Anishinawbe Blog

Liberal aboriginals try to bring issue to floor

Graeme Hamilton
National Post

MONTREAL – As the federal Liberal party officially buried a planned debate yesterday on recognizing Quebec as a nation, its Aboriginal Peoples’ Commission adopted a resolution calling for constitutional recognition of aboriginal nationhood.
Sparked by anger that aboriginals were ignored in the discussion over the recognition of Quebec, the emergency resolution says Canada’s First Peoples should be granted status as a third order of government within Canada.
It calls on the Liberal party, in partnership with Canada’s aboriginals, to “initiate, develop and implement the necessary policy, legislative and constitutional change required to fully implement this recognition of Nationhood and implementation of self-government by First Peoples government.”
It specifies that a future Liberal government should bring forward the recognition “at a future Constitutional Conference” and have it entrenched “in a First Amendment to the Constitution of Canada.”
However, the resolution will not make it to the convention floor during today’s policy plenary because it was received too late, according to the convention rules.
Hank Rowlinson, co-president of the Aboriginal Peoples’ Commission, said he had hoped the issue could be debated by all delegates to the Liberal leadership and policy convention, which opened yesterday.
“Obviously we will work to try to make sure it is in the leader’s platform in the next election,” Mr. Rowlinson said. “It seems that in the debate about Quebec as a nation, the very first people who were here have been left out.”
Michael Ignatieff, the front-running leadership candidate heading into the weekend vote, has called for a new “constitutional division of powers among aboriginal, territorial, provincial and federal orders of government.”
He is also calling for the acknowledgement in the Constitution of “the national status of Quebec and the indigenous nations of Canada.”
But when he addressed commission members yesterday, Mr. Ignatieff made no reference to his proposal for constitutional change. His advocacy of national status for Quebec has been blamed by many Liberals for opening up a divisive debate.
“The candidates are being a little more cautious about introducing a nation debate or opening up the Constitution,” said Bob Goulais, an aboriginal delegate from Ontario who proposed yesterday’s resolution recognizing First Peoples as nations.
Mr. Rowlinson did not take offence that Mr. Ignatieff ignored the constitutional angle during his brief speech to aboriginal delegates. “In Mr. Ignatieff’s aboriginal policy platform, he clearly states that if he becomes leader and becomes prime minister, his platform is to recognize First Nations and Metis as nations within the federation of Canada,” he said.
“He feels, and a lot of people feel, that recognizing us within the nation of Canada is only going to make [the country] stronger, just like recognizing Quebec as a nation.”

Hélène Buzzetti 
Le Devoir

Le PLC adopte une résolution d’urgence réclamant un changement constitutionnel et reconnaissant la légitimité des gouvernements autochtones

Le débat sur la nation, que le Parti libéral du Canada voulait s’éviter en retirant la motion portant sur le Québec, a resurgi sous une forme inattendue hier à l’ouverture de son congrès à Montréal. La Commission des peuples autochtones a adopté en matinée une résolution d’urgence reconnaissant les nations autochtones et l’égalité de leurs gouvernements avec ceux des provinces et le fédéral. Et puisque, à l’instar de tous les autres ateliers, il n’y avait à peu près personne, la résolution est passée sans problème.
Cette résolution, qui tient sur une page, déclare en guise de préambule «que le Canada a été fondé par trois nations, à savoir les peuples autochtones, les Anglais et les Français». Elle invite donc le PLC à reconnaître «que les peuples autochtones forment autant de nations au sein de la nation canadienne». En outre, elle va beaucoup plus loin que celle, retirée, sur le Québec en ce qu’elle réclame un changement constitutionnel et reconnaît la légitimité des gouvernements autochtones «comme troisième ordre de gouvernement».
Son parrain, Bob Goulais, reconnaît qu’il s’agit d’une réponse au débat sur la nation québécoise, dont les autochtones se sentent exclus. «Quand l’aile québécoise du PLC a présenté sa résolution, cela a provoqué un déclic, a-t-il expliqué au Devoir. Il est temps qu’on aille de l’avant avec l’autodétermination et avec des changements constitutionnels reconnaissant les peuples autochtones comme des nations.»
Selon M. Goulais, un débat constitutionnel est nécessaire car une simple motion à la Chambre des communes comme celle que le premier ministre Stephen Harper a présentée dans le cas des Québécois constitue à son avis une «approche expéditive».
M. Goulais se réjouit que l’ex-premier ministre Paul Martin soit allé s’asseoir à ses côtés après l’adoption de sa résolution. Depuis sa défaite, M. Martin a fait des autochtones sa nouvelle priorité. M. Goulais appuie Ken Dryden au premier tour mais ne sait toujours pas derrière qui il se rangera aux tours suivants.
M. Goulais s’ajoute à la liste de personnes ayant réclamé au cours des derniers jours que la reconnaissance accordée aux Québécois le soit également aux autochtones. Le dernier en date est le premier ministre de la Colombie-Britannique, Gordon Campbell, qui a rappelé qu’il existe une «troisième solitude qui mérite qu’on lui accorde le même honneur».

By Peter O’Neil
Vancouver Sun

MONTREAL – Liberal delegates shelved on Wednesday a series of hot-button policy proposals that, if passed at a full plenary session of delegates here Thursday, would have called on a future Liberal government to legalize and regulate the marijuana industry, lower the age of consent for anal sex from 18 to 16, and expand the Vancouver supervised injection site pilot project for drug addicts to all major Canadian cities.
While party members narrowly supported those three proposals at a policy workshop, the Liberals subsequently voted to prioritize three other less controversial suggestions from the party’s grassroots.
The three priority resolutions, which will be voted on by delegates Thursday, call on the next Liberal government to adopt an affordable housing strategy, combat child poverty and ban automatic and semi-automatic weapons.
”I’m not discouraged,” said Sarah Waters of Coquitlam, B.C., a 24-year-old delegate who spoke in favour of the supervised injection site resolution.
Waters works at a home for paroled federal inmates in Vancouver, many of whom have addiction problems and are HIV-positive as a result of sharing needles.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s government has extended the injection site’s permit to operate until the end of 2007, but has cut off research funding at the facility in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. The Harper government has also refused to allow similar projects elsewhere in Canada, and has said it will focus on other approaches to reducing drug use and drug-related crime.
”I think that is something that isn’t going to be going away,” Waters said. ”All of the leaders have all stated their support for safe injection sites, which is exciting, and I think we’ll see some commitment to it later on.”
The marijuana resolution triggered the only fireworks at Wednesday’s ‘’social and justice policy” workshop, with party members heckling each other while arguing for and against the motion.
It was advanced by Marijuana Party founder Marc-Boris St. Maurice, who left the legalize-pot party to join the Liberals two years ago.
He told reporters Wednesday he thought the Liberal party is the best vehicle to advance his cause.
Adam Tromblay, a youth delegate from Fort St. John, B.C., dismissed concern that legalization will increase crime.
”If we remove marijuana from the hands of criminals we can much more effectively deal with the issues surrounding it.”
Ontario delegate Bob Goulais, who argued against the pot resolution, later questioned St-Maurice’s Liberal credentials, saying: ”This workshop has been duped.” St. Maurice, 37, who presented the resolution on behalf of the young Liberals of Canada, responded by waving his membership card.
The Liberals tried unsuccessfully in the last Parliament to decriminalize pot possession.

This image of Paul Martin, was taken on National Aboriginal Bay during the 2003 election campaign.  He’s singing with my drum group and lead singer Laval Williams.  This image was used in the video tribute tonight at the Liberal Leadership Convention.

MONTREAL – As the tribute to Paul Martin began, and speaker after speaker bestowed the virtues of his leadership and service to Canada, I couldn’t help but think: “What the heck are we thinking?”
How could we accept this man’s resignation? ¼br> How could be have elected such a narrow-minded, intolerant and less-visioned government during the last election? ¼br> Why elect a new leader, when this is the best man for the job?
It wasn’t just a love-in or a tribute to his 13 years of politics, it was a true portfolio of The Right Honourable Paul Martin, and a manual on how to run a great, socially and fiscally responsible country.
Just look at the facts:  

Under his leadership as Finance Minister:

• Paul Martin has balanced budget after budget following years of irresponsible deficits and poor fiscal policy.  

• He took the first steps to pay down the National Debt.  

• He repaired the Canada Pension Plan, and now our pensions are safe for the next 70 years.  

• He introduced the National Child Tax benefit, in an effort to address child poverty and look after our children.  

• He gave Canada the strongest performance of any economy in the G8.

In his short time as Prime Minister:

• Paul Martin have us a truly National child care program, 

• He developed a fully funded Kyoto Package, and 

• of course, the historic Kelowna Accord.  

Could you imagine what Canada and world would look like if these proposals were allowed to be seen to fruition?
This evening, Former General, Senator Romeo Delaire gave his account of his first meeting as Senator with Prime Minister Martin.  He was asked: “what are we going to do about the situation in Darfur, Sudan.”  Delaire recalled that nobody — absolutely nobody wanted to commit to anything, citing the tremendous need in our own country and in the Middle East. It was Paul Martin itself who took a stand to support African Union in protection the 2.5 million people in Darfour. He’s the only one who said it. The man really cares and believes in social justice and responsibility.

Notable Quotes:

During Paul Martin’s speech, what was most evident was the display of his personal values, which he described as being intrinsically Liberal values: 

“We are the party of the Charter and your rights will not depend on the state of your pocketbook,” said Martin.

“By the time the 1993 campaign began, you could feel it at the doorstep, on the street, in the air – our country wanted change.  Jean Chretien provided that change and I am proud to have served in his cabinet.”“We’re a big country not only in geography but vision.”

Great performances: 

• “One Drum” by Leela Gilday

• “Into the Mystic” by Colin James

• Natalie MacMaster

• Faces in the Crowd…  Today, I ran into a few familiar known faces.  Of course, I was pleased to see our MP from Nipissing-Timiscaming Anthony Rota and his lovely wife Chantal.  Also spent some time with Garth Goodhew from our riding.  Made some friends with delegates from the Liberal Women’s Commission and aligned myself with them somewhat.  Also met astronaut Marc Garneau.  Way cool!  Lots of politicians.  Liberal Leader Bill Graham, MPs Wayne Easter, Ken Boshcoff, Todd Russell, Gary Merasty, Provincial Health Minister George Smitherman, former Deputy Prime Minister Anne McLellan.
  

• State of the Party…  For the first time in the history of Canadian politics, a political party broadcast its financial report.  How’s that for transparency.  Everybody who tuned in on CPAC had access the the great news, that our party has moved from a deficit position of over -$3 million to a surplus of over $4 million.  The best news of all, a declaration that the Liberal Party of Canada is ready for an election at any time!¼br>

• Bob Rae, Bob Rae, Bob Rae… again.  More and more, it looks like I’m going to support Bob Rae on a second ballot.  Today, in a packed room at the Palais du Congres, I asked a question to Bob Rae.  “What will he do to work with First Nations, to promote self-government and making our own decisions on our future.  Would he support the APC resolution on opening up the constitution?” Unfortunately, he rejected the idea of re-opening the constitution stating it is a difficult process and often times it takes a lot of effort to get everybody onside.  However, he gave me the most comprehensive and positive answer about supporting First Nations governments, working in partnership and taking tangible steps to moving on protecting our children, and establishing economies.  This man speaks our language and has great experience working with First Nations.
  

• Guns, guns and more guns…  The Liberal Party is on a policy kick to eliminate small arms, handguns, automatic and semi-automatic weapons.  However, in their eagerness to move these resolutions, they have lumped in legimiate semi-automatic rifles that many hunters use.  Apparently, they are unable to distinguish between practical and legal semi-automatice hunting rifles and assault weapons, which have no place in the bush.  I voted against the resolution.  Unfortunately, it was passed.
  

• Where can I get a decent bagel?  Just kidding.

MONTREAL – This morning, the Aboriginal Peoples’ Commission of the Liberal Party of Canada waded into the Nation-within-a-Nation discussion, passing a resolution to recognize First Peoples’ as a Nation.
However, in a marked departure from recent discussion and the motion passed by the House of Commons, the Liberal Resolution calls for dramatic constitutional change.
“This resolutions calls for the enactment of a First Amendment to the Constitution and for entrenchment of First Nations governments as not only Nations, but the legitimate third order of government,” said Bob Goulais, an aboriginal delegate from Nipissing First Nation in Ontario.�
Goulais moved the motion and has been advocating for it since October when the Quebec wing of the Liberal Party passed their resolution recognizing Quebec as a Nation.
“The recognition of First Peoples as a Nation within the Nation of Canada, would involve constitutional debate rather that Mr. Harper’s cursory approach of a House motion,” added Goulais.
The resolution, passed as an Emergency Motion within the Aboriginal People’s Commission, will not go to the floor of the Plenary Session this afternoon, however it will go to the National Executive and National Policy Committee of the Party for implementation.
For Goulais, it was en exciting moment during his first Liberal Party Convention.
“As soon as my resolution was carried, The Right Honourable Paul Martin came over and sat down right beside me,” said Goulais.
The former Prime Minister sat with Goulais while he was honoured by the Aboriginal Peoples’ Commission.
The APC heard from most of the candidates for the Leader of the Liberal Party.
“I am very confident that the new leader will take this mandate and ensure Canada’s First Peoples are properly regarded as Nations within Canada,” said Goulais.  “Both Mr. Ignatieff and Mr. Rae have shown great leadership and spoke eloquently on how best to address First Peoples’ issues much as poverty, the economy and self-government.”
Goulais, a supporter of Ken Dryden, stated his second ballot will go to either Mr. Ignatieff or Mr. Rae.  He will have discussions with both organizations and candidates before making his decision on Saturday.

- 30 -

For more information contact:

Bob Goulais
E-mail: goubob@anishinabek.ca
Cell: (705) 498-5250

Bob speaking from the Liberal Biennial Convention

• Des Nation Quebecois… The chimes of a local downtown church led me to ponder the question of Quebec “nationhood”.  There is no question that Quebecois have a distinct culture.  They may very well be a “nation-within-a-nation”.  But do they really consider themselves as such?  As I meander through their hustle and bustle on the way to work, I wonder if they really ponder the motion was passed in the House of Commons and what it really means.
  

• Just say no…  Today, at the Liberal Convention, I spoke out vehemently against the legalization of marijuana.  I offered strong debate on the resolution put forward by the Young Liberals of Canada.  I did my part to stifle the resolution so that it couldn’t be advanced any further.  I do not want to be a part of Canada when my kids and I walk down the street and someone is smoking up in front of me.  I am thoroughly convinced that pot is a gateway drug. People don’t just start with cocaine or heroin.  They work up to it.  Some will argue that it will legalize cultivation, manufacturing, and distribution thereby eliminating the criminal element and organized crime.  But even legalized cigarettes, alcohol and gambling haven’t dispursed criminals trying to make a buck.  However, most damaging of all is the effect on our communities and families.  On First Nations, drugs, social issues and health issues go hand in hand.  This includes marijuana.
  

• It’s not dead yet…  I was proud to play a role in speaking up for Kelowna Accord.  This afternoon, I urged the delegates to vote for an enabling resolution to implement the historic First Ministers’ agreement with First Nations, Metis and Inuit people.  I lobbyed the women’s commission all around me to support the resolution and this issues as a priority.  During the Policy Session on Heritage and Identity, the delegates in attendance voted to make Kelowna the Number One priority, by 73 votes in favour.  As a result, the resolution will go to the plenary session tomorrow.
  

• Women and children first…  Other resolutions that will go to the floor:  Addressing Child Poverty by increasing the Child Tax Credit, and improving Gender Parity for Liberal MPs up to 52 percent.  I was happy to support both these resolutions.
  

• Objectively speaking…  The best speech of the day to the Aboriginal Peoples’ Commission was Ken Dryden.  After a slow start, he had flare, he was dynamic, he had a message.  Deserving of much more support than he is receiving.  I am proud to be a Dryden delegate and got a chance to say as much to him today as well.
  

• Bob Rae.  Bob Rae.  Bob Rae…  Yes, I walked in with him to register among the throngs of supporters.  He’s on my top two list for second ballot support.  But I did not yell, chant or wear any cheezy t-shirt.  But it is still only Wednesday.
  

• And how was your day?…

The Government of Canada fails to act and
fails First Nations peoples.
First Nations seek justice and our fair share.

Come out and join us for a

National Protest

“To Save Our Legacy”

Canada cuts $160 million in language funding.
Funding for core First Nations programming has been capped since 1996.
The gap between the social and economic status of First Nation communities and
non-First Nations communities continues to grow.
Canada cannot continue to ignore this reality!

Tuesday, December 5, 2006
11:30 a.m.
Parliament Hill
Ottawa, Ontario

NOTE: The demonstration will start at the Westin Hotel, 11 Colonol By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, then will proceed to Parliament Hill.

For more information, contact Chiefs of Ontario: 1-877-517-6527

• Download the Rally Flyer.  Requires Acrobat Reader.

• If you are sending 10 or more people by van or bus, download this form.

November 28, 2006

AN OPEN LETTER TO THE ANISHINABEK NATION

Aanii-Boozhoo:

Instead of heeding the RCAP report’s suggestions for immediate improvements, our socio-economic indicators worsen: 

• One in four First Nation children are now living in poverty; 

• First Nations youth have the highest suicide rate in the world; 

• High school graduation rates for First Nations youth are half the Canadian rate;

• One-quarter of First Nations homes are overcrowded; 

• More than half of First Nations people are unemployed; 

• Nearly 100 First Nations communities are under boil water advisories; 

• Mould contaminates half of First Nations homes; and 

• First Nations citizens suffer from Third World diseases like tuberculosis at eight to ten times the rate of Canadians in general.

Stephen Harper’s government has not only been indifferent to working with First Nation leaders on these critical issues – their actions are exacerbating them. 

John Beaucage
Grand Council Chief
Anishinabek Nation

• Download the Rally Flyer.  Requires Acrobat Reader.

• If you are sending 10 or more people by van or bus, download this form.

The Globe and Mail
Friday, November 24, 2006

A motion by Bob Goulais, a native delegate to the Liberal leadership convention from Nipissing (Ont.) First Nation, would recognize “first nations as nations within the nation of Canada” and first-nation governments as “a legitimate third order of government within Canada.”

Mr. Goulais said Canada should have already recognized that aboriginals formed nations long before Europeans arrived. “It should have been first to be considered as nationhood and the Quebec question second,” he said.

Liberal Party of Canada�
Biennial Convention 2006
Montreal, PQ

Moved By Bob Goulais, Anishinaabe – Ontario

“RECOGNITION OF FIRST NATIONS AS NATIONS”

WHEREAS it is generally recognized that Canada was founded by three nations, the First Peoples, the English and the French; and

WHEREAS First Peoples, were historic governing Nations prior to the establishment of English or French colonies, long before the formal establishment of the Dominion of Canada; and

WHEREAS First Peoples, since time immemorial, have upheld their status as Nations and have never surrendered their sovereignty; and

WHEREAS First Peoples, historically, have always been recognized as Nations by the various colonial governments by virtue of the Treaties and the “Royal Proclamation of 1763″; and

WHEREAS section 35 of the “Constitution Act of Canada” recognizes and affirms the Treaty and Aboriginal Rights of Canada’s First Peoples, and we understand that the inherent right to self-government and self-determination are among those Aboriginal Rights; and

WHEREAS the Liberal Party of Canada have always been inclusive of First Peoples and their aspirations which has been exemplified by the establishment of the Aboriginal Peoples Commission; and

WHEREAS the Government of Canada, under the Liberals in May 2005 signed the “Recognition of First Nations Governments Accord” with the Assembly of First Nations signifying a start to transformative change in the recognition of First Peoples’ governments; and

WHEREAS the Government of Canada, under the Liberals in November 2005, hosted a “First Ministers Meeting on Aboriginal Peoples” which brought forward a number of commitments to combat First Peoples poverty and leading to improving the lives of First Peoples of Canada. This is known as the “Kelowna Accord”; and

WHEREAS the First Peoples of Canada include the First Nations, Metis and Inuit People.

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the elimination of First Peoples poverty and improving the lives of the First Peoples of Canada continue to be a top priority for the Liberal Party of Canada.