Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette leans on experience in pre-election cabinet
Newly minted Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette has unveiled a cabinet that leans on experienced ministers, opting for stability instead of a shakeup as her government heads into a pre-election period. After winning the Coalition Avenir Québec leadership race on April 12, Fréchette spent just over a week before introducing the senior members of the team she is expected to lead into a fall general election. More than a third of the ministers will be remaining in existing portfolios in the new cabinet of 29 people. Jean-François Daoust, a professor at Université de Sherbrooke’s school of applied politics, says Fréchette’s new team appears to be designed to demonstrate experience and stability ahead of the election campaign. ”It’s a government of continuity which is not surprising,” said Daoust. Fréchette will rely on...
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Manitoba cabinet minister says she received vile threats; man arrested
By Steve Lambert Winnipeg police have arrested a man after a Manitoba cabinet minister received racist and threatening letters. Nahanni Fontaine, the families minister who was first elected 10 years ago, says she received letters in July and September that contained vile and grotesque language. Fontaine, who is Indigenous, says she has received many hateful letters during her time in office, but these were especially troubling and some of her colleagues told her to involve police. Winnipeg police say they investigated the anonymous letters and arrested a 72-year-old man on Saturday who faces charges of criminal harassment and uttering threats. Fontaine says she doesn’t know the who the person arrested is. Fontaine and another Indigenous cabinet minister, Bernadette Smith, had their constituency offices hit by attempted arson last year, and...
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Alberta’s ‘Forever Canadian’ petitioner says UCP making ‘sham’ of democratic process
By Lisa Johnson The former politician who gathered more than 456,000 signatures to keep Alberta in Canada says he watched first-hand Tuesday as the legislature committee tasked with a review continued to strangle the democratic process. Thomas Lukaszuk, a former deputy premier, said he’s not surprised, but it’s “bizarre” the committee, led by governing United Conservative Party members, shut down a proposal to soon hear from him directly. “It shows pure cynicism and disregard for this democratic process,” he said. Lukaszuk said Premier Danielle Smith’s UCP is playing a “cynical, political game” by delaying its work to give a separatist petition, currently gathering signatures, a leg up on putting their question on an October ballot. “For lack of a better term, the process is a sham,” Lukaszuk told reporters after...
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Overlapping claims are behind protests from First Nations against two treaties
By Wolfgang Depner A coalition of First Nations say they are prepared to block major projects and take legal actions if British Columbia does not pause two treaties to resolve overlapping territorial claims. Politicians in Victoria are debating legislation to implement treaties with Kitselas First Nation in northwestern B.C., and the K’omoks First Nations on Vancouver Island, but both agreements face opposition from neighbouring First Nations. Representatives from the Nine Allied Tribes, the Lax Kw’alaams Band near Terrace, and the Wei Wai Kum First Nation on Vancouver Island say government has not consulted with them about the agreements. Don Wesley of the Nine Allied Tribes says affected First Nations will “shut down the corridors that feed the Port of Prince Rupert” and close Highway 16, if the government does not...
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Some residents with medical needs are being taken out of Peguis First Nation
Some residents with medical needs were being taken out of Peguis First Nation on Tuesday in advance of anticipated flooding that could wash out roads and threaten more than 200 homes. People with certain medical conditions and mobility concerns, as well as those who require ongoing medical treatment, were being offered a trip out in case the rising Fisher River cuts off road access to the community 180 kilometres north of Winnipeg. “The river has come up slightly, but we are experiencing warmer weather today again, so … we’re just monitoring day by day, hour by hour,” Chief Stan Bird said in an interview. Those leaving the community were offered hotel rooms in Selkirk. The community has been sandbagging since last week, due to forecasts that have warned a very...
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Tla-o-qui-aht Development Corporation wins Tofino’s Green Business of the Year
By Nora O’Malley, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Ha-Shilth-Sa Tofino, B.C. – The Tla-o-qui-aht Development Corporation (TDC) was named Tofino’s top Green Business of the Year at the 2025 Business Excellence Awards gala hosted by the Tofino Chamber of Commerce. Established in 2001, TDC is wholly owned by the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation (TFN) and helps manage Tin Wis Resort, Tsawaak RV Resort & Campground, TFN Micro Hydro, and TFN Seafoods. “We literally just purchased over $30,000 worth of plants that will be going throughout the grounds,” said TDC Chief Executive Officer Nik Vischschraper. “Most of them are plants that are native to the region or have cultural significance. We have some ferns, salal, huckleberry, hemlock, dogwood… We are excited. Those will be coming into to Tin Wis and Tsawaak pretty soon,”...
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Overlapping claims are behind protests from First Nations against two treaties
By Wolfgang Depner A coalition of First Nations say they are prepared to block major projects and take legal action if British Columbia does not pause two treaties to resolve overlapping territorial claims. Politicians in Victoria are debating legislation to implement treaties with Kitselas First Nation in northwestern B.C., and the K’omoks First Nations on Vancouver Island, but both agreements face opposition from neighbouring nations. Representatives from the Nine Allied Tribes, the Lax Kw’alaams Band near Terrace, and the Wei Wai Kum First Nation on Vancouver Island said Tuesday that the government had not consulted with them about the agreements that were unveiled last week. Don Wesley of the Nine Allied Tribes said affected First Nations would “shut down the corridors that feed the Port of Prince Rupert” and close...
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Alberta’s ‘Forever Canadian’ petitioner says UCP making ‘sham’ of democratic process
By Lisa Johnson The former politician who gathered more than 456,000 signatures to keep Alberta in Canada says he watched first-hand Tuesday as the legislature committee tasked with a review continued to strangle the democratic process. Thomas Lukaszuk, a former deputy premier, said he’s not surprised, but it’s “bizarre” the committee, led by governing United Conservative Party members, shut down a proposal to soon hear from him directly. “It shows pure cynicism and disregard for this democratic process,” he said. Lukaszuk said Premier Danielle Smith’s UCP is playing a “cynical, political game” by delaying its work to give a separatist petition, currently gathering signatures, a leg up on putting their question on an October ballot. “For lack of a better term, the process is a sham,” Lukaszuk told reporters after...
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Long Lake community in drug state of emergency
By Mike Stimpson, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, SNnewswatch.com LONG LAKE #58 FIRST NATION — Overdoses have brought this community along Highway 11 to a state of emergency, and its chief and council are spending $150,000 to bring in reinforcements. The money will be used to hire people in community response and community well-being and “begin a more focused and coordinated response to the drug crisis,” a written notice to Long Lake 58 members said. “We’ve been dealing with this for quite some time,” Chief John O’Nabigon said Tuesday in a phone interview. “We initiated an emergency measures declaration in January to combat the drugs coming into the reserve and the dealers and also the social issues behind it.” In fact, that declaration came Jan. 29, the chief’s second day in...
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10 candidates put their names forward for NTI presidential byelection
By Arty Sarkisian, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunatsiaq News Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. published the list of candidates for next month’s presidential byelection, with 10 people vying for the organization’s top job. The unofficial list was published online Tuesday night. Candidates will have until Friday at 5 p.m. to withdraw from the election, which is set for May 27. Candidates are: Samuel Alagalak Okalik Eegeesiak Paul Irngaut Jerry Komaksiutiksak Andrew Nakashuk Willie Nakoolak Jerry Natanine Cathy Towtongie Jeremy Tunraluk Gloria Uluqsi NTI is the legal representative for Inuit beneficiaries in Nunavut. It is responsible for ensuring promises set out in the Nunavut Agreement are carried out by the federal and territorial governments. The organization called the byelection in January to fill the vacancy created by Jeremy Tunraluk’s resignation in January. At...
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New archaeological findings expand understanding of First Nations agricultural practices on the Plains
By Aaron Walker, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Windspeaker.com An archaeological presentation in Treaty 4 territory revealed findings that could reshape the understanding of First Nations’ life on the Prairies, suggesting plant cultivation long before European contact. The April 17 presentation at the Moose Jaw (Saskatchewan) Public Library was led by archaeologist Alan Korejbo of Respect Heritage Consulting. He directed excavation at the Garratt and Davies sites in the Wakamow Valley, named for former landowners Bill Garratt and Paul Davies. Early 2023 assessments, including more than 100 shovel tests, confirmed a high density of archaeological material, building on discoveries made by Davies in the 1950s. Located at what is locally known as “The Turn,” named for the river’s meandering shape through Wakamow Valley, the site has yielded more than 200,000 artifacts...
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4 Indigenous-led Earth Day events in the Parry Sound area
By Shania Tabobondung, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Parry Sound North Star In recognition of Earth Day on April 22, local First Nations and organizations are hosting community events to celebrate the environment. Sarah Noganosh, director of lands, resources and environment at Magnetawan First Nation, emphasized the importance of the day for Indigenous communities. “By having an annual Earth Day event,” Noganosh said, “we foster relationships with the land and our community members. We also support animals, plants and waterways by cleaning up pollution such as litter. It’s a meaningful way to reconnect with caring for the land and reflects our cultural roots of stewardship.” April 22: Magnetawan First Nation Earth Day clean up Magnetawan First Nation is hosting a community-wide cleanup on Wednesday. Bags and cleanup equipment will be provided....
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Eskasoni First Nation and federal government announce new addition to reserve and retail expansion
By Adam McNamara, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter – The Victoria Reporter, Victoria Reporter Eskasoni – The addition of over 38 acres of land to Eskasoni First Nation is taking place through the federal government’s additions to reserve process which will support space for both housing and commercial. The land addition, known as the McLaughlin Property, will be used for mixed residential and commercial purposes. The addition to reserve enables Eskasoni First Nation to support growing families with land to build modern housing and growing businesses with space to increase commercial opportunities. “Our community continues to grow, and with growth it comes a need for more space to build and support our people,” said Eskasoni First Nation Chief, Leroy Denny. “These additions to reserve will help us to expand our housing...
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AFN chief asks UN to support First Nations’ opposition to B.C. Indigenous law change
By Alessia Passafiume The national chief of the Assembly of First Nations is calling on the United Nations to condemn the “regressive” attempt by B.C. Premier David Eby’s government to amend or suspend parts of a landmark Indigenous rights law. That law, based on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, has come under fire from Eby’s government after it was cited in a court ruling against the province. Eby has said that a December court ruling meant that the DRIPA law put the province at significant legal risk. After changing his position on suspending or amending parts of the law multiple times over the past month, Eby said Monday he will work with First Nations to come up with a solution. National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak...
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Some people with medical needs are being taken out of Peguis First Nation
Some residents with medical needs are being taken out of Peguis First Nation in advance of anticipated flooding. Lisa Naylor, Manitoba’s infrastructure minister, says people with certain medical conditions or who need ongoing medical treatment are being moved out in case water makes roads impassable. Chief Stan Bird says the Fisher River has come up slightly since yesterday and warm weather today may add to water levels. The community has been sandbagging since last week, and Bird says it remains to be seen whether all of the 200 or more homes that might need protection will get barriers. There are no current plans to evacuate more people, but leaders in Peguis are preparing for the possibility. Tents and teepees have been set up inside the community’s arena complex, and Naylor...
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Manitoba summit to explore solutions to chronic truancy
By Maggie Macintosh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Winnipeg Free Press Winnipeg teachers are cutting class on Thursday to strategize how to improve student attendance and remove barriers so more children show up for lessons on a regular basis. The Winnipeg School Division has partnered with the University of Winnipeg faculty of education to organize a new conference on the downtown campus. The itinerary for the Student Absenteeism Summit, believed to be a first-of-its-kind in Manitoba, is packed with moderated panels and breakout discussions on student belonging and related topics. “Nobody’s coming with a silver bullet or a magic solution,” said Matt Henderson, chief superintendent of the largest public school division in the province. “We should all be leery of simple solutions to complex problems. This is a wicked problem and...
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Poilievre’s property rights push would shake Canada’s legal foundations
By Sonal Gupta, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Canada’s National Observer Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre called it “regrettable” that fee‑simple property rights are not enshrined in the Constitution, insisting that “property rights are human rights” and that Canada needs stronger protections to underpin a “thriving property‑owning democracy.” Poilievre’s comments, delivered in Richmond, BC last week, come as anxiety is rising in the Vancouver suburb over the interplay between property ownership and Indigenous rights. A 2025 court ruling on Cowichan land title has sparked fears that homeowners could lose their land — fears that experts say are unfounded and unprecedented — and has reignited a long‑running debate over whether Canada could adopt a constitutional property‑rights clause like that written into the US Constitution. Cowichan leaders have, however, said that their legal actions...
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Preparations underway Red Dress Day by local Indigenous-centric organizations
By , Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Energeticcity.ca FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — A pair of Indigenous organizations have made plans for people to gather and honour Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG). Observed on Tuesday, May 5th, Red Dress Day is a day of remembrance and activism honouring MMIWG in Canada, according to Amnesty International. The first Red Dress display was publicized in Winnipeg in 2010 by Métis artist Jaime Black, who hung empty red dresses to represent victims. Statistics Canada data suggests the rate of homicide among First Nations, Métis and Inuit women was six times higher than non-Indigenous women between 2009 and 2021. At the Fort St. John Friendship Centre, a workshop will be held on Thursday, April 30th from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. to...
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‘Stay away from the water’: Communities across Canada on flood alert
By Eli Ridder Communities across the central and eastern parts of Canada are on high alert as officials warn of spring flooding caused by rainfall and rapidly melting snow. Medically vulnerable residents of a First Nation community located 180 kilometres north of Winnipeg, Man., are being moved out in advance of anticipated flooding. Manitoba Infrastructure Minister Lisa Naylor says Peguis First Nation is proceeding with the partial evacuation in case rising water levels of the nearby Fisher River render local roads impassable. The community has been sandbagging since last week but Chief Stan Bird said Tuesday it remained to be seen whether all of the 200 or more homes that might need protection will get barriers. Tents and teepees have also been set up inside the community arena, according to...
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AFN chief asks UN to support First Nations’ opposition to B.C. Indigenous law change
By Alessia Passafiume The national chief of the Assembly of First Nations is calling on the United Nations to condemn the “regressive” attempt by B.C. Premier David Eby’s government to amend or suspend parts a landmark Indigenous rights law. That law, based on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, has come under fire from Eby’s government after it was cited in a court ruling against the province. Eby has said that a December court ruling meant that the DRIPA law put the province at significant legal risk. After changing his position on suspending or amending parts of the law multiple times over the past month, Eby said Monday he will work with First Nations to come up with a solution. National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak told...
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