My personal view has been that Chief Day always seems to have something to complain about. That nothing that the government does for the First Nations is good enough. To me this is all just an act. We have all been lead to believe that the only way the First Nations will get what they want is by fighting for it. In some cases this may be true, but in the case of Matawa all has already been promised, and will be given. Provided the Liberals stay in power provincially. But even if they don't there will always be Justin and the Federal government to make sure all promises are upheld.
My view is that Day and Wynne have been "Dance Partners" for some time now. That all their posturing, all their disagreements, and spats are all fake. The only reason for all this drama is to convince the general public that inclusion of both Northern Ontario, and especially the First Nations, which means also the Ring of Fire, is a must. The old saying goes that it is the squeaky wheel that gets the grease. Well, the way I see it this squeaky wheel has been allowed to be noisy for a reason, so that everyone can hear them and they can finally get the extra grease they have been asking for without anyone standing up to complain.
Previous budgets excluded them because outside of those budgets they somehow were able to still get what they needed, and at the time my guess is that the Ring of Fire was not one of those needs. Probably because negotiations were still taking place. But it I would appear now that agreements have been finalized, and all we are waiting for is for whatever Liberal promises made to be executed. Both Wynne and Day have given us a convincing display of false rivalry. One that I believe the public will see as an unjust government finally paying for the sins of Ontario, and Canada, by partnering with them in making sure First Nation issues are addressed, and an inclusion in the budget is secured.
Yes, I believe this budget will include provisions for the First Nations of Ontario, especially as they pertain to Matawa. I don't think the Ring of Fire will be mentioned, but obvious references to investments to allow it to move forward will be; ie. Start of road work to connect First Nations. Wynne's failure to make mention of the First Nations would not be wise regardless. But allowing the Conservatives to takeover the First Nation / Ring of Fire file would be even worse, and I think both Day and Wynne know it. The money must be allocated soon, and the budget seems to be the best time to present it after all the trouble these two have gone through to make everyone believe it should be spent for a First Nations cause.
AIMHO,
TM.
