MONTREAL (CP) - Decades of stop-and-start negotiations between Ottawa and the Quebec Cree ended Monday with the unveiling of a $1.4-billion agreement to launch the northern First Nation toward self-government.
The deal reaches back to settle billions of dollars in lawsuits and puts into action a 1975 treaty between the two sides that stalled shortly after it was signed. The agreement running through 2027 will give the Cree control over millions of dollars to improve local services ranging from sewers and roads to economic development projects and policing. Much of the work is expected to start in the next five to 10 years.
Longtime Cree leader and former grand chief Billy Diamond, who signed the original 1975 treaty with then-Indian affairs minister Jean Chretien, lauded the deal to finally put those words into action.
“It beats blocking roads and railroads,” Diamond said shortly after the announcement.
“You don’t have to block railroads. You stay at the negotiating table. This is the only way you can deal with government right now.”
(EDIT: Now that they’ve seen what you’re willing to do if they don’t make a deal, negotiation works)
Read the full story here
Showing posts with label Conservative Cowardice. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Conservative Cowardice. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Diane Finley: Haldimand a Priority
Simcoe, ON – Minister Diane Finley, M.P. Haldimand-Norfolk and Minister for Citizenship and Immigration Canada issued the following statement in response to the July 8th Press Conference held by Mayor Trainer and council of Haldimand County.
“I have heard the frustration from the town of Caledonia . As MP for the people of Haldimand - Norfolk I will certainly continue to meet with the county, as I’ve done in the past, to hear their concerns and present them in Ottawa.
The federal government has tabled an offer to Six Nations, worth $125 million and I continue to work with my cabinet colleagues including Minister Prentice, Minister for Indian and Northern Affairs to find a solution that works for all sides including the people of Caledonia .
Canada’s New Government is taking action to address specific claims like those in Caledonia by introducing a comprehensive package of reforms that proposes to revolutionize the claims resolution process in four ways:
o The creation of a fully independent Claims Tribunal through which impartial judges will resolve those claims where negotiations have met with failure;
o Setting aside 250 million dollars on an annual basis for the next ten years to be used to settle these claims and ensure financial accountability;
o Transform the Indian Specific Claims Commission into a neutral dispute resolution body relieved of its role as the government’s arbiter of claims, the Commission will be able to focus its efforts solely on mediation; and
o Develop practical measures to clear the backlog of relatively small claims and to increase the flexibility in handling of larger claims.
As MP for Haldimand Norfolk I am committed to helping find a safe and reasonable solution for Haldimand County , as soon as possible”.
For further information, media may contact:Tim VailPress SecretaryOffice of the Hon. Diane Finley, P.C, M.P.613-954-1064
Courtesy of www.CaledoniaWakeupCall.com
“I have heard the frustration from the town of Caledonia . As MP for the people of Haldimand - Norfolk I will certainly continue to meet with the county, as I’ve done in the past, to hear their concerns and present them in Ottawa.
The federal government has tabled an offer to Six Nations, worth $125 million and I continue to work with my cabinet colleagues including Minister Prentice, Minister for Indian and Northern Affairs to find a solution that works for all sides including the people of Caledonia .
Canada’s New Government is taking action to address specific claims like those in Caledonia by introducing a comprehensive package of reforms that proposes to revolutionize the claims resolution process in four ways:
o The creation of a fully independent Claims Tribunal through which impartial judges will resolve those claims where negotiations have met with failure;
o Setting aside 250 million dollars on an annual basis for the next ten years to be used to settle these claims and ensure financial accountability;
o Transform the Indian Specific Claims Commission into a neutral dispute resolution body relieved of its role as the government’s arbiter of claims, the Commission will be able to focus its efforts solely on mediation; and
o Develop practical measures to clear the backlog of relatively small claims and to increase the flexibility in handling of larger claims.
As MP for Haldimand Norfolk I am committed to helping find a safe and reasonable solution for Haldimand County , as soon as possible”.
For further information, media may contact:Tim VailPress SecretaryOffice of the Hon. Diane Finley, P.C, M.P.613-954-1064
Courtesy of www.CaledoniaWakeupCall.com
Diane Finley: When Vanity is all you Have to Offer
Sometimes people ask whether our Political leaders are paying attention to us and what is posted on this site.
Well, we can say that Diane Finley not only reads what is on this site, but she changed her clothing and web site because of what we write. Too bad it is Vanity and not real substance that motivates Mrs. Finley. Too bad she won’t change her actions in Haldimand County, not just the colour of her clothing. But when all you have to offer people is Vanity then at lest you better do it in style.
A year ago we ran a series of stories bugging Mrs. Finley about wearing Red clothing and having a web site where the primary colour was Red. To us it wasn’t important, but to politicians of all political parties colour is very important. Mrs. Finley didn’t even understand the basic political idea that you present yourself using the colours of the party.
Of the 100+ Conservative MPs voted in, Mrs. Finley was the ONLY one using Red (Liberal) when presenting herself.
Read the full story and see for youself here
Well, we can say that Diane Finley not only reads what is on this site, but she changed her clothing and web site because of what we write. Too bad it is Vanity and not real substance that motivates Mrs. Finley. Too bad she won’t change her actions in Haldimand County, not just the colour of her clothing. But when all you have to offer people is Vanity then at lest you better do it in style.
A year ago we ran a series of stories bugging Mrs. Finley about wearing Red clothing and having a web site where the primary colour was Red. To us it wasn’t important, but to politicians of all political parties colour is very important. Mrs. Finley didn’t even understand the basic political idea that you present yourself using the colours of the party.
Of the 100+ Conservative MPs voted in, Mrs. Finley was the ONLY one using Red (Liberal) when presenting herself.
Read the full story and see for youself here
Diane Finley: Promise Made Promise Broken
One advantage of having a web site with over 5000 stories posted is that you can point out when Politicians are lying.
Below is a copy of Diane Finley’s web site from last year. On her web site she made a promise to the People of Haldimand County which you will not find any where on her new web site. She promised the following:
“From here on in, I will be sending out updates such as this every week until this situation’s resolved, so that you can be kept as informed as possible. As you deserve to be.”
Of course Mrs. Finley only sent out one additional weekly update in the past year - Promise Made Promise Broken. We would fully agree with Mrs. Finley that the people ‘deserve’ to have their representative communicate with them.
Read the full story and see the evidence for youself here
Below is a copy of Diane Finley’s web site from last year. On her web site she made a promise to the People of Haldimand County which you will not find any where on her new web site. She promised the following:
“From here on in, I will be sending out updates such as this every week until this situation’s resolved, so that you can be kept as informed as possible. As you deserve to be.”
Of course Mrs. Finley only sent out one additional weekly update in the past year - Promise Made Promise Broken. We would fully agree with Mrs. Finley that the people ‘deserve’ to have their representative communicate with them.
Read the full story and see the evidence for youself here
Finley: No direct role in Caledonia
Citizenship and Immigration Minister Diane Finley will continue her efforts to help reach a settlement in the protracted Caledonia land dispute.
But she isn’t about to abandon her Ottawa post to become a full-time “federal government person on the ground” in Caledonia, as members of Haldimand County council suggested yesterday.
In a telephone interview yesterday, Finley said she’s been working closely with Haldimand Mayor Marie Trainer and the council since the beginning and will continue to represent their views in Ottawa.
“I’m hoping to do all I can, if anybody has other ideas, I’d like to hear them,” she said. (Edit: I do I do! Stop negotiating with terrorists and enforce the law)
Read the full story here
But she isn’t about to abandon her Ottawa post to become a full-time “federal government person on the ground” in Caledonia, as members of Haldimand County council suggested yesterday.
In a telephone interview yesterday, Finley said she’s been working closely with Haldimand Mayor Marie Trainer and the council since the beginning and will continue to represent their views in Ottawa.
“I’m hoping to do all I can, if anybody has other ideas, I’d like to hear them,” she said. (Edit: I do I do! Stop negotiating with terrorists and enforce the law)
Read the full story here
Monday, June 25, 2007
Land Claims: Fallout ‘catastrophic’
Haldimand News - Haldimand County Mayor Marie Trainer and Caledonia Coun. Craig Grice delivered a starkly worded staff report on land claim issue impacts to Ottawa last week.“Fiscal and social fallout from the situation is catastrophic,” began page two. “All attempts are being made to keep the situation peaceful yet this peace is at serious risk (of) jeopardizing the health and safety of residents (both native and non-native) and the OPP.”
County officials are looking at a short term plan to locate new industrial and commercial development outside the Haldimand Tract, where projects may be less vulnerable to occupation threats. Longer term opportunities within the tract will be identified “once the land claims issue has stabilized to the point where occupation threats are unlikely”, continued the author.
McGuinty has yet to meet with Haldimand County council members and, like Prime Minister Stephen Harper, has yet to visit Caledonia.
Read the full story here
County officials are looking at a short term plan to locate new industrial and commercial development outside the Haldimand Tract, where projects may be less vulnerable to occupation threats. Longer term opportunities within the tract will be identified “once the land claims issue has stabilized to the point where occupation threats are unlikely”, continued the author.
McGuinty has yet to meet with Haldimand County council members and, like Prime Minister Stephen Harper, has yet to visit Caledonia.
Read the full story here
Friday, June 15, 2007
Extortion & Terrorism is now Legal in Canada - at least by one group.
Governments will pay/do anything to appease Natives because of the Terrorist Threat announced for June 29th.
Today’s Headlines are proof that Ottawa is willing to start slicing up Canada and giving it to Terrorists like cake to appease their demands. With over 800 land claims, what will be left of our Country when our “Leaders” are done?
Stay tuned to www.caledoniawakeupcall.com for all the latest breaking news.
Ottawa may buy land to satisfy Six Nations deal
Ottawa is considering buying land claimed by Six Nations and returning it to the band to resolve native demands a settlement in the Caledonia standoff must include land.
The federal government has offered Six Nations $125 million to resolve four claims, but the offer is only contingent on natives ending their 16-month occupation of an one-time housing project and not staging more occupations.
Ottawa has said expropriation of land owned by third parties is not negotiable but one way around that is for Ottawa to buy properties in Haldimand and Brant (where land claims dominate) and return it to Six Nations.
Read the full sad story here
The federal government has offered Six Nations $125 million to resolve four claims, but the offer is only contingent on natives ending their 16-month occupation of an one-time housing project and not staging more occupations.
Ottawa has said expropriation of land owned by third parties is not negotiable but one way around that is for Ottawa to buy properties in Haldimand and Brant (where land claims dominate) and return it to Six Nations.
Read the full sad story here
Threatening to act got quick results from PM
Who says confrontation or the threat of it doesn’t work? In spite of the Conservative government’s denials, it came up with new approach to settling aboriginal land claims a mere 18 days before the planned national day of protest.
The government will provide $250 million annually for 10 years to clear the logjam of land claims. the land claims demonstrations in such places as Caledonia and Ipperwash occurred in southern Ontario, where the Conservatives are lusting after votes. They’re hoping that new land claims process will appeal to Ontario voters and maybe swing their support to the Conservatives.
The National Day of Action will still go ahead as planned.
Read the full story here
The government will provide $250 million annually for 10 years to clear the logjam of land claims. the land claims demonstrations in such places as Caledonia and Ipperwash occurred in southern Ontario, where the Conservatives are lusting after votes. They’re hoping that new land claims process will appeal to Ontario voters and maybe swing their support to the Conservatives.
The National Day of Action will still go ahead as planned.
Read the full story here
Ont. First Nations stand to get $2.5 B over 20 years under new gaming deal
TORONTO (CP) - Ontario’s aboriginal communities could get $2.5 billion over the next 20 years under a new proposed deal to share revenue from provincial lotteries and casinos.
Provincial negotiators say the deal - if it’s ratified by Ontario chiefs on June 18 - would be the first agreement of its kind in Canada since it gives 133 aboriginal communities a cut of the province’s gaming revenue.
Under the proposed agreement, the 133 aboriginal communities would get a cut of all the provincial cash that comes from gaming, essentially doubling their annual revenue share to about $125 million.
Read the full story here
Provincial negotiators say the deal - if it’s ratified by Ontario chiefs on June 18 - would be the first agreement of its kind in Canada since it gives 133 aboriginal communities a cut of the province’s gaming revenue.
Under the proposed agreement, the 133 aboriginal communities would get a cut of all the provincial cash that comes from gaming, essentially doubling their annual revenue share to about $125 million.
Read the full story here
Hastening native claims
In his recent report on the 1995 death of native protester Dudley George, Commissioner Sidney Linden called Canada’s failure to deal with native claims fairly and quickly “the single biggest source of frustration, distrust and ill-feeling among aboriginal people in Ontario.”
Indications that this anger is boiling over are not hard to find. Land disputes in Caledonia and Deseronto, Ont., and a national day of native action planned for June 29 are just the most visible signs that, as Assembly of First Nations national chief Phil Fontaine warned last month, many native communities “have reached a breaking point.”
Six Nations protesters who have occupied the site of a housing development in Caledonia for 16 months say Harper’s proposal “doesn’t change one thing” for them.
Read the full story here
Indications that this anger is boiling over are not hard to find. Land disputes in Caledonia and Deseronto, Ont., and a national day of native action planned for June 29 are just the most visible signs that, as Assembly of First Nations national chief Phil Fontaine warned last month, many native communities “have reached a breaking point.”
Six Nations protesters who have occupied the site of a housing development in Caledonia for 16 months say Harper’s proposal “doesn’t change one thing” for them.
Read the full story here
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Six Nations Should End Protest and Pay Costs
The federal government has made an offer of $125 million to Ontario’s Six Nations to resolve four outstanding land claims. This offer sends a message to natives everywhere in Canada that the rule of law will not be enforced and that occupations will end with a cash offer. With June 29th looming, when native communities have planned a national day of protest, governments should make it clear that they will not negotiate with occupiers. A starting point would be to present the Six Nations a bill for the costs incurred during the Caledonia standoff.
Six Nations protesters have been occupying the disputed Douglas Creek Estates land development project since February 2006. Police tried and failed once to remove the protesters. Since then, no further effort has been made to remove occupiers and taxpayers have been left on the hook for tens of millions in related costs. Governments need to send a strong and clear message that they are serious about settling outstanding land claims. But they must also make clear that they will not negotiate with occupiers, that the rule of law will be enforced and that costs will be taken out of settlements. If they don’t, the national day of protest may become a national day of fear.
Civil disobedience is one thing, but it comes with consequences. And those consequence should be enforced. The Six Nations should be no exception. In the future, occupations should be treated the same everywhere and the rule of law enforced equally.
Read the full story here
Six Nations protesters have been occupying the disputed Douglas Creek Estates land development project since February 2006. Police tried and failed once to remove the protesters. Since then, no further effort has been made to remove occupiers and taxpayers have been left on the hook for tens of millions in related costs. Governments need to send a strong and clear message that they are serious about settling outstanding land claims. But they must also make clear that they will not negotiate with occupiers, that the rule of law will be enforced and that costs will be taken out of settlements. If they don’t, the national day of protest may become a national day of fear.
Civil disobedience is one thing, but it comes with consequences. And those consequence should be enforced. The Six Nations should be no exception. In the future, occupations should be treated the same everywhere and the rule of law enforced equally.
Read the full story here
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
$2.5 Billion over 10 years - PM Harper’s New Plan
It’s All About Money - YOUR Money
$2.5 Billion over 10 years
Mississauga New Credit Chief states that is not Enough to cover just one of their Claims - What about the other 800 claims?
Click Here for Full Coverage of this plan for appeasement
Be sure to check back frequently for updated news and video
$2.5 Billion over 10 years
Mississauga New Credit Chief states that is not Enough to cover just one of their Claims - What about the other 800 claims?
Click Here for Full Coverage of this plan for appeasement
Be sure to check back frequently for updated news and video
PM Harper announces Major Reforms to address the backlog of Aboriginal Treaty Claims
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced plans for a decisive new approach that will fundamentally change the way specific claims are handled in Canada.
The Specific Claims Action Plan addresses the huge backlog of unresolved treaty claims that has been the source of division and conflict in communities across the country. “Instead of letting disputes over land and compensation drag on forever, fuelling frustration and uncertainty, they will be solved once and for all by impartial judges on a new Specific Claims Tribunal,” Prime Minister Harper said.
Read the full story here
The Specific Claims Action Plan addresses the huge backlog of unresolved treaty claims that has been the source of division and conflict in communities across the country. “Instead of letting disputes over land and compensation drag on forever, fuelling frustration and uncertainty, they will be solved once and for all by impartial judges on a new Specific Claims Tribunal,” Prime Minister Harper said.
Read the full story here
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Pursuing justice for aborignials by Jim Prentice
In recent weeks, Canadians have had occasion to reflect on the historic relationship between Canada and its First Nations. Canada’s aboriginal leadership has announced that June 29 will be a “National Day of Action.”
The recent report of Justice Sidney Linden, Commissioner of the Ipperwash Inquiry, has highlighted once again that remedying historic injustices is crucial to improving the relationship between aboriginal Canadians and their governments. (Edit: It’s a day of Terrorism and Jim knows it, the Ipperwhitewash report was a bird cage liner written to appease violent thugs)
I wish to be very clear about the approach of the Government of Canada to dealing with the concerns of aboriginal Canadians across the country. (Edit: I’ll do it for you Jim. Appeasement, Appeasement, Appeasement)
Read the full story here
The recent report of Justice Sidney Linden, Commissioner of the Ipperwash Inquiry, has highlighted once again that remedying historic injustices is crucial to improving the relationship between aboriginal Canadians and their governments. (Edit: It’s a day of Terrorism and Jim knows it, the Ipperwhitewash report was a bird cage liner written to appease violent thugs)
I wish to be very clear about the approach of the Government of Canada to dealing with the concerns of aboriginal Canadians across the country. (Edit: I’ll do it for you Jim. Appeasement, Appeasement, Appeasement)
Read the full story here
New law expected to speed land claims
CBC News
Prime Minister Stephen Harper is expected to announce plans Tuesday to speed land claims, as native groups prepare for a national day of action on June 29.
The Assembly of First Nations has called for a national day of action on June 29 to draw attention to outstanding land claims..
Read the full story of Cowardice and Appeasement here
Prime Minister Stephen Harper is expected to announce plans Tuesday to speed land claims, as native groups prepare for a national day of action on June 29.
The Assembly of First Nations has called for a national day of action on June 29 to draw attention to outstanding land claims..
Read the full story of Cowardice and Appeasement here
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Canada at the Crossroads: Rule of law or anarchy?
This is not an article I ever wanted to write, but Friday’s (May 31/07) release of the “shameful coverup” by the Ipperwash Inquiry, the announcement that the federal government wants to reward the Douglas Creek Estates criminals with a $125,000,000 payment to Six Nations, and today’s release of a frightening video [dial-up] of Mohawk Warrior terrorist Shawn Brant threatening Canada leaves me no choice.
Our country is at a very dangerous crossroads. One road leads to a nation ruled by laws where all citizens are equal; the other leads to a black hole where law-abiding citizens realize that the police and government will not protect them from native criminals, and are forced to take the law into their own hands in order to defend themselves.
Read the full article here Much more at http://www.voiceofcanada.ca/
Our country is at a very dangerous crossroads. One road leads to a nation ruled by laws where all citizens are equal; the other leads to a black hole where law-abiding citizens realize that the police and government will not protect them from native criminals, and are forced to take the law into their own hands in order to defend themselves.
Read the full article here Much more at http://www.voiceofcanada.ca/
Haldimand: Welcome to the new age
By Donna Pitcher, Haldimand’s Unheard Voice
I am a law-abiding citizen and find it absolutely “Criminal” that our Government and the OPP are condoning violence. I am sure that they would boldly disagree with my personal opinion, but their recent actions have proven me correct.
I find today that I feel helpless and dispirited for the road we are going down. When I started my blog in May of this year, it was because I had issues with our local council here in Haldimand County, I now find myself involved in much bigger issues that no level of government can get right. It seemed simple to me at the time when I got involved; all we needed to do was to ensure that there is “One Law for All“.
Well that is easier said then done! Now that the Ipperwash Report is final, all “Hell” seems to be breaking loose, just read the papers! We are “ALL” being Threatened! I am not a person that enjoys being negative, but how can one not help but see that we are in “serious trouble” here!
This full story and much more at www.caledoniawakeupcall.com
I am a law-abiding citizen and find it absolutely “Criminal” that our Government and the OPP are condoning violence. I am sure that they would boldly disagree with my personal opinion, but their recent actions have proven me correct.
I find today that I feel helpless and dispirited for the road we are going down. When I started my blog in May of this year, it was because I had issues with our local council here in Haldimand County, I now find myself involved in much bigger issues that no level of government can get right. It seemed simple to me at the time when I got involved; all we needed to do was to ensure that there is “One Law for All“.
Well that is easier said then done! Now that the Ipperwash Report is final, all “Hell” seems to be breaking loose, just read the papers! We are “ALL” being Threatened! I am not a person that enjoys being negative, but how can one not help but see that we are in “serious trouble” here!
This full story and much more at www.caledoniawakeupcall.com
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Government to reward insurgency in Caledonia
The insurgents of Caledonia have been offered $125 million from the Federal Government to stop their criminal occupation, but Six Nations leaders have rejected the offer saying they are more interested in the land.
Last night, a Six Nations negotiator dismissed the offer and said natives have made it clear from the start of talks they only wanted land. “The only positive thing about it is it was an offer,” said Mohawk Chief Allen MacNaughton.“It being an initial offer, we realize initial offers are never accepted anyway. I guess it’s a starting point to talk about things and I guess the only positive is it’s obviously a recognition they owe us something.”
We are thus collectively guilty and owe the Caledonia occupiers for causing them to burn telephone poles to settle their grievances.
The full story and much more at www.caledoniawakeupcall.com
Last night, a Six Nations negotiator dismissed the offer and said natives have made it clear from the start of talks they only wanted land. “The only positive thing about it is it was an offer,” said Mohawk Chief Allen MacNaughton.“It being an initial offer, we realize initial offers are never accepted anyway. I guess it’s a starting point to talk about things and I guess the only positive is it’s obviously a recognition they owe us something.”
We are thus collectively guilty and owe the Caledonia occupiers for causing them to burn telephone poles to settle their grievances.
The full story and much more at www.caledoniawakeupcall.com
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Intelligencer: Provincial apology nice, but not enough
An apology for the events leading to the death of Dudley George is a start, but there is a long way to go toward soothing relations between First Nations and the provincial government, says the chief of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte (MBQ).
The apology from the province that accompanied Thursday’s results of the Ipperwash inquiry is a step in the right direction, said Chief R. Donald Maracle. But the hurt still runs deep.“Obviously it won’t restore Dudley George’s life, or the unjust loss of land,” he said. “But I think the issue was investigated properly and hopefully now a healing process has begun.”
(Edit: Click here for some of how “proper” this investigation was)
At a Deseronto-area quarry, where a group of Mohawk protesters have been living since March, the inquest results affirmed what they already believed, said Shawn Brant, who has served as a spokesman for the group.
Read the full story here
The apology from the province that accompanied Thursday’s results of the Ipperwash inquiry is a step in the right direction, said Chief R. Donald Maracle. But the hurt still runs deep.“Obviously it won’t restore Dudley George’s life, or the unjust loss of land,” he said. “But I think the issue was investigated properly and hopefully now a healing process has begun.”
(Edit: Click here for some of how “proper” this investigation was)
At a Deseronto-area quarry, where a group of Mohawk protesters have been living since March, the inquest results affirmed what they already believed, said Shawn Brant, who has served as a spokesman for the group.
Read the full story here
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