Author Archives: Joseph Quesnel

Freedom from Indian Act has benefits

Posted on May 15, 2013 by Joseph Quesnel

Some case studies demonstrate that freedom from the Indian Act makes a difference in terms of quality of life for First Nations communities. Continue reading →

Posted in Aboriginal, Poverty | Leave a comment

Re-thinking Indian status?

Posted on May 9, 2013 by Joseph Quesnel

A flood of applications for Indian Status in Newfoundland should lead policy makers to re-think how they define membership criteria. In particular, the definition should be as limited as possible and ensure it only includes genuine members. Continue reading →

Posted in Aboriginal, Unsorted | Leave a comment

First Nations involvement in mining project could be transformative

Posted on April 26, 2013 by Joseph Quesnel

The Ring of Fire deposit north of Thunder Bay, Ontario is expected to generate about $120  billion in economic activity over its entire life. The deposit includes chromite (used in stainless steel), as well as copper and nickel. Tony Clement, … Continue reading →

Posted in Aboriginal, Poverty, Unsorted | Comments Off

First Nations accessing bond market in greater way

Posted on April 23, 2013 by Joseph Quesnel

First Nations with access to own source revenue can access funds on the bond market that allow them to finance large resource projects. Continue reading →

Posted in Aboriginal, Poverty | Comments Off

Some free advice for delegates to the upcoming NDP convention

Posted on April 11, 2013 by Joseph Quesnel

NDP delegates at an upcoming national convention in Montreal should more closely follow the model of social democratic parties of Scandanavia in adopting pro-market, modern policies. Continue reading →

Posted in Energy, Public Enterprise, Regulation, Role of Government, Taxation, Technology | Comments Off

New technology could help more First Nations elections

Posted on April 8, 2013 by Joseph Quesnel

A Saskatchewan native community is acting as a trailblazer by adopting new technology to curb voter fraud. This move can hopefully inspire more communities to do likewise. Continue reading →

Posted in Aboriginal | Comments Off

Native financial transparency law may lessen on-reserve tensions

Posted on April 2, 2013 by Joseph Quesnel

The newly-enacted First Nations Financial Transparency Act may help reduce tensions in communities where transparency from band governments is at issue. Continue reading →

Posted in Aboriginal | Comments Off

Federal budget earmarks money towards proven First Nations land program

Posted on March 22, 2013 by Joseph Quesnel

The 2013 federal budget is good news for First Nations as it earmarks funds towards bands seeking to enter the First Nations Land Management Act (FNLMA). The FNLMA is a proven path towards First Nations improvement. Continue reading →

Posted in Aboriginal, Poverty, Property Rights | Comments Off

Political instability problem for native communities both side of border

Posted on March 18, 2013 by Joseph Quesnel

Political instability is a major impediment to business and investment on First Nations reserves in Canada. It is a problem right up there with land ownership restrictions and lack of access to capital. This is also a problem identified on … Continue reading →

Posted in Aboriginal, Poverty, Property Rights | Comments Off

First Aboriginal-owned oil sands project could be wave of future

Posted on February 11, 2013 by Joseph Quesnel

A new business venture between a private oil junior and a Metis settlement in northern Alberta represents the first Aboriginal-run oil sands venture. This sort of 50-50 model represents the wave of the future, in terms of Aboriginal people entering the economy on a more equal field. Continue reading →

Posted in Aboriginal, Alberta, Energy, Environment | Comments Off

Heritage Property Designations Hindering Religious Liberties?

Posted on January 29, 2013 by Joseph Quesnel

Religious organizations are noticing that heritage designation laws placed on older church problems are presenting problems for church renovations or necessary demolitions. Continue reading →

Posted in Property Rights, Regulation, Role of Government | Comments Off

More data confirming failure of state-led indigenous economic development

Posted on January 23, 2013 by Joseph Quesnel

A new study confirming the failure of state-led economic development on American Indian reservations can provide insights to the Idle No More movement, as well as the federal government, as it seeks to help improve First Nations economies. Continue reading →

Posted in Aboriginal, Poverty | 2 Comments