- Patrick Brazeau's Senate appointment comes as no surprise, observers say
http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5i5Ecp0FvuBLfB-CcyGTzvWzas40w
Young senator qualifies for pension that is ‘ticket to the good life'
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081223.wsenate24/BNStory/politics/home
Now as things go … we as Aboriginal people are suppose to be overjoyed that Mr. Patrick Brazeau has been named as an Aboriginal person to the Senate of Canada. Thirty- Four year old Patrick will be able to remain in the Senate until he turns 75 years old or retires.
Now he does indicate that he can not fathom himself at 75 – but let’s be honest – which 34 year old person can? Harper has also indicated that Patrick has said all the right things and done all the right things because he has publicly supported the Conservatives while criticizing the other Chiefs and Councils for their lack of accountable and transparent governance. I have my opinion on these matters too – but for the time let’s stay focused on Mr. Brazeau and accountability.
Is the Congress of Aboriginal People more accountable or even as accountable as some of the other Aboriginal organizations? Let us do a quick assessment. Who are the members of the Congress of Aboriginal People?
The CAP website says:
“The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples is a nationally incorporated umbrella organization that represents the interests, nationally, of its provincial and territorial affiliate organizations across Canada.” … “CAP, itself, does not have individual memberships or provide programs and services directly to individuals. In effect, the "members" of CAP are its affiliate organizations.”
“The affiliates of CAP are provincial and territorial organizations (PTOs) that have applied at various times since 1971 to formally and legally associate themselves with CAP (or the former Native Council of Canada) as their national representative body. Each affiliate has its own constitution and is separately funded under the federal Aboriginal Representative Organization Program (AROP). CAP's bylaws require affiliation be limited to one organization per province or territory. In effect, these affiliates are the corporate members of CAP, which does not, itself, have individual memberships.”
In Quebec the PTO represents 26,000 eligible members – where there does not appear to be any ballot box elections.
In Saskatchewan there is no evidence of who are members, how many members exist and how the leadership accounts to the communities they say they represent – but in fairness to this PTO they have just come into the arena and have not been around that long – maybe democratic accountability will be a part of what they use to define themselves.
In Manitoba the research has left us a little baffled if an affiliate even really exists. In fact, President Brazeau in a document in October of 2008 is questioning their ability to be accountable and transparent. The group did work with the NWAC affiliate in Manitoba in 2004 to complete a health research initiative and also received funding in April of this fiscal year from OFI but how they are elected and who their members are is not readily available.
In Newfoundland the affiliate group identifies by saying they represent 10,000 non-registered Mi’Kmaq (500 are identified as General Members) There is no identification of when there are elections for the Federation of Newfoundland Indians or the criteria of who gets to elect them.
In New Brunswick the organization kindly identifies itself through its’ bylaws on its’ website. Through a mail in ballot – full members get to elect their leadership in something called the Universal Suffrage Process.
The Native Council of Nova Scotia, much like New Brunswick uses the Universal Suffrage Process for elections.
In Prince Edward Island there are three regions that select twenty delegates to attend an Assembly and through the Assembly the 6 representatives are elected.
In Ontario in 2007 a new affiliate was established after the previous affiliate had issues related to financial accountability. The new group has some elected and some appointed officials. The elected officials are elected at an Assembly.
In British Columbia the provincial organization claim a membership of 11.000 but identifies that it speaks on behalf of 90,000. The representatives are elected at Annual Meetings where delegates are chosen or appointed.
There are no Provincial affiliates in Northwest Territories, Yukon, Alberta and Nunavit that is listed on the CAP website. If you do some swift inquiries in many of the affiliate areas where they claim to represent the Aboriginal population – they do not know of or have involvement nor have they ever mandated this organization. So the question would be – is an audited financial statement the only requirement of accountability or transparency?
Now accountability to government for tax dollars is important and I do advocate that it is necessary but political accountability is just as valid or in some instances more important.
As a Métis person living in a large urban centre, Mr. Brazeau has claimed to represent me and my interests. Let me be clear to him and any others that tell you that – YOU ABSOLUTELY DO NOT!!!! I do not participate in your political structure, hold membership in any affiliate or other organizational structures and just because I happen to be an urban Aboriginal person – I have not asked for your tail gating and collection of Aboriginal dollars on my behalf.
When Chief Brazeau introduces himself he clearly identifies that he represents 800,000 off-reserve Indian, Inuit, and Metis people living in Canada. When did those people get to say they want you to represent them?
The other issue with the various provincial entities is there is no consistency in their structures, accountability back to the communities and communication with their constituencies. Historically, prior to Harper government – there has been a great deal of concern and speculation around fiscal accountability for program dollars that were received through the CAP affiliates and those things have never been responded to its’ constituents.
Now Chief Brazeau believes he should keep his elected position which at the end of the day – earns him most likely in excess of $100,000 dollars per year. In addition to his new senate salary of $130,000 a year – we are probably looking at salaries of approximately a quarter of a million dollars a year. That will not include the benefits, pensions, additional committee compensation and travel. Not bad for an Aboriginal brown faced boy. But if that doesn’t make you go hmmmm …. Then ask yourself – how do you serve two masters? Harper or your constituents? When Harper doesn’t like Aboriginal people looking to negotiate a better policy – like the Kelowna Accord – which master will he support?
Conflict of Interest takes on a new meaning for some – but Patrick doesn’t see it yet.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Senator Patrick Brazeau - who do you answer to now?
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38 comments:
"When Harper doesn’t like Aboriginal people looking to negotiate a better policy – like the Kelowna Accord "
Yes just what we Aboriginals needed - More money to fight about. I will defend Harpers decision to kill the Kelowna Accord - it was nothing but pay off money for votes by the Liberals - None of that would have made any difference in any Aboriginals life in Canada. More for the upper level and nothing for the common Aboriginal.
I congratulate Patrick on receiving the senate seat.
Dear Metis Mama:
I question the wisdom of appointing someone so young to a guaranteed $134,000 annual salary for life or age 75 which ever comes first. Then there's the Air Canada card for unlimited travel anywhere in Canada, a gilt-edged pension, money for office and staff, government funded junkets wherever ..... and on it goes.
Oh yes, and don't forget to retain you senator status you need only attend 12 meetings a year - that's $11,161.18 per.
Not only that he was appointed so where's his accountability to voters? Whatever happened to Stephen Harper's promise to the Canadian people for an elected senate? Political patronage.
Financial accountability, and a need for greater transparency among aboriginal organizations, makes compelling political fodder for Mr. Brazeau's brand of leadership. At a time in our history where Canadian interest in our political processes are at an all time low, one doesn't have to wonder how politically unaware most aboriginal people are. Rolling the coins out for all to see is a terrific strategy for feeding ideology to aboriginal people who are disproportionately poor. On the other side of the proverbial roll of coins, compromising aboriginal constitutional rights to conservatively partisan ideals, under the umbrella of an aboriginal representative organization presents somewhat of a constitutional contradiction. In my view, a similar contradiction would have transpired if the black civil rights movement advocated black people to simply abandon the southern United States, in order to enjoy their constitutional rights in the northern United States. Thankfully, the black leaders in the United States had the fortitude to push for the liberation of their people; Otherwise, we may not have witnessed the greatness of President-elect Barack Obama. True, we have to put an end to our carrot-and-stick aboriginal leaders; Unfortunately, the carrots-and-sticks used on our aboriginal leaders, come in liberal and conservative flavors.
If, as you suggest, most Aboriginal people are politicially unaware whose fault is that? From the comfort of his senate seat Mr. Brazeau will force them to watch television, listen to the radio, read newspapers, use the internet -whatever it takes to keep them better informed?
Sorry, your comments don't make good sense. You'll have to "roll out more coins" for him! My God the poor man will need it.
Like your title Metis Mama. He certainly doesn't answer to me because I don't recall voting for him. Do you?
Well, well, well, listen to the wise words of an anonymous Brazeau cheerleader. We're in the process of rolling more coins out to your hero in the form of taxes, as have thousands of other aboriginal 9 to 5'ers. Does that make enough sense to you? I have absolutely no shortage of university educated family and friends, with which to discuss politics without a lack of understanding; Therefore, your verbal jab tickled me. In order for us to build strong leadership, we have to build strong communities. People like Martin Luther King Jr. understood the importance of building strong communities, by reaching out and awakening the political consciousness of the people he served. I see a very negative trend in the native politics; Whereby, political symbolism is embraced over political action. Shiny senate appointment aside, I really want to see Mr. Brazeau properly serve those whom he says he represents. I personally can't see that happening, given my acquired political knowledge. If I'm proven wrong on this, I'll personally Red River jig to the man's office and shake his hand. Until then, I don't grant political devotion to any leader I question, and that is my democratic right; A democratic right our leaders should encourage, not exploit. Freedom is not complete without freedom of thought, and many of our people are still intellectually subservient from past experiences. Are these things I speak of, fertile ground for a drastic and positive political change for aboriginal people? I hope to stand corrected; However, when has replacing one extreme with another, ever constructively benefited us or our communities?
I though our PM chose "Canadians" for Senate positions. I see a Canadian of Aboriginal ancestory, not a president of some "group" chosen here. I think Patrick will help Aboriginals become assimialted into the "Canadian" fabric that we all need to be part of if this country is going to work. What he makes is of no matter since all senators make this (past and present)If he maintains his position and receives two salaries, then good for him. At least he's a voice - a voice of common sense.
Liked that did we? Well, here's another to tickle you. You're reminiscent of Frank Godon - lots of talk but no action. After all the meandering, platitudes and meaningless generalities designed to be criticism proof, what has been said or accomplished of any significance?
If you really wish to help our people go to Russia where Frank Godon fled with the bell of Batoche and repatriate it.
P.S. Not a Pactrick Brazeau supporter. Why? Never met the fellow, didn't vote for him, therefore, he doesn't represent me. He's accountable to Stephen Harper.
Being a senator should be a full time position given the salary and benefits that go with the position. Now the fellow wants to double dip.
Exactly how is Patrick Brazeau going to help me assimilate into the "Canadian" fabric? Did that years ago and without his help too. He's a voice of common sense? What's he done so far as a senator to allow you to make such a statement?
If he really wants to help us he'll find our bell from Batoche. Agree with Metis Mama, he doesn't represent me either.
Anonymous, we're certainly entitled to our opinions; politics is not a neat and tidy little business. If you wish to discredit me by smashing my words with your vocabulary, followed by lame epilogues....feel free, I'm not the least bit chided. Your attempts at sabotage remind me of a child standing on a stool swinging a plastic bat.
Senator Patrick Brazeau - who do you answer to now?
Each and every person living in Canada, aboriginal or not, on reserve or off, man or woman, smart or ignorant....yes....even you bunch of ignoramuses who would rather see son Euro-Canadian nobody from Herouxville rather that one of our own.
JJ Carroll
To Jules Morin,
Oh sure, we're going to keep smashing your words with our vocabulary followed by lame epilogues because we're a child with a plastic bat - watch you knees and cajones - Sir!
Stop trying to pass yourself off as the intellectual you're not just like Ernie Todd and Frank Godon. Make yourself useful get our people the Bell of Batoche!
So JJ Carroll perhaps you can help us with this one since you raised the issue.
The town of Herouxville, Quebec for many years had a charity pork and beans dinner. Then one fine day a Mosque appeared in its midst. In the Jewish and Moslemic faiths the pig is consided a dirty animal. Herouxvilleites were asked not to use its meat. Cultural accommodation aside, how would you advise the good citizens?
So Metis Mama what should we do here? No doubt JJ Carroll, Jules Morin and Frank Godon have the solution.
Thank you for tolerating these individuals!
P.S. God, thank you in your infinite wisdom for giving us the strength to tolerate these aspiring Ernest Hemmingways!
P.P.S. Frank, return our bell!
Its not what Patrick has done as a Senator - Hell for all we know he could be a complete "f@ckup" as a Senator. Its the way he has challenged the Socialist/Communist thinking of our "other" Aboriginal groups and leaders. The "Oliver Porridge Bowl" syndrome that many seem to be struck with.
He wants Aboriginals to be strong and equal, but we can't be equal if we receive "special" treatment that others in Canada don't get. And as I've said before "Screw the "inherent rights" BS! Our rights are now and today not something from a hundred years ago.
A good example is hunting and fishing - I'm all for Aboriginal hunting rights but they need to hunt the way their ancestors hunted BEFORE the white man came - without the high power rifles, ATV's, fishing rods, and nets (although some tribes did have nets) and even those that didn't have horses shouldn't get to use them. - see how rediculous that sounds! as rediculous as Aboriginals having "special inheritable rights"
A man like Patrick is against the status quo when it comes to Aboriginals, so now they use every little thing they can to try to discredit his appointment. All because he marches to the "Right" drummer.
As for the "Bell of Batoch" - its just a piece of metal thats been melted down and refined into silver for sale as any metal object - it holds no special thought to me as a Metis. I chuckle at the Metis who revere all these "Icons". Riel has turned into a God for them now - and everything associated with him "Icons" to worship, his sash, some poems he wrote, the very rope that streched his neck. I can see why they wouldn't want a man with common sense as a Senator, or a government like Harpers running the country.
Check out another good thing that Harpers government is thinking of doing. (http://thechronicleherald.ca/Front/9009960.html)
Anonymous, I'm a janitor and a security supervisor - As far as me being an intellectual? That's always up for debate, therefore, by all means - fire away. Perhaps your anger would be better channeled at retrieving the bell of Batoche, seeing is how you're the only one who seems to know where it is?
Frank, you clearly have your mind made up concerning your political views. Let me make myself clear: I'm not for the status-quo concerning present aboriginal leadership. The issue of senate reform goes far beyond Brazeau and the chiefs. What do the Conservatives stand to gain by appointing Brazeau to the senate? Treaty rights and land claims are the only leverages keeping large corporations, such as 'big oil' at bay. President-elect Barack Obama is in the process of substantially reducing America's dependence on oil. Do you really believe that Harper accidentally took the gloves off in parliament, knowing that Obama was now the U.S. President-elect? Of course the Conservatives want to reform the senate and drum support for constitutional challenges, their survival now depends on it - when lions are going hungry they roar. Since neither of us are psychic, we'll have to see where the laws of nature take us next?
Frank Godon is finally starting to make sense. Remember how Pierre Trudeau was against special status for Quebec? Why, because for him it denoted a society or group who needed help, assistance and privileges because they couldn't make it in the world like the rest of us.
And, yes, Jules Morin I am very angry because did you read Frank Godon's latest posting? Sounds like he may have already melted down our beloved Bell of Batoche and turned it into silver jewelery which he's probably wearing now! Listen to Metis Mama and play nice.
So you underestand, here's what Stephen Harper is doing Jules. He's closing the gap because he was unable to get his senate reform package passed although with the 18 new senators the Liberals will still enjoy an edge.
Remember, after a Bill has passed third reading in the House of Commons it next goes to the Senate for a final vote and passage. Rarely, does the Red Chamber send one back for more work probably because most Members were away or sleeping. It's viewed as a rubber stamp. Finally, it's on to the Governor General for Royal Assent.
Here's one for you. Has what Stephen Harper done legal given the House was prorogued? The Prime Minister deserves a good whack on his left kneecap with your plastic baseball bat!
The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits.
-Albert Einstein
God what a profound posting! What does it mean?
I'm a new visitor to this site. Who are Jules Morin and Albert Einstein? What do they have in common?
Jules - with you I will comment directly as you and I seem to be the only ones who post our names and photos. I understand you and your desire for the Aboriginals to not get shafted as before, and the apparent hypocrisy of both the current government and Aboriginals.
But I for one who through direct observation has seen that when Aboriginals leave the government porrige bowls and assimilate themselves into mainstream society they do much better. Its proof in my family - I have an Uncle who (without any help from Metis Organizations) became a multi millionaire. There are other more success stories in our family for those who made it on their own and became obsorbed into Canadian culture (21 century) We still remember where we came from, but I in particular don't make it my specific culture.
I find it strange that we (Aboriginals) scream to be treated equal but when we are put into the arena equally with other Canadians we scream foul and "Inherent rights".
Its not our "Inherent right" to get as much money as we can from the government over past injustices. Hell if all people groups did this this world would be a mess. Treaty rights and Land claims is one big Lottery for the chosen few in power of the Aboriginal groups. The common person will see nothing.
Frank, I totally see where you're coming from, and my family sounds identical to yours. My cousins [Morins; Fiddlers; and Bishops, along with hundreds of marital name changes within the Canadian mosaic] are for the most part independent success stories, ranging from large and small business owners; lawyers; plant managers; police officers; nurses; teachers; managers; military people; a few doctors and even a professional hockey player; closet aboriginals; working stiffs etc. No one in my immediate family are employed by aboriginal organizations, and we do quite well. My aboriginal concerns are coupled with my environmental concerns, both of which are detrimentally off track in the Canadian landscape. Canada is a unique country indeed, and I fear that we're becoming too Americanized, and I too have American cousins. My personal philosophy has been that aboriginal people in this country are the truest barometers of change. You must keep in mind that our aboriginal bloodlines have been here for thousands and thousands of years coinciding with the natural laws of this land. When aboriginal people are suffering like they have been, in my view, it represents without fault where this continent is heading. I agree that there are rogue aboriginal leaders, who are only for themselves. However, do you really believe that our government has let the aboriginal charade play itself out, without benefit to the wealthiest of Canada? If you choose to believe that the total extinguishment of aboriginal rights is going to make everyone equal, then perhaps you've forgotten the ever lurking forces of the greedy and powerful? You must also remember that when the segregation of aboriginal people was serving the Canadian state, the equality cries were hollow. Now, with more resources waiting for wholesale development, the public and their dogs are being duped to wail for equality.
Jules,
For once in your life listen to Frank Godon he's finally starting to make sense even though he recently confessed on Derryl Sanderson's Blog to melting the Bell of Batoche into silver and selling it whenever he needed cash.
The Metis Conspiracy Guy!
Now that Frank Godon has finally confessed, the truth must have set him free!
Jules - I'm not against the extinguishment of Aboriginal rights, I am against giving a "Conquered Peoples" more than they deserve. Its the true Left Liberal way to try to get rid of the guilt complex. Just like the people in America voted for Obama because of black guilt complex. If the society will only allow the natural evolution of culture and not try to create "protected" cultures within a main culture, then we would all be better off.
We will always have the "lurking forces of greedy and powerful" Thats human nature! History has proven that to the victor goes the spoils. We will never have a "Love all utopia" that most lefty's want because that would be against individuality. Something the Left doesn't want people to have. Kinda like the "The good of the many out weigh the good of the few or the one."
Aboriginal thinking is communal, and that works find for a closed in society like we had in the 19th century and past, but since the 20th century the world has grown a lot smaller and we can no longer have such cultures, we have to morph into and be assimilated by a dominant culture. The Soviets tried that for 70 years in Russia and it didn't work. I know I see the failed work of Communism every day.
Nobody deserves special treatment, no matter what has happened to them in the past - no matter what their culture is - no matter what their skin color is. And if one peoples group becomes dominant so be it. Learn to live with it or die trying. Fight it if you want, but don't whine if you lose.
As for the Earth - do you really believe that the Earth can't handle itself? We are like parasites it can get rid of us and heal itself with no problem. And it will, the earth doesn't need saving - man does. Animals go extinct every day, as so will man one day. The Earth will take care of itself.
I see what you're saying Frank, but don't you think the recent economic collapse is a sign of failure of the 'dominant' culture? My personal view may be grim, but I think the economic collapse is just the beginning, because too many people in the world are being swayed by ideology. I'm certainly not dreaming of a Utopia; However, I believe that we're at a crossroads not just in our country, but the entire world.
No. Wrong on both counts. What we're seeing has nothing to do with a dominant culture plus it's not a collapse it's change. Go back in history to study business cycles - boom to bust to boom ...
You're correct to the extent people are being increasingly swayed by ideology - it's called the ideology of greed which is as old as time itself.
The economic cycles within a market system is common knowledge. My point is that we are at a very unique time in human history - the technological information age. Only time will tell if our human advances will be to our betterment, or detriment, in facing the many human crises that befall us.
I am amused at the bashing going on against CAP and its leader, Patrick Brazeau now Senator because to be quite honest, it doesn't surprise me one bit. Aboriginal people attacking Aboriginal people when what we should be doing is celebrating but no, that's not in our genes to do so. Let's bash, kick, complain instead, that's what we're getting good at. Kudos to you Senator Brazeau.
In regards to razeau's accountability, all I can say is that he's a lot more accountable than Phil Fontaine...what is his salary, more accountable than Clem Chartier...what is his salary, a lot more accountable than David Chartrand...what is his salary? At least Brazeau has published his salary, got rid of the bad apples within the organization and has practiced what he he has preached. Continue bashing doing the right thing, makes us look real good. Luckily, you are the minority!
Ojibwe-Cree
Please don't lose any sleep over it. Technological change has been with us since day one and we've survived. Humans are among the most creative and adaptive creatures.
Besides, technological innovation has always been a double edged sword - one side good the other potentially bad. It's all in how we choose to use it. So far we've by and large made the right decisions and will continue to do so. Stop worrying and please go back to sleep
I think the word you're looking for here is "Globalization" or as those here in Russia and most of the world call it - "Americanization" - I read on someones blog that we are a "Consumer economy" I bookmarked it on my computer in Canada but can't remember it here in Russia. I don't really know if you can define what is happening in the world as a dominant culture, but more of a dominant ideology.
Man is an animal that is controled by "FEAR" and by creating these "Crisises" governments and corporations gain control of the people because the people want protection (as you are seeing right now in all major industries)
To tell the truth - I haven't much of the talked about crisis here in Russia - People still went and spent like crazy before New Years and all the shops - even the high end material shops - were busy. Some people I know just returned from France and England and say the same seems to be happening there - someone forgot to tell everyone that their was an economic crisis. I have many international students and the only ones reporting problems are the Americans and the Canadians. Everyone else tells that its business as usual in their home countries.
Oh and I think we kinda got off the track here Metis Mamma - Sorry about that.
Frank, even though I don't agree with everything you say, you're really quite educational to read. You present very intelligent and articulate points of view. Unlike the anonymous person with the Bell of Batoche syndrome, whom is about as useful to these discussions as fog on a window.
It has been suggested by a few people, that those of us who are critiquing Senator Brazeau, are merely jealous of his success. Senator Brazeau, is now a very public figure, and harsh criticism is a part of public life. Like every other politician, Senator Brazeau will have his followers and dissenters. Placing my political views aside, I respect most politicians because their jobs can be extremely difficult. I choose not to be anonymous, because I'd feel like a hypocrite criticizing public people from a position of anonymity.
Talking about off tracking, why don't you guys stop trying to complicate everything with your highfaluting, global, ideological, theoretical posturing. It's really very simple. Life is like the stock market driven by two factors - fear and greed. End of discussion.
For the benefit of Metis Mama's mental health, can we now move onto a new topic.
Jules if we all agreed this would be a very boring world. ))
Frank Godon and Jules Morin,
I disagree with both of you and it's still a boring world.
Fog On A Window
lets not forget, he drives a porsche and gets on tv talking about accountability and natives starving. way to go senator.
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