Canada, ONE NATION FOR ALL

Ed Shaske Article No. 254 (February 25, 2013)

Whispering in the Wind

CANADA, ONE NATION FOR ALL!

The inflamed discord between Assembly of First Nations chiefs and the prime minister has seemingly calmed from the goings-on just weeks ago.  The fighting words and rowdy demonstrations; all captured under the “Idle No More” banner in December and January, has shifted to tamer discussions behind closed doors.  Many Canadians were and still are outraged by the two months of chaos with most of the confusion being caused, if not engineered by a few of the more radical aboriginal leaders.  The “Idle no More” movement, initiated by four women in Saskatchewan, did have merit when it was focused on the omnibus legislation passed by Prime Minister Harper’s majority government. When the Assembly of First Nations chiefs embraced the sentiments of “Idle no More” and then took “political” ownership of the slogan, things changed big time.  As well the Assembly of First Nation chiefs expanded the “Idle no More” agenda dramatically to include “nation to nation” negotiations, with at least one chief advocating “sovereignty” of the Indian nations.  The response from the Canadian public on the politicization of “IDLE NO MORE” has been mixed with some Canadians indicating; ENOUGH IS ENOUGH and asking that Prime Minister Harper undertake appropriate action to deal with the “Indian Question” once and for all time – and do it with a firm hand.  I am not a particular fan of Prime Minister Harper and his autocratic approach to governance, but he might be the man to carry the country through this mess – and he needs to do it through definition rather than accommodation.  If he needs a slogan, how about a more positive approach with:  Canada, ONE NATION FOR ALL.     

Chief Spence Ends Fishy Fast

Smoky Lake Signal Article No. 253 (unpublished)

Whispering in the Wind

The circumstance between the fragmented hierarchy within the Assembly of First Nations (the chiefs) and Prime Minister Harper’s government has gone from bizarre to dangerously ridiculous – with a good deal of attention being paid to publicity hungry Chief Theresa Spence and her disregard for the people of Attawapiscat.  It’s become embarrassing for the aboriginal peoples of Canada; the Prime Minister of Canada; and yes, all of Canada.  So I guess in at least one respect, she has been successful.    

Unraveling the Attawapiscat Scandal: 

Chief Theresa Spence of the Attawapiscat First Nation was recently interviewed by the CBC on Question Period – I thought Chief Spence’s responses to the questions were bizarre to say the least.  Chief Spence indicated that her fish fast would continue until there was a joint meeting of chiefs with the Prime Minister and the Governor General (together).  In my view such a joint meeting would not only be unwise, it would be contrary to Canada’s parliamentary traditions and the in-place system of governance that includes division of responsibility and power.  To express it in terms that I understand:  Prime Minister Harper was elected (along with his elected government) to DO things for the benefit of Canada through the legislative process.  The role of the appointed Governor General is to protect the constitution of Canada and assure that all the DOings of the Prime Minister (and his government) conform to all the tenants of the Constitution Act, 1982.  To bring these two functions together is, in my view, an affront to Canada’s parliamentary system of government.  Chief Spence was also challenged in the Question Period interview about the administrative practices at Attawapiscat and the possible mismanagement of over $100 million of federal funding; Chief Spence’s response:  “It was a witch hunt.”          

Buckingham Palace Responds:

To add further intrigue to the Chief Spence sage, a letter dated January 7, 2013 from Buckingham Palace was sent to a Chief Spence supporter (Jonathan Francoeur) living in British Columbia.  The relevant passages of the letter from a correspondence secretary to the Queen reads:  “This is not a matter in which The Queen would intervene.”  “As a constitutional Sovereign, Her Majesty acts through her personal representative, the Governor General, on the advice of her Canadian Ministers and therefore, it is to them that your appeal should be directed.”  The Queen is also aware and acknowledges Mr. Francoeur’s concerns regarding Chief Spence’s hunger strike.  What hasn’t been released is Mr. Francoeur’s original letter to the Queen dated December 15, 2012 and a follow up letter he sent later.  A spokesperson for Chief Spence voiced that the Queen’s letter sent to Mr. Francoeur is a fake.  A spokesperson from the Governor General’s office voiced that the letter from the Queen looked authentic. 

Indians Need Help from the PM

Smoky Lake Signal Article No. 252 (January 16, 2013)

Whispering in the Wind

Over the past month a lot of chaos and confusion has erupted in Canada and it’s all about the rights of the aboriginal peoples of Canada.  The questions in my mind; are we talking about evolutionary change; transformational change or are we talking revolution?  It’s up to Prime Minister Harper to guide Canadians out of this mess.  What I want to know from Mr. Harper, where is your line in the sand?

The “Idle No More” Factor

The so called “Idle No More” group began as a protest against the federal government’s omnibus budget legislation (C-45).  The founders of the group (Jessica Gordon, Sheelah McLean, Sylvia McAdam, Nina Wilson) have and are claiming that the C-45 legislation is an erosion of treaty and indigenous rights and they have asked that the provisions related to aboriginal rights be rescinded.  In an interview last Sunday, one of the four founders Sylvia McAdam observed that the “Idle No More” movement was peaceful and committed to working within the country’s legal framework when pursing its goals.  She also specifically said; “All I can say is no political organization can speak on behalf of Idle No More.”  So what started as a protest initiative in Saskatchewan last November – an initiative that most likely would have been ignored in Ottawa – has been embraced and taken over by the Assembly of First Nations and others to represent the total failure of government in dealing with aboriginal issues and the government’s treaty obligations.  Even the extreme advocates of native rights have taken ownership of the “Idle No More” movement and are using it as its platform to justify unsupported, if not illegal actions.

Chief Theresa Spence Factor

Theresa Spence is Chief of the Attawapiscat First Nation peoples (about 2,800 members with 1,549 living on reserve).  Located in the James Bay area of northern Ontario, the Attawapiscat community has been in the news for years as a “basket case” of need, want, waste and mismanagement.  A recent “leaked” audit report indicated that for years (2005-2011) “an average of 81 percent of files did not have adequate supporting documents and over 60 percent had no documentation of reason for payment.”  The audit report goes on to say that there was “no evidence of due diligence” on the part of Attawapiscat’s administration.  What is so amazing is the amount of money being spent with few, if any results – Prime Minister Harper indicated that since 2006 (when he took office) $90 million was transferred from the federal government to Attawapiscat; the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development reports that between 2006 to the end of this current fiscal year an estimated $131 million will have been spent on Attawapiscat.  Chief Theresa Spence has decided to ignore questions on her financial mismanagement and in her wisdom has gone on a “hunger strike” until she is able meet with Governor General Johnston and Prime Minister Harper (together) to discuss aboriginal rights.  For me Chief Spence has become an important factor in the dialogue between the Assembly of First Nations and the Harper Government and it’s not because of her fasting or the possibility that she could become a symbol of martyrdom.  In my view Attawapiscat (and its chief) is only one example of possibly dozens of other aboriginal communities (and its leadership) that have failed miserably due to mismanagement.  Nevertheless the responsibility for the clean-up rests with both the Assembly of First Nations and the Government of Canada.  I think the condition of the Attawapiscat community is unconscionable and the federal government should send in a forensic team to determine the possibility of fraud and/or other acts of corruption and mismanagement.        

The Assembly of First Nations Factor

In my view the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is a very loose amalgam of 630 settlements or reserves spread across Canada – 700,000 people.  The prime purpose of Assembly of First Nations is to discuss and deliberate on aboriginal issues and present recommendations to the Government of Canada – the process includes regular meetings with chiefs and the support of an elected grand chief (currently Shawn Atleo) and six vice-chiefs – it’s that loose.  In my view the major weakness of AFN’s coordinating function is the implementation process which mean any conclusions (decisions) made at the AFN level are filtered down to the local chiefs for implementation.  After watching the antics of a number of chiefs last week there is no doubt in my mind, the Assembly of First Nations is a very fractured body of diverse interests with the leadership proposing divergent positions and opinions – in some cases speaking with dangerous voices – Derek Nipinak, Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs last week inflamed many Canadians with his remarks:  “We have the power…the people and the members that can bring the Canadian economy to its knees…We have the warriors….” For me I can take critical comment (I am critical of governments and political leaders all the time) but what Mr. Nipinak voiced was insurrection and he should humbly apologize to Canada and Canadians, otherwise he should be dealt with by the authorities in appropriate, timely manner.  To add to the confusion for AFN and governments, the Federal Court ruled last week that Indians under the Constitution would include off-reserve aboriginals and Metis – there is an estimated 600,000 people falling into these two categories and that means the power base AFN could be reduced by half. 

The Prime Minister Steven Harper Factor

Prime Minister Steven Harper has “a tiger by the tail,” a tiger that is with power and without question, is dangerous.  The question for Mr. Harper, where does he draw the line in the sand?  That’s what Canadians want to know.

 

Harper in a Fix

Smoky Lake Signal Article No. 251 (January 9, 2013)

Whispering in the Wind

This is the time of year that political junkies like me take time to quietly reflect, assess and judge the country’s political landscape and its leadership.  But recent events have overtaken this more traditional, passive approach to year end analysis. 

“Idle No More” Movement

The “Idle No More” grassroots movement of aboriginal peoples has emerged as a formidable force of primarily young aboriginal people who are well connected through the social media.  The movement is apparently without leadership but has already caused considerable disruption through spontaneous marches and blockades.  What is so surprising and quite dangerous; the so called leaderless “Idle No More” have spokespeople who want immediate change to the First Nations leadership and how that leadership deals with the federal government on aboriginal issues.  Sounds and smells quite suspicious to me but controlling a leaderless movement has got to be of major concern to the political establishment, whether they be First Nations leaders or government leaders.

Attawapiskat Re-surfaces With a Vengeance

Thirteen months ago (actually, December 21, 2011) I offered the following views on Chief Theresa Spence and the Attawapiskat First Nation:  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 mores 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.

The CBC has received and published a “leaked” copy of a scathing audit report on Attawapiskat, (commissioned by the federal government) indicating a lack of control by the government and a total lack of accountability by the Chief Spence and the Attawapiskat reserve.  Prime Minister has agreed to meet with the aboriginal community on Friday to defuse a very troubling circumstance for the First Nations people

Newtown Conn. - Sad State of Affairs

Smoky Lake Signal Article, Number 250 (December 19, 2012)

Whispering in the Wind

When I first started to write this year-end, political column it was my intent to be upbeat and offer a few humorous comments about politicians; how they might view their elected office and how they might make important political decisions.  My assessments were to be strictly based on their birth date and their resulting zodiac sign – after all this is the season for forgiveness and offering insights without serious judgment or criticism.  Those intentions were shattered on Friday when reports aired that a 20 year old kid had killed 26 people in Newtown Connecticut – of the 25 killed at the elementary school, 20 were aged 6 to 7 years, virtual babies!

The Massacre and the U.S. Response

Last Friday’s horrific crime at Sandy Hook’s Elementary School in Newtown Connecticut has shaken much of world and in the United States it has shaken the country’s population to its core.  The crime, perpetrated by a 20 year old named Adam Lanza was just a kid himself, so what triggered such a horrible, senseless act?  I did read somewhere on the internet that he was an avid player of those violent video games.  Nonetheless almost nothing is known about Adam Lanza himself other than he was quite, reserved and withdrawn.  As to the possible motive for the mass murder, authorities appear to be dumbfounded.  The consensus amongst many informed observers and politicians is that the United States’ loose gun control laws and the constitutional right to bear arms are the prime causes of this and other mass murder events in the United States.  On Sunday President Barack Obams offered his view in a well crafted, telling statement: “We can’t tolerate this anymore.  These tragedies must end.  And to end them, we must change.”  In my view it will take months, if not years to sort out the circumstances of the Newtown massacre but there no question in my mind, Obama will take some quick legislative action regarding assault weapons and he will get some support from his usual Republic adversaries.  Where the president is going to find his greatest opposition, it’s going to be with those Republicans beholding to the very powerful gun lobby, the National Rifle Association (NRA) – one Republican (Louie Gohmert) from the Great State of Texas has suggested that more guns are needed and that if the principal of Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown had a gun she might have stopped Adam Lanza – the principal of Sandy Hook Elementary School died last Friday from gun shot wounds.   

HAVE A VERY BLESSED, MERRY CHRISTMAS – GET TOGETHER WITH FAMILY AND GIVE EVERYONE BIG HUGS, TELL THEM HOW IMPORTANT THEY ARE TO YOU AND IT WILL MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD AND WILL MAKE THEM FEEL GREAT! 

China's Taking Over in Canada

Smoky Lake Signal Article No. 249 (December 12, 2012)

Whispering in the Wind

On more than one occasion I’ve been labeled as a person who “rants and raves” when a political issue becomes contentious.  There is no doubt in my mind I’m passionate, particularly when I’m being duped by political leaders – and being duped by political leaders appears to be happening all too often these days.  Take for example the NEXEN deal:  On Friday Prime Minister Harper announced that his government (in all its wisdom) was approving the purchase of NEXEN Inc by the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) and the deal would likely be of net benefit to Canada.  To curb any criticism that the NEXEN deal was the beginning of a Chinese takeover of Alberta’s oil sands, Mr. Harper offered a number of confusing, if not contradictory comments at his press conference.  The prime minister indicated that the purchase of NEXEN by a Chinese state owned enterprise is “not the beginning of a trend, but rather the end of a trend….When we say that Canada is open for business, we do not mean that Canada is for sale to foreign governments.”  Mr. Harper also offered a very confusing summary when he indicated that future takeovers by state owned enterprises (like CNOOC) would only be allowed under “exceptional circumstances.”  When asked by reporters to give further details the prime minister explained:  “What we’re saying specifically is that a transaction, an acquisition of control by a foreign state-owned enterprise in the oil sands would only be permitted under exceptional circumstances.”  In my view Prime Minister Harper’s announcements and his resulting press conference was a mish-mash of confusion, it lacked even the most basic detail and at times the prime minister offered contradictory statements without explanation – ergo, the whole thing was a dismal failure. 

Is China Big in the Oil Sands?

Last July when the NEXEN takeover bid first came to light in the press, I suggested that the CNOOC bid would be accepted and after acceptance there would be serious consequences – China would immerge as a (the) major player in oil sands development.   Reports are now suggesting that with the NEXEN factor in place, the Peoples Republic of China’s state-owned enterprises (SOE) have invested something over $30 billion in Alberta’s oil sands and in some respects are setting the agenda for further development.  Here are some examples of China’s SOE investments:  Last year Sinopec bought Daylight Energy out of Calgary for $2.1 billion – the first successful purchase of an energy company by a Chinese state-owned enterprise in North America.  PetroChina recently bought outright, Athabasca Oil Sands Corp. – China’s first purchase of an oil sands project.  A couple of years ago Sinopec purchased a 9 percent interest in Syncrude for $4.6 billion – I recently read that Sinopec vetoed a recent expansion proposal at Syncrude.  The CNOOC purchase of NEXEN for $15.1 billion brings the Long Lake oil sands project into play as a fully owned Chinese project.  And of course there are the support companies; TransCanada Pipelines is now in partnership with Phoenix Energy Holdings Ltd (a unit of China’s state owned China National Petroleum Corp.) – will the list never end?  No wonder Prime Minister Harper put his foot down and said (in his own way) enough is enough – good for you Mr. Prime Minister but is it too late?

The Alberta Connection, is There One?

In last week’s press conference I don’t know if it was ever mentioned that the oil sands that everyone is all-up-in-arms about are actually the Alberta oil sands.  Constitutionally speaking there is no question, Alberta owns the oil sands and representing that ownership is Premier Alison Redford.  From what I have read Premier Redford has been consulted with in the traditional, un-cooperative federal government fashion – talk to the provinces only when you have to.  Nevertheless Premier Redford has pressed for stronger representation for Canadians in the NEXEN-CNOOC deal – she wants 50 percent Canadian on the board and 50 percent Canadian in senior management positions.  As to whether Premier Redford and the other premiers are being consulted with on the more general and possibly more dangerous Canada – PRC investment agreement, that is another question.  In the meantime I’m getting an uncomfortable feeling that Prime Minister Harper has got his hands in Alberta’s cookie jar and there isn’t any room for anybody else.    

Smoky Lake Signal Article No. 248 (December 5, 2012)

Whispering in the Wind

Alberta’s Opposition Parties, Up in Arms!

Alison Redford appears to have gotten herself into a real pickle regarding the province’s $10 billion law suit against the tobacco industry and what is surprising; the mess she’s in has nothing to do with the merits, or stupidity of the case against tobacco.  The opposition parties in Alberta are claiming that Alison Redford was in a conflict of interest situation in 2010 when she was Minister of Justice and in their view, hired a consortium of legal firms to purse Alberta’s interests in the tobacco case - the consortium, known as International Recovery Lawyers includes Premier Redford’s ex-husband and his law firm.  Premier Redford rebuttal is clear; she did not make the final decision as to which of three competing bids would be given the massive contingency contract – the final decision was made by Veryln Olson, Minister of Justice in June, 2011.  The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly ruled on Monday that the contempt charges put forward by the opposition lacked foundation.  In my view the opposition parties have gone way over the top on this issue and simply don’t understand how governments work, how governments make decisions and what “conflict of interest” means.  NDP leader Brian Mason offered a reckless comment, saying: “… the Premier lied” to the members of the legislature.  The Wildrose Party’s critic, Rob Anderson made an even more ridiculous statement, claiming:  “[This] is absolutely the worst scandal to hit the premier’s office in our lifetime.”  My suggestion to the Premier Redford, ask the RCMP to investigate the leaked commercially confidential documents coming from the Department of Justice, asking how the documents got into the hands of the opposition parties.  Also, the RCMP should be asked to investigate the possibility of lobbyist interference in what is now essentially a legal case – so where are the real scandals?    

Trudeau Immerges as a Weak Candidate

Over the past weekend Justin Trudeau had two “in-depth” interviews, one on Saturday radio and the other on Sunday television.  The interviews were billed as important “kick off” events for Mr. Trudeau’s bid to become leader of the Liberal Party of Canada.  On Saturday morning Mr. Trudeau was grilled by Evan Solomon who asked too many questions on too many subject areas and allowed no time for “in-depth” answers.  The result, Justin Trudeau offered ten second responses that had no depth and came across to the listener as superficial.  Saturday’s interview was a flop for Trudeau’s campaign and I also think that some of his comments will come back to haunt him in the future.  The Kevin Newman interview with Mr. Trudeau on Sunday’s Question Period was equally superficial and disappointing.  One area proved to be interesting was Justin Trudeau’s call for a generational change in the Liberal Party of Canada – which was a direct reference to leadership competitor, Marc Garneau and his age.  (Mr. Garneau is now in his mid sixties and would not likely be a contender for the prime minister’s job until he is in his seventies.)  If you ask me Justin Trudeau started his leadership campaign on the wrong foot (poor planning and poor preparation on his part) and he has got to get some traction over and above his pretty face and an impressive father. Here is an idea that I think will work:  come out to Alberta for three, one hour interviews over the next three months (I’m sure the Town of Smoky Lake would welcome you with open arms).  The first interview would be about; Alberta and its contribution to Canada.  The second interview would deal with Canada and its role in a global world.  The third interview would deal with your vision for Canada and how nation building would occur under your leadership.