Rafferty – Working hard to bring some transparency and accountability to the Harper Government

OTTAWA – LEADERS LEDGER – In addition to working hard to bring some transparency and accountability to the Harper Government over their massive 400-plus page budget bill that is being rammed quickly through parliament I also spent time working on several issues related to…

We lost 30 skilled employees in Thunder Bay – Bruce Hyer MP

OTTAWA – Leaders Ledger – Last month Canadian Blood Services closed Canada’s only stand-alone plasma centre. We lost 30 skilled employees in Thunder Bay and hundreds of loyal donors. That facility provided vital transfusion products to patients across Canada.

Canadian Blood Services claims there…

Attawapiskat First Nation would like to provide an update concerning the state of housing

ATTAWAPISKAT – LEADERS LEDGER – The Attawapiskat First Nation would like to provide an update concerning the state of housing for members of the First Nation. We would also like to correct inaccurate information that appeared yesterday in media accounts of discussions with officials from the…

Ontario must understand that it has no right to make these decisions – Chief Peter Moonias

NESKANTAGA FIRST NATION – The Neskantaga First Nation is expressing their concern over the announcement by Ontario government officials and representatives from Cliffs Natural Resources. The decision announced last Thursday is having a cooling effect on relations between First Nations and the Ontario government.

Here is what…

It has been a true honour to represent and serve the people of Schreiber – Don McArthur

SCHREIBER – LEADERS LEDGER – It is with deep regret that I announce I will be requesting a leave of absence from my position as the Mayor of Schreiber effective May 12, 2012. I have a professional opportunity which will require me to be out…

From Queen’s Park – We need to make the right decisions on the Ring of Fire

QUEEN’S PARK – LEADER’S LEDGER – Last week Cliffs Natural Resources announced its plans to locate a chromite smelter, which will be used to process raw ore from the Ring of Fire, in Sudbury.

While many are disappointed that the smelter, and 450 potential jobs,…

From the House – This week in Ottawa an important debate was taking place

OTTAWA – Leaders Ledger – This week in Ottawa an important debate was taking place. It was focused on whether the Harper Government should be presenting its massive 400-plus page budget bill in one piece of legislation or break into several pieces so…

AFN National Chief Address to UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues

OTTAWA – Leaders Ledger – Joint Statement of the Assembly of First Nations, Chiefs of Ontario, Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee), Amnesty International, Canadian Friends Service Committee (Quakers), KAIROS: Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives The Doctrine of Discovery: its enduring impact…

UN Special Rapporteur James Anaya on Rights of Indigenous Peoples on Visit to USA

Washington, D.C. – LEADERS LEDGER – In my capacity as United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, I am concluding my official visit to the United States of America, which I have been carrying out over the past twelve days. During my…

Leaders Ledger – Open Letter to Cliffs Natural Resources

GREENSTONE – LEADERS LEDGER – On May 4, 2012 the Mayor of Greenstone, wrote an ‘Open Letter’ to the President and CEO of Cliffs Natural Resources. Here is the text of that letter:

Mr. Joseph Carrabba Chairman, President and CEO Cliffs Natural Resources Suite 3300, 200 Public Square Cleveland,…