the task … but the more fundamental issues regarding First Nations communities will likely linger: the use of federal funds; addressing follow-up to critical federal audits; changes, if not the abolishment of the Indian Act; having government more accountable and more transparent in its dealings with aboriginal groups; and yes, settling the issue of First Nations groups in the Canadian Constitution once and for all. In my view the Attawapiskat situation, if not handled correctly, could become Prime Minister Harper’s Achilles Heel.
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