Here is the recap of yesterday’s omnishambles that was the drama over whether or not the First Nations meeting with the Prime Minister was going to happen or not. We’re still not sure. (It was so long that it became its own separate blog post). Here is a primer on some of the issues at play with the meeting, assuming it happens, and some of the broader First Nations discussions going on right now. This was the plan for the meeting – assuming it still goes ahead. The CBC looks at the issue with a group of diverse First Nations voices. Michael Den Tandt looks at Harper’s challenge in the meetings and the Aboriginal issue in the broader context.
Meanwhile, here’s a look at the blank slate that is what we know about Chief Theresa Spence’s history, which suits both her supporters and critics. We have learned that her partner and band co-manager has a history of bankruptcy, and yet he’s the one managing Attawapiskat’s books. Also, he claims to have been training for his CGA designation, and yet there is no record of that.
Despite his previous lauding of a robust military role for Canada and having us “punching above our weight,” and so on, the situation in Mali has shown that Harper has lost his will when it comes to future military deployments.
The Privacy Commissioner wants you to know that no, she’s not looking to compromise privacy standards for online warrants – but her office is doing their homework on the issue.
Laureen Harper sold off her entire stock portfolio, possibly after questions were raised about the public holdings of the spouses of cabinet ministers could be seen as ethically challenging.
In the Liberal leadership race, Martha Hall Findlay had an Ask Me Anything on Reddit yesterday, and spoke about being willing to raise the GST and “spend smarter.” Here are some of the highlights.
Here is an explanation as to why changing the rules of succession for the Canadian Crown will require a constitutional amendment with the unanimous formula.
And seeing as yesterday – or possibly today – was/is Sir John A Macdonald’s 198’s birthday (they’re not quite sure which of the two days it was), Heritage Minister James Moore announced a pot of $870,000 to start preparations for his 200th birthday celebrations. And if you haven’t yet read Richard Gwyn’s two-volume biography of John A, well, you’re really missing out.