“We need to come up with a Solution” – Chief Peter Collins

FORT WILLIAM FIRST NATION – Chief Peter Collins is taking things on quickly. The newly elected Chief of Fort William First Nation appears ready to go on several issues.

Talking with the media on Wednesday, Chief Collins spoke on the issues of education, the James Street Bridge, and his goals heading into the 2015-2017 term for Fort William First Nation Council. Stating he is a solution based person, the Chief said he wants to solve the James Street Bridge issue.

The James Street Bridge is an issue that Chief Collins says needs a solution. Chief Collins said he wants to meet with CN Rail and work out an agreement. Collins stated, “It will be ourselves and CN Rail and we’re going to work on a solution. And we’re going to sit there until we come up with a solution.”

Chief Collins says that the approach of going to court is not a solution, and that only the lawyers will benefit.

“That is not the right way to come up with a solution. That will drag on for time immemorial. Is there a solution at the end of the day when we’re all broke because we’ve millions of dollars in legal fees? Absolutely not,” stated the Chief.

That approach appears to put the Fort William First Nation and Thunder Bay Mayor Keith Hobbs on opposite sides of the table. Thunder Bay has, with former Chief Morriseau at the table sought to work out an agreement with CN Rail to no avail, and that is why the matter is headed to court.