Assembly of First Nations candidate meets with Sioux Lookout District chiefs in Sioux Lookout
Press Release
Beaucage outlines plan for the North
SIOUX LOOKOUT, ON, June 24 /CNW/ - Last week, John Beaucage, candidate for National Chief announced his plan to address First Nations poverty. As a part of that announcement, he spoke about the need to address specific issues of the far north. Today, as a part of a week-long visit to the north, John Beaucage outlined his specific plans to develop a comprehensive strategy to address the needs of northern communities.
"First Nations living in the far north have unique needs that are quite different than other communities," said Beaucage. "Costs are higher, people are poorer and economic development opportunities are scarce. But we can't afford to ignore the citizens of the north and their needs any longer. Government must be held to account in their obligations to all First Nation communities."
Beaucage's plan not only includes the government meeting their fiduciary obligations to First Nations in the north, but renewed public-private partnerships in resource development.
"A new AFN must play a role in facilitating and encouraging new economic development opportunities and investment in the north, including green energy development, mining, forestry and opportunities in eco-tourism," said Beaucage. "We must seek out and encourage those socially-conscious industry partners that want to do business with First Nations in the north."
During his campaign stop in Sioux Lookout, Ontario, John Beaucage announced his comprehensive plan to address First Nations issues in the north:
- Changing the way First Nations are funded through a new system of direct transfer payments in much the same way that Provinces are funded. Equalization formulas would ensure northern and remote First Nations are provided adequate resources to deliver essential services to their citizens.
- Recognize the Treaty right to adequate shelter by increasing the level of government funding and support to First Nations social housing by at least 40,000 new housing starts within 5 years;
- Strongly advocate for new programs to address the high cost of living, and transport of goods and fuel to First Nation communities, including new investment in a winter roads program and a fly-in remoteness assistance program.
- Advocate for the development of a new far-north specific First Nations economic development agency that will enhance capacity, networking and public-private partnerships.
- Enabling green energy opportunities, such as small hydro, run-of-the-river technology and wind power by encouraging public and private investment in the far north, including development of transmission infrastructure.
- Working with First Nations to replace generations-old diesel generating stations with green technology.
- Working with First Nations and government to address, not only the duty to consult and accommodation of First Nations interests, but address the requirement of First Nations to provide their consent to development on First Nations traditional territory as addressed in the United Nations declaration on Indigenous Rights.
- By encouraging a new culture resource development in mining and forestry on First Nation's traditional territory, based on true partnerships with First Nations including negotiation of impact benefit agreements, resource-benefit sharing and renewed public-private investment.
- Facilitating the recognition, and when required, the harmonization of First Nations traditional and resource laws.
"However, these types of initiatives alone will not solve poverty and lead to self-sufficiency in the north. We require the leadership and guidance of all northern communities and the commitment resolve and support of all Canadians," concluded Beaucage.
The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is the national organization representing First Nations in Canada. There are over 630 First Nation communities in Canada. The elected Chiefs from each First Nation will cast their vote to elect the National Chief in Calgary, Alberta on July 22, 2009.
John Beaucage is a citizen of Wasauksing First Nation, and served as Grand Council Chief of the 42 member First Nations of the Anishinabek Nation in Ontario from 2004 to 2009.
For further information: Marci Becking, Communications Advisor, (705) 497-9127, E-mail: becmar@anishinabek.ca; Bob Goulais, Campaign Manager, (705) 498-5250, E-mail: info@johnbeaucage.com