Model Aboriginal Procurement Policy Resolution

Preamble: The Aboriginal population is young and growing six times faster than the general Canadian population and living below the economic level of other segments of Canadian Society. The effect of this growing disparity will continue to be felt more intensely in Manitoba and across the Prairies, where Indigenous peoples currently comprise 15 per cent of the population.

If this economic disparity is to be addressed our Province and our society need more Aboriginal Businesses and Entrepreneurs and the participation of Aboriginal people in business needs to be fostered and encouraged.

Aboriginal people need to have a vested interest in the commerce of our Province.

If adopted, this Model Aboriginal Procurement Policy attached to this resolution, which is designed to foster and encourage the creation and participation of more Aboriginal Businesses in Manitoba’s main stream economy, is one tool that can assist in addressing the economic disparity.

Implementation of the Policy should not adversely impact business competitiveness or the recognized need for businesses to meet marketplace requirements related to schedule, quality and price.

Resolution: That the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce adopt, and encourage other businesses to adopt, the attached Model Aboriginal Procurement Policy and actively implement it.

Access the Model Aboriginal Procurement Policy here.

World Peace Partners - David Newman

World Peace Partners - David Newman
Senior counsel to the firm and former managing partner and Chair of a predecessor firm.

David practices in the areas of labour and employment, aboriginal and environmental law as litigator, mediator and arbitrator.

David has experience representing clients at all court levels including the Supreme Court of Canada as well as before numerous labour and other administrative tribunals.

David provides assistance to clients in the development of proactive policy, practices and relationships.

Academic and Professional

· Senior counsel to Pitblado LLP, a successor firm to Pitblado p; Hoskin and Pitblado Buchwald Asper (1999-)

· Commissioner on the Nunavut Planning Commission (November 2006–)

· Chair of a National Joint Board of Investigation (2003-2004)

· Parliamentarian at numerous general meet ings (2001- )

· Sessional lecturer University of Winnipeg (2000-2001), Aboriginal People and the Law

The Voice of the Indigenous

The Voice of the Indigenous

Instead of attending an in-person community meeting, the Alberta Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB) faxed a one-page fact sheet to Little Buffalo School. The fact sheet indicates that 28,000 barrels of crude oil, or 4,500 cubic metres, has spread into nearby stands of “stagnant water.” The spill, April 29 at 7:30 a.m., occurred only 300 metres from local waterways. The ERCB said the spill has been contained, but community members report that the oil is still leaking into the surrounding forest and bog. The ERCB also said to the community that there is “no threat to public safety as a result of the leak.” Yet people are still getting sick, the local school has been shut down and children ordered to stay at home. An investigation into the incident is underway.

Chilkotan Land Treaty Agreement: Williams Lake,BC

Christy Clark presses Harper over rejected mine proposal - The Globe and Mail

Premier Christy Clark has put the Prosperity Mine atop her federal-provincial agenda, pressing Prime Minister Stephen Harper in their first meeting to get on with the project previously scuttled by the federal regulator on environmental grounds.

Ms. Clark indicated Tuesday she was not backing down in her bullish support for the open-pit copper and gold mine, although that enthusiasm generated anger from environmentalists when she laid it out during the campaign to become leader of the BC Liberals

Desert

Luncheon Podium: for new Justice Slade

Fascinating group of people around the table. Library of Parliament Legal Analyst was exceptionally knowledgeable ,yet polite and friendly. Drew,the lawyer from Victoria, who had worked on the the 'Chilkotin Treaty'; a Toronto Real Estate Lawyer from Hong Kong; Erin, our sound technician;Alan Pratt,from Dunrobin,Ontario. These people were of greater substance than the silly panelists that we had to officially listen to. Officially very badly organised.

After lunch,After Thoughts

Two Provincial Court Judges compare notes. At a nearby table two Native Elders ponder the future of their people.