Media.Knet.Ca

Western Premiers' Conference Communique: Rural and Remote Communities

PRINCE ALBERT, SASKATCHEWAN--(May 30, 2008) - Western Premiers discussed the importance of rural and remote communities in the economic, social and cultural fabric of western and northern Canada. They also discussed the critical role of rural and remote northern communities in exercising Canadian sovereignty. Premiers discussed the need to develop infrastructure in the North that supports growth, given the early stages of development there.

Transportation

The Global Information Technology Report 2007-2008

Canada position in the world's Network Readiness Index continues to slide to thirteenth position out of 127 countries studied for this year's report.

In 2005, Canada was in sixth position, sliding to eleventh position in 2006 and now to 13th place in this year's report. One of the largest areas contributing to this slide is GOVERNMENT READINESS which went to 25th position in the world.

In Praise of Taxes: The Link between Taxation and Good Governance in a First Nations Context

http://www.iog.ca/publications/2008_in_praise_taxes.pdf 

Abstract

 NAN press release ...

Oski-Machiitawin Commences

Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Stan Beardy together with the Oski-Machiitawin (formerly “Northern Table”) NAN Chiefs steering committee announced today their decision to commence accelerated bilateral discussions with the Government of Ontario regarding lands and resources.

From CBC.ca ...

MPs approve contentious native human rights bill

May 29, 2008

A controversial bill to extend Canadian human rights protections to people living on First Nations reserves has passed the House of Commons.

The Conservative bill, which MPs voted in favour of on Wednesday, now heads to the Senate for approval.

Chiefs of Ontario press release ...

Strong support in Ontario for the National Day of Action

     TORONTO, May 30 /CNW/ - On May 29, 2008 First Nations in Ontario were out in large numbers and were joined by many Ontarians in a strong show of support for First Nations issues on the second National Day of Action.

AFN press release 

AFN issues seven point challenge to Government in advance of the second National Day of Action to be held on May 29th

OTTAWA, May 28 - The Assembly of First Nations is calling on all Canadians to join them in a peaceful march and rally in Ottawa on the second National Day of Action on May 29th. In advance of the rally, the AFN has issued the following seven point challenge to the Government of Canada:

National Day of Action
May 29th, 2008
March of Solidarity in Sioux Lookout

Nishnawbe-Gamink Friendship Centre and co-host Sioux Lookout Anti-Racism Committee of Sioux Lookout

Community and First Nation’s Organizations standing together in a Spirit of Unity to support a better life for all

Opening Ceremonies: Traditional Songs and Prayer lead by elder Ralph Johnson @ 12 p.m.

Solidarity Walk begins @ 1:00 p.m. at Friendship Centre

King street towards Dingwall Ford Motors

From CTV - Canaidan Press 

Aboriginal protesters freed from jail

May. 28 2008

TORONTO -- Moments after the Ontario Court of Appeal decided he'd served enough time behind bars, the last of seven aboriginal protesters jailed over disputes with mining exploration companies walked out of court saying he planned to stroll barefoot in the grass.

A correction to the Ontario government press release from Lyle Keeper