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Canada's
response
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MANITOULIN --- While New Yorkers continue to deal with the dramatic
aftermath of the terrorist attack on the World Trade Centre,
a couple of events occurred this past Monday which brought back
a degree of normalcy to North American society. The leading
financial market in the world, the New York Stock Exchange opened
at 9:30 a.m. sharp to jump start North America's economy, while
in Ottawa, our Members of Parliament headed back to the House
of Commons for the first debate of the fall session - a debate
which centered on the events of September 11, 2001 in New York,
Washington, and Pennsylvania and what Canada's response should
be to the attacks, both politically and possibly militarily.
"The opposition was quite supportive of the government," said
Algoma Manitoulin MP Brent St. Denis. "Opposition parties supported
the Article 5 NATO resolution which was invoked, and we expressed
our sorrow for the tragic events of the past week and our commitment
to combat terrorism." Mr. St. Denis said the temptation to turn
the fight against terrorism into a good versus evil or a religious
war needs to be resisted, saying that there are many groups
who try to destabilize society, whether it's a terrorist, a
drug lord, or a gang member. "What happened last week was an
extreme example of a group that is trying to destabilize society.
All religions, all races are against this. No one can think
that God would approve of something like this," he said "Let's
not make decisions based on revenge or hate. Let's use our head
in the battle against terrorism." While it is not known yet
how active the Canadian Armed Forces are going to be in any
American response, Mr. St. Denis noted that the government will
do what is needed to combat terrorism and if that means a military
response..."If that's what it takes, then that's what we'll
do," he said. The federal government and the opposition will
also be debating on Canada's immigration and refugee laws to
keep terrorists from setting up shop here, while also improving
the intelligence community in order to rid the country of those
who have already settled in our cities. National defense, airport
and border security are also issues that will probably dominate
the federal Parliament for the foreseeable future. MPP Mike
Brown says the Province of Ontario can join in by looking at
policing priorities with both the Ontario Provincial Police
and municipal forces, and he too urges caution in formulating
any national response to last Tuesday's attack. "We need to
be careful and thoughtful in our response. This is a different
kind of war, if we can call it a war. These kind of attacks
are done by sub-cultures of sub-cultures. History has shown
that it has been very difficult to counter them. There are some
simple answers out there right now, but if the answers were
that simple governments would have succeeded with them by now."
He said it's difficult to deal with people who don't seem to
care whether they live or die, but also said people shouldn't
be overly concerned about the situation. "We still live in a
safe society. We will learn to cope with this, and life will
go on." Brian Hicks, of Manitowaning, knows about wars and war
zones. He is 30 years old and served for eight years with the
Canadian Armed Forces. He did a six-month tour of duty in Bosnia.
He said the Canadian government should support the United States
100 per cent in whatever action they decide to take in response
to the terrorists. "What ever it takes to stop it. I know what
a war zone looks like. We in Canada take things for granted
everyday. Bosnia was six months out of my life. I am still a
young man, and every day for me is a gift. That I can get up
everyday here and go about my business without being threatened
and being in danger is a gift." A sentiment shared by his Reeve,
Hugh Moggy. "We should back the United States government 100
per cent over this tragedy with terrorists." Although he cautioned
against using nuclear weapons. "I think most of us were semi-shocked
over the experience," stated Austin Hunt, Reeve of Billings
Township and a member of the board of directors for the Association
of Municipalities of Ontario. He suggested Canada's early response
of holding vigils and flying the flags at half mast is correct.
As time goes by, Canadians should become involved in something
more tangible. "I hope we do not panic and go overboard with
restrictions now," he said. He added there is no doubt a need
for better security at the border, but he hopes the new process
does not hold people up at the border too much. Martin Bayer,
Tribal Chair of the United Chiefs and Councils of Manitoulin
(UCCM), said more than just a military response is needed. It
is obviously a terrible tragedy, he said, but the world needs
to look at whatever grievance the perpetrators may have had
with the United States. Mr. Bayer questioned whether this situation
may have something to do with the widening gap between the "haves"
and "have-nots," the result of the increasing move to world
trading blocks. Many countries around the world are working
to improve themselves, he suggested, and are looking at ways
to improve trade in their countries, but they need to find a
way to make themselves heard. "Exacting revenge does nothing
for world peace and stability," Mr. Bayer stated. "We are all
on this plant together. It is in our best interests to look
after it together." Central Manitoulin Reeve Mary Nelder said
the old models of war are no longer useful or appropriate in
this new reality anyway. "Bombing a particular country is not
going to eradicate this enemy. He is just as much within our
borders as he is in some foreign land. I believe Canada must
join in the war against terrorism. I support our Prime Minister's
response - to offer our support in fighting the war against
terrorism. I think we need to resist the pressure to take up
arms and commit to a military response. It could lead to an
escalation of conflict that could result in many more thousands
of lives lost, on this continent as well as in the Middle East,
yet still not achieving the eradication of the enemy," she said.
Reverend Richard White called last week 'a horrendous week'.
"Anger, no matter how justified it seems, must not fuel the
events to come or be allowed to seep through the crevices of
our fragile multi-ethnic societies," he said. "It must not be
used to justify bigotry, prejudice, mistrust, even slander against
those of Arab descent or the Muslim faith. It must not give
birth to its poisonous offspring, vengeance. It was, no doubt,
vengeance that drove a team of misguided, demonic assassins
to do what they did on Tuesday." Reverend White said confessing
his anger has helped him to cope with the tragedy, but that
there is more that he can be do. "I can turn my attention to
promoting tolerance. I need to be doing anything I can to help
the victims... in whatever way they were victimized. It may
mean giving blood, contributing to the Red Cross, answering
a plea which could come from the Episcopal Church in New York
any day. I can, and have, contacted many of my American friends
just to offer a hand of love, an arm of comfort, a listening
ear. Opportunities to act will come our way. Christ always reached
out to the needy, I too must do the same."
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Manitoulin
celebrates unveiling of Women's Memorial
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by Neil Zacharjewicz
SPRING BAY - It was what many called an
historic moment; the unveiling of the first memorial in Canada
to pay tribute to women who served and assisted in the war effort.
Hundreds gathered to witness the unveiling of the Women's Memorial
at the Veterans Memorial Gardens in Spring Bay on September
15, 2001. Representatives from several branches of the military
and Royal Canadian Legion (RCL) gathered with Island leaders
and members of the community to celebrate the occasion. "It
is truly awe inspiring to be standing here before you," stated
Brigadier General Lise Mathieu of the Canadian Forces, who was
one of the honored guests for the occasion. "I am truly delighted
to be here with you today." She said over her years in the military
medical school profession, she has heard many extraordinary
stories of the women who served and looked after the affairs
of the country during war time. "You all played a vital role
in serving your country when it needed it the most," Brig-Gen.
Mathieu stated. "I pay tribute to your sacrifice, courage and
selflessness." She suggested it was the efforts of all of the
enlisted women which made it possible for women in the military
today to accomplish their goals. "This is an extremely impressive
monument to women," confessed Brent St. Denis, Member of Parliament
(MP) for Algoma-Manitoulin. "You have given a gift to the whole
country." "Canadian women, long and often, worked tirelessly
and thanklessly in service of their community," he said. He
added the memorial was very fitting, because the women gave
of their life and health, working in the armed force, in the
factories and in the home. He suggested it was appropriate the
unveiling of the monument occurred in the week following the
tragedy in the United States, because it provided an opportunity
to not only reflect upon the thousands of lives lost during
the terrorist attack, but also on the tens of thousands of lives
lost during the last several decades. RCL Zone H3 Commander
Len LeClair delivered an address on behalf of Allan Park of
RCL Dominion Command, who could not attend due to an inability
to secure a flight. "The Royal Canadian Legion is about
remembrance,"
Mr. LeClair quoted. "It is a priority with us, and I am glad
to see it is a priority with you." In his address, Comrade Park
stated in the military today, women take on the same responsibility
as the men. "Six decades ago, they were just as dedicated,"
he said. "It is a real tribute to real heroes." While she recognized
the memorial was for the entire Island, Central Manitoulin Reeve
Mary Nelder said she is quite proud Central Manitoulin is the
host community for the memorial. "I am proud Manitoulin can
boast Canada's first Women's Memorial," she stated. Reeve Nelder
said it was encouraging to se everyone come together to celebrate
and pay homage to honor the fine women who helped to make peace
possible, adding nothing that women do today could even compare
to the sheer guts it took for women veterans to put on a uniform
and face the brutality of war. Comrade LeClair stated he felt
fortunate to be the commander of RCL Zone H3 on the day of the
unveiling of the monument. He extended his thanks to the people
of Manitoulin. "Without you, this would have been impossible,"
he stated. Comrade Leota Pierce of the Ladies Auxilliary brought
greeting from the auxilliary's provincial command. She said
all of the members have been inspired by the lives of the women
who volunteered during war time. One in nine volunteers served
overseas, she noted. "We are here to honor these women. This
memorial was a long time in coming," she said. "Way to go, ladies."
Comrade Jeff Marshall, President of the RCL Branch 177 in Little
Current, extended his thanks to everyone who made the day possible.
Comrade Donna Foster, President of the RCL Branch 514 in Gore
Bay extended her thanks to the youth of the Island, particularly
those in attendance, who confirmed their commitment to continue
with remembrance into the future. "I cannot begin to thank
everyone who should be thanked," stated Linda Bowerman, co-chair
of the Women's Memorial Committee. "You, the people, can be
proud of this wonderful memorial." "To our lady veterans, each
one of you who chose to serve did so out of loyalty for your
country and support for our men at war. Each one of you who
served in the Canadian Armed Forces made room for reinforcement
on the battlefront or improved conditions in the trenches or
some other area of importance. Enough cannot be said for those
who give care and attention for the sick and the wounded. For
those who contributed from the home front, your caring did make
a difference," stated Colin Pick, co-chair for the Women's Memorial.
"This day is not to glorify war, but to instill the need for
lasting peace." During the course of the ceremony, each of the
lady veterans and the honoured guests were presented with special
medallions to commemorate the occasion. As well, as a final
closing gesture, white carrier pigeons, which were used to carry
messages of importance in the wars of early times, were released.
"In remembrance of the most recent casualties of aggression
against our neighbours in the United States, let these birds
today carry a message of peace and remembrance," stated Comrade
Pick.
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Wikwemikong
election results
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by Diana Smith
WIKWEMIKONG ----Gladys Wakegijig has been
elected chief for the Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve with
a vote count of 308, during a bi-election last Saturday, September
15. Results show that Robert Corbiere was less than 100 votes
behind with 217. Isadore Toulouse garnered 138 votes and Stanley
Peltier 118. Raymond Gerald (Gerry) Kaboni received 87 and Don
Trudeau 54. Apparently Ron Wakegijig withdrew. Five new councilors
were also elected with Mike Eshkawkogan receiving the most votes
with 571. New councilor Donald (Donnie) W. Trudeau with 546
votes ran for both chief and councilor and made councillor.
Right behind the two gentlemen was Anita Peltier with 506 votes.
Next was Debbie Maiangowi with 497 votes and then Honorine Trudeau-Wright
with 356. Karen Lavallee Pheasant Neganigwane received 351 votes,
finishing out of a councillor spot, while Maureen Trudeau withdrew.
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