Green light for $450M Goose Harbour Wind Farm
By Alec Bruce Local Journalism Initiative MULGRAVE — Backed by a $224-million loan from the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) this week, Port Hawkesbury Paper Wind Ltd. (PHPW) has officially approved its Goose Harbour Lake Wind Farm in the Municipality of the District of Guysborough (MODG). “The project is now fully financed and a final investment decision has been made,” PHPW Director Nigel Cave told The Journal at the federal funding announcement in Mulgrave on Jan 6. “The total project costs are in the neighbourhood of $450 million.” The CIB loan will enable PHPW to build and install 24 Nordex cold-climate turbines on a 43-hectare plot of provincial Crown land. These turbines will generate up to 168 megawatts of energy, supplying roughly 60 per cent of the power needs for PHPW’s...
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Two people charged with negligence in death of nine-month-old baby: police
-Canadian Press-Ontario Provincial Police say two people have been charged in the death of an infant on Saugeen First Nation nearly two years ago. Police say emergency crews responded to a report of an unresponsive infant at a home on the First Nation on March 26, 2023. They say a nine-month-old baby was taken to hospital and pronounced dead. OPP say a 33-year-old from Saugeen Shores and a 28-year-old from Saugeen First Nation have each been charged with criminal negligence causing death. Police say both suspects have been held in custody pending a bail hearing on Tuesday. Police are asking anyone with information on the case to contact Grey Bruce OPP. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 7, 2025. ...
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Six stories of political intrigue to follow in Haldimand-Norfolk in 2025
By J.P. Antonacci Local Journalism Initiative The political scene in Haldimand and Norfolk got a little wild during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the new year promises plenty of intrigue. Here are six political situations along Lake Erie’s northern shore to keep an eye on as the calendar flips to 2025. Brady versus Martin for MPP A political showdown is looming in Haldimand-Norfolk as the next provincial election will feature incumbent independent MPP Bobbi Ann Brady squaring off against Conservative challenger Amy Martin, currently the mayor of Norfolk County. The two have been feuding for months in an increasingly public manner as Brady complained about being sidelined from meetings with Conservative ministers visiting the riding, and from the county’s delegations with the province at the Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference....
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First Nations teen is now top goaltender for King Rebellion
By Sam Laskaris Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Though he was a member of one of the top Junior A squads in Canada, Tre Altiman was looking for a change of scenery. And that’s why Altiman, a member of Walpole Island First Nation in southwestern Ontario, is now stopping pucks with the King Rebellion, who compete in the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL). Altiman, who turned 19 in November, had started the 2024-25 campaign with the OJHL’s Leamington Flyers. He appeared in 15 games for the Flyers, posting an impressive record of 11-3-1 and a sparkling 1.72 goals-against average. Altiman though was not entirely thrilled he was playing second fiddle to Flyers’ goaltender Marcus Vandenberg, a 20-year-old who had suited up for three different squads in the higher-calibre Ontario Hockey League...
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Ontario First Nations to negotiate child welfare reforms with Ottawa
-CP-First Nations in Ontario are charting their own path with the federal government to reform the child welfare system weeks after critics said the deal reached last July was too weak to accept. The Chiefs of Ontario, the Nishnawbe Aski Nation and the federal government say the reforms outlined in a draft child welfare agreement are “historic and transformative.” They say they’ll work together to reach a final agreement within the existing provisions. That agreement, worth $47.8 billion over 10 years, was ordered by the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal. It was struck down by the Assembly of First Nations in October when chiefs voted for a new negotiating team and what they called a more inclusive agreement with Ottawa. First Nations leaders in Ontario, who helped to negotiate the deal...
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Norfolk OPP Seeing Public’s Help In Suspicious Fires
NORFOLK COUNTY, ON – Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Norfolk County Crime Unit investigators are seeking the public’s assistance in connection with a series of suspicious fires. Norfolk County OPP and Fire responded to fire on Windham Road in Delhi Norfolk County at about3:29 a.m. on Monday, January 6, 2025, involving an unoccupied structure. No injuries were reported and the fire has been deemed as suspicious and under investigation by the Norfolk County OPP Crime Unit. Between Tuesday, November 12, and Friday, December 27, 2024, Norfolk County OPP, the Norfolk County Fire Department and Norfolk County Paramedic Services, all responded to multiple structure fires across the county, all of which have also been investigated as suspicious. OPP said the following dates, times, and locations are of particular note: Tuesday, November 12,...
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If It’s Too Cold For You- It’s Too Cold For Your Pet
LONDON, ON – Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), in West Region, ware reminding all pet owners to never leave their pet unattended in a cold motor vehicle. OPP said it could have deadly consequences for your pet. If it’s too cold for you to sit inside the vehicle then it’s too cold for your pet. If you own or are caring for companion animals, you need to take extra precautions to protect them from the extreme cold. The best place for your pet is inside, except when you take them outside for exercise or if it is a breed of dog capable of surviving outdoor weather. Even long-haired dogs that are accustomed to being outside need extra precautions when the temperature plummets. Never leave your cat or dog alone in a...
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OPP seeking public help in Highway 403 collision
OPP Seeking Witnesses or Dashcam Footage BRANT COUNTY, ON – Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are appealing to the public for help after a single–vehicle collision on Highway 403 left one person with life-threatening injuries in October. Brant County OPP said the single vehicle rollover occurred on Highway 403 near Garden Avenue in Brant County at about 9:41 p.m. on Friday, October 11, 2024. Emergency services including OPP, Brant-Brantford Paramedic Services and the County of Brant Fire Department, all responded to the collision. OPP said a sedan had been travelling westbound on Highway 403 when it crossed into the median and came to a stop in the eastbound lanes. The driver and two passengers sustained minor injuries, while a third passenger was transported to a trauma centre with life-threatening injuries. The West...
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‘I’m going to keep breathing, for her’: Chantel John’s family, friends feel disrespected by murderer’s sentencing
By Anasophie Vallee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Graphic content warning: This story contains details of fatal intimate partner violence that some readers may find disturbing. “I’m going to keep going until the day I die. I’m going to keep breathing for her because her breath was taken away,” distraught father Toby John said when speaking of his late daughter Chantel John. Chantel John of Miawpukek First Nation in Conne River on Newfoundland’s south coast, was 28 years old when she was murdered by her ex-boyfriend Kirk Keeping on Jan. 9, 2019. Keeping has since pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and will serve 16 years in prison before being eligible to apply for parole. Toby said his daughter would want to be remembered as the kind-hearted person she was, always willing...
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Kahnawake strikes major agreement with Quebec
By Miriam Lafontaine Local Journalism Initiative Quebec has signed a historic agreement with the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake (MCK), one both parties hope will pave the way for a more constructive relationship moving forward. “Today marks a new beginning in Quebec’s relationship with Kahnawake,” premier François Legault said as he addressed a room of journalists there to witness the signing of the document, the Statement of Understanding and Mutual Respect. “I’m hoping that this is more than just a symbolic gesture, and I truly feel that it’s more than that – that there’s actually a real commitment,” MCK grand chief Cody Diabo said. Quebec minister for Indigenous relations Ian Lafrenière and Council chief Jeffrey Diabo, who were both actively involved in the negotiations over the agreement, were also there for...
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Nova Scotia paper mill to be powered by wind farm with financing from federal agency
(Canadian Press)-A Cape Breton paper mill says a federal investment in 24 new wind turbines completes the financing of a project that will secure its future electricity needs. The Canada Infrastructure Bank has announced it will provide $224.2 million in loans for Port Hawkesbury Paper Wind Ltd., which will supply about 60 per cent of the average annual power needs of its sister company, Port Hawkesbury Paper. Nigel Cave, the vice-president of Stern Partners, which owns the two firms, said during a news conference in Mulgrave, N.S., that the $450 million project, called Goose Harbour Lake wind farm, is now fully financed. The wind farm, which will be 10 per cent owned by 13 Mi’kmaq First Nations, will be capable of generating 168 megawatts of electricity once the turbines begin...
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Justin Trudeau announced Monday he will step down as prime minister and Liberal leader once the party chooses his successor.
Here are some quotes: “Canadians deserve a real choice in the next election and it has become obvious to me, with the internal battles, that I cannot be the one to carry the Liberal standard into the next election.” — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau ——— “Canadians desperate to turn the page on this dark chapter in our history might be relieved today that Justin Trudeau is finally leaving. But what has really changed? Every Liberal MP in power today and every potential Liberal leadership contender fighting for the top job helped Justin Trudeau break the country over the last nine years.” — Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre ——— “The problem is not just Justin Trudeau. It’s every minister that’s been calling the shots. It’s every Liberal MP that looked down their...
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The Latest: Justin Trudeau says he will resign after Liberals choose new leader
OTTAWA-(CP)-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addressed media this morning from his residence in Ottawa to announce that he will step down as Liberal leader once his party selects a replacement. This was his first planned news conference in the three weeks since Chrystia Freeland’s resignation as finance minister and deputy prime minister, which rocked Trudeau’s government and ignited an even bigger push for him to step aside. Here’s the latest (all times Eastern): 2:20 p.m. Residents of the Montreal riding Justin Trudeau has represented since 2008 are reacting to his decision to step down as Liberal leader. Faisal Amin, the owner of a fruit and vegetable store, says he’s a big fan of Trudeau on a personal level but feels it was time for him to go. Amin says Canadians are...
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Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak Responds to the Resignation of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
January 6, 2025 – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa, Ontario —Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak issued the following statement in response to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s resignation as Liberal Leader: “During his decade in office, Prime Minister Trudeau has taken meaningful steps to address issues that matter to First Nations. His leadership brought attention to longstanding challenges and resulted in important progress in areas such as clean water, housing, education, and child welfare. The passing of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act was a milestone in aligning Canadian law with the rights and self-determination of First Nations,” said National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak. “While much work remains, these actions have laid a foundation for future governments to build upon. On behalf...
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With the House of Commons prorogued, some key Liberal legislation may not pass
OTTAWA-(CP) -Gov. Gen. Mary Simon granted Justin Trudeau’s request Monday to prorogue Parliament until Mar. 24, suspending activities of the House of Commons while the Liberals move to replace him as both Liberal Leader and prime minister. The move means the legislative agenda will be reset once the House of Commons reconvenes in March and some key pieces of legislation for the government may die on the order paper. Once the House of Commons resumes, there is the potential for work that ended due to prorogation be restored if opposition parties support a motion calling for them to resume debate where they left off. But there is no guarantee that ever happens as opposition parties are seeking to defeat the government entirely. The Online Harms Act, which was recently split...
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Timeline: Key moments in Justin Trudeau’s political life
OTTAWA-(CP)-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is stepping down as Liberal leader after almost a decade at the helm of the party. Here is a timeline of Trudeau’s rise to party leadership and prime minister, and the events that led him to give it all up. Oct. 14, 2008: Trudeau is elected as a Liberal member of Parliament in the Montreal riding of Papineau in a narrow victory over the Bloc Québécois. He served as an Opposition MP during the Conservative minority government. April 5, 2009: Trudeau is named Liberal critic for youth and multiculturalism. September 2010: Trudeau is appointed Liberal citizenship and immigration critic. May 2, 2011: Trudeau wins re-election in his riding, but the Liberals fall to third-party status in greatest defeat the party had ever known historically. The party...
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How the warming Great Lakes could herald a new era of supercharged snowstorms
(CP)-Sarah Bauer woke up to a shaking house. She thought maybe an earthquake had struck near her home in Torrance, a village in Ontario’s cottage country. But when she looked outside, she saw a massive tree had collapsed onto her driveway under the weight of rapidly accumulating snowfall, taking down a power line with it. “It was freaky,” she said. The storm that hit parts of central Ontario in late November and early December was the biggest in recent memory, meteorologists said, reportedly dumping a 140 centimetres on Gravenhurst, a town just south of Torrance. Another round of intense lake-effect snow hit areas off Lake Huron again this week, with further squalls expected into the weekend. Areas off the Great Lakes are used to big snowfall events, earning the title...
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‘It’s beautiful to see’: Regina non-profit looks to open ribbon skirt regalia library
(CP)-It’s not uncommon for Claire Tuckanow to hear a sewing machine whirring in the background while she works inside Regina’s mâmawêyatitân centre. The Métis-Cree woman from Okanese First Nation says it’s usually one of the three dozen young people she’s been working with to make their own ribbon skirts. “They’re like, ‘Can we just come and make a ribbon skirt?’” said Tuckanow. “It’s beautiful to see that.” Tuckanow is a co-ordinator with the Regina non-profit Growing Young Movers, which looks to mentor youth living on the margins. It was recently approved for a grant to help set the wheels in motion for a ribbon skirt regalia library in the community centre. Once it’s up and running, Tuckanow said, youth will be able to borrow ribbon skirts and ribbon shirts for...
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‘Support better care’: Advocates argue need for mental health emergency service
(CP)-Khalil Dorival knows what it’s like to feel lonely. The Toronto-based mental health advocate has struggled with social anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts. “I really suffered in silence, and I used many ways to cope in unhealthy and toxic ways,” he says, adding he turned his life around and uses his story to try to help others. Dorival is a crisis worker with Toronto Community Crisis Service, a project launched in 2022 that responds to mental health crisis calls and wellness checks. The service has been dubbed the city’s fourth emergency response service — after police, paramedics and fire services. Other major cities are examining the benefits of an alternative model as they investigate police wellness checks that have led to fatalities. Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham has asked for the...
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B.C.’s new clean-energy czar is a climate ‘wild card’
By Rochelle Baker, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Adrian Dix is B.C.’s new climate and clean energy czar, but it’s not clear whether his appointment signals a new commitment by the NDP government to tackle the province’s growing oil and gas emissions. Dix, the former health minister who once ran for premier himself, was appointed as the Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions during Premier David Eby’s cabinet shuffle. With the appointment, Eby also combined responsibility for energy and climate accountability under one roof. Dix’s appointment and changes to the ministry could be pivotal to B.C.’s clean energy future and low carbon economy, if the province weans itself off fossil fuels and prioritizes clean electricity for economic sectors aligned with climate priorities, say political and climate experts. However, unless the Eby...
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