A house on a rez on the west coast of the island that our company did a fire restoration on earlier this year now needs another one. Fortunately we still have the specs for the kitchen on file.
"3rd Party" booted out of Attawapiskat
- Thread starter jjaycee98
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A house on a rez on the west coast of the island that our company did a fire restoration on earlier this year now needs another one. Fortunately we still have the specs for the kitchen on file.
What was the cause of the fire?
I know it's the 21st century now, but we lost a lot of houses on the res in the winter when the old wood burning stoves and 45gal drums, burned through and burned the house to the ground, in the 70's.
Mental floss: I had to go to work this morning so I didn't have time to give an explanation as to why your link was the wrong answer. What they are producing as an audit is not really a forensic audit. What you got is the same thing every business gets from their accountant every year. It is good enough for revenue Canada. I once had my company audited by Revenue Canada and they didn't even come to my office. They went to the accountant and looked at his records. Did 5 in one day at one accountant. As an example what they look at tells that money came in and money went out to certain expenditures and the numbers balance. But they have no clue as to weather the new tires on my wife's car were charged to the company or not. Nor if hotel bills were for business or a holiday. That would require a forensic audit which is required in this case to see if the housing budget was all used on house construction or if snowmobiles were charged to housing. The fact that they don't want a proper audit done tells me that some one , or more probably several some ones have something to hide. My bet is that both Indian and Northern Affairs and the band both have things they would rather not have taxpayers know about.
Most arent houses,there shacks.
A sheet of plywood will cost over $100.00 dollars each.
You think you could live up there with no doctors or dentists and one store?
Good luck,they have been doing it for many years.
Not sure except it was in the kitchen which is only about 10 months old including all the appliances. I will know tomorrow.
In the north Diesel is king,without it they will be living in iglus in 24 hours.I saw many tents burn to the ground,the best one was when our construction consultant had a fire and was sleeping nude,he allmost died standing out on the tundra for 5 minutes at -55.
Thats why we allways stagger the tents,if one burns the rest are safe.
In the south were in the 21st century,in the north were 50 years behind.
When I was much younger, I had a girlfriend who lived near a reserve. Her sister was dating the Band Chief's son. When I visited the reserve with them, I was appalled at the conditions of the houses there. Broken windows that had plywood covering them, doors that were damaged, crap all over the place. The Chief's house, however, was like a model home - it was beautiful upstairs but they lived downstairs - they had a second kitchen and living area in the basement. The upstairs was only for VIP's.
When I commented on the descrepancy between the Chief's home and others on the reserve, I was told that there were issues with the contractors who were hired to build all these homes - most of these homes were less than 2 years old. These contractors used substandard materials and just "threw" these houses up. The contractors didn't care whether or not things were done properly - they just wanted their money. Obviously, the government didn't do inspections or hold anyone responsible for the crap that was erected.
Now, while there might have been shoddy contractors (I frankly don't know, but being that they were being paid by the government, it wouldn't surprise me) inside my head I was wondering how the contractors were responsible for the broken windows, doors etc. Other than the Chief's house, I didn't see one house on that reserve that was decent. It made me angry that no one could be held accountable for the workmanship of these home and it also made me angry that people didn't take better care of what they had - shoddy or not. At the very least they had a roof over their heads. Maybe it was the frustration of the individuals involved - guess I can't say that I blame them.
Needless to say, I too feel that the Indian Act should be scrapped and that the aboriginals should be given more responsibility for themselves. They'd likely do a hell of a lot better job than any government bureaucrat!! Let them own the land and make their own decisions. In that way, they can live or die on the choces they make. Besides, haven't we grown up as a country yet? There has to be a better way and having our government dictate to ANYONE, much less the natives, seems rather infantile to me.
Finally, I know a few individuals who are aboriginal and they have done way better looking after their families and themselves off the reserve. They are hard working, family oriented and take pride in who and what they are. Their homes are neat and clean and some of them mortgage free. Maybe that's what's missing here. The natives don't need a "daddy" anymore and would do a lot better without him.
JMHO
When I commented on the descrepancy between the Chief's home and others on the reserve, I was told that there were issues with the contractors who were hired to build all these homes - most of these homes were less than 2 years old. These contractors used substandard materials and just "threw" these houses up. The contractors didn't care whether or not things were done properly - they just wanted their money. Obviously, the government didn't do inspections or hold anyone responsible for the crap that was erected.
Now, while there might have been shoddy contractors (I frankly don't know, but being that they were being paid by the government, it wouldn't surprise me) inside my head I was wondering how the contractors were responsible for the broken windows, doors etc. Other than the Chief's house, I didn't see one house on that reserve that was decent. It made me angry that no one could be held accountable for the workmanship of these home and it also made me angry that people didn't take better care of what they had - shoddy or not. At the very least they had a roof over their heads. Maybe it was the frustration of the individuals involved - guess I can't say that I blame them.
Needless to say, I too feel that the Indian Act should be scrapped and that the aboriginals should be given more responsibility for themselves. They'd likely do a hell of a lot better job than any government bureaucrat!! Let them own the land and make their own decisions. In that way, they can live or die on the choces they make. Besides, haven't we grown up as a country yet? There has to be a better way and having our government dictate to ANYONE, much less the natives, seems rather infantile to me.
Finally, I know a few individuals who are aboriginal and they have done way better looking after their families and themselves off the reserve. They are hard working, family oriented and take pride in who and what they are. Their homes are neat and clean and some of them mortgage free. Maybe that's what's missing here. The natives don't need a "daddy" anymore and would do a lot better without him.
JMHO
Yes. And I lived pretty damned close to that kind of life for 8 years of my youth. Loved every minute of it, wouldn't want to do anything different.
I can list the "Little House on the Prairie" like living conditions if you'd like.
When I moved off the rez, the house was still standing and quite livable.
I wish with all my heart that this wasn't an issue. For two reasons, 1, I hate seeing anybody live in conditions as bad as is being reported here. 2, As a Native, I get painted by the same brush.
Which is why if underfunding is the issue, I want to see it in print. Even if for the selfish reasoning of, look, it ain't our fault.
I'm not unfamiliar with the area.
In the 70's, I may as well have been living in the late 1800's. No hydro, washing in an old galvanized wash tube, cooking with wood, heating with wood, chopping our own wood. Running a trap line, hunting and fishing for food, not sport. And so on.
Many of the homes on the res I grew up on, were heated with old stoves, and/or 45gal drums, with sand in the bottom. Fire were not uncommon. I remember burned down homes being replaced quite quickly. I understand that it was an area that was closer to amenities, but the over all attitude was self sufficiency.
I'm not trying to diminish or dismiss the severity of the environmental conditions, in the area. But one thing that was very important in the household I was raised in, was personable responsibility and accountability.
I'm also no stranger to, nor do I deny that there are many community leaders in many native communities, that are not 100% above board.
Immediate relief aside. An independent audit, would have been able to pin point the break down. Be it on the part of the Band, or the gov't. Either or, identifying the source is how you start to fix the problem. Having to rebuild homes every 5 to 8 years, is a symptom.
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Well I could hook them up with a carpenter that can build homes and fast and get **** up there and bring competent guys but I dont see anything happening,I might be off untill xmas now here but I would volunteer help if asked.
I am very good at Arctic logistics and know how to work things in the arctic and I know the guys that would make it happen with a single phone call.
What im watching on tv right now on CBC north is brutal about this community and very sad.
Their people like us,human beings and now the govt. wants to relocate the whole community?
Didnt they learn the last time when they relocated them to the Arctic in the first place?
Why do I have to buy a bunch of assholes new furnaces and windows?
ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes - Canada's Economic Action Plan
These are fellow Canadians including seniors and children, lets systematically get the problem fixed once and for all and sort out the money later. As horrendous as the money management seems is it any worse than the Governor General with her huge entourage a few years ago tear assing over to Finland and half of the rest of world squandering $millions?
And their annual wages and benefits for housing is 1.3 million dollars.
So why doesn't anyone maintain anything? What are they paying 1.3 million in wages and benefits for?
Government will evacuate Attawapiskat if necessary
The federal government says it will evacuate some makeshift homes in the troubled northern Ontario community of Attawapiskat while housing and other supplies are brought in.
Aboriginal Affairs Minister John Duncan made the offer in a letter sent to Chief Theresa Spence on Wednesday.
In the note, he said another option is to retrofit a local sportsplex and a healing centre to serve as short-term housing.
According to Duncan's letter, an assessment determined that 15 modular homes are needed to accommodate families that are currently living in makeshift housing, including tents. Duncan said the third-party manager, which the federal government had appointed to oversee the community after the housing crisis garnered national media attention and led to questions about the reserve's finances, is prepared to purchase the homes right away.
They would be delivered as soon as the winter roads open.
"I again cannot stress enough the need to work with the third-party manager, our government and our partners to ensure the health and safety of the community," Duncan wrote.
"I believe the two options above are fair and reasonable offers."
In the letter, Duncan also said wood stoves, compost toilets and cots were being sent to the community. Duncan also offered additional health-care resources.
It wasn't clear late Wednesday what Spence's response to the letter might be. The third-party manager has already left the community at the request of the band council, which resented his presence.
Spence told a news conference on Tuesday that the problem in her community is not related to the reserve's finances, which are laid bare in quarterly audits.
Also on Tuesday, the Assembly of First Nations unanimously agreed to ask the United Nations to examine whether the federal government was meeting its obligations to the community under both Canadian and international treaties.
Attawapiskat has been in a state of emergency for nearly a month, after calling for help from Ottawa amid a housing crisis that has left dozens of families living in tents and trailers with winter approaching.
Interim NDP Leader Nycole Turmel says it's time to call in the military to help the approximately 2,000 residents of Attawapiskat.
Turmel said the northern Ontario reserve is in need of supplies that are hard to bring in due to the weather conditions and the absence of a road into the community.
"Moving supplies into this community to alleviate the housing crisis will require an extraordinary level of co-ordination," Turmel said in a Wednesday letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
"Given the extreme weather conditions and the fact that the winter road will not be ready for nearly two months, the community is seeking co-ordinated logistical help. For this reason, they have asked me to convey that they are asking for military support to help in the response."
Turmel said the current situation in Attawapiskat is no different than previous emergencies in which the government sent the military in.
"Our military has played an incredible role at times of other humanitarian crises in Canada. I am sure that you will agree that the conditions facing people in Attawapiskat are dire and likely to get worse as the winter sets in," Turmel said in her letter.
"I am asking you today to act immediately and target resources, including military resources as requested by the community, towards building adequate housing in Attawapiskat."
Government will evacuate Attawapiskat if necessary | CTV Winnipeg
Not perfect, but at least it's a start (finally).
http://winnipeg.ctv.ca/servlet/an/l...in-military-111207/20111207/?hub=WinnipegHome
The federal government says it will evacuate some makeshift homes in the troubled northern Ontario community of Attawapiskat while housing and other supplies are brought in.
Aboriginal Affairs Minister John Duncan made the offer in a letter sent to Chief Theresa Spence on Wednesday.
In the note, he said another option is to retrofit a local sportsplex and a healing centre to serve as short-term housing.
According to Duncan's letter, an assessment determined that 15 modular homes are needed to accommodate families that are currently living in makeshift housing, including tents. Duncan said the third-party manager, which the federal government had appointed to oversee the community after the housing crisis garnered national media attention and led to questions about the reserve's finances, is prepared to purchase the homes right away.
They would be delivered as soon as the winter roads open.
"I again cannot stress enough the need to work with the third-party manager, our government and our partners to ensure the health and safety of the community," Duncan wrote.
"I believe the two options above are fair and reasonable offers."
In the letter, Duncan also said wood stoves, compost toilets and cots were being sent to the community. Duncan also offered additional health-care resources.
It wasn't clear late Wednesday what Spence's response to the letter might be. The third-party manager has already left the community at the request of the band council, which resented his presence.
Spence told a news conference on Tuesday that the problem in her community is not related to the reserve's finances, which are laid bare in quarterly audits.
Also on Tuesday, the Assembly of First Nations unanimously agreed to ask the United Nations to examine whether the federal government was meeting its obligations to the community under both Canadian and international treaties.
Attawapiskat has been in a state of emergency for nearly a month, after calling for help from Ottawa amid a housing crisis that has left dozens of families living in tents and trailers with winter approaching.
Interim NDP Leader Nycole Turmel says it's time to call in the military to help the approximately 2,000 residents of Attawapiskat.
Turmel said the northern Ontario reserve is in need of supplies that are hard to bring in due to the weather conditions and the absence of a road into the community.
"Moving supplies into this community to alleviate the housing crisis will require an extraordinary level of co-ordination," Turmel said in a Wednesday letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
"Given the extreme weather conditions and the fact that the winter road will not be ready for nearly two months, the community is seeking co-ordinated logistical help. For this reason, they have asked me to convey that they are asking for military support to help in the response."
Turmel said the current situation in Attawapiskat is no different than previous emergencies in which the government sent the military in.
"Our military has played an incredible role at times of other humanitarian crises in Canada. I am sure that you will agree that the conditions facing people in Attawapiskat are dire and likely to get worse as the winter sets in," Turmel said in her letter.
"I am asking you today to act immediately and target resources, including military resources as requested by the community, towards building adequate housing in Attawapiskat."
Government will evacuate Attawapiskat if necessary | CTV Winnipeg
Not perfect, but at least it's a start (finally).
http://winnipeg.ctv.ca/servlet/an/l...in-military-111207/20111207/?hub=WinnipegHome
Still doesn't explain the discrepency between the chief's home and the rest. Presumably the same contractor?
They have an arena and a zamboni because that's how the feds have set up their finances...falls under recreation. In our municipality, the feds gave $5,000.000.00 specifically for an outdoor play area(splash pad,etc.). Of course,as everyone knows, the initial "building" fund is finite, and then the taxpayers have to look after all the salaries,all the benefits,all the maintenance of these grant given structures.....and there's the rub...people on reserves do NOT pay property taxes...in fact,reserves are not allowed to levy them.
I think it's time for Harpo to take an out of country trip with MacKay; since they both appear to be out of their minds.
The latest is that they are going to send in mobile homes.John Duncan was asked who would be paying for them, and he couldn't / wouldn't answer the question.
Good thing they've got their fingers right on the pulse...........................probably couldn't find one
This kind of thing has been ongoing since I was a tad, and John also said he'd just heard of this one just the other day..............holy sh it!! If I wasn't a good Conservative I might not believe any of them.......that's conservative, not C.R.A.P.
The latest is that they are going to send in mobile homes.John Duncan was asked who would be paying for them, and he couldn't / wouldn't answer the question.
Good thing they've got their fingers right on the pulse...........................probably couldn't find one
This kind of thing has been ongoing since I was a tad, and John also said he'd just heard of this one just the other day..............holy sh it!! If I wasn't a good Conservative I might not believe any of them.......that's conservative, not C.R.A.P.
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