Ineptitude

Ineptitude as defined by Miriam Webster online dictionary:

Main Entry: in·ep·ti·tude
Pronunciation: \(ˌ)i-ˈnep-tə-ˌtüd, -ˌtyüd\
Function: noun
Etymology: Latin ineptitudo, from ineptus
Date: 1615
: the quality or state of being inept; especially : incompetence

Incompetence as defined by Miriam Webster online dictionary:

Main Entry: in·com·pe·tence
Pronunciation: \(ˌ)in-ˈkäm-pə-tən(t)s\
Function: noun
Date: 1663
: the state or fact of being incompetent

Incompetent as defined by Miriam Webster online dictionary:

Main Entry: in·com·pe·tent
Pronunciation: \(ˌ)in-ˈkäm-pə-tənt\
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle French incompétent, from in- + compétent competent
Date: 1595
1 : not legally qualified
2 : inadequate to or unsuitable for a particular purpose
3 a : lacking the qualities needed for effective action b : unable to function properly

Incompetent seems to fit pretty good with the definition most New Brunswickers would give to the current premier and the minister of energy.

The little announcemnt today by Keir stating that he asked NB Power not to raise power rates 3% on April Fools day, seems to follow the theme. Maybe we should re-name it SHACK day. After SHawn and jACK. Only NBer's would get it, but that' enough.

For months we've heard about how the big bad wolf NB Power will raise electricity rates by 5 Tim's coffees per month, and that SHACK will need to save us all from the big bad wolf by giving away NB Power. Well, I guess just the profitable parts.
But noooo....Today, all of a sudden, the minister of energy realized he has the authority to tell NB Power not to raise rates. Actually I guess it was way back on February 5th. Just goes to show how well he does his job. As minister of energy, he has the single vote on what NB Power can do. At least that is the way I read it.
http://www.nbpower.com/html/en/about/publications/annual/EngCombined.pdf page 32


Who's truly been fear mongering? Well, I gues SHACK doesn't count, because no one beleives anything that comes out their mouth's anyway.

I had the opportunity to have a one on one with a First Nation Cheif last week. The information he told me was quite surprising. Apparently all the First Nations had a meeting with the province just about two weeks ago. By the province I mean SHACK and their cohorts and other provincial beaurocrats. The topic, Consultation and Accomodation.

For those who may need to read up on their history, here are a few links.

Some of this you may have read in the papers and online, but basically The Supreme Court of Canada rulings make it law that First Nations must be consulted and accommodated before provincial governments can do anything of signifigance with Crown land that will/may affect a First Nation.

http://www.thedutytoconsult.com/

http://www.fsin.com/index.php/legal-agreements-a-legislation.html

http://www.fngovernance.org/pdf/NCFNG_Crown_Consultation_and_Practices.pdf

Basically selling the Hydro system affects Tobique and Woodstock. There apparently doesn't have to have been any prior written agreement about the issue for the consulatation process to begin. Just the fact that there are old treaties between the Aboriginal peoples and the Government seems to be what the Supreme court is upholding.

The Supreme Court of Canada ruling that is making this happen started in 2004. It seems to have progressed since with some wording written in the last year. This is a copy of the ruling:
http://scc.lexum.umontreal.ca/en/2004/2004scc73/2004scc73.html

I guess the NB gov had not officially acknowleged this Supreme Court Ruling until this meeting two weeks ago, but I guess it is law.

Shawns acknowledgment included trying to buy the NB First Nations with a large block of free power to do with as they wish.

The offer was refused. So the consultation was done, but the accomdation not completed.

Graham also sat with all the NB Cheifs in 2007 and signed a bilateral agreement. http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/news/aaf/2007e0807aa.htm

But I was told Graham hasn't honoured a single word of it. Seems none of the Cheifs are happy with Graham.

"A new era in Aboriginal-provincial relations has been ushered in with the signing of the Mi'kmaq, Maliseet, Province of New Brunswick Relationship Building Bilateral Agreement in a ceremony at the Legislative Assembly in Fredericton .
The ceremony began with a traditional pipe ceremony and blessing from Maliseet and Mi'kmaq elders,as well as a gift presented to the elders by Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Ed Doherty, Minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs.

"Our new relationship will be one of respect, good faith and partnership -- one where we will work together to reconcile First Nations and Crown issues and jurisdictions from this day forward."
Shawn Graham
Premier

So where does all this lead to. Not sure, but maybe the rumours about the deal getting squashed this Friday may have some backing????

Only time will tell.

And for those that were wondering where I was, I took a small break. I was away for a few days, and am now watching some Olympics. And as bad as I want to comment on the "Own the Podium", I just wish to say good luck to all the athletes. I know there are no NBer's there, except for the American speedskater, but Good Luck to all the athletes, and may their dreams come true. http://telegraphjournal.canadaeast.com/search/article/948317