NOMA President Calls Kenora Decision Unfortunate

The President of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association says she accepts Kenora’s decision to leave the ‘Common Voice’ initiative.
Anne Krassilowsky says it’s unfortunate that Kenora feels that area First Nations haven’t been properly consulted but notes NOMA has been in talks with Treaty #3, #9 and the Union of Ontario Indians.
Letters were sent out to each party in early October and to Chief Gardner in late November as well.
Also, Krassilowsky met with Chief Gardner and Beardy in person on October 31st and NOMA has also requested a meeting with Treaty #3 Chief Gardner for December 18th.
NOMA also decided to not formally contact other stakeholders until aboriginal needs are met.
Kenora Councilor Rory McMillan says he wrote NOMA President Anne Krassilowsky back in October asking that Treaty 3 and other aboriginal groups be included in the process, but he never received a response.
Krassilowsky says McMillan should have been aware that NOMA has been working closely with aboriginal groups as he is a member of the Kenora District Municipal Association which receives ongoing updates on the ‘Common Voice’.
A ‘Common Voice’ newsletter is also made available to municipalities with a detailed update on talks with First Nations.
Krassilowsky says despite Kenora’s absence, they will continue to move forward with the regional economic development plan noting 36-communities strong are on board.
Krassilowsky notes Kenora hasn’t paid its 2007 dues in full which means the City risks losing its NOMA and Kenora District Municipal Association membership, as accordance to both group’s by-laws.