The Eagle Watch Files

Bryan Hendry is Senior Policy Advisor, Economic Partnerships at the AFN Assembly of First Nations.

The AFN is Canada's #1 NPO Native Puppet Organization. The AFN which claims to be the voice of Status Indians or Indigenous in "Canada", is actually one big dancing puppet for the colonial entities. Few Indigenous people recognize the AFN as their spokesperson.

Hendry sent us a brochure for the International Indigenous Summit on Energy & Mining IISEM to be held June 27-29, 2011 at the Sheraton on the Falls Hotel in Niagara Falls, Ontario. We wondered why.

We at the Eagle Watch are acutely aware that the mineral wealth and energy potential in northern Ontario and all across Turtle Island are phenomenal. We hope that most of it will be left where it is unless absolutely necessary. The freeforall of pillage and plunder to acquire and hoard all of the Earth's riches must be identified and cease.

Did Hendry want us to critique the event? We don't have to attend to do that. The brochure gives plenty of hints as to what it's all about.

The AFN will host the IISEM spectacle with AFN National Chief Shawn Atleo as Special Guest and Speaker. Shawn's US counterpart, President Jefferson Keel, National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) will be right beside him.

We asked one of our friends on the other side of the invisible line, ie the border about Jefferson. Here's what he said, "Succinctly put, Jefferson Keel is what Malcolm X often called a “House Negro”. That infers a “slave that is conditioned to jump at every bark of the “master” and whose sole reason for existence is to serve”".

Ouch!

Keel is Lt. Governor of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma. He was in the US military for over 20 years.

In what we term blatant deception, arrogant mendacity and slick double speak, the IISEM promoters say, "Indigenous peoples and government representatives from around the world will gather for a major summit on resource development in the spirit of a shared commitment to produce and provide long-term sustainable energy for future generations".

Representatives will be coming from China, Brazil and Germany as well as all the biggest of the big :-$globalist corporations:-$.

Master of BS and Fantasy Shawn Atleo is on a roll, “In Canada alone, it is estimated that there will be $400 billion worth of mineral resource development projects in the coming years that affect First Nations territories. It will be critical to these projects, and to the Canadian economy, that First Nation people and concerns be addressed. There is also the potential for our Peoples to be the long term providers of energy and environmental security – ensuring that North Americans can rely upon domestic energy production that has little or no impact upon our air and water qualities."

Shawn, are you really serious about this? You're just joking, right? Looks more like you've been well briefed in what to say. Are you paying any attention to what dams have and are doing to our beautiful rivers? Are you noticing the problems caused by the oil sands development, which by the way is totally for export??

Oblivious to our questions, Shawn continues, “Our peoples can be full partners in development from pipelines to power lines, from potash to precious metals. With partnership comes full participation from revenue sharing to ownership, from employment to environmental stewardship. We must engage early and engage often on these projects, and this Summit is an example of this principle in action.”

Now we know for sure he's dreaming. Does he not pay any attention to history? It's mainly about how we've been robbed and cheated for centuries.

Never one to run out of words, Atleo says, "We look forward to continuing our work with President Keel and the Tribal Chiefs of NCAI on energy and the environment, justice and border issues and I look forward to new discussions among the global Indigenous community on how our work together can transcend borders."

Is he referring to the "Indigenous" of China, the Chinese who want to buy up Turtle Island's resources?? Does Atleo see himself as a transnational corporate elitist??

Guest speakers at the IISEM include: Anthony Hodge, President of the International Council on Mining and Metals; Ernesto Sirolli, advocate for Indigenous sustainable communities; Nunavut Deputy Premier Peter Taptuna; Ian Anderson, CEO of Kinder Morgan Pipelines; [as yet unnamed] Indigenous Leaders from across North America presenting best practices from successful community energy and mining sector projects; Margo Gray-Proctor, Chairwoman, National Centre for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED), Anthony Hodge, President, International Mining Council on Mining and Metals; Dave Porter, British Columbia First Nations Energy and Mining Council; Tracey LeBeau, United States Department of Energy, Robert Reid, McKenzie-Valley Aboriginal Pipeline Group and 80 other speakers from around the world.

What a cozy bunch!

According to the brochure, the focus of the event will be "Sustainable and responsible resource development". Give me a break!

This is an oxymoron with the scent of Maurice Strong and NWO all over it. There is nothing sustainable about mining. Similarly, all current sources of energy including the so-called green or alternative energy suppliers are harmful to Life in some way. Somebody is making a lot of money and it sure ain't us Indigenous.

The smirking Shawn Atleo says, "Now more than ever, with the push for green energy, and the growing global need for natural and mineral resources, First Nations have the opportunity to build our economies and empower our citizens for the benefit of our communities and future generations."

This is complete hooey. Since when have Indigenous communities ever benefited from the destructive pillage of our land?? Nothing substantive has changed. Only the style and fashion of the piracy. Everyone's wearing green this year.

First of all, there is no need to continue digging up all the minerals in Mother Earth. Most minerals such as uranium, titanium, iron, tin, copper etc. go to the military for the purpose of killing and controlling people. For consumer uses, we could be recycling more and using less. You don't need gold or diamond jewellery. You don't need those cellphones, etc. that require rare earth metals for their manufacture. We don't really even need these damned computers.

"First Nations" people will not benefit anymore than the average person who struggles to make a living in a world where the wealth becomes more and more concentrated into the hands of a tiny elite. Pollution from mining, nuclear reactors, deforestation, etc. are killing people and destroying Life everywhere on the planet.

This summit is being held at a posh hotel in Niagara Falls Ontario. Most of us could not afford to go. A room at the hotel costs $159 per night. Here are the fees for the conference: $500 Corporate/Government Official Delegate Registration Fee ($600 AFTER MAY 16, 2011)
$30 Students with valid student identification ($30 AFTER MAY 16, 2011)
Complimentary - Elders . Complimentary - Veterans . Complimentary – Media

A lot of booze will likely be flying around to disarm and discredit Indigenous participants. A trade fair will sell all kinds of mining and energy products. The rental fee for a booth is $1,000.

Who Pays the Piper Calls the Tune

There's a lot of money behind this intensive psychological warfare. If they speak loud enough and say it often enough, somebody is going to believe them. Why do we keep falling for their con jobs on us??

Take a careful look at this list of Event Sponsors:
INAC Indian and Northern Affairs Canada,
3M,
UnionGas,
PDAC Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada,
GRE,
Hydro One,
the Mining Association of Canada,
Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation
and First Air.

3M is in there like a dirty designer $shirt$ with their tapes and films holding it all together. In 2009, 3M set up 3M Renewable Energy Division to sell "solar energy, wind energy, geothermal and biofuel product solutions such as films, tapes, coatings, encapsulants, sealants and adhesives..." 3M has special "polyurethane wind tapes" for wind turbine blades and films for solar panels, "with added properties for ultraviolet stability, low flammability and self cleaning".

3M is a member of CADSI the Canadian Association of Defense and Security Industries who sponsor an annual warshow in Ottawa called CANSEC. 3M is currently being sued by the UK government. (See more in the endnotes.)

Something about this "heritage fund" Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation set our red flags fluttering. There are heritage funds all over the world including one called, the Global Heritage Fund. They're apparently about heritage sites. So why is the NOHFC actually about pillage and plunder aka "resource development" and destruction of heritage??? It appears to be a conduit for funding to bedazzle us with trinkets and cheap rhetoric.

We googled the name of the IISEM event and got over 5,000 hits, some 300 with Maurice Strong's name. This includes the Canadian Energy Council, part of the World Energy Council which hosts events like the World Energy Congress held in Montreal in September 2010.

The Energy Council chooses a Canadian Energy Person of the Year. For 2010, it was Stephen G. Snyder, President and CEO of TransAlta Corporation. TransAlta is grabbing funding for big "green" projects like the wind turbines at Melancthon, Ontario north of 6Nations Grand River Territory and Wolfe Island where the biggest industrial wind installation in Canada is killing untold numbers of Bald Eagles and other endangered species of birds.

The IISEM next week will host tours of the region to places like the Seneca Casino where you can blow a few more bucks and get drunk all over again. Rumour has it that everyone will think they're at the G20 Summit where they'll be inducted into the Global Elite for World Governance.

This "summit" is yet another expeditionary campaign in psychological warfare. The elitists know we are onto them. They think they can beguile and seduce us into their ways by making shining poster children out of a handful of our people. They know many of our communities in dire straits are desperately impoverished and willing to try the colonial way one more time. Flogging a dead horse will never produce any horse power.

Some people say we have to work with the big players. There's a big difference between working "with" someone and working "for" them. It is an Indigenous custom to turn our backs on things we know are wrong.

If for some reason, you plan to attend the IISEM, please let us know how it went. We can be quite sure now that they won't be letting us in on a complimentary media pass!

Kittoh

Notes, Sources and Contact Info

Mark Twain said, “How easy it is to make people believe a lie, and how hard it is to undo that work again!”

See Letter to AFN from NAN Chief Stan Beardy May 29, 2011

As long as [an] Indian Tribe/Nation-is subservient to a alien government and operates its governing body along alien standards then [that] governing body and Indian Tribe/nation remains, a servant to said alien government incapable of either caring about nor functioning in behalf of [their] people. David M. Wolfe

Jefferson Keel elected President of the National Congress of American Indians
http://www.examiner.com/green-country-budget-events-in-tulsa/jefferson-keel-elected-president-of-the-national-congress-of-american-indians#ixzz1NwvmjUdw

THIS WEB SITE CALLED THE REPUBLIC OF MINING POSTS A LOT OF STUFF INCLUDING AN ANNOUNCEMENT FOR THE IISEM
http://www.republicofmining.com/
http://www.republicofmining.com/category/aboriginal-mining/
http://www.republicofmining.com/2011/06/20/news-release-international-indigenous-energy-and-mining-summit-will-chart-new-course-for-relationships-partnerships-with-industry-and-government/
NEWS RELEASE: International Indigenous Energy and Mining Summit will chart new course for relationships, partnerships with industry and government Canada NewsWire

OTTAWA, June 20, 2011 /CNW/ – Next week, Indigenous peoples and government representatives from around the world will gather for a major summit on resource development in the spirit of a shared commitment to produce and provide long-term sustainable energy for future generations.

“Consistent with First Nations rights and our responsibilities as stewards of the land, we will begin to chart a new Indigenous economic relationship where First Nations can and will take the lead to build our own economies and contribute to Canada’s economy in ways that respect the environment and provide a sustainable future for all Canadians,” said Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo, who will co-chair the Summit with Jefferson Keel, President of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI).

“We look forward to continuing our work with President Keel and the Tribal Chiefs of NCAI on energy and the environment, justice and border issues and I look forward to new discussions among the global Indigenous community on how our work together can transcend borders.”

The International Indigenous Energy and Mining Summit taking place in Niagara Falls June 27-29 will bring together key representatives from the global Indigenous community and governments. Representatives from the United States, China, Brazil, Germany and the private and public sectors will come together to discuss best practices, partnership opportunities, and ultimately establish a Virtual Institute of First Nation Energy and Mining. Indigenous delegates and representatives from Brazil to Nunavut will re-affirm their rights to participate in natural resource development.

“In Canada alone, it is estimated that there will $400 billion worth of mineral resource development projects in the coming years that affect First Nations territories. It will be critical to these projects, and to the Canadian economy, that First Nation people and concerns be addressed,” said National Chief Atleo. “There is also the potential for our Peoples to be the long term providers of energy and environmental security – ensuring that North Americans can rely upon domestic energy production that has little or no impact upon our air and water qualities.”

Guest speakers include: Anthony Hodge, President of the International Council on Mining and Metals; Ernesto Sirolli, advocate for Indigenous sustainable communities; Nunavut Deputy Premier Peter Taptuna; Ian Anderson, CEO of Kinder Morgan Pipelines; and 80 other speakers from around the world.

“Our peoples can be full partners in development from pipelines to power lines, from potash to precious metals,” added National Chief Atleo. “With partnership comes full participation from revenue sharing to ownership, from employment to environmental stewardship. We must engage early and engage often on these projects, and this Summit is an example of this principle in action.”

For more information on the International Indigenous Energy and Mining Summit please visit www.afn.ca.

The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada. AFN and National Chief Atleo are on Twitter. Follow @AFN_Updates, @AFN_Comms and @NCAtleo.
Don Kelly AFN A/Communications Director 613-241-6789 ext. 334; 613-2922787 or dkelly@afn.ca Alain Garon AFN Bilingual Communications Officer 613-241-6789, ext 382; 613-292-0857 or agaron@afn.ca
Bryan Hendry Senior Policy Advisor Economic Partnerships, AFN
613-241-6789, ext. 229 Cell 613-293-6106

http://www.republicofmining.com/2011/03/24/nishnawbe-aski-nation-nan-chiefs-gather-in-timmins-to-discuss-resources-%E2%80%93-by-kate-mclaren-the-daily-press-march-24-2011/
Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Chief’s gather in Timmins to discuss resources – by Kate McLaren (The Daily Press, the city of Timmins newspaper. Contact the writer at news@thedailypress.ca.

“The government has a responsibility to protect First Nations people, and it’s their duty to consult. That duty should not be given to the industries themselves, unless it’s agreed upon through talks between First Nations people and government officials.” (Raymond Ferris – Ring of Fire co-ordinator for Matawa First Nation)

As First Nation chiefs from 49 Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) communities gather this week for the 2011 Winter Chiefs Assembly, the theme of the conference — Our Land, Our Resources — reflects current frustrations in First Nations communities.

“The discussions are centred around resource development, as it applies to both the written and spirited intent of Treaty 9,” said NAN Grand Chief Stan Beardy. “A hundred years ago, we signed a treaty that gave us peaceful and shared land, and said we would share in any wealth generated from that land... We’d like the government to be more respectful of those rights...The government in some cases likes to take shortcuts, but this leads to potential infringement on our Treaty rights...There has to be accommodation. At the end of the day, we have to make certain that the government is aware of their legal requirements.”

He said the government’s implementation of the Indian Act has infringed on their Aboriginal rights.

“The Indian Act is a document that defines who we are, what we can do, and what we can’t do. An important thing to remember is we never gave up the right to govern ourselves.”

He said because Treaty 9 was developed so long ago, today, it’s based in large part on oral history.

“That oral history is still relevant today,” said Beardy.

At the centre of much of the resource debate is the development of the Ring of Fire deposit in the Far North.

Raymond Ferris is the Ring of Fire co-ordinator for Matawa First Nation, and said the responsibility for initial consultation lies with the federal and provincial governments, and not with the industries themselves. He said with project descriptions being developed for various Ring of Fire plans, these discussions need to take place sooner than later.

“Before permits are issued, it’s the government’s responsibility to consult. We have too much to lose not to be able to actively participate. We’ve learned lessons from other areas who have lost their culture, their language and their environments.”
http://www.timminspress.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=3041131

Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN)
NAN just hosted a Gospel Concert in Thunder Bay to celebrate National Aboriginal Day If you can't get em with booze and infectious diseases, try a little religion.

http://www.nan.on.ca/article/land-culture-community-120.asp
Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) is a political territorial organization representing 49 First Nation communities throughout the province of Ontario. These communities are grouped by Tribal Council according to region. Five NAN communities are unaffiliated with a specific Tribal Council.

NAN encompasses James Bay Treaty 9 territory and Ontario's portion of Treaty 5. NAN has a total land mass covering two-thirds of Ontario spanning an area of 210,000 square miles.

The total approximate populaton of NAN First Nation members (on and off reserve) is 45,000.

The people of Nishnawbe Aski traditionally speak Ojibway, Cree, and Ojicree.

3M Canada
3M’s Industrial and Transportation Sector includes 3M Renewable Energy Division
http://solutions.3mcanada.ca/wps/portal/3M/en_CA/about-3M/information/more-info/press-room/?PC_7_RJH9U5230ONQ6027DTROJH2482_assetId=1180609804202
3M Forms Renewable Energy Division; Names Executive to Lead the Business Company Technologies Poised to Meet the Demands of Growing Marketplace

ST. PAUL, MN – February 2, 2009 – 3M has announced the formation of its new Renewable Energy Division. This organization will enable 3M to maximize the company’s technologies, products and responsiveness to the fast-changing renewable energy industry. The products within the new division will include products currently sold to the industry, new-to-the-world products invented for the renewable energy market, and products adapted from existing technologies. The division falls within 3M’s Industrial and Transportation Business and will focus on Energy Generation and Energy Management.

http://www.3m.com/intl/ca/index.html?WT.mc_id=www.3m.com/canada
solutions.3mcanada.ca/
http://www.3m.com/

http://www.ic.gc.ca/app/ccc/srch/nvgt.do?lang=eng&prtl=1&sbPrtl=&estblmntNo=234567013741&profile=cmpltPrfl&profileId=1421&app=sold
Industry Canada > Information by Industrial Sector > Canadian Aerospace and Defence Industry
3M CANADA COMPANY 19 Clyde Ave., MOUNT PEARL, Newfoundland and Labrador A1N 4R8
Telephone: (709) 745-5195 Fax: (709) 745-5022 Email: caivany@mmm.com
Website URL: http://www.3M.com/canada
Contact Information: Catherine Ivany Management Executive Telephone: (709) 745-5195
Email: caivany@mmm.com

Company Description
3M is a diverse company, which produces more than 45 major product lines with thousands of individual items. 3M's Canadian business units are grouped along three major sectors; Information and Imaging Technologies Sector, Industrial and Consumer Sector, Life Sciences Sector, Electro-Telecommunications and Industrial Minerals. Major technical capabilities span the breadth of science, from precision coatings to optics, electronics, information processing, hardgoods design, health and environmental sciences, personal safety security, imaging, materials and surface sciences.

Country of Ownership: Canada
Exporting: Yes
Primary Industry (NAICS): 327910 - Abrasive Product Manufacturing
Primary Business Activity: Manufacturer / Processor / Producer
 
Product Name: Fire Protection/Services/Equipment/Sales
Product Name: Air Drilling Equipment
Product Name: Oil Spill Control Protection Equipment/Service
Product Name: Safety Equipment/Services
Product Name: Chemical Service and Supplies
Product Name: Office Space/Supplies/Service
Product Name: Health/Medical Supply/Services/Equipment
Product Name: Acoustics and Noise Control
Product Name: Abrasives

http://www.3m.com/intl/ca/index.html?WT.mc_id=www.3m.com/canada
https://www.defenceandsecurity.ca/index.php?action=mbrProfiles.viewProfile&profileID=1

http://articles.janes.com/articles/Janes-Nuclear,-Biological-and-Chemical-Defence/3M-TM-family-of-filter-canisters-Canada.html
3M{TM} family of filter canisters (Canada), Protection (individual) - Filters
Description
3M Canada manufactures a wide range of both standard and custom-designed filter canisters for defence, emergency services and homeland-security roles. The product range includes the following canisters:

Description
C2A1 The C2A1 canister is a standard NBC canister used by the US armed forces. Since 2000, almost 9 million have been manufactured at 3M Canada's Brockville facility. The design incorporates a high-efficiency particulate filter and a single bed of ASZM-TEDA carbon. Other variants have used ASC or ASC-TEDA (ASC treated with triethylenediamine) impregnated carbons. The C2A1 canister is delivered in a plastic vacuum-sealed pack, which replaces the earlier metal pack.

The complete article appears in the following publication: Jane's Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Defence, Feb 11, 2011

http://www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/eng/projects/irc/halon-replacement.html
Replacement of Halon with 3M(tm) Novec(tm) 1230 for Crew Compartment Protection System Objective
To evaluate the effectiveness of Novec(tm) 1230 as a "drop-in" replacement for halon in an existing crew compartment fire protection system.

Background
The Canadian Department of National Defence is seeking a more environmentally friendly replacement for halon to use with its crew compartment fire protection systems in armoured vehicles. The most cost-effective solution would use an agent that could be dropped into an existing system. Novec(tm) 1230 has been considered as such a replacement, but because its boiling point is much higher than that of other halocarbons, conventional nozzles may not fully vaporize it, reducing its effectiveness. Further work is therefore needed to find means to deliver Novec(tm) 1230 as a vapour and to test the effectiveness of this solution in a crew compartment fire.

Statement of Work
•Conducted experiments that simulated an explosion in a Coyote light armoured vehicle crew compartment caused by fuel spray, in order to evaluate the effectiveness of various commercially available nozzles using Novec(tm) 1230.
•Tested a new explosion suppression system that used a gas generator to discharge Novec 1230 by setting off a deflagration/explosion in a mock-up vehicle crew compartment.
•Measured discharge and explosion extinguishment times, compartment temperatures, thermal radiation levels and acid gas concentrations.

Outcomes
A report was delivered in March 2006, which summarized these experiments and showed that available nozzles did not cause Novec1230 to fully vaporize when discharged during an explosion. A final report was delivered to the client, which showed that a system using a gas generator to discharge Novec 1230 would be effective as part of a crew compartment fire protection system.

Partners
Department of National Defence Canada, Aerojet and 3M Canada.
This project began in March 2005, and was completed in March 2008.

Related Projects:
•Performance of NovecTM1230 in the Fire Proteciton of Electronic Facilities on Board Ships
•Fire and Explosion Protection for Vehicle Crew Compartment

Related Information
Institutes:
•NRC Institute for Research in Construction

3M Canada History
In the early 1940s, 3M was diverted into defence materials for World War II, which was followed by new ventures, such as Scotchlite™ Reflective Sheeting for ...
solutions.3mcanada.ca › ... › Our Company › Company Information - Cached solutions.3mcanada.ca/

http://www.sparksdesigns.co.uk/workingfiles/bluezulu/biometrics11/exhibitors/exhibitorDetail.asp?ID=98835487
Exhibitor Profile 3M United Kingdom plc
For more than 30 years, 3M Security Systems has been a trusted partner, helping governments and organizations all over the world develop successful security initiatives through advanced strategies, solutions and technologies. As the complexity of personal identification and brand protection grows, we continue to provide innovative solutions — from security materials to document personalization, printing and issuance through to document reading and authentication.

Contact Details:
Graham Cutting, 3M United Kingdom PLC, 3M Centre, Cain Road, Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 8HT, UK
Tel: +44 7836 543772 Email: gbcutting@mmm.com http://www.3m.com/security
http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/Products/ProdServ/Dir/Safety-Security/?WT.mc_id=www.3m.com/security/index.html

Safety, Security, and Protection
We produce products that increase the safety, security, and productivity of workers, facilities, and systems around the world.

Building Life Cycle Solutions
3M provides premier facilities with innovative, high–value solutions to protect the life of their buildings and improve the performance and productivity of their operations.

Corrosion Protection Products
3M™ Corrosion Protection Products provides 3M™ Scotchkote™ Fusion Bonded Epoxy Powders & Liquids for corrosion protection of steel pipelines and associated fittings used in the oil, gas, water and construction markets.

Water Infrastructure
Facilities Cleaning & Care
Cost-effective cleaning solutions that help protect facilities and people, while creating a cleaner, safer, and more comfortable environment.

Library Systems
A global leader in library innovation for 35+ years, 3M provides security, productivity and information management solutions that harness technology to enable a more human library, where librarians can spend more time helping patrons.

Occupational Health & Environmental Safety
3M makes comfortable protection solutions designed to ensure worker safety and meet protection requirements. Products include, but are not limited to, respirators, eye and hearing protection, headgear, sorbents, software, and services.

Personal Safety
Whether at work or play, 3M offers personal safety products that provide the ultimate protection, comfort, and safety.

Security Systems
3M offers solutions for nearly every aspect of the secure identity process, including security materials, biometric identification systems and credential issuance and authentication systems.

Track & Trace Solutions
Using RFID, RTLS, GPS and other technologies, 3M provides comprehensive track and trace solutions that deliver customer value by improving asset utilization, safety and security.

Traffic Safety Systems
3M's full line of products for traffic control and guidance are extensively researched and tested for high performance, durability, and quality.

Window Safety
3M™ Safety & Security Window Films add a layer of protection to your windows. They help protect against severe weather, bomb blasts or attempted break-ins.

http://bulletin.sciencebusiness.net/news/75186/UK-government-takes-3M-to-court-in-%C2%A341M-claim-over-MRSA-diagnostic
20 June 2011 UK government takes 3M to court in £41M claim over MRSA diagnostic

The multinational company is accused of failing to market a device developed by the UK Ministry of Defence for diagnosing infections of the superbug, going against the terms agreed when 3M acquired the device.

The UK government and the private investment group Porton Capital are accusing the US multinational 3M of breaching its obligation to bring a potentially life-saving medical device invented by the Ministry of Defence to market, in a case that opened at the High Court in London last Friday (17 June).

The case centres around BacLite, a technology for detecting the hospital-acquired infection MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) which was acquired by 3M from investors including Porton and the UK government in February 2007. The terms of the sale required 3M to actively market and diligently seek regulatory approval for BacLite and to pay the investors one hundred per cent of BacLite’s 2009 sales, up to a limit of £41million.

The opening statement set out the decision by 3M to effectively terminate development of BacLite December 2008. The UK government is now asking the High Court to award the full £41 million that would have been accrued had 3M met its obligations.

The court heard that BacLite obtained EU regulatory approval by 2005, demonstrating 95 per cent reliability, and quickly penetrated the diagnostics market in the UK. The device offered MRSA detection that was faster than traditional culture methods but cheaper than molecular diagnostics.

Upon acquiring BacLite in February 2007, 3M axed the UK sales team that had been in place since May 2005, but did not reassign a new team until September 2007. By May 2008, 3M had functionally ceased its marketing efforts in Europe, the court heard.

The case continues at the High Court in London.

Northern Ontario Heritage Fund corporation
http://www.thunderbaybusiness.ca/article/northern-ontario-heritage-fund-corporation-nohfc-holds-board---276.asp
Northern Ontario Heritage FundNorthern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) Holds Board Meeting In Thunder Bay by Scott A. Sumner www.thunderbaybusiness.ca

Thunder Bay was the site of a full board meeting of the Northern Ontario Heritage Board recetly where millions of dollars are awarded to up and coming companies.

“We meet every six weeks all across the North. This is Thunder Bay’s turn to have the Northern Ontario Heritage meeting here. Our largest award today is the partnership with LU and a new company called Warnex, the former Molecular World. They are doing some significant work in DNA and commercializing a product that has world wide interest,” said Minister Michael Gravelle.

“We also announced 5 young entrepreneurs in Thunder Bay whom without the benefit would probably not be able to open their businesses. When you bundle it all together it is a lot of job creation. The results are clear, thousands of jobs are being created as a result of the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund. There is a very. very fair and straight forward application process. The applicant will come forward, put an application and then it goes to a sub committee who look at it before going to the board that has 14 or 15 members who all vote on the project. I am proud that the fund can move relatively quickly. That can be a frustration in the private sector. We are nimble and creative looking at projects. The process has to be rigorous but fair and nimble.”

“ We have a variety of companies today and it is about job creation. We are we seeing more of companies related to the technology movement. Thunder Bay is becoming a world leader in terms of technology. They must have a good business plan and their own support as well. What excites me is seeing the different types of businesses in Northern Ontario as a result of the NOHFC that are moving forward and providing a transformed and new economy in Northern Ontario.”

Dr Angelo and Carla Santin from Thunder Bay and Hamilton and went to the Canadian Chiropractic College. “ We opened our office on Algoma Street. This program gave us the edge in our start up with furniture equipment and so on. We started the application process 10 months ago. It was a really easy process. We started our careers here as a junior associate for a few years at another office. Most people have $150,000 to $175,000 spent at school so the program really helps. We are doing very well now. The city has been good to us. Our office is at a great location. It is really easy access on Memorial which become Algoma. We are with other professionals. The money has allowed us to start from scratch and pay for basic expenses. We shopped local and have hired 1 staff and will hire another soon as well as attracting a new Chiropractor.”

McGuinty Government Supports Nine New Business Ventures
A DNA collection project for forensic testing is one of nine new business initiatives that will create jobs and strengthen the Thunder Bay economy. With assistance from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), Lakehead University and Warnex PRO-DNA Services are developing the MitoNorth Database. The database will be used by law enforcement and legal professionals to prevent individuals from being falsely accused and help prosecute criminals.

The NOHFC is also helping three other businesses expand their operations:
• Cinevate Inc. is receiving $46,350 to add new products for the digital photography and video market;
• Digital Coaching Systems is receiving $35,000 to expand its web-based digital coaching database tool for athletes, coaches and sports organizations;
• Ride Concepts Inc. is receiving $15,000 to develop a shock absorption system for motor cross motorcycles.

In addition, the NOHFC is providing $25,000 each to help five young entrepreneurs launch the following new ventures:
• Radiant Being Wellness Centre is a business that provides yoga classes, reiki massage, a sauna and chi machine treatments. The project will create one full time and two part time jobs;
• Santin Chiropractic is a new practice that will create three full time and one part time jobs;
• Renner-VFX is a business coordinating visual effects for films and commercials produced in the Thunder Bay area;
• Stellar Music Productions is a disc jockey business that will create five jobs;
• L.S.L. Construction is a general contracting company serving both residential and commercial clients. The project is creating one job immediately.

QUOTES
“Northern Ontario has a wealth of talented and resourceful people and our government is committed to supporting them as they take on the exciting challenges of transforming their knowledge and skills into viable businesses.” - Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry and Chair of the NOHFC

“Our investments are helping budding entrepreneurs build careers and families close to home while creating significant new job opportunities in the Thunder Bay area. These jobs also represent the continuing evolution and diversification of the Thunder Bay economy." - Bill Mauro, MPP for Thunder Bay-Atikokan.

QUICK FACTS
• The NOHFC is providing a total of $897,450 for these nine projects, including $676,100 for the MitoNorth Database.
• Since 2003, the NOHFC has invested nearly $472 million in more than 2,700 northern projects leveraging an additional $1.5 billion from project partners.
• Since 2005, the NOHFC has invested more than $6.2 million to help launch the businesses of nearly 280 young entrepreneurs in the North.

LEARN MORE
• Read about the Emerging Technology Program, which helps develop exciting and viable new technologies that will contribute to future northern prosperity.
• Read about the Young Entrepreneur Program, which provides up to $25,000 to northern residents aged 18 to 29 to start their own for- profit business in the North.
http://www.mndmf.gov.on.ca/nohfc/default_e.asp