THUNDER BAY – Leader’s Ledger – On February 14, Thunder Bay lost one of its finest and most accomplished citizens with the passing of Eleanor Joan Miller, more commonly known as Dusty Miller, at the age of 82.

Dusty Miller was likely best known to the public for two things: first, the fact that she became the first female mayor of the amalgamated city of Thunder Bay, formed by the joining of the former cities of Port Arthur and Fort William; second, for her incredible contribution to the building of a remarkable and vibrant arts and cultural community in our city.

She was an Order of Ontario recipient. She received the Maggie Bassett Award for her outstanding contribution to theatre. She directed the Port Arthur Community Players, later to become the Cambrian Players, and Lakehead Musical Productions, and she was a member of Theatre Northwest, later to become Magnus Theatre, as well as serving on numerous boards and committees. In fact, there are too many to mention in the time allowed to me today.

Dusty was first elected to city council in 1974, serving till 1978, when she ran for mayor and was successful in defeating Walter Assef. For those who know a little of Thunder Bay’s politics, defeating Walter Assef was no small feat. After her term as mayor, Dusty Miller continued to serve her community in elected office as a councillor from 1985 to 1991.

Dusty Miller’s legacy includes many contributions, including the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, one of the finest concert halls in North America, if I might say so. Along with her late husband, Tom Miller, a former professor of mine at Lakehead University, and many others, they helped transform what was formerly Lakehead Technical Institute into Lakehead University.

Those who have held elected office know just how difficult our work can be. I think the words spoken by current councillor Ken Boshcoff, first elected to public office the night Dusty became mayor in 1978, are appropriate and fitting. He said he quickly learned from Dusty Miller that what was best for the city was not always the popular route. Dusty was highly principled and courageous, to the point that it cost her the mayoralty after only one term.

Dusty Miller’s commitment to our city was extraordinary. Speaker, my sympathies to her family and friends. Thunder Bay has lost one of its finest.

Bill Mauro MPP
Thunder Bay Atikokan

Hudak, in a media release shares these “talking points” from the Premier:

“I want to take the opportunity to thank Don Drummond and the other commissioners for the important work that they have done.”

“I believe we can in fact achieve that destination by working together…”

“Our shared responsibility now is to debate the best way for us to move forward together.”

“We look forward to hearing from Ontarians.”

“All those opportunities will, I’m sure, provide us with even better advice with respect to the best way to move forward, and we look forward to doing that.”

“Our responsibility at this point in time is to continue to listen… We’re on track to doing that and will continue to do that.”

“There are all kinds of stakeholders present but not so many when it comes to representing the future.”

“But again, it’s all about making choices, choices informed by our values.”

Hudak said that “At a minimum, Dalton McGuinty must explain how he will compensate for the single recommendation he has rejected – terminating the $1.5 billion full-day kindergarten program – and still achieve Drummond’s overall balanced budget schedule. Ontarians are looking to Queen’s Park for leadership and for a plan. They want an end to tinkering and ad-hockery when it comes to managing the size and cost of government and the state of our economy.”

Hudak pledged to continue tabling ideas for turning Ontario around and restoring hope: “A legislated public sector wage freeze, for example, that would net $2 billion in savings and offset the cost of full-day kindergarten is just one of them. Above all, Ontarians shouldn’t be misled that it took a Don Drummond for the Liberals to wake up to their spending crisis. They are the government – they have known it all along.”

From the Hansard at Queen’s Park:

Mr. Tim Hudak: Premier, today the Legislature is returning after a considerable break in the shadow of another eHealth-style spending scandal at Ornge, the air ambulance service, and we also are returning with the government seemingly paralyzed in the face of a growing debt crisis in the province of Ontario.

The Drummond report, which is supposed to be your silver bullet to address all the spending problems, was released last week, but you’ve not indicated a single measure that you will implement. Premier, of the entire 700 pages, which recommendations will you actually implement?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty: I thank my honourable colleague for the question. I want to take the opportunity as well to thank Don Drummond and the other commissioners for the very important work that they’ve done.

Speaker, as you know, this report flows from a directive we put in last year’s budget. We anticipated the need for some profound changes, not only in terms of individual programs but also in terms of how government goes about its work. I think it’s very important that, in the coming days and weeks, we understand that we can and should engage in the best way for us to balance that budget, but we cannot debate—I certainly am not prepared to debate—our shared objective, which is surely to ensure that we balance the budget by 2017-18, ensure that government is more affordable and that we improve the quality of services. I believe that we can in fact achieve that destination by working together.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary question?

Mr. Tim Hudak: Premier, here’s the concern that the Ontario PCs have and that Ontario taxpayers have: We’re worried about this troubling paralysis on the government side when it comes to addressing the growing debt crisis in Ontario. Let me tell you why I say that.

The deficit is actually up, not down. While you say you’re going to control spending, spending has actually gone up in every government ministry except two since last year, and since the election, you’ve announced an additional $2.5 billion in expenditures and no savings to match them. Premier, we’re worried that you actually haven’t learned the lesson from the last election, which indicated that we need to get spending under control.

Let me ask you this: You’ve had the Drummond report for some time, I believe. You’ve been briefed all along. When will we actually see your plan to balance the books and get spending under control in the province of Ontario?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty: Speaker, I want to speak to the issue that is raised by my honourable colleague about spending. I think it’s important to reference the Drummond report. I’ll quote from a specific passage, where the commission says:

“Spending is neither out of control nor wildly excessive. Ontario runs one of the lowest-cost provincial governments in Canada relative to its GDP and has done so for decades.” He goes on to say, “And we must recognize that some important steps have been taken in the past few years to help manage costs, improve our prospects for future economic growth and enhance services to the public.”

I say to my honourable colleague and to all members of the opposition that our shared responsibility now is to debate the best way for us to move forward together. Any responsible advice that my colleague would care to offer in that regard would be gratefully received.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Final supplementary?

Mr. Tim Hudak: Again, Speaker, a very troubling response by the Premier. The Drummond report gives 362 failing grades to the Liberal government; 362 ways to reduce spending. He says that if we don’t act today, we’ll face a $30-billion deficit, not a balanced budget, as you promised, in 2017, and you’re en route to almost tripling the debt—and the Premier pats himself on the back for controlling spending? Just how out of touch is that response, Premier?

Let me ask you again, because I’m troubled by your response that says you’re doing a good job when the report says the opposite: Can you tell me one thing from the Drummond report—just one thing, Premier—that you actually will implement?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty: Again, we’re very pleased with the work done by the Drummond commission. I think it is exceptionally thorough. I think it’s the most thorough set of recommendations of its kind, I would venture to say, in the history of our country.

I’ve made it clear, Speaker, that while the commission’s responsibility is to provide us with advice, our job in government is, of course, to make the final decisions. We will incorporate the recommendations made by the Drummond commission in our budget, but before that point in time, of course, we’re looking to the advice of our honourable colleagues opposite in opposition. We look forward to hearing from Ontarians. The Minister of Finance will consider his pre-budget consultations, and we hope that there will be a legislative committee that will take a closer look, as well, at the Drummond commission. All those opportunities will, I’m sure, provide us with even better advice with respect to the best way to move forward, and we look forward to doing that.

On Wednesday, the law enforcers released a letter outlining their concerns, addressed to Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Canadian senators. It is signed by more than two dozen current and former judges, police officers, special agents, narcotics investigators and other criminal justice professionals, all of whom are members of the group Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (LEAP). The letter strongly reinforces the failure of U.S. crime policies that those proposed in the Canadian federal government’s Bill C-10 legislation seem to be modeled on.

“Through our years of service enforcing anti-marijuana laws, we have seen the devastating consequences of these laws,” the letter states. “Among the greatest concerns is the growth in organized crime and gang violence. Just as with alcohol prohibition, gang violence, corruption and social decay have marched in lockstep with marijuana prohibition.”

“We were deeply involved with the war on drugs and have now accepted, due to our own experience and the clear evidence before us, that these policies are a costly failure,” the letter continues. “Marijuana prohibition drives corruption and violence and tougher laws only worsen the problem.”

Bill C-10, titled “The Safe Streets and Communities Act,” is currently being heard by the Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs. Among other proposals, the bill calls for stricter mandatory minimum sentences for minor marijuana offenses, including minimum six-month sentences for growing as few as six marijuana plants.

“The Canadian government believes the answer is to get tougher on criminals,” said Norm Stamper, retired chief of police in Seattle, Washington. “But as we’ve learned with our decades-long failed experiment with the ‘war on drugs,’ the stricter sentencing proposed in the bill will only serve to help fill jails. It will not reduce harms related to the illicit marijuana trade, make Canadian streets safer or diminish gang activity.”

Said retired Washington State Superior Court Judge David Nichols: “Policies similar to those in the U.S. and now under consideration in Canada have been costly failures in the United States, wasting tax dollars and bankrupting state budgets. Following our path presents obvious and significant risks to Canadians.”

Among the 28 signers of the letter are many law enforcement officials working in border areas. They pointed to the illegal cross-border marijuana trade as sustaining gang activity in the region.

“Organized crime groups move marijuana to the U.S. from British Columbia and return with cocaine and guns,” said Stamper. “Prohibition continues to fill the coffers of organized criminals, making communities on both sides of the border less safe.”

Eric Sterling, who helped the U.S. Congress write the federal mandatory minimum sentencing laws, cautions: “As counsel to the U.S. House Judiciary Committee during the 1980′s, I played a major role in writing the mandatory minimum drug sentencing laws which later turned out to not only be ineffective in reducing drug use, but which directly contributed to the disastrous overincarceration problem in this country. I urge policy makers in Canada to learn from our mistakes.”

Canadian Senator Larry Campbell, a member of LEAP’s advisory board and a former member of the RCMP and its drug squad, added: “I am hopeful that my Senate colleagues will listen to the voice of experience, and take into account the advice from leading U.S. law enforcement officials to avoid mandatory minimum sentences. The U.S. and many of its citizens have suffered greatly due to the inflexible and dogmatic nature of mandatory minimum sentences, and Canada would be wise to learn from and avoid that costly and socially destructive mistake.”

U.S. Becoming More Progressive than Canada with Marijuana Policy

While Canada moves towards stricter sentencing with Bill C-10, many states in the U.S. are shifting in the opposite direction, toward control and regulation of the marijuana trade. The law enforcement officials pointed to the 16 U.S. states and the District of Columbia that have already passed laws allowing medical use of cannabis, the 14 states that have taken steps to decriminalize marijuana possession and the initiatives to fully tax and regulate marijuana that are likely to appear on statewide ballots this November in Washington State, Colorado and possibly California.

“We assume this news will not make you consider closing the borders with the United States,” the law enforcement officials write in their letter.

Regulation in Canada

Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (LEAP) represents police, prosecutors, judges, prison wardens, federal agents and others who want to legalize and regulate marijuana and other drugs after fighting on the front lines of the “war on drugs” and learning firsthand that prohibition only serves to worsen addiction and violence. More info at http://www.CopsSayLegalizeDrugs.com.

Tbaytel will be performing upgrades to its cellular network in the following areas:

February 23 – Westfort
February 28 – Shuniah
February 29 – Current River
March 5 – Hardisty

Work will be conducted between midnight and 3:00 am in each of these areas.

Tbaytel states, “You will experience intermittent service disruptions during these maintenance periods. We apologize for any inconvenience during this time and appreciate your patience, understanding and loyalty”.

Beginning with the fur trade, and accelerating over the past 150 years, the northwestern shores of Superior became strategic for Canadian development.

This illustrated presentation focuses on the historic roles of Nipigon and Thunder Bay throughout that history.

A Special Presentation by Scott Hamilton
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Gargoyle’s — A Little to the Left (via main entrance)
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

(5:30 Symposium; 6:00 Presentation; 7:00 Discussion)

Appetizers will be served.

Weather conditions are of course unpredictable, and moving the vast amounts of equipment in moves as quickly as possible.

The De Beers convoy is a large effort. Emma A. Williams of Kashechewan says, “There was about six or seven…just got this bit…maybe eight at the most”.

Williams adds, “There are enough stock photos of the homes going up to Attawapskat but on a regular highway, none actually of the winter ice road”.

On February 11th, from Ottawa, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, John Duncan stated, “It is imperative with the warm weather and potentially shortened winter road season that all efforts to prepare the remaining 20 sites occur as quickly as possible so that they are ready for the delivery of the other remaining homes”.

Minister Duncan has yet to visit Attawapiskat since the state of emergency was declared.

Photographs courtesy of Emma A. Williams.

“This report demonstrates that snapping turtles cannot withstand such high mortality rates,” said Dr. Anne Bell, director of conservation and education with Ontario Nature. “It is our hope that the Province will act on our recommendation to ban the hunt – one simple step towards protecting this amazing animal.”

The report calls for an end to the Ministry of Natural Resources controversial policy that allows anyone with a provincial game or fishing licence to “bag” up to two snapping turtles a day – a policy that the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario recently said should end.

“Snapping turtles face an uncertain future in Ontario because we have paved over 70 percent of southern Ontario’s wetlands and created corridors of death with our roads and highways,” said Dr. Sue Carstairs, Medical Director at the Kawartha Turtle Trauma Centre. “While we must find long term solutions to deal with these threats, the province has the power to give snappers a fighting chance today by ending the hunt.”

Michael Gravelle, Minister of Natural Resources responds “I would like to thank the David Suzuki Foundation, Ontario Nature and the Kawartha Turtle Trauma Centre for their report. The snapping turtle continues to be a widespread and locally abundant species, however due to risks associated primarily with habitat loss, nest predation and road mortality; the snapping turtle is listed as a species of ‘special concern’”.

“To ensure the protection of the species, we continue to be involved in the protection and restoration of wetlands, their primary habitat, and have banned the commercial harvest and sale of the snapping turtle. We are also working closely with the Ministry of Transportation, as well as the general public, to reduce road mortality of all turtle species, and continue to collect information to support future management planning activities that will ensure the long- term survival of the snapping turtle,” continued the Minister.

The report recommends that:

• Ontarians call their MPP and tell him or her to support a ban on hunting snapping turtles;
• Municipalities and the province install wildlife passages in key road mortality hotspots identified in the report;
• The federal government ban the release of persistent, bioaccumulative toxic substances into the air and water; and
• The public help turtles safely cross roads and report sightings to Ontario Nature’s Reptile and Amphibian Atlas.

“The future of these prehistoric creatures now depends on the choices we make and the action we take – and the solutions are clear,” said Rachel Plotkin, Biodiversity Policy Analyst at the David Suzuki Foundation. “We must ensure that our remaining wetlands are protected and continue to build infrastructure that provides safe passage for turtles. And Ontario’s hunt for snappers simply must end.”

Ms. Rooney worked in marketing positions with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, The National Ballet, and Feld Ballets New York, and worked in combined marketing and fundraising positions at the Humane Society and Habitat for Humanity in Winnipeg, before departing for Botswana in southern Africa. In Africa, Ms. Rooney did the marketing and fundraising for a women’s economic empowerment project through an environmental group, and was the Executive Director for the Cancer Association of Botswana for 3 years. She recently completed a year of fundraising for orphans and vulnerable children to be able to attend a world-class international school, Maru-a-Pula School.

“The TBSO is a well-established organization that recently celebrated its 50th Anniversary. There is a buzz in the air with the new musical direction and general management, I am excited by the opportunities for growth for the TBSO” says Ms. Rooney.

There must be something special in Thunder Bay. The Emerging Thunder Bay seems to be re-attracting many of the people who grew up here to return home to the city.

Back in 1815 the fur trade was at its height. The strong partnership that the Northwest Company established with the Ojibway people in what would later become Thunder Bay, were the foundation of the economy. Today, that history is starting to repeat itself. First Nations in Northern Ontario are forging new partnerships with modern day companies.

Fort William Historical Park today is a way for young and old to enjoy history, have fun and share time with friends and family.

Over the Family Day weekend, FWHP hosted the winter carnival, thousands of people enjoyed the warmth of the facility. There were many attractions, from tubing, naming the baby lamb, watching or listening to music and entertainment. The juggler and ventriloquist had children of all ages smiling and laughing.

Visitors also got to enjoy a tasty Canadian tradition, maple syrup on a stick.

Over the course of the season, FWHP will feature many festivals. There is always something going on at FWHP. The facility offers meeting facilities, with the most up-to-date facilities. This summer, mark your calendars: June 2-3, 2012; Spring Round Up. July 1, 2012; Canada Day. July 7-8, 2012; Great Rendezvous. July 7-8, 2012; Anishnawbe Keeshigan. July 21-22, 2012; Celtic Fair. July 28-29, 2012; War of 1812 Bicentennial Salute.

The staff and managers at FWHP report, “Over 5000 people came to the Fort this past Family Day long weekend. We would just like to extend our thanks to all who attended!”

If you missed the Winter Carnival, start making plans not to miss the upcoming events.

Here is a little taste to start your vacation or staycation planning:

Upon arrival the male was identified by officers as the suspect in the Beverly St Mac’s Convenience Store Robbery yesterday evening.

The 20 year old male remains in police custody and has been charged with:
- Theft under $5,000.00
- Robbery
- Breach of Probation x2

The one-day air excursion will take place on Friday, March 9. The total cost of the trip will be divided among the tour’s private sector participants.

Fedeli’s decision to organize such a trip came after his own visit there last summer convinced him there were tremendous opportunities for the local mining supply industry, which boasts 70 companies.

“When I flew over for the first time, I immediately recognized the blue and white-striped tents from Canadian Can-Tex, located in Rutherglen,” Fedeli said.

“I also saw stacks of drill rods – the same types that are manufactured by firms in North Bay and in Powassan,” added Fedeli. “I knew immediately there was potential here that Nipissing companies have to take advantage of.”

Fedeli says he’ll continue to press the McGuinty government to ensure this vital development begins production on schedule and no further delays occur.

Some of the things you can do to alleviate bullying are:

• not answering back in verbal or physical violence
• ignore insults
• tell an adult
• be confident

Some of the things parents or care-givers can do to assist:

• discuss the problem with the child
• involve them in extra-curricular activities
• be empathetic
• encourage positive behaviors

This is a general message sent out as a reminder that as individuals, families, schools, and organizations we can all work together to reduce violence and ensure the health and well being of our community.

Kids Help phone (completely confidential, anonymous, free, 24 hours a day) 1-800-668-6868

If anyone has information on any unsolved crime, please phone your local RCMP Detachment or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.crimestoppers.ab.ca. Crime Stoppers will pay cash for information leading to the identity of the persons responsible for this crime. Crime Stoppers does not ask for your name and does not subscribe to call display.

The Thunder Bay event was organized by Anthony Scaffeo with the support of many volunteers and sponsors including Netnewsledger and Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre. The theme of Thursday event was “Reinventing Thunder Bay for a More Vibrant Community” so when the first speaker (the founder of Evergreen) started talking about green cities and the benefits thereof, but nothing specific about Thunder Bay, I started to wonder about how the audience was going to make the connection between the presentation and the “Reinventing Thunder Bay” theme.

Well, I did not have to wait long for that to happen, as the attentive audience was keen to absorb and listen to every idea that was being shared by the intense and powerful speakers who had a compelling “idea worth sharing” and it showed. Brad Doff, a graduate of LU and the principal consultant for Smart Greening, spoke on the importance of green infrastructure and the power of living technology in the ecosystem to maintain a sustainable future. The buzz and energy in the room was palpable and it grew as following speakers like Eric McGoey started talking about youth outmigration and what we as a city can do to turn that trend around.

The presentations by the local speakers were also mixed by videos of internationally renowned TEDx speakers like Seth Godin who spoke about the “Tribes we Lead” and the paradox of modern age with the Internet now allowing every one to develop silos of interest while being connected to the world. This also means that it is never too late to start heading in the right direction if we do not like the status quo. Connectivity permits penetration of ideas and the ability to lead your own group (or tribe) in way that it was not possible in the past. The Occupy Movement would probably be a good example of that.

In keeping with the “Reinventing” theme, Doug West, Associate Professor of Political Science at Lakehead University spoke about “Food, shelter, Community: The Turn of the Commons”. For Commons he means “resources that are held in common” and that can include everything from natural resources and common land to software. He thinks that the time has come to reclaim the Commons which are now practically being owned and dictated by corporate entities. His theme was one of power at the local level, the need to be involved and helping your neighbour, to be close, of putting oneself in the picture. He believes that TED is a commons, a place to share ideas.

I could not stay for the rest of the presentations but I was able to notice in the audience many young people, some city administrators, academics, educators and business people but no politicians. As the numbers were restricted to 100 attendees maybe some could not make it, but I have been reassured by the organizers that next year they will be able to accommodate a much larger crowd. For those who could not make it this year, TED talks from the local event will be posted on www.tedxthunderbay.com

Frank Pullia is the Principal of Pullia Business Consulting and a frequent columnist for NetNewsledger and other local and regional media. He can be reached at 767-6579 or at frank@frankpullia.com

The male suspect was last seen heading westbound on Arthur Street.

Anyone with information about this male is asked to contact police at 684-1200 or Crime Stoppers at 623-8477.

For the Thunderwolves, it was not only the end of the season, but the end of a career for 5th year Lindsay Druery (Smithville, ON). She was honored during the half time of the men’s game with her parents, Bill and Julie, along with 4th year Lacey McNulty (Belleville, ON), who will also graduate from Lakehead this year. McNulty had gone down with what was originally thought to have been a season ending injury last week, but in a valiant effort came off the bench to play 6 minutes, and hit a big baseline three-pointer in the first half.

With the Thunderwolves knowing that they must win by 21 to extend their season, they pushed with all their might from the opening tip; they played with more urgency than ever before this season. They would outscore the Gryphons by 3 in the first quarter, tie them (17-17) in the second, win the 3rd (20-19) and the 4th quarter 27-17. The last 2 minutes of play were as frantic as any this season, with ‘Wolves diving, flying and fighting tooth and nail at both ends of the court. It no doubt made the ending a lot more sweet than bitter for the Thunderwolf faithful in attendance who cheered with delight until the final buzzer.

Druery scored 24 points (11-17 shooting) and collected 12 rebounds (5 offensive), fitting for a player who was no stranger to the ‘double-double’ stat line throughout her career. Carolyn Fragale (Thunder Bay,ON) had 16 points and 5 assists while Ayse Kalkan (Winnipeg, MB) scored 15.

Guelph’s top scorer was Jasmine Douglas with 22 poitns and 9 rebounds. Alyssa Shortt and Ali Dzikowski had 14 and 13 points, respectively.

Coach Jon Kreiner had praise for his team and graduating players, Druery and Lacey McNulty, “Not many teams in the CIS get to win their last game. The way we played the 4th quarter was a great final chapter to a great season for our Team. We have a very tough division & we competed hard all season. Lindsay’s final game as a Thunderwolf was one of her best. Just the fact that Lacey got into the game and provided a spark was a real proud moment & her teammates rallied around her. It’s tough to be out when you still think you have more to give but we gave our best and ended on a great positive for our program.”

The biggest danger we now face is that the McGuinty Liberals will either adopt the report in its entirety or cherry pick which recommendations to implement. Based on statements already made in the media by the government, it doesn’t seem likely that they will adopt the report wholly, so the question remains: how will they determine which recommendations to implement? This is where most of my concern lies.

Under normal circumstances, once a government is elected it establishes a number of committees, one of which being a Finance Committee. The purpose of the Finance Committee, is, among other things, to travel around the province to solicit public input on the annual budget. This year, however, the establishment of committees has been one of the sticky points that the Liberals have been unwilling to negotiate with the other parties, meaning that, for the first time in many decades, we have not had any formal public consultation on the contents of the budget. So in short, I commend Mr Drummond for doing his job and – as evidenced by his 362 recommendations – doing it well. However, I do think that his report should serve as a starting point for a larger discussion involving all Ontarians.

Because of the scope of this report, I have chosen to split this discussion, with next week focussing on specific areas of proposed cuts.

In all of my columns, I ask for your feedback, but never is your input more important than now. I urge you all to take time out to look at the report and contact me with your comments and suggestions. This report focuses on all areas of provincial spending and its implementation will seriously affect us all. It is important to have your voice heard and this time, sadly, if you do not contact the government or your MPP directly, your input won’t be considered.

Sarah Campbell MP

The First Nation has been engaged in discussion and debate with the Ontario Government over actions taken by mining companies on their traditional lands. The Chief and Council were jailed for contempt of court during their dispute with Platinex Resources.

It appears now the issue is heating up once again, and the Chief is issuing alerts to the Ontario Government.

Shannen will not realize her dream, in 2010, Shannen was killed in a tragic automobile accident.

However Shannen’s Dream is alive and well; and it is gathering steam. This past week, in the House of Commons in Ottawa, a motion seeking Members of Parliament to support Shannen’s Dream was debated. The Motion brought forward by Jonathan Genest-Jourdain of the New Democrats has the support of the Conservatives according to Kenora MP Greg Rickford. “I would like to thank the hon. member for the motion and tell him that I support it. Improving the education of students in first nations communities and the conditions in which these children learn must be one of the highest priorities of all of us here in the House. First nations children must be afforded the same opportunities as children who live off-reserve,” stated Rickford.

Timmins – James Bay Member of Parliament Charlie Angus shared, “I would like to tell the House a bit about Shannen Koostachin. George Stroumboulopoulos picked five teenage girls in history who kicked butt. I know that is probably not a parliamentary expression, but George Stroumboulopoulos’ words were even tougher. He picked Joan of Arc, Anne Frank, Mary Shelley, Buffy the vampire slayer, and I am not sure why but my kids say that has a lot of street credibility, and he picked Shannen Koostachin as number one. That is an extraordinary achievement for a child who came from the impoverished community of Attawapiskat.

“Shannen did not want to make history. She might have liked to make history, but she did not set out to be a hero. She wanted to be on a volleyball team. She wanted to have a locker. She wanted to write notes in the classroom. She had a dream that she could have what she called “a comfy school”.

“I once walked with Shannen in Cobalt, Ontario at little St. Patrick Catholic School, a tiny school. It would not even be on the radar of what people think of as a proper school today, but it has a nice, comfy little feel. Shannen kept disappearing on me. I went to look for her and I found her looking in a classroom window. I asked her if something was wrong and she said, “I wish I had my entire life over so I could go to a school like this”. At age 13, she had realized that opportunity was slipping away from her and that might never come back. To see a sense of urgency through a child’s eyes, the sense that if he or she does not get an education, that the child will never be better off, is deeply disturbing”.

Debate on the motion appeared on of those times when members realized that deeds and not words were important. There were impassioned speeches and ideas shared, but there seems to be agreement that having better schools for First Nation youth is a critical move needed in Canada.

Genest-Jourdain said, “We must now ensure that the government’s willingness is transformed into action. We have been hearing lip service for the past 50 years. Clearly, big things are happening now, meaning there is a great interest in aboriginal issues, and I am a prime example of that, this morning”.

Cindy Blackstock, the Executive Director of First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada said, “Shannen’s Dream motion was tabled in the House today and all parties have said they will support it at a vote on Feb. 27, 2012. We should celebrate Shannen, her family and community, all the children and adults who support Shannen’s Dream, Chelsea Jane Edwards, Charlie Angus and all Members who will vote for the motion and then never give up until they implement the motion!”

The debate and votes on the motion are not over. The transcript is long, but worth the time invested to read it:

There are three pages to this piece… the link to each additional page is at the bottom of the article.

Opposition Motion—Education for First Nation children

Mr. Jonathan Genest-Jourdain (Manicouagan, NDP) moved: That, in the opinion of the House, the government should adopt Shannen’s Dream by: (a) declaring that all First Nation children have an equal right to high-quality, culturally-relevant education; (b) committing to provide the necessary financial and policy supports for First Nations education systems; (c) providing funding that will put reserve schools on par with non-reserve provincial schools; (d) developing transparent methodologies for school construction, operation, maintenance and replacement; (e) working collaboratively with First Nation leaders to establish equitable norms and formulas for determining class sizes and for the funding of educational resources, staff salaries, special education services and indigenous language instruction; and (f) implementing policies to make the First Nation education system, at a minimum, of equal quality to provincial school systems.

He said: Madam Speaker, first of all, I will be sharing my time with the hon. member for Edmonton—Strathcona. I sincerely hope that my speech here today gets as much media attention as other events that have happened recently.

The presentation of this motion will go along the same lines as the approach I used in my previous speeches. Madam Speaker, I have made a number of speeches in this House since I arrived here on May 2, 2011. My detractors and those who might be interested can look at my record at www.openparliament.org. There are nearly seven pages on my speeches.

It should be noted that analysis of the material on the living conditions in aboriginal communities in the country lends itself well to empirical considerations and highlighting cultural subtleties. As with my previous speeches, I will talk about the basics and address the realities as experienced in the communities and on the streets of my home reserve. This ties in with the oral tradition I come from.

Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the press conference held by the national panel on first nation elementary and secondary education. To my great surprise, the spokespeople for the organization addressed a number of points that demonstrate culturally relevant progress, thanks to which it is possible to identify the obstacles to educating youth on first nations reserves. Sometimes in my speeches, I talk about cultural relevance and a culturally integrated approach, and those are the aspects I am going to focus on today, since government efforts in the communities to promote school enrolment and completion of education among youth have to be measures that take into account the sometimes difficult realities experienced by young people in the communities. This has to be a grassroots approach.

The panel is to be applauded for the mere fact that, in preparing its report, it focused on the true causes of absenteeism and dropout rates in the communities. During the press conference, the panel members also highlighted one of the greatest strengths of youth living in adverse conditions: resilience. In fact, as I stand before you this morning, I am an excellent example of that resilience. Despite the fact that industry-sponsored media have tried to take me down, I am still here. I want everyone to know that I ate out of garbage cans as a child. This is nothing new to me, and it takes more than that to bring me down.

In my remarks today, I will focus on adversity and resilience because first nations youth encounter obstacles to learning every day. One of the primary obstacles is the cyclical way of life that has gradually become the norm on reserves in Canada. By “cyclical way of life”, I am referring to, in my language, mitsham shuniau, or social assistance benefits. Life in reserve communities today follows the rhythm of social assistance payments.

Teachers in reserve communities can attest to that. Absenteeism is significantly higher on the 1st and 15th of each month because that is when people get their cheques. As I will show, a large proportion of families that depend on federal transfers do not function well on the days the cheques come in. Children in such families suffer the consequences of their parents’ dysfunction and do not go to school because they cannot find food in the morning or get themselves ready. I am talking about young kids, high school kids and elementary school kids.

This factor must be taken into account when implementing education programs adapted to the realities of Canada’s aboriginal communities. Teachers and other stakeholders called upon to work on remote reserves that are truly struggling do not have an easy task. Therefore, it is important that we focus on giving educational institutions the tools they need to meet the needs of these students on their individual journeys. When I talk about their journey, I not necessarily referring to their academic journey, but rather their life journey. This is not the case in all communities, but from my personal experience in the communities of Uashat-Maliotenam and the Lower North Shore, from a very young age, children are regularly exposed to deviant, negative influences and behaviour that would be considered unacceptable by today’s standards, but that is trivialized in those communities because it is so pervasive.

These young people have been brought up in a world that is quite different from that of other young Canadians. Any teachers who answer the call to go to these communities to work—for they are often from outside the community—will have to learn about and be prepared for this reality, as demonstrated by the youths’ behaviour and psyche.

The dysfunctional nature of many aboriginal communities in Canada is partially linked to idleness and dependence on agencies that are part of the band management. For instance, in my community, over half of all individuals who are of working age, that is, 16 and over, depend on Mitsham Shuniau, or money to eat. Basically, that is our word for social assistance. In some cases, band leaders are forced to divert funding to other priorities established by the band council.

There is a case in a community in my riding, a community whose name I will not mention because it is rather infamous. It announced that, due to fiscal restraints, it had to cut the school days at the secondary school to four days a week in order to mitigate the cash shortage. It is the young people who are ultimately going to suffer the consequences. That is a concrete example.

All efforts to implement policies regarding the first nations education system must ensure that the funding allocated to education is used only for the purposes of the specific educational programs.

I will certainly not limit my remarks to students attending on-reserve primary and secondary schools. My arguments also apply to post-secondary students who often have to leave their home communities to pursue their academic endeavours. Those students, like the ones living on the reserves, are entitled to high-quality education that takes into account the added burden on aboriginal youth who want to pursue higher education.

I want to talk about my own experience. I left my home community in early 2000 to pursue my post-secondary education. I then enrolled in the faculty of law at Université Laval. I spent six years in all in Quebec City. Things did not go smoothly at first. I had a hard time adjusting to urban life. I carried the reality I grew up in with me during those years. Young aboriginals who have to study abroad or away from home are dependent on transfers from the band council education authorities. They are on an allowance. Imagine how hard it is to rent an apartment when your only source of income is an allowance from a band council. You can imagine how many doors were slammed in my face. I ended up living in residence. That is just one of the obstacles facing students wanting to pursue higher education, not to mention breaking from their traditional lifestyle and the distance between them and their home community.

I want to clarify that just because my head was leaning over towards my BlackBerry, that does not necessarily mean I was asleep in my seat.

Mr. Greg Rickford (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario, CPC): Madam Speaker, I appreciated the speech given by the member opposite. I would like to ask him a question and make some comments. On June 9, the minister and the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, Shawn Atleo, announced a Canada-first nations joint action plan designed to improve the quality of life of first nations people. Education was identified as one of the major priorities. On January 24, 2012, a historic crown-first nations gathering took place. Once again, education was identified as a priority by the first nations and the Government of Canada.

My question for the hon. member is a simple yes or no question. Is this the first and most important step in making sure that we have established a relationship and that both parties intend to work together to build an education system in every province that will benefit every first nation in Canada? Is it important to start with that?

Mr. Jonathan Genest-Jourdain: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. member for his question.

Yes, it is of the utmost importance. In passing, I would also like to compliment my colleague on his French. This is the first time I have ever heard him speak in French.

We must now ensure that the government’s willingness is transformed into action. We have been hearing lip service for the past 50 years. Clearly, big things are happening now, meaning there is a great interest in aboriginal issues, and I am a prime example of that, this morning. However, this willingness must truly be transformed into concrete efforts and inclusive measures to help first nations.

Mr. Mike Sullivan (York South—Weston, NDP): Madam Speaker, my friend from Manicouagan and my friend from Edmonton—Strathcona accompanied me on a visit to a reserve in Ontario where education was its number one priority. Members of the reserve have created a native language immersion school for grade school students and they have built their own polytechnic but the government works hard to make it very difficult for them. They had space donated for the school and the government withdrew the value of that space from the allotment for these children.

The government refused for years to hire a superintendent for their school system. We were told that 8,000 kids are awaiting spaces for post-secondary education and that there are so many on the waiting list that the waiting list is now full. They cannot even put their names on a waiting list for post-secondary education. Would the member please comment?

Mr. Jonathan Genest-Jourdain: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague for his question.

I cannot speak for other communities, but I can draw on my own personal experience. It is a good sign that so many people want to pursue higher education. However, that is not the case on my reserve right now, where the high school graduation rate is less than half that in other Canadian communities.

I think that the Canadian government should help communities and community members who show a strong interest in higher education, and it should invest money accordingly. Sometimes, these measures manifest as a massive cash injection. I think this is one of those cases. Some situations call for significant additional funding so that aboriginal students who wish to exercise their right to education have the means to do so.

Mr. Jim Hillyer (Lethbridge, CPC): Madam Speaker, the member said that people in first nations communities depend on federal funding for their education, and I understand that they do. Does the member have any ideas that can help them in the future become less dependent on federal funding and become more independent or self-reliant for education funding?

Mr. Jonathan Genest-Jourdain: Madam Speaker, I thank the member for his question.

I have a solution, but it does not necessarily involve pillaging natural resources as the only option for economic development. We have to find other ways to ensure that these programs receive adequate funding.

In order to qualify for the playoffs, Lakehead requires a win over Guelph tomorrow by 21 points, and for McMaster (10-11) to defeat the Laurier Golden Hawks (13-8), in Hamilton tomorrow afternoon (tip off is at 12 noon).

Both teams showed a case of the nerves in the early going, as the score sat at 8-4 for Guelph 5 minutes into the game. The women would find their offensive flow as the first quarter unfolded, with Carolyn Fragale hitting a triple and then a lay-up on the following possession to push some wind into the Thunderwolves’ sails, with the score 17-13 for the Gryphons after 10 minutes.

The halftime score was 34-31 Guelph, with the Gryphons committing 11 turnovers (7 from LU steals) in the first 20 minutes compared to the ‘Wolves 8 (Guelph- 2 steals).

The second half flowed with both teams trading baskets, Guelph sometimes mixing up their defense with a 2-3 zone. They wold be forced to play ‘man-to-man’ defense after Carolyn Fragale (3-5 3FG) and Kelsey Bardsley (3-9 3FG) started heating up from beyond the arc. When they did miss, Lindsay Druery and Sierra Guy were often right there on the offensive glass (6 offensive rebounds each on the game). Despite their best efforts, Lakehead could never take the lead, although coming within 2 or 3 several times down the stretch.

The game would be decided in the final 6 minutes when Guelph, whose lead was at 5 points, went on a run, thanks to impressive jumpers from Dana Van Balkom, Ali Dzikowski and Marlee Freeman, who were dead-eye in clutch time. Lakehead did not have an answer and would go down swinging from there, with Guelph creating a larger margin due to free throws and a decidedly defeated T-Wolves group.

Lakehead was led by Lindsay Druery with 13 points and 14 rebounds. Carolyn Fragale had 17 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists in 35 minutes. Kelsey Bardsley and Sierra Guy would add 9 points each.

Guelph had 6 players score in double figures, led by Marlee Freeman with 15 (3-4 from three), followed by Jasmine Douglas and Samantha Russell with 14 points each. Douglas also had 12 rebounds and 3 assists.

Guelph went 21-29 from the free throw line, compared to 6-9 for the ‘Wolves.

Coach Jon Kreiner said, “During the last 6 minutes of the game Guelph wanted it more, outplayed us and had an answer for everything we did. It is unfortunate but we need to regroup and win tomorrow.”

Game time is 6 pm tomorrow at the Thunderdome. Tomorrow night will be ‘Seniors Night’, as the women’s program will graduate Lindsay Druery (at half time of the men’s game).

Game will be webcast via SSN (www.ssncanada.ca/games) and audio play by play will be broadcast on CILU Radio, 102.7 FM and luradio.ca

NAPS Police seized approximately eight (8) Oxycodone 80mg prescription pills with a northern street value of $3,840.00 and $2,500.00 in Canadian Currency, along with numerous debt lists.

Fifty-five year-old Percy Oombash has been charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Oxycodone and Breach of Undertaking.

Oombash was released on conditions and will next appear in court on June 26, 2012, in Cat Lake. Cat Lake First Nation is located approximately 550 km northwest of Thunder Bay, Ontario.

Ryan Thompson paced the T-Wolves with 24 points (10-17 FG, 2-2 3FG, 2-2 FT), 9 rebounds, a block and a steal. Venzal Russell was next with 22 points, and Matt Schmidt and Ben Johnson rounded out the scoring with 13 and 12 points, respectively. Schmidt also had 7 rebounds in his 3rd game starting in place of the injured Salhia.

Guelph guard Kareem Malcolm had a tidy 21 points on 8-11 shooting (3-3 3FG, 2-2 FT) to go with 3 assists and a steal in 34 minutes of play. Zach Angus and Dan McCarthy were the only other Gryphons in double digits with 11 and 10 points, respectively.

In light of Guelph putting up a solid 78 points, and with one more regular season game remaining tomorrow, Coach Scott Morrison is demanding a complete effort from all 10 guys he has dressed on the bench. “Guelph outplayed us for half of the game [outscored LU 55-43 in the 2nd and 4th Q's], but we were fortunate to ride our good starts in the first and 3rd to get the win. I was pleased with the effort of our starters tonight including Jones off the bench. After the game we challenged our second unit to raise their level of play tomorrow. We are close to finishing our regular season goals but need to put together a more balanced effort to do so.”
Game time is 8 pm tomorrow.

Women’s 5th year forward Lindsay Druery will be honored in traditional ‘Seniors Night’ fashion at halftime of the men’s game.

Game will be webcast via SSN (www.ssncanada.ca/games) and audio play by play will be broadcast on CILU Radio, 102.7 FM and luradio.ca

The youth are doing it, because their mentors are doing it.

How many more people have to die? The society and the Governmentt, and non-native world supported them out here, ‘Well natives didn’t pull the wool over the eyes of the communities outside of the reserve’.

First Nations can’t laugh at the reality, but people out here see, that being proud that society and the government, and non-native world became the enablers of destruction.

First Nations didn’t just let down their communities, youth down, the generations to come, but overall; they have let the earth down.

Alec Oombash

A successful pilot study conducted on the Fort William First Nation – the first in Ontario – found self-sampling and human papillomavirus (HPV) testing was an embraced screening strategy by the majority of First Nations women participating. Now, CIHR funds will support the expansion of the study to include 1000 women living on-reserve in ten Robinson-Superior First Nations communities.

Dr. Zehbe and her award-winning team of researchers and physician researchers will help determine culturally safe approaches to promote increased participation in cervical cancer screening by Engaging First Nations Women in Cervical Cancer Screening: Assessing Factors Related to Screening and Uptake of Self-Sampling.

“This is affirmation,” says TBRHSC Chief of Oncology and Regional Cancer Program Medical Director Dr. Dimitrios Vergidis, “that we are committed to improving the health of all the people we serve. This study will help improve screening tools to decrease the prevalence of cervical cancer through early detection using HPV as a marker and help raise awareness about cervical and other cancers in a significantly under-screened population. Together with scientists like Dr. Zehbe, the Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute is bringing unique patient-centred research to the people of Northwestern Ontario by developing diagnostic tools and treatments that save lives.”

“Our research focuses on First Nations women because they have a 73% higher incidence of cervical cancer compared to women in the rest of Ontario,” says principal investigator Dr. Zehbe, “and First Nations women are twice as likely to die from cervical cancer. We hope this study will increase women’s curiosity and knowledge about screening, not just for cervical cancer, but for other types of cancer that can be screened and detected early, such as breast and colorectal cancer.”

The interdisciplinary study combines the expertise of cancer biologists, virologists, epidemiologists and medical anthropologists from several Canadian universities including University of British Columbia, University of Manitoba, University of Ottawa, and Northern Ontario School of Medicine. The team also includes members of TBRRI and public health care workers from First Nations communities in the region.

Natalie Paavalo, Dilico’s Family Health Team Manager based at Fort William First Nation, was engaged in the first study and says, “We helped facilitate the pilot study and congratulate Dr. Zehbe on this vote of confidence from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research by granting funds to expand the study into more First Nations communities. We value the work of Dr. Zehbe and her team and will continue to work with them to improve cervical cancer screening tools.”

The Engaging First Nations Women in Cervical Cancer Screening expanded study will determine whether a self-sampling test could become a viable screening strategy for First Nations women who live in rural and remote communities, especially for those with limited access to health care providers and cervical cancer screening education and awareness.

This study recognizes that First Nations communities have a different health care experience. Dr. Marion Maar, a medical anthropologist at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine and a research team member, sees that the participatory nature of the study allows researchers to learn about relevant issues directly from First Nations women and their health care providers. She notes that discussions are already revealing important information related to HPV risk behaviors, protective factors, and culturally safe approaches to cervical cancer prevention in First Nations.

“CIHR’s support allows Dr. Zehbe’s research team to move forward with innovative approaches that benefit patients and address inequalities in health-related choices accessible to First Nations women,” says TBRRI Vice President of Research Michael Wood. “TBRRI is conducting community-based research right here in Northwestern Ontario that may eventually address global under-screened populations where organized cervical screening programs do not exist.”

The Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation has a dedicated Discovery Fund that supports bright scientists like Dr. Zehbe to significantly advance medical research here in Northwestern Ontario and around the world. As Foundation Chair, Brian McKinnon, says, “Generous donations to our Health Sciences Discovery Fund can significantly advance medical research here in Northwestern Ontario, and around the world.”

Open Letter to all Chiefs

Greetings to you all. In addition to the communications and information available at www.afn.ca that relates to all of the work at the national level, I wanted to also take a moment to provide you with direct information.

Our role and mandate at the national level is very clear. As you know, you, the Chiefs, are the Assembly of First Nations and, as we have since the inception of our organization, we work on the basis of building consensus and providing direction to the secretariat to carry out your instructions. We are a national advocacy body and our task is to create the opportunities, the momentum and the urgency for First Nations issues to be addressed. We cannot and will not design or impose any solutions.

Starting in 2009, the National Executive developed a national strategic plan based on decades of resolution and mandate to advance full recognition and implementation of our rights and responsibilities securing our place in Canada and internationally as Indigenous Nations. The work was presented at our Special Chiefs Assembly in December 2009 at which time the Chiefs also stood together making education a top priority. In 2010, First Nations leaders again, at the Annual General Assembly re-iterated our collective plans and confirmed nationally the importance of advancing endorsement of the UN Declaration, advancing clear work on a national Treaties implementation strategy, key policy reforms based on our rights on comprehensive claims and self-government, and advancing our governments and economies. All of this work is backed up by decades of resolution and specific direction for AFN and for me as National Chief.

My role has been, as I said in 2009, to open doors – kick them down as necessary- and then get out of the way for First Nations to drive and design a path forward. Since then, we have engaged at every level of government and with leaders in every sector of the Canadian economy and society to raise the profile and urgency of our issues. At the same time, my priority has been spending time in First Nation communities directly. This has meant that every month, I have spent time within our nations in every region of the country and I have further attended and spoken at Assemblies in every region several times every year supporting those efforts and ensuring coordination.

Last year at our Annual General Assembly in Moncton, we discussed the Canada-First Nations Joint Action Plan. Every year, not unlike every regional organization and tribal council, AFN engages in work with the Department based on the direction we have received. Last year, we insisted on a principled approach based on First Nation rights and including clear commitment on advancing Treaty implementation, comprehensive claims policy reform and advancing First Nation governments as opposed to responding to departmental program priorities. Every element of the plan was discussed and there are specific resolutions relating to each mandating specific regionally representative committees or groups to take the work forward. Nothing is pre-determined and I re-iterate this work is only to create the opportunity for regions, Treaty areas and Nations themselves to drive forward their specific plans. There are no one size fits all approaches.

During the last fiscal year alone, AFN will have hosted nine national forums in addition to Chiefs committees and national working groups on all priority issues. This work has enabled thousands of our people from leaders, youth and our own officials that are driving solutions within their home communities to engage and coordinate efforts. These forums have largely been hosted without or with minimal government funding as we advance new ways to make our organization strong, independent and able to do the work that is demanded of our people. This is the work of coordinating, facilitating and advancing First Nation issues. But again, decisions will and can only be made by First Nations for First Nations.

The profile of our issues has increased as has the urgency of the need for action to drive change. We can do this work by supporting one another.

The Crown-First Nations Gathering was a first step in confirming the prominence of our issues on the national scene. This creates the opportunity and we will continue the press for action. But most importantly, it is the work happening by First Nations, Treaty groups and regions that is central and required to drive the change needed. First Nations have the solutions and we must be dedicated to driving every next step in this work.

I re-iterate my full commitment to standing with every Nation in supporting your efforts for change based on your rights and your responsibilities to your people. We have much potential to achieve change and our people demand and deserve this attention and support.

National Chief Shawn Atleo