What was written into the contract about X amount of dollars going for sport? When it comes to the Feds, if you don't blow you're whole budget they'll give you less the next year with the reasoning you didn't need it if you had an excess.
NDP leader slams PM's Attawapiskat response
- Thread starter mentalfloss
- Start date
I don't know enough about first nations' affairs to have a relevant opinion on this accord http://www.parl.gc.ca/Content/LOP/ResearchPublications/prb0604-e.pdf.....
I think I will defer to Bear's opinion...:smile:
I think I will defer to Bear's opinion...:smile:
Yeah, Paul Martin came up with a lot of solutions that LOOKED reasonable, until the provinces found out they were on the hook!! :lol::lol::lol::lol:
I'm reading through it now Juan, so far my opinions are...
The first thing I noticed, was the inclusion of special interest groups, that shouldn't be there. Then there is the AFN, which does not represent the whole of the First nations in Canada.
And how will this money be divided to specific Bands? What will be the formula for percentages, demographics,geographic, need, desperation?
The section on relationship and accountability, which I just finished reading, I found interesting. It came off as a lot of lip service really. And why does it need $170 million to be done. To be accountable, just open the damn books, to have a relationship, just communicate openly and honestly.
Anyways, I heading into the section on education. This should be interesting.
Without the appendix's, there's only 16 pages.
Agreed, Colpy.
But the money trail does not stop with governments as in seen in the following article.
"Tom Ormsby, De Beers Canada director of external and corporate affairs, said in response to questions about what the company is doing to help the housing crisis that since the start of construction, over $325 million in contracts have been awarded to solely-owned or joint-venture companies run by the community.
This year alone, he said in an email published on Netnewsledger, contracts awarded to the community total $51 million."
Attawapiskat: await the audit – Thunder Bay Chronicle-Journal Editorial (Thunder Bay Chronicle-Journal – December 2, 2011) » Republic of Mining
crap.
Attawapiskat asks third-party manager leave - Canada - CBC News
Walk away from it.......obviously someone there is hiding something.....
Attawapiskat asks third-party manager leave - Canada - CBC News
Walk away from it.......obviously someone there is hiding something.....
Gotchya...
Like I said, the AFN isn't recognized by all First Nations. The AFN doesn't see the inclusion of special interest, non governing bodies, as appropriate. While you have other special interest groups knocking at the door. And Quebec First Nations, boycotting the FMM, because of a righteous distrust of the Quebec gov't.
BS, how hard is it to focus on a crisis that had been ongoing for years, while someone else does all the leg work walking through your books?
This is really starting to smell.
The fact is that the Federal government is not the only source of funding for the Attawapiskat people...........maybe a little digging about funding sources would be in order.
Bear, this is just utter and complete bovine excrement. She not only ensures that her band receives no funding, she then abandons them and takes off to Ottawa to meet with the Grand Chiefs - they should boot her butt back home - this is inexcusable.
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I don't think Spence wants anyone to see the books. If this wasn't so much money
it wouldn't bother me but we are talking about tens of millions of dollars.
There has already been so much waste. Spence took six or eight of her cousins
to Toronto and spent around ten thousand dollars. She didn't think it was important.
I'd hate to see the feds cut off the funding but that is what it will come to.
That, petros, is darn hard to come by and I have been searching. I came across this article which makes for some very interesting reading and raises even more questions in my mind.
Attawapiskat - What is De Beers doing to help? - NetNewsledger.com
During my searches, I downloaded the PDF of Attawapiskat's 2011 Consolidated Financial Statements and came across this -
"15. Economic Dependence
The First Nation receives 49.7% (2010 – 54.6%) of its revenue pursuant to funding arrangements with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and 12.7%(2010- 13.3%) of its revenue pursuant to funding arrangements with the Province of Ontario. The continuation of the organization is dependent on this funding."
Okay, that accounts for 62.4% of their funding, what about the other 37.6%?
Also, way down on Page 8 under Notes to Financial Statements, I found this sentence.
'Inter-entity transactions and balances have been eliminated.'
I looked up the meaning of the phrase inter-entity and I'm still not sure I understand the term. I think it means what goes on between the band members themselves. If anyone has a better understanding of the term, I would really like to know what it means.
From DeBeers:
Fed and Provincial funding comes with goofy clauses that force beneficiaries to spend monies in specfic areas of the community.
Without having the full budget details, commentary on the subject is all speculative at best.
In the south a house can be built in a couple weeks. In a northern community accessed only by air, it can take weeks and big bucks to get something as simplistic as a box of nails.
I'll wait to hear more before passing judgement.
it's not DeBeers job to finance and manage their community. They have no obligations to provide anything further than what is contracted but they have chose to go further than what is required. Is it their respnsibilty to do more when the Govt fails to meet it's obligations?
Fed and Provincial funding comes with goofy clauses that force beneficiaries to spend monies in specfic areas of the community.
Without having the full budget details, commentary on the subject is all speculative at best.
In the south a house can be built in a couple weeks. In a northern community accessed only by air, it can take weeks and big bucks to get something as simplistic as a box of nails.
I'll wait to hear more before passing judgement.
The third party accountant was a nice way for the feds to try and clear themselves of responsibility for this mess. I'm glad he got kicked out, and is a good sign that those living in torn down shacks have no qualms with making the government accountable.
The CPC need to actually do some work on this instead of passing it on to third parties.
The first order of measure would be to ensure they get proper housing and facilities and if the government needs to monitor the expenditures themselves, so be it. The audit of who spent what in the past should be a secondary concern. Mentioning stuff like a friggin zamboni is a distraction and half truth that right-wing media will throw at you as a distraction.
Attawapiskat housing crisis: He said, Chief said on reserve
ON FUNDING:
Duncan: “Since 2006, we have invested over $90-million in the community of Attawapiskat. However, this funding has not generated the results that the people of Attawapiskat deserve and all Canadians expect.”
Spence: “Housing and minor capital is a mere 6.5% ($6-million over six years) of the $94-million received over the six-year period…. The majority of these funds go to support the greater economy of Northern Ontario and Canada for goods, materials, service, contractors, legal advice and auditing services.”
ON FINANCIAL REPORTING:
Duncan: “I have also requested that a comprehensive audit be undertaken by an independent auditor to identify how money has been spent and what oversight measures have been taken over the past five years. If there are problems identified, we will take immediate action to address them to ensure long-term solutions for the community.”
Spence: “The First Nation has completed all of the necessary reporting requirements of the Department, including receiving unqualified annual audits for the funds received from the Department for the past six years. All of these have been reviewed and have been accepted by Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada.”
ON THIRD-PARTY MANAGEMENT:
Duncan: “Last week, I announced plans to put in place a third-party manager to address the urgent needs of the community and to ensure the funding provided to this community is being spent effectively. Today, the chosen third party manager, Jacques Marion from BDO Canada LLP, is on the ground with [Aboriginal Affairs] officials. It is important to remember that the community’s Chief and Council will continue to be in place.”
Spence: “This rationale has been used by the Department to silence us…. It is incredible that the Harper Government’s decision is that instead of offering aid and assistance to Canada’s First Peoples, their solution is to blame the victim, and that the community is guilty, and deserving of their fate.”
ON WHO DID WHAT, WHEN:
Duncan: “When requests from the community were received we took immediate action. Within 24 hours of receiving an urgent funding proposal from the community, funding was immediately approved to address critical housing repairs. Supplies have also been ordered so that multiple families will have permanent homes shortly.”
Spence: “The communication of the decision to appoint a [third-party manager] was done by a Departmental official who interrupted a planning meeting of the communities’ emergency planning team, who were in the midst of implementing a strategy to assist the people living in tent frames and shacks…. [I was surprised] that after over a month of inaction, the Harper government has elected to blame the poorest Canadian society rather than to offer assistance.”
ON PROGRESS:
Duncan: “We are working closely with Emergency Management Ontario (EMO) and the community to ensure families have access to warm, safe and dry shelter.”
Spence: “Minister John Duncan has missed an opportunity to alter the relationships with First Nations across this country, and to renew the positive values of being a member of Canadian society.”
ON THE BIGGER PICTURE:
Duncan: “Our government has introduced important legislation that protects the rights of First Nation individuals. This includes the introduction of legislation to ensure financial transparency and accountability. We have also passed legislation that makes sure First Nations have the same human rights protection under the Canadian Human Rights Act as other Canadians. We also intend to re-introduce the Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act.”
Spence: “In our territory, we have a world-class diamond mine…. While [Ottawa, the provincial government and De Beers Canada ] reap the riches, my people shiver in cold shacks, and are becoming increasingly ill…. Precious diamonds from my land grace the fingers, and necklaces of Hollywood celebrities, and the mace of the Ontario legislature.”
http://news.nationalpost.com/2011/12/05/attawapiskat-housing-crisis-a-he-said-chief-said-on-reserve/
The CPC need to actually do some work on this instead of passing it on to third parties.
The first order of measure would be to ensure they get proper housing and facilities and if the government needs to monitor the expenditures themselves, so be it. The audit of who spent what in the past should be a secondary concern. Mentioning stuff like a friggin zamboni is a distraction and half truth that right-wing media will throw at you as a distraction.
Attawapiskat housing crisis: He said, Chief said on reserve
ON FUNDING:
Duncan: “Since 2006, we have invested over $90-million in the community of Attawapiskat. However, this funding has not generated the results that the people of Attawapiskat deserve and all Canadians expect.”
Spence: “Housing and minor capital is a mere 6.5% ($6-million over six years) of the $94-million received over the six-year period…. The majority of these funds go to support the greater economy of Northern Ontario and Canada for goods, materials, service, contractors, legal advice and auditing services.”
ON FINANCIAL REPORTING:
Duncan: “I have also requested that a comprehensive audit be undertaken by an independent auditor to identify how money has been spent and what oversight measures have been taken over the past five years. If there are problems identified, we will take immediate action to address them to ensure long-term solutions for the community.”
Spence: “The First Nation has completed all of the necessary reporting requirements of the Department, including receiving unqualified annual audits for the funds received from the Department for the past six years. All of these have been reviewed and have been accepted by Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada.”
ON THIRD-PARTY MANAGEMENT:
Duncan: “Last week, I announced plans to put in place a third-party manager to address the urgent needs of the community and to ensure the funding provided to this community is being spent effectively. Today, the chosen third party manager, Jacques Marion from BDO Canada LLP, is on the ground with [Aboriginal Affairs] officials. It is important to remember that the community’s Chief and Council will continue to be in place.”
Spence: “This rationale has been used by the Department to silence us…. It is incredible that the Harper Government’s decision is that instead of offering aid and assistance to Canada’s First Peoples, their solution is to blame the victim, and that the community is guilty, and deserving of their fate.”
ON WHO DID WHAT, WHEN:
Duncan: “When requests from the community were received we took immediate action. Within 24 hours of receiving an urgent funding proposal from the community, funding was immediately approved to address critical housing repairs. Supplies have also been ordered so that multiple families will have permanent homes shortly.”
Spence: “The communication of the decision to appoint a [third-party manager] was done by a Departmental official who interrupted a planning meeting of the communities’ emergency planning team, who were in the midst of implementing a strategy to assist the people living in tent frames and shacks…. [I was surprised] that after over a month of inaction, the Harper government has elected to blame the poorest Canadian society rather than to offer assistance.”
ON PROGRESS:
Duncan: “We are working closely with Emergency Management Ontario (EMO) and the community to ensure families have access to warm, safe and dry shelter.”
Spence: “Minister John Duncan has missed an opportunity to alter the relationships with First Nations across this country, and to renew the positive values of being a member of Canadian society.”
ON THE BIGGER PICTURE:
Duncan: “Our government has introduced important legislation that protects the rights of First Nation individuals. This includes the introduction of legislation to ensure financial transparency and accountability. We have also passed legislation that makes sure First Nations have the same human rights protection under the Canadian Human Rights Act as other Canadians. We also intend to re-introduce the Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act.”
Spence: “In our territory, we have a world-class diamond mine…. While [Ottawa, the provincial government and De Beers Canada ] reap the riches, my people shiver in cold shacks, and are becoming increasingly ill…. Precious diamonds from my land grace the fingers, and necklaces of Hollywood celebrities, and the mace of the Ontario legislature.”
http://news.nationalpost.com/2011/12/05/attawapiskat-housing-crisis-a-he-said-chief-said-on-reserve/
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Don't blame bands for reserve housing woes
The federal government's response to the grim First Nations housing situation at Attawapiskat is troubling.
It appears a knee-jerk racist response and the spread of misinformation has become its mantra.
Attawapiskat has become a miner's canary for Canadian First Nations. We can expect the heavy hand of this government to form the basis of future policy making.
Ottawa's reaction - and that of Prime Minister Stephen Harper in particular - has been appalling.
Rather than face the issue and try to find some kind of resolution, the prime minister complained that about $90 million has been spent by his government in the past six years and he sees little to show for it. Then the colonial office walks in and places the First Nations government under thirdparty management, which is a form of receivership.
It's easy to play blame-the-victim if people don't examine the facts. The $90 million spent over last six years constitutes the band's federal transfer payments. These cover costs for education and community and social development, and are accounted for in the band audits posted on its website since 2005.
It amounts to an average $15 million a year. This is comparable to other reserve communities of a similar size. The funds are closely regulated and can only be spent in certain ways.
The latest audited statement available on the Indian Affairs website is for the 2010-11 fiscal year. That year, the federal expenditures were $15,946,810 and included $403,986 available from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. for housing.
According to Statistics Canada, in 2001, the First Nation had a population of 1,290. The annual expenditures for the band were $15,861,724, and $159,748 was available for housing.
In the past decade, the population has grown to about 1,800, a 40 per cent increase. When such paltry amounts are put toward housing, it is no wonder that houses have become overcrowded and run down. If the overall federal contribution had kept pace with the population growth, it should be in excess of $22 million this year.
Attawapiskat is an isolated, fly-in community. The only way to transport building materials is by expensive air freight or a few months by winter road. This makes everything, including food, gasoline and basic transportation, more expensive. A standard two-or three-bedroom house will cost between $200,000 and $250,000.
Last month, the First Nation declared a state of emergency and the Red Cross responded with a planeload of emergency supplies. The emergency airlift to a northern community had all the urgency of a Third World disaster.
The government doesn't like to be embarrassed and rather than help out, it turned on the community.
The government spin is to blame the victim.
Attawapiskat is not the only desperate case in Canada.
It now appears the government is trying to dump its responsibility for First Nations on the provinces. In the case of Attawapiskat, Ontario has shown much more sensitivity and concern than the federal government, which holds the constitutional responsibility.
The Conservatives have no long-term strategy when it comes to First Nations. Cries of accountability are getting old and the problems are not going away.
The government must do something, and it just can't be a southern Canadian solution imposed by the bureaucrats that got us into this mess in the first place.
Ottawa must sit down with First Nations leaders and have an adult conversation. The colonial office must not be included in these talks because it is a large part of the problem. The government and the colonial office have to get rid of their southern ideas, set aside plans for privatizing First Nations land and forget about moving whole communities south.
Simply uprooting people and sending them south or to a new artificial community is not the answer. It hasn't worked in the past and it won't work in the present. First Nations people have deep roots in the land and don't transplant well.
Still, the government and First Nations leaders must look at alternatives to the present situation and look at better education for our people and economic development plans.
Don't blame bands for reserve housing woes
The federal government's response to the grim First Nations housing situation at Attawapiskat is troubling.
It appears a knee-jerk racist response and the spread of misinformation has become its mantra.
Attawapiskat has become a miner's canary for Canadian First Nations. We can expect the heavy hand of this government to form the basis of future policy making.
Ottawa's reaction - and that of Prime Minister Stephen Harper in particular - has been appalling.
Rather than face the issue and try to find some kind of resolution, the prime minister complained that about $90 million has been spent by his government in the past six years and he sees little to show for it. Then the colonial office walks in and places the First Nations government under thirdparty management, which is a form of receivership.
It's easy to play blame-the-victim if people don't examine the facts. The $90 million spent over last six years constitutes the band's federal transfer payments. These cover costs for education and community and social development, and are accounted for in the band audits posted on its website since 2005.
It amounts to an average $15 million a year. This is comparable to other reserve communities of a similar size. The funds are closely regulated and can only be spent in certain ways.
The latest audited statement available on the Indian Affairs website is for the 2010-11 fiscal year. That year, the federal expenditures were $15,946,810 and included $403,986 available from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. for housing.
According to Statistics Canada, in 2001, the First Nation had a population of 1,290. The annual expenditures for the band were $15,861,724, and $159,748 was available for housing.
In the past decade, the population has grown to about 1,800, a 40 per cent increase. When such paltry amounts are put toward housing, it is no wonder that houses have become overcrowded and run down. If the overall federal contribution had kept pace with the population growth, it should be in excess of $22 million this year.
Attawapiskat is an isolated, fly-in community. The only way to transport building materials is by expensive air freight or a few months by winter road. This makes everything, including food, gasoline and basic transportation, more expensive. A standard two-or three-bedroom house will cost between $200,000 and $250,000.
Last month, the First Nation declared a state of emergency and the Red Cross responded with a planeload of emergency supplies. The emergency airlift to a northern community had all the urgency of a Third World disaster.
The government doesn't like to be embarrassed and rather than help out, it turned on the community.
The government spin is to blame the victim.
Attawapiskat is not the only desperate case in Canada.
It now appears the government is trying to dump its responsibility for First Nations on the provinces. In the case of Attawapiskat, Ontario has shown much more sensitivity and concern than the federal government, which holds the constitutional responsibility.
The Conservatives have no long-term strategy when it comes to First Nations. Cries of accountability are getting old and the problems are not going away.
The government must do something, and it just can't be a southern Canadian solution imposed by the bureaucrats that got us into this mess in the first place.
Ottawa must sit down with First Nations leaders and have an adult conversation. The colonial office must not be included in these talks because it is a large part of the problem. The government and the colonial office have to get rid of their southern ideas, set aside plans for privatizing First Nations land and forget about moving whole communities south.
Simply uprooting people and sending them south or to a new artificial community is not the answer. It hasn't worked in the past and it won't work in the present. First Nations people have deep roots in the land and don't transplant well.
Still, the government and First Nations leaders must look at alternatives to the present situation and look at better education for our people and economic development plans.
Don't blame bands for reserve housing woes