December 15, 1999
First Nations Casino Project
Selection Committee Announced
Ron Lemieux, minister responsible for the Gaming Control Act, today announced the co-chairs of the Manitoba First Nations Casino Project Selection Committee and released details of the committee's terms of reference.
"Our government has developed this project in conjunction with the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs," Lemieux said. "By working co- operatively and within a specific framework, we believe that First Nations gaming developments can create opportunities for First Nations people, host communities and adjacent communities, and for the province as a whole."
The co-chairs are:
- Martin Freedman QC, nominated by the Manitoba government; and
- Ron Nadeau, nominated by the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs.
The selection committee will be guided by the recommendations set out in the 1997 First Nations Gaming Policy Review (Bostrom Report), commissioned by the previous administration. The report recognized that First Nation gaming represents an opportunity to address the disadvantaged socio-economic state of First Nations communities and recommended the establishment of up to five First Nations destination gaming facilities, to be operated within the Criminal Code and Manitoba's existing regulations.
Assembly of Manitoba Grand Chief Rod Bushie said he welcomed the decision to move forward on gaming, noting that "the issue had been stalled for many years."
The selection committee will:
- direct the preparation and release of the request for proposals;
- review the proposals against the evaluation criteria established in the Bostrom Report; and
- recommend the establishment of up to five First Nations casinos.
The government will exercise its legislative authority relating to the approval of First Nations casinos, based on the recommendations of the selection committee.
Aboriginal and Northern Affairs Minister Eric Robinson said the casino agreement "represents a significant step in the efforts of the provincial government to create more jobs and opportunities for First Nation residents."
Timelines are:
- Jan. 19 – Public release of Request for Proposals (RFP).
- March 31 – Closing date for RFP submissions to selection committee.
- May 31 – Completion of review and recommendations by selection committee.
The Bostrom Report was prepared by a committee comprising representatives from First Nations organizations, the gaming industry, law enforcement and other organizations.
"A sound and practical structure will ensure that benefits from gaming activities accrue to whole communities through the creation of local employment opportunities, the development of spin-off industries, enhanced tourism projects and the generation of revenues to support community improvements," Lemieux said.
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BIOGRAPHIES ATTACHED.
FIRST NATIONS CASINO PROJECT SELECTION COMMITTEE
BIOGRAPHIES
MARTIN H. FREEDMAN QC was called to the Manitoba Bar in May 1963 and has practised law in Winnipeg since then. He has been a partner in the Winnipeg legal firm of Aikins, MacAulay and Thorvaldson since 1969 except for a period from September 1975 to March 1977 when he served as chief counsel to the federal Royal Commission on Corporate Concentration.
He has extensive experience in labour arbitration, commercial and corporate dispute resolution and as a Canadian representative on panels for bi-national dispute settlement. He has also lectured at the University of Manitoba faculty of law.
His community service includes acting as a board or executive member of a number of community organizations including the Health Sciences Centre, the Manitoba Cancer Treatment and Research Foundation, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, the Manitoba Heart Foundation, the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (Manitoba Branch) and the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra.
RON NADEAU is a lawyer and business executive who has been active in aboriginal public and cultural affairs. As general manager, and now chief executive officer of Native Communications Inc. (NCI), he was responsible for a major upgrading of facilities and expansion of services in radio and television. He manages a staff of 25 at NCI and also manages NCI's subsidiary companies, one a holding company and the other a development corporation.
Nadeau is a member of the Manitoba Bar and runs a general law practice, as a sole practitioner in Thompson.
As a leader in the aboriginal community, he has served as a member and advisor to several public boards and commissions including acting as a director of the Aboriginal Peoples Television network.