Canada's Next Great Prime Minister Entry - Alika Lafontaine

[annabodhi38]

Oh for crying out loud... that's all we need... more big government telling us what to do, how to think, what to be...!! Let's deal with the racism that is rampant in Saskatchewan. I have never in my life lived in such a racist place! It's so backwards and unsophisticated. Indians hate whites and whites hate Indians..... it's completely sick! I can't wait to leave this hell that is Saskatchewan...

[larrydallas187]

Natives have always had it hard here and in the US, like I'm talking big-time. It's insane what the "white man" did to Indians.

The Senate should be elected and Natives should be guaranteed a seat.

They should also

[lucy9359]

Oh yes and by the way I agree with this guy I think we should invest in the aboriginal people of this country. Perhaps we should come together as whites and aboriginals as our youth are not doing well either. Drug abuse is rampant in every high school in this country. Something has gone really wrong in this nation white or aboriginal. I love both races!

[lucy9359]

What is it that the native people want from self government. I think that they should try to educate the white public in this country as opposed to critisizing them as most of us them don't have a clue about what native affairs are or why. My grand mother was native which caused me to notice the native people. I respect this man who wants to make a difference for his people but respecting and understanding are two seperate issues.

[GWARCUM]

Its kind of hard to feel sorry for a people who show no acountability for their own actions . ie ...FNU How can you be pissed off at the Government for pulling the funding when your So called Chiefs are steeling from your own eductaion system ???

[crazycoyotie]

this guy is on the right track but this movement must move fast due 2 the cia bankers are moving fast 2 take the little the word has left

[MrIndianSupporter]

The third seat of government an Aboriginal House, yes that should be the case after all Canadian government is a foreign government on indigenous North American land and the indigenous people have the right to self governing. No, indigenous people should not be equal with foreigners the indigenous should have more privileges since this is their land and their natural recourses.

Great idea, hope you spread it around.

[MrIndianSupporter]

Very good topic and very well presented, I came to Canada with the intension of becoming a Canadian but because my skills and capabilities were disregarded even after proving it on the job I dont want to be part of a nation that has chosen to walk the loosing path. I have talked to many indigenous young adults and most of them told me it is useless going to school because the whites will not give them equal opportunities as whites. Not many indigenous young adults are as strong as you Help them

[lucy9359]

Why do you believe half of the stuff you say. I was watching all your comments on another video where you had a real hate on for white people. My mother was native descent my father was Irish. I have done many great things for the native people in this land. I don't hate white people I know many of them have helped me to help your people. If your going to be so angry why not direct it a little better to where it belongs instead of singling out an entire race of people!

[Sambucacat]

I wouldn't mind this idea of yours Saskdoc. Infact it's better than mine. I though that a significant portion of the house of commons he designated for Aborginal ridings or candidates.

As Aboriginal standard of living, a younger generation can be fully realize their potential.

[nationalismus]

I disagree with ur idea of creating a separate seat for dealing w/ aboriginal issues. I'm not Canadian but I'm from a place where aboriginal ppl have also been neglected, although in a more subtle way. I think a process of integration w/o victimization is the best way to go. U'r a proof of the achievement that a certain minority group can reach. When society starts seeing many more doing that, it is just a matter of time for this group to be fully integrated and regarded for its particularities.

[Saskdoc]

Its important to differentiate between rights and issues. Right now, the rights of Aboriginal Peoples are split into a very convoluted, disparate, disconnected system with elected, non-elected and self-appointed leaders making decisions that affect Aboriginal Peoples across Canada. So the idea of a third level of government is not about dealing with issues, its about dealing with the system currently in place to provide the rights all Aboriginal Peoples already have.

[Saskdoc]

Part II

Canada is unique in that the rights of Aboriginal Peoples are enshrined within our constitution, acknowledging at the highest level of law that Aboriginal Peoples were one of the founding Nations of Canada. Although we are a minority group within Canada, our rights do not flow from being a minority but from being a founding Nation. The 3rd seat of government was a way to respect that unique history and move to a potentially more effective system of governance.

[Saskdoc]

Part III

Aboriginal Peoples don't just have particularities, we have a shared Canadian history that goes to the legal and governmental foundations upon which Canada is built. That's not hyperbole, that's historical and legal fact.

I agree that we need to move away from victimization and focus more on achievement. But the shared history Aboriginal Peoples have with Canada needs to still be remembered and respected.

Thanks for your comment!

[gundamWWW]

I liked you video, I just wanted to ask you 1 question.

If a non Aboriginal person (let's say another minority) asked for the blessing from an aboriginal leader or tribe, do you think that they should receive it?

And from then on should they be allowed to refer to the aboriginal people as "my people". even if they don't have the ancestry of the aboriginal people?

[Saskdoc]

I think many Aboriginal people have done a great job integrating with the rest of Canada. We have jobs, we pay taxes. We are Aboriginal, but are also part of the Canadian identity and want to do our best to build up this country not only for ourselves but also for other Canadians. I'm not quite sure what you mean?

[RTSRULER]

Why can't the native people intigrate with the rest of canada like us Immagrants have. Speaking from a 1st generation canadian standpoint us Italians have intigrated with canadian culture and have kept our own as well and we have done great with our lives so why cant the Natives do that

[Sambucacat]

Rts, this is because this is THEIR land in the first place. Now you're Italian, As they amalgamated many cultures into their own. Were Tributaries and Plebians considered on an equal footing with Patricians? Before you point the finger of accusation at minorities who won't "intergrate" Rts, take a good look at the 3 pointing back at your Rome.

[SPS148669]

I'm native unfortunatly I struggle to go back to school because of this INSANE INFLATION of cost of living. (housing food clothes) They fund basic education but not the INFLATION. Immgrantd are rich and can pay the inflation cost for there children. The mass wealthy greedy asian immigrants is the cause of this inflation. I have a $17 buck an hour job at least and don't do drugs so i'm the few lucky native that's not dirt poor despite limited education.

[Sambucacat]

sps148, of course when you insult Asians like myself. You're only insulting yourself correct? It is scientifically proven that aboriginals are of a Mongolid genotype. In addiction. Where do you get the concept that ALL ASIANS, are rich and spoiled. There are a huge number of Asians who were born HERE, and we are hardly at par with new wave Asians, MANY who support reforms to aborginals especially the ones from Edmonton.

[SPS148669]

Sambucat, Well Thank You for inventing my hair then! Haaaiiiirrrr! LOL!

[Sambucacat]

Thank you for giving me your dream Sps.

[sladecreeboy]

Hello, Alika I watched your video and thought there is a man that has not taken the easy life. Also your video made me proud to be aboriginal. Thanks for that!

[ArtsyCat70]

*cough* Bias *cough*

[GWARCUM]

EDUCATION :So what your saying is its my problem that the neighbors kid has failed in school and is a drop out???

I call it bad parenting! Mismanagement : The First Nations Uniiversity is in the news on that one again.

[GWARCUM]

You are Meties not full status indian so you pay taxes And are exempt from free University and lived most of your life in a city. So why are making that statement about taxes and education? I have been on a reservation, lived next to one, my uncle owns a bar next to one,my friend builds houses for the reserves. Is it right for a person to get a job instead of a higher qualified one because of race?

[Saskdoc]

Interesting last couple of comments. Have either of you ever been to a reserve?  Have you seen the free roads, houses, university education? What I see is lack of clean water, proper sewage systems, grocery stores and proper education. I'm sure if you took the time to actually visit a reserve in Saskatchewan you'd see the same.

I didn't receive a dime from Indian Affairs for my education. I've paid taxes every year since I was sixteen.

[Saskdoc]

I don't blame 'Whitey' for my problems. I'm not crying for you to support me. I'm not quite sure what you're both so angry about.

Treaty rights give benefits to everyone, both Aboriginal People and non-Aboriginal People. They're so integral to Canadian history that they're enshrined within the constitution, the most respected legal framework we have. If you're a Canadian Citizen you share in that history and agreement, its not a backroom benefit Aboriginal People receive just because.

[GWARCUM]

Self Govenment I dont think so! The Saskatchewan goverment has had to take over most of the native finances due to missmanagment and freeloading.

As a taxpayer of Saskatchewan we have payed enough.Its gone on for over a 100 years,they get free houses,free university education,pay no taxes,preference to jobs, and the crying for more money never ends.Start beeing accountable for yourselves and stop blaming Whitey for your problems! Yes,abolish the indian act it just keeps your people dependent!

[KraZyfoo1]

aboriginals are already being helped, do you know how many aboriginal-specific scholarships there are, if i found some native blood in my ancestry i'd get my post-secondary paid for, that shouldn't be a reason to get free money.

[nativescrip]

fucking cool man

[descanter]

Tanisi. Good discussion. I checked out the corresponding video responses, too.

Your platform/ideology seems distinctly liberal (ideology - not necessarily the party).

My concern is that the Aboriginal House would further legitimate liberal democracy without calling some of the basic tenets into question - tenets that may indeed be at the root of aboriginal/settler politics.

Plus, once the racialist Indian Act is thrown out, how will one be 'identified' as a valid representative?

[opaw1576]

Hello, I got ur link for this video and I really enjoyed your comments on what is happening with our Aboriginal people...I do presentations on health careers for Northern students ...what would your message be to them?...Opaw1576

[matthew2180]

Dam this video has super long comments!

[beautifulgarbage666]

(continued...) what about the issue of aboriginal sovereignty -- an issue of growing concern not only in canada, but it is being recognized internationally. Most traditional peoples (at least where i'm from) would not participate as it goes against our Great Law of Peace -- by even voting, we fail out of the "circle of chiefs" and have to go through a renaming process to get back in. How can these issues be addressed??

[Saskdoc]

Definitely important issues you've raised.

With the idea of an AH, participation would of course have to remain voluntary. I have a great respect for what Six Nations leaders have been able to negotiate for their people, but the reality remains that we can never return to true sovereignty. We will always be subject to the laws of this land and share this place with other Canadians. I personally believe the Great Law of Peace, as with other oral traditions, were intended to be dynamic.

[Saskdoc]

We can still hold to the principles of our traditional teachings...mutual respect, personal accountability and contribution to one's people and community while allowing those principles to guide us into this new future we find ourselves in.

The issues that you raise are important and need to be determined by the people they effect...the Six Nations Haudenosunee. The AH has no place forcing any people to participate and freedom to participate would be a founding principle of the AH I envision.

[beautifulgarbage666]

question -- what about the indigenous nations - such as Six Nations Haudenosaunee who do not wish to be a part of the canadian gov't and therefore this "first nations house". In the case of Six Nations Haudenosaunee, our traditional government - the Confederacy Council is still in existence - and if you look at our requests with the current negotiations we are having with the canadian government, we seek to keep the silver covenant chain treaty and be regarded as ALLIES to the crown.

[cmlafontaine]

It's was a humbling experience for us to watch you represent your aboriginal people. Do something about the issue that you talked about. You can and will make a differences if you focus on SERVICES TO OTHERS always...

[Saskdoc]

I hope everyone takes a chance to check out the show on March 23, 7PM on CBC. If you don't get CBC where you're at or you end up being busy tonight, you can download it as a BitTorrent (and legally!) from CBC following the broadcast.

Thanks to everyone who made constructive comments and generated discussion over the past few months. It's been quite the learning experience.

- Alika

[ojimex]

Canada is the best colonial project in the world, thats how they can depopulate such a large land mass and come out looking like a "peace keeper".The British would then employ similar tactics in Australia and South Africa,the famous Aparteid system which was modeled after Canada's reserve system. Also, the Isreali apartied is modeled after South Africa. Hitler too was influence by the genocide in North America. He admired the Nordics ability to eliminate an 'inferior' stock for a "superior" one.

[ojimex]

The treaty promises were never meant to be kept,they were only made to pacify the Ab populations while they were still a considerable force.Each "treaty" was unique and were signed at different times, with different nations, and with different "promises", yet we had the same results across canada. The province of BC was never signed over and is illagaly part of Canada, but then again Canada is not legitimate anyways. I do understand that u are attempting to create positive change though!!

[kahniki]

and by the way...You deserve acknowledgment for the empowerment you envision within our aboriginal nations. Original ways flow deeper than the language we speak, or the platform we choose to deliver our message. Being a native person the struggle is twofold. We must gain our identity, historical and personal, and our "western education", twice the work, just to be recognized in this society. Props to you for maintaining the unified front. Yaw^ko

[grindintimes1]

Alika you know what the problem is.....................YOU GUYS ABORIGINALS ARE ACTING TO MUCH LIKE THE NON ABORIGIGNALS canadians.Alot of the tribes peoples up their dont even speak their own language,you wont teach it in your schools you guys speak english in your fricking HOMES!!!wtf dude majority of you guys take english french names WTF!! your not standing out why should the government give certain rights to some and others not?You guys need to start acting like aboriginals!!! i lovenatives

[Skellyrm]

You have the best idea and the hardest idea, but it would have the best outcome! Good luck on winning!

Your video was the so good! You can look at a camera and people can actually hear you when you speak. And you didn't have to go to Washington DC like Magoo Moloo!

[Skellyrm]

Alika, I would vote for you. The two years I spent in Central Canada, I was able to see the problems that the Aboriginal People face. I was in well over 1000 Aboriginal homes and a good 7k-10k Canadian homes all together. Being a Physician you focus on how to diagnose, resolve problems, and treat patients. Thus Healing people essentially! The Prime Minister needs to be a Physician. I have also Met you. You are also as accountable as you are responsible! What % of Politician's are!?!

[Febrile1]

Good idea - Best of luck to you.

Canada is a lost cause with the North American Union, so do what you can for yourselves. The Free Trade Agreement's "National Treatment" clause gives away our National soveriegnty - Look it up!

[vanessars13]

Alika,

Thanks for taking the time to make/post this video. You raised a lot of points that I was not aware of. I think that is probably one of the best things to take away from a video- new information!!

[skindizzle99]

Im one of the many Canadians who doesnt really get involved in politics. I vote, but more based on whether or not like the candidate as opposed to the ideas they put forward. Your idea sounds fine, and so do some of the others Ive seen, but I wanted you to know that I would vote for you, mostly because all the other videos were really annoying.

[Saskdoc]

We already have a system that treats Aboriginal peoples differently than the rest of Canada. What I'm suggesting is a redefinition of that relationship. And you are quite correct, it is disproportinate...with 3% of the population it makes no sense why 20% of our prisons are filled with Aboriginal peoples, or why with only 3% of the population we have 3rd world living conditions and health care.

[awgu]

So...what about the rest of us who are not aboriginal? Are you Prime Minister of Aborigiinal people? Or Prime Minister of Canada? I mean, the video is entirely about one ethnic group. Come on dude.

[Saskdoc]

The whole competition is about one great idea that can change Canada. Finding a resolution to the problems facing Aboriginal peoples is about changing Canada, same as finding a resolution to the issues facing Quebec is about changing Canada. Do you not think improving poverty, education and crime among Aboriginal peoples will help the majority of Canadians?

[awgu]

Point taken. Good retort.

[Saskdoc]

Do you have an example of mixed jurisdiction? It seems we've been able to function alright during instances where there were disagreements between Federal and Provincial governments, why would disagreements between and Aboriginal House and other governmental bodies be any different?

[Capitalme79]

I'm concerned that a third house of parliament for 3% of the population is disproportionate and sets a precedent for other groups (ie French Canadians) to desire parliamentary bodies. While you suggest that limiting it to Aboriginal issues will curb this, many solutions to these issues affect non-aboriginals. How do you deal with areas of mixed jurisdiction?

I realize that part of my question was asked by Meg, but you seem to be more willing to accuse her of racism than respond to her points.

[Capitalme79]

How would you feel about a set number of senate seats being given to Aboriginals instead? The Aboriginal senators could be chosen by their people and then appointed to maybe 10% of the senate's seats. This would require no additional house being created and wouldn't need any constitutional change to implement.

[Saskdoc]

As long as we define the relationship between Aboriginal peoples through legislation like the Indian Act, we're going to see the same results as those from the past 150 years. Increasing senate seats would increase representation, but not affect the problems with how the relationship is defined.

[kahniki]

Just a bit of interesting information; Were you aware that the National Chief is elected by a minute fraction of the overall aboriginal population in Canada? As aboriginal people we are not allowed to vote on our national leader. This election excludes the general population and only allows one member (the elected chief) of each nation a vote. This vote does not even include traditional council or chiefs....

[Tiffa1122]

Was the second part of this message really necessary? And I think if you read through the messages on this board, he actually does answer all of Meg's original questions.

[Capitalme79]

I apologize. You're right Tiffa. While I had been following this entry with interest I missed the questions posted by ztoddcanadian that echo many of the same concerns Meg raised, which Alika then answered. Perhaps it would be wise for Alika to mention this on Meg's video response thread, as he never answers her questions there and someone like me can easily get the impression he does not want to address her points.

[Capitalme79]

I'm still unclear on how this Aboriginal House could handle areas of overlapping jurisdiction. Could you clarify how exactly the Senate would be able to moderate this?

[Saskdoc]

I agree that the Senate in its current form would be ineffective in moderation. As part of the changes to create an Aboriginal house, a broader revision of the way the Senate works would be necessary to make it effective. As far as the changes...that's a completely different platform. You can view some of the other contestants video's, I agree with many of their points.

[duruffio]

Hey Alika,

Good job on your video. I was curious - would you create an additional court to interpret the legislation produced by the 3rd house?

[Saskdoc]

In my vision, there wouldn't. There'd be one Supreme Court to interpret bills from all three houses. It would also get extremely complicated...and needlessly so in my opinion...with a separate legal system.

I do welcome your thoughts on it. What do you think?

[duruffio]

Definitely I think, ultimately, all cases would have to be able to be appealed to the SCC. I think, though, that an Aboriginal Court (of concurrent jurisdiction with the Federal Court) would be best-suited to interpret aboriginal law, and would go further in achieving your goal of self-government. Not going so far as to create a separate legal system - just a new court. Thoughts?

(What an interesting theoretical exercise!)

[Saskdoc]

It's a very interesting idea! I agree that we need to keep one supreme standard of law in Canada, the Supreme Court. Could there be a lower court under the jurisdiction of the Aboriginal House to interpret legislation? That would be a fantastic idea. I'd have to put more thought into how exactly that would work though.

[southpeak1]

Also being from Sask., I know how important Aboriginal issues are in our province. However, I don't think there will ever be the political will to open up the constitution and create a third house, it's simply not going to happen not matter who is Prime Minister.

I understand the "why" argument you propose, but the "how" argument is absent.

Do you have any other strategies to assist the aboriginal crisis and perhaps something for the other 96% of the population?

Good Luck,

Derek Robinson

[Keshane28]

Take the part out about taxing Aboriginal people or down play it a bit - don't make it your opening statement or expand on it a little more so that First Nations won't think its negative.

Otherwise this is a great idea and FSIN should support you.

[Saskdoc]

Good point.  Thanks for the comments!!!

[mtlkay]

Fantastic entry! This is one of the most important issues facing the country, and you explain with a frankness, fairness and sincerity that is deeply refreshing.

[Saskdoc]

:) Thanks!!!

[melodiousfish]

Do I think that natives have the ability and the right to take up the reigns of their own destiny? Absolutely. It's just that such a move requires a very definite game plan, predicated on a sober appraisal of the current situation. Anything less would amount to just another chapter in a long history of self sabotage.

[Saskdoc]

You have interesting viewpoints, thanks for sharing them. Good luck in the competition!

[melodiousfish]

The percentage of total resources lost to corruption is huge, and, given the lower than average quality of life found in most native communities, doubly unconscionable

[melodiousfish]

On the ground floor, it's not a lack of political influence that dominates the proceedings, but clannishness, self interest, and pork barrel politics of the first order. Natives aren't being unfairly singled out here! Bureaucracies may be susceptible to corruption, but on the reservations, that tendency has come to define the entire political culture.

[melodiousfish]

While there may be some committed, upstanding civil servants to be found within the currently operating system, a distressing number have been compromised by the patterns of patronage that run on most reservations. One major benefit of a central authority is that such activity can be curbed without any one community member having to bear the political fallout. Of course, if the old guard is running the Aboriginal House, we can expect more of the same old crap.

[Saskdoc]

In the case of patronage, I certainly agree.

[melodiousfish]

Ok, so we'll change the general power dynamics between the federal government and natives. Fair enough. That's what I would propose. But what would this mean in more concrete terms? Who would be responsible for the daily management of affairs on reservations? What sort of authority would they have? What representation would off reserve natives receive? And most importantly, from whence would we draw our official bloodstock for the aboriginal house?

[Saskdoc]

Reserves would become municipalities that would gain ownership of their lands for the first time in our history. They would be under the direct jurisdiction of the Aboriginal House and Canadian Senate. As for off-reserve representation, a proportion of seats could be reserved for candidates who have no home reserve (like myself). The other questions I hope were answered above.

[ztoddcanadian]

d) Would Aboriginal House have the right to intervene in provincial actions that infringe upon Aboriginal Rights or would that be the responsibility of the House of Commons (ie: resource development or provincial laws that infringe upon Aboriginal Rights.)?

Just some questions to help me understand exactly how you envision this would work.

I really hope you get into the finals, and even win. Canada needs to step up and address these issues effectively!

Cheers,

Zoe Todd

[Saskdoc]

The Aboriginal House would not intervene directly with the provinces. Concerns would pass through the Senate, than onto the provinces.

[Saskdoc]

Thanks for your comments Zoe! Good luck in the competition.

[ztoddcanadian]

Hi Alika,

Thanks for your responses! You've clearly thought this out and I hope that--for the sake of resolving this pressing issue and moving Canada forwards and rectifying its shameful track record on Aboriginal Rights-- in the future your idea becomes a reality.

Good luck!

Zoe

[ztoddcanadian]

c) What will the current House of Commons' responsibility be to address issues raised in Aboriginal House (ie: does the House of Commons remain the 'Crown' while Aboriginal House becomes the legal entity that represents issues that today are being dealt with as specific or comprehensive claims?) What is the degree of separation between Aboriginal House and the House of Commons and how that would work when dealing with issues where the House of Commons may oppose what Aboriginal House demands.

[Saskdoc]

The Senate would be the forum where different views are discussed. The Canadian House could table bills that discuss differences and the Aboriginal would do the same. Changes in the Senate in regards to minority represenation, elected officials, etc would likely be necessary to make it all work.

[ztoddcanadian]

b) How will Aboriginal House articulate with current self-government frameworks (I'm thinking about the Inuvialuit Final Agreement or Nunavut?). Will there be special relationships between Aboriginal House and those groups that have reached settlements with the federal government?

[Saskdoc]

Those with current self-governance agreements would be 'grandfathered' into the new system where reserves would function as municipalities under the Aboriginal house. One of the major problems with our current governance is that there are over 200 reserves across Canada with populations of 200-20,000 residents.

[Saskdoc]

If each of those groups make their own agreements, it makes it all the more difficult to create targeted solutions to commons problems among our Aboriginal peoples like poverty, crime, low education and poor health.

In my opinion consolidation of resources, ideas and peoples are the solution. Have us all work together to solve our problems instead of going it alone.

[ztoddcanadian]

a) who will sit in Aboriginal House? Will representatives be selected by jurisdictions similar to (or the same as) federal ridings or will there be proportional representation to ensure that regions that have higher Aboriginal populations have more representatives?

[Saskdoc]

Those who site in the Aboriginal House will of course come from the Aboriginal electorate. That electorate would be made up of all self-identified Aboriginal peoples who can draw a concrete link to Aboriginal ancestry (geneology, etc).

For an Aboriginal House to work it would have to be all or none in my opinion. The Aboriginal house would function an equal partner with the Federal government and would report to its own electorate as far as matters of governance are concerned.

[Saskdoc]

We'd of course need to ask Aboriginal peoples as a whole how that representation would occur. But it seems reasonable to have it linked to population proportionality.

[ztoddcanadian]

Hi Alika,

Your idea and submission are both really powerful, and I fully endorse your vision. As with any great idea, there are always details to fill out after the overarching dream is solidified. I am wondering about how we take your idea and implement it:

[TheresaMorrisOfCours]

Treaty nations within Canada are protected by the constitution and any provincial laws or policies that conflict with treaty nations, the treaty nations automatically take precedent. It's pretty powerful stuff! For this reason, I think your idea would work well. It would increase capacity among our First Nations Leadership as well as create space so we can co-exist and decrease social stratification in Canada.

[TheresaMorrisOfCours]

"The Province of British Columbia and BC First Nations are working together to establish a New Relationship founded on respect, recognition and reconciliation of Aboriginal rights and title (Throne Speech)."

The Government has no idea what this means as well as First Nations people. There is a 5 page document outlining this New Relationship but only few initiatives and action items supporting it.

[melodiousfish]

How would power be delegated within this system? Even if the officials in the Aboriginal House are lily white, the overrriding political reality of the reservations- where corruption, nepotism, and venality are the norm- would not necessarily change. How could the chiefs be persuaded to hand over their feudal rights? And if the aboriginal house is run by their representatives and clients, what reason would they have to attempt any meaningful change?

[Saskdoc]

My vision would be a non-partisan parliment with geographic representation from across Canada. Do you live on reserve melodious? Corruption,nepotism and venality is present in all areas of government (just look at our last majority government). It's a part of our party politics. Look at the consolidation of power to the PMO's office in the past decade, I often wonder why Aboriginal peoples are singled out.

[Saskdoc]

And feudal rights? Can't say I've heard of them referred to that way before...sound awfully nepotistic. In the current system, all land is held by the Crown so as far as 'handing over' any rights, all rights come from the Federal government anyhow. What I'm suggesting is a change from a parent-child relationship enshrined within the Indian Act to that of a parent-parent relationship. Aboriginals for the first time would be equal partners in building a better Canada.

[Saskdoc]

And as far as reasons? It definitely doesn't seem like our current government has any. It really doesn't sound like you have a high opinion on the ability of Aboriginal peoples to govern themselves.

[FeariousFingers]

I like your passion, your ideas, drive, and determination, but I do not believe that a aboriginal house is the solution you're looking for :( Though, if more politicians think like you...

[Saskdoc]

All good questions. I definitely have my own answers to these questions, but we'll see if I get a chance to share them during the debates. We can continue this discussion if you Facebook me if you'd like.

[FeariousFingers]

You have my interest. Perhaps a stronger voice would allow more aspects of aboriginal culture and the life of aboriginal people to stand out, but how would an aboriginal house address issues such as lower life expectancy or youth drop-out rates? Does the education and health care platform target aboriginal, non-aboriginal, as well as all other ethnic groups? Is a new government necessary for action? Why are aboriginal groups the only minority group to have a government house?

[ChristmasR]

I think you've got a great platform and I love your idea!

[ayiy2]

hey thnx man u helped me get an A on a project

[queenie0106]

good luck!

[adhenley]

Alika... studying nursing, and going into epidemiology... I imagine we will have some interesting discussions on Medicare if we ever meet up in this contest!

Best of luck.

[ZAmzallag]

Great idea Alika, I hope you get chosen : )

[theghostorchid]

interesting idea...i'll be happy to see some native faces in this contest.

[egrae]

Hi there,

I really like your idea for an aboriginal house of parliament. I'm curious though if such an 'assimilation' approach is appropriate. The majority of aboriginal voters voted against the Charlettown accord which would have recognized aboriginal's "interhent right of self-government," as well as guaranteed representation in the Senate, and given aboriginal governments the power to use s.33 (notwithstanding clause) of the Charter.

[Saskdoc]

I think the idea of assimilation is different than that of partnership. The Charlettown accord called for proportional guarunteed representation in the Senate. That proportionality would have given us some, but still limited say in what direction we should go as far as Aboriginal peoples. If those bills never make it past the House that proportionality would be moot. With a separate Aboriginal house, we allow 100% primary decision making for bills by Aboriginal people for Aboriginal people.

[Saskdoc]

Those bills would than go to the Canadian Senate where we would seek a second opinion on our direction. Charlettown would NOT have allowed us the opportunity to choose our own direction FIRST, it would have just given us the oportunity to give SECOND opinion.

[Saskdoc]

I'm not sure what you're referring to as to Aboriginal voters being against the accord, in the documentation and education I've had on the subject I had found that our representative organizations (AFN, etc) all supported the accord. Was there a separate survey your citing that I haven't come across?

[egrae]

As far as I know, the accord was supported by the organizations but not the actual aboriginal population in exit polls. I'll clarify the source if I can and get back to you, because the information I'm going by right now is directly from a professor in a Public Law class I took last year. It is entirely possible that your information is more accurate.

[Saskdoc]

As well, I think we need to look at ways to maintain the Federation...the idea of a completely separate, isolated Aboriginal self-governance mechanism would be detrimental to both Aboriginal and Canadian peoples.

[Saskdoc]

I'm unsure of what you're referring to as far as the NWS Clause?

[egrae]

In the Charlottetown Accord the government would have been given 5 years to negotiate aboriginal self-government. If they failed to do so, the Supreme Court would have forced the government into action.

The resulting aboriginal government(s) would have been given the right to use s.33 of the Charter just like the provinces and federal governments are now able.

I brought this up just to further flesh out my point.

[Saskdoc]

Perhaps that's something that needs to be integrated with an Aboriginal House? Good ideas often get better when added upon.

[Saskdoc]

To also clarify, by 'tax Aboriginal peoples' I mean that Aboriginal peoples, whether treaty or not, pay income tax. Those collections would than go to the Aboriginal House to redistribute, much like the Canadian House redistributes tax collections from Canadians.

[dale272]

yes, but then the money from the canadian goverment would flow into the aboriginal goverment, where it would be spent on aboriginals.

We still do the same thing, only we skip the aboriginal house step, and we save money.

[Saskdoc]

Well, the money would end up going to Revenue Canada than redistributed by the Aboriginal house. Will it cost money to run an Aboriginal house? Yes it will. The point of the whole thing would be to have Aboriginal representatives choose how to get the money distributed. Right now that decision is made by the Canadian House and by whichever party controls that House.

[Saskdoc]

The system right now is Aboriginal Canadian-->Revenue Canada-->Canadian House-->Dept. of Indian and Northern Affairs plus all the other many dept. in government-->Aboriginal Community (maybe)

[Saskdoc]

The system I'm suggesting is Aboriginal Taxpayer-->Revenue Canada-->Aboriginal House-->Aboriginal Community.

We bypass the dept. of indian and northern affairs and give the majority of money to Aboriginal peoples.

[Saskdoc]

The specifics of the plan will need to be ironed out and there are a variety of problems that need to be addressed...but it's the cleanest and most expedient way to get Aboriginal self-government in place. And the whole reason behind an Aboriginal house is not to save money, it's to FULFILL the promises in the treaties and finally put a close to this chapter of the relationship between Aboriginal peoples and the Canadian government. That's the reason, not the money.

[dale272]

The Aboriginal House would tax the Aboriginal population, yet the Aboriginal population would still receive the current tax breaks and funding from the goverment?

This would create quite the flow of money, wouldn't it?

[Saskdoc]

And as far as tax breaks, I recieve nothing different than the rest of Canada...only TREATY Aboriginals who work ON RESERVE land can claim income tax free status, which ends up being a much smaller percentage of aboriginal peoples than the 900, 000 to 1, 000, 000 (3.3%) I mention in my video.

[Saskdoc]

More than 60% of that population is of mixed decent (including myself), third generation (meaning that even if my Dad was TREATY I would not be able to claim that status), etc. and thus ineligible for TREATY status.

It's not the cash cow you think it might be.

[Saskdoc]

In any case, regardless of how much money may or may not be collected, the Canadian Senate would be required to approve all legistlation and therefore allow Canadians to have a say in how tax collections were distributed among Aboriginal Peoples.

[khai365]

I am gonna do a report on something like this for my Geog 202 class. I am gonna need ya for help. haha This is good stuff!

[khai365]

i like the penny trick. That was cool!

[Saskdoc]

Thanks! I'm pretty proud of that myself...hehehe.

[tragopogon]

Do you really think it's logical to give such a small percentage of the population such a large influence on Canadian politics? I agree that a serious injustice was done to the first nations, and that community is facing major problems, but I think an Aboriginal House is overcompensating a lot. Should 3% get such a big say?

[Saskdoc]

I think in narrowing its scope we limit the influence it has on the Canadian population and focus on the influence it can have among Aboriginal people. And I don't think it's truly OVERcompensation. The Kelowna accord allocated 5 billion dollars over 10 years...that's 500 million dollars a year or $550 dollars per year, per Aboriginal in Canada.

[Saskdoc]

Bono from U2 on the other hand is asking for 0.7% of our GDP for foreign aid each year...that accounts for more than 8 BILLION dollars every year. I believe in helping the developing world, but what about the third world conditions in our own backyard? If anything, we've UNDERcompensated over the past 150 years.

[Tiffa1122]

Interesting comments...I remember watching last years program and all of the contestants answer to "What to do about the Aboriginals?" was..."ya...it's pretty bad." But since your a physician and all, don't you think bringing forward ideas about changing the health care system might be an easier sell?

[Saskdoc]

I do agree that presenting an idea about our health care system would have been an 'easier' sell, but I think this competition is about changing Canada. Will changing health care possibly make it work better? Ya. But will it redefine what it really means to be Canadian? Probably not.

[Saskdoc]

I think definitively dealing with the history between Canada's Aboriginals and the rest of Canada would.

And I absolutely have other ideas regarding our health care system, the environment etc but I'm trying to just stick to one for the first part of this competition!

[deesoul56]

You make good points! Good luck :)

[Saskdoc]

I appreciate the support Dee.

[aliilafontaine]

Nice work bradah! Good luck on your great ideas!

[Saskdoc]

Thanks bro!

[soleilbleu2000]

I like the points that you make, too often overlooked.

[Saskdoc]

Thanks Soleibleu!