Canada Day: Resurrecting John A. Macdonald statues ignores critical lessons about Canada’s history
By Eric Strikwerda Associate Professor, History, Athabasca University “We’re freeing John A.,” Ontario Premier Doug Ford recently announced, unveiling plans to return a statue of Sir John A. Macdonald to its place of prominence overlooking the south lawn of the Ontario legislature at Queen’s Park. The statue’s return comes five years after activists, disgusted by the first Canadian prime minister’s racist policies, sprayed pink paint over the statue’s base. Ford’s announcement was welcome news to the mostly conservative historians, editorialists and assorted pundits who have decried Macdonald’s “cancellation.” Their objections have been part of passionate debates about whether racist and harmful figures from the past should be celebrated through statues, school and state institution names and public infrastructure projects. For these conservatives, the issue is simple. Dismantling statues is dismantling...
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Squamish business beat: Inclusive hiring—Addressing bias against Indigenous job seekers
By Ina Pace, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Squamish Chief Insights from a Métis career professional reveal how traditional recruitment methods may be excluding valuable perspectives from the workplace. “Diversity is, I mean, it’s Canada, right? Yes, even speaking to you—your accent there,” says HR consultant and career professional Michelle Precourt to the Squamish Chief reporter, who has a British accent. In theory, what springs to mind from these words is that diversity and hence inclusivity should be at the heart of Canada, which means organizations and companies ought to be applying these principles when it comes to seeking potential employees. In practice, however, not all employers and recruiters are informed or educated as to how to apply these principles universally. This means employment isn’t always equally attainable for some...
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Israel killed at least 14 scientists in an unprecedented attack on Iran’s nuclear know-how
By John Leicester PARIS (AP) — Israel’s tally of the war damage it wrought on Iran includes the targeted killings of at least 14 scientists, an unprecedented attack on the brains behind Iran’s nuclear program that outside experts say can only set it back, not stop it. In an interview with The Associated Press, Israel’s ambassador to France said the killings will make it “almost” impossible for Iran to build weapons from whatever nuclear infrastructure and material may have survived nearly two weeks of Israeli airstrikes and massive bunker-busting bombs dropped by U.S. stealth bombers. “The fact that the whole group disappeared is basically throwing back the program by a number of years, by quite a number of years,” Ambassador Joshua Zarka said. But nuclear analysts say Iran has other...
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As politicians fast-track extraction, Coast Salish leaders stress economic vision: ‘We need to be in these rooms’
By Amy Romer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, IndigiNews Leaders from “Vancouver’s” top businesses got a lesson on Indigenous economics from three Coast Salish leaders last Thursday. Amid international tariff threats and colonial governments fast-tracking resource extraction on Indigenous lands, leaders from the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and səl̓ilwətaɬ First Nations told a Greater Vancouver Board of Trade gathering about their visions for co-operative economic development, the evolving role of industry, and how today’s shifting economic landscape is affecting their communities. səl̓ilwətaɬ elected Chief Jen Thomas said collaboration between Coast Salish communities has been important, and that over the past five years, xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, and səl̓ilwətaɬ “have come together like brothers and sisters.” Sḵwx̱wú7mesh councillor Sxwíxwtn (Wilson Williams) told the gathering of business leaders that Indigenous communities “used to be out of sight,...
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Two men sent to hospital after Highway 6 collision
HALDIMAND COUNTY, ON – The Haldimand County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is investigating a two-vehicle collision that occurred on Highway 6 between Second Line and Third Line sending two people to hospital. Emergency services responded to the collision Tuesday, (June 24, 2025) at about 9:45 p.m that saw two drivers a 28-year-old man and a 37-year-old man, take to hospital with serious, but non-life threatening injuries. Highway 6 was temporarily closed between Second Line and Third Line to allow emergency crews to respond has re-opened. Anyone with information or dashcam footage from the area around the time of the incident is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at www.helpsolvecrime.com or 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS)....
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Senate under pressure to deal with Carney’s major projects bill quickly
By Kyle Duggan Prime Minister Mark Carney’s controversial major projects bill could be in for a speedy trip through the Senate this week. Bill C-5 will be introduced at first reading in the upper chamber today after it was fast-tracked through the House of Commons and underwent a rare pre-study by the Senate. A programming motion adopted by the chamber fixes the bill to a strict schedule, with a final vote that must take place by the end of Friday. The politically charged legislation has upset Indigenous and environmental groups who criticize the government for rushing to grant itself sweeping new powers to fast-track project permits. But Carney has said Canada is facing an economic crisis due to the trade war with the U.S. and the country urgently needs to...
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Northern Labrador in ‘crisis’ as people ration food, toilet paper, baby supplies
It’s frustrating for Rosie Harris to go to the two stores in Nain and be unable to buy essential items like toilet paper, baby wipes, cleaning supplies, ketchup, or rice, due to the Kamutik W ferry being unable to deliver to the Inuit community on Labrador’s north coast. Harris has four young children at home who are picky eaters, and without staple foods they eat, the mother has had a hard time cooking enough food they enjoy. She’s also been unable to buy the sensitive laundry detergent her daughter needs, she says. “We are in a crisis, and people need to treat it that way. If not for yourself, then think of the children and think of the elders,” Harris says. “If this was anywhere else in Canada, something would...
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Nova Scotia to fund Mi’kmaq-led climate change action on Cape Breton
The Nova Scotia government is giving the Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources in Cape Breton $893,000 to fund Mi’kmaq-led climate change adaptation work. The institute that represents the five Mi’kmaq First Nations on Cape Breton on natural resources matters says it will use the money to develop climate change monitoring and action plans for these communities. Lisa Young, the executive director of the institute, said in a statement the organization’s approaches to addressing climate change are rooted in Mi’kmaq knowledge. The institute will use the funding to hire a Mi’kmaw climate change co-ordinator and project assistant, develop educational material in Mi’kmaq and English and establish a monitoring plan that uses culturally relevant indicators of climate change. Membertou First Nation Chief Terry Paul said in a statement climate change is one...
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How the Battleford Trail shaped Saskatchewan’s growth
By Shaynee Modien, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Shaunavon Standard During the growth of the province of Saskatchewan, a strong connection was developed between the north and south, much like it is today. However, it was the development of a wagon trail leading into and out of Battleford that started it all. The Battleford Trail, as it became known, was the main connecting point for supplies for those traveling to and from Battleford. The trail connected the Swift Current region in the south to Battleford and the Meadow Lake region in the north. The most famous section of the trail is the 300 km (190 mi) trail from the south, known as the Swift Current-Battleford Trail. This was an important link developed in the late 19th century for transportation and...
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Quebec launches review of Puvirnituq water crisis
By Arty Sarkisian, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunatsiaq News The Quebec government is launching an independent review of the Puvirnituq water crisis to determine the causes and a path forward, says Ian Lafrenière, the minister responsible for relations with First Nations and the Inuit. “We’re not looking for a Band-Aid solution. I want to see how we can do better, what could be done, what’s feasible. This is a priority for us,” Lafrenière said Tuesday in an interview with Nunatsiaq News. He visited Puvirnituq for a few hours on June 20 for the first time since the state of emergency was declared in Nunavik’s second-largest community of roughly 2,100. The state of emergency lasted 20 days, ending June 6. The water crisis was spurred by a break in the main...
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What to know about “Alligator Alcatraz,” Florida’s immigration detention site in the Everglades
By Kate Payne TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — An immigration detention facility located at an isolated Everglades airfield surrounded by mosquito-, python- and alligator-filled swamplands is just days away from being operational, federal officials said Tuesday. Florida officials are racing ahead with the construction of what they’ve dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz” to help carry out President Donald Trump’s mass deportation agenda, working to build a compound of heavy-duty tents, trailers and temporary buildings similar to sites used during natural disasters. The construction of the facility in the remote and ecologically sensitive wetland about 45 miles (72 kilometers) west of downtown Miami is alarming human rights advocates and environmentalists. State officials say the installation is critical to support the federal government’s immigration enforcement agenda. Florida is moving forward with the construction on land...
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Canada Post honours Indigenous leaders in their fields
Canada Post has issued a stamp honouring a First Nations Elder and Knowledge Keeper who has spent more than five decades preserving the language and culture of his people . Bruce Starlight from Tsúut’ínà Nation, Julia Haogak Ogina and Sophie McDougall are three Indigenous leaders being immortalized on stamps. The stamps were issued on June 20, a day before National Indigenous Peoples Day. Known as Dit’óní Didlishí (Spotted Eagle), Bruce Starlight is an Elder and Knowledge Keeper who has spent more than five decades advocating to save his language and culture from extinction. The set is the fourth in Canada Post’s multi-year Indigenous Leaders series. Starlight is the son of the late Chief James “Jim” Starlight and was born in 1947 on the Tsúut’ínà Nation. Starlight served as chief...
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OPP asking for public’s help after theft of canoe
BRANT, ON – The Brant County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is investigating the theft of a canoe from a property on Salt Springs Church Road. The incident occurred prior to 7:00 a.m. on May 16, 2025. The stolen canoe is described as red in colour and had been stored outside the residence. Video surveillance from the property captured a male suspect taking the canoe and attempting to gain entry to a nearby boathouse. No additional property was reported stolen. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at www.crimestoppersbb.com or 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS)....
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With hot weather Brant OPP urging vigilance…lock those doors and windows
BRANT, ON – The Brant County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is warning the public of what may be a hot weather related increase in break and enter incidents across the region and are encouraging residents and business owners to take preventative action. With temperatures rising during overnight hours, OPP said offenders are taking advantage of open windows, unsecured doors, and the ease of being out in public areas during the late-night hours without drawing attention. The seasonal change also means more people are outside later, increasing the opportunity for both suspicious activity and unintentional security lapses. Homeowners are urged to: Lock all doors and windows, even while at home or during short absences. Use motion-activated exterior lighting and security cameras where possible. Avoid leaving valuables in visible areas near windows...
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BC First Nations are leading a waste revolution
By Sonal Gupta, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Canada’s National Observer A thick smoke from a burning garbage dump used to hang over Lil’wat Nation, putting the community’s health at risk. “I’d go up there to clean up, and people would be lighting the dump on fire,” said Calvin Jameson, a public works superintendent for the community about 150 kilometres north of Vancouver. “There was everything you could name — paint, batteries, oil, tires. And when you came up the hill, there’d be a layer of smoke right above the nation.” Smoke drifted into homes, schools and the health centre, forcing families to keep their windows closed as they feared for the health of elders and children. For years, complaints about the dump went unheeded — until Jameson took matters into...
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BC First Nations are leading a waste revolution
By Sonal Gupta, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Canada’s National Observer A thick smoke from a burning garbage dump used to hang over Lil’wat Nation, putting the community’s health at risk. “I’d go up there to clean up, and people would be lighting the dump on fire,” said Calvin Jameson, a public works superintendent for the community about 150 kilometres north of Vancouver. “There was everything you could name — paint, batteries, oil, tires. And when you came up the hill, there’d be a layer of smoke right above the nation.” Smoke drifted into homes, schools and the health centre, forcing families to keep their windows closed as they feared for the health of elders and children. For years, complaints about the dump went unheeded — until Jameson took matters into...
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Newly launched Access to Information review is flawed, transparency advocates say
By Jim Bronskill A newly launched federal review of the Access to Information system is being greeted with deep skepticism by transparency advocates. The Treasury Board Secretariat announced the government review, which takes place every five years, in a news release late Friday. The release says officials will seek input from a broad range of Canadians, Indigenous groups, experts and other interested people in the coming weeks and months. For a $5 fee, people can use the access law to ask for federal documents — anything from internal emails to policy memos — but the law is widely seen as out of date and poorly administered. Federal agencies are supposed to respond to requests within 30 days or provide valid reasons explaining why they need more time. Many users complain...
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Indigenous People’s Day provides historical learning in Unama’ki
By Rosemary Godin, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Cape Breton Post It all began on Cape Breton with a gift of tobacco and a prayer on Saturday as the sun was coming up over the horizon and its light was striking the majestic Louisbourg lighthouse. About three dozen people stood in a circle in strong winds and overcast skies while Eskasoni elder and knowledge-keeper Lottie Johnson prayed and the “Mi’kmaq Honour Song” was drummed to commemorate National Indigenous People’s Day held annually on June 21. Saturday was just one day in a month when the federal government invites Canadians to reflect on what unites us all, such as: equity, respect for human rights, diversity, and a shared hope for a more inclusive future. Johnson, a residential school survivor and acclaimed Mi’kmaw...
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The Latest: Trump ceasefire plan falters as Israel says Iran launched more missiles
President Donald Trump said Tuesday that he believed that both Israel and Iran violated ceasefire terms with attacks that followed an early Tuesday deadline to cease hostilities. Israel accused Iran of launching missiles into its airspace after the ceasefire was supposed to take effect. Iran’s state media said its military denied firing on Israel. Trump said Iran “violated it but Israel violated it too … I’m not happy with Israel.” Israel and Iran had accepted a ceasefire plan proposed by President Trump to end their 12-day war that had roiled the Middle East, following Tehran’s limited, retaliatory missile attack on a U.S. military base in Qatar on Monday. Here is the latest: Trump ‘exceptionally firm and direct’ in call with Netanyahu President Donald Trump has spoken to Israeli Prime Minster...
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St. John’s, N.L., streets won’t be named for people to avoid problematic legacies
Newfoundland and Labrador’s capital city will no longer name new streets and city buildings after individual people. Councillors with the City of St. John’s, N.L., voted unanimously to accept the new policy during a meeting last week. It was presented by Coun. Ron Ellsworth, who said naming streets and buildings after people comes with a host of risks, including political polarization and uneven representation of different demographics. It also comes with the risk of naming a street or building after someone whose legacy later gets tarnished, he said. “Obviously, we’ve seen what’s happened provincially and nationally, around the history of different names being in place, that history was not kind to and therefore may not merely represent the community as a whole,” Ellsworth said in an interview Monday. Both the...
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