Criticism of committee brings action

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Allegations that the Calgary Urban Affairs Committee is "toothless" and is just a "public relations exercise" made by a city alderman who resigned from the committee in March have become a catalyst which could see the committee move from a purely advisory capacity to a commission.

In a recent interview Alderman Ann Blough, who was assigned to the committee, complained that city council had "walked all over" a committee proposal to fund the New Status Indian Association of Alberta headed by committee member, Fred Fraser.

"We needed about $250,000 or so to fund an office for this organization," complained Blough, "But city council said it was out of their jurisdiction."

Blough blames what she calls "gutless" alderman for their inaction over the recommendation and promptly resigned her position from the committee.

"Alderman Craig Reid (the alderman subsequently assigned to the committee by city council) is nothing but a figurehead."

Alderman Reid however, says it is not "unusual" for city council to turn down recommendations from committees.

"This happens all the time, even recommendations from within city council often get turned down. It goes with the territory."

Reid adds that city council felt if it funded a Native organization it would be over-stepping its jurisdiction and could be "inundated" with requests for funding other Native organizations.

"It seems to me that she (Ann Blough) should have worked with the committee instead of resigning," he adds.

Blough also came under fire from city mayor, Ralph Klein who also says Blough should have continued to work with the committee.

"If she wants to be effective she should have stuck with it, the dumbest and the easiest thing she could do was resign," says Klein in an interview from his city hall office.

Klein pointed out that although the committee was given an advisory role it is up to the committee to evolve the committee into a stronger body.

"The committee is only as effective as the members on it. It is up to the committee to look at the terms of reference and determine its strength and power."

Andy Bear Robe, chairman of the committee says, since the resignation of Blough and the publicity over her comments, he and several members of the committee would like to see major changes.

"Right now the committee is a policy influencing body. All we can do is make recommendations."

Bear Robe bristles at the suggestion that the committee is just a "token" and public relations gesture of city council.

"We are not tokens but we are limited in which way we can move."

Bear Robe admits that chairman of the committee appointments to the urban affairs committee are made by city council. When the committee requested a name change from Native Urban Affairs to Calgary Aboriginal Affairs, the request had to be approved by city council.

"I would like to see the committee evolve into a commission. The commission would have a strong mandate and have some power to make policy changes."

Klein says that such a change is open and merely requires planning and some pursuasion by the committee.

"There is no reason why they couldn't become a commission as long as there are good arguments and solid recommendations based on logic. I am sure council will give some consideration to the idea," says Klein.

The Calgary Aboriginal Affairs Committee was formed in 1979 as an advisory committee of Calgary city council. The committee is assigned an alderman and can make recommendations to council.

The New Status Indian Association of Alberta was formed by Fred Fraser shortly after the passage of Bill C-31, which amended the Indian Act to allow many people who had lost status to regain status and band membership. The NSIAA has never received funding.