Arizona tribe fights to stop lithium drilling on culturally significant lands
The Associated Press PHOENIX (AP) — Members of an Arizona tribe are trying to persuade a federal judge to extend a temporary ban on exploratory drilling for a lithium project near lands they have used for religious and cultural ceremonies for centuries. Leaders of the Hualapai Tribe and supporters appeared Tuesday in U.S. District Court before the judge who issued a temporary restraining order last month for work at a site halfway between Phoenix and Las Vegas. Demonstrators gathered outside the courthouse before the hearing. Duane Clark, chairman of the Hualapai Tribe, said the fight to protect the tribe’s ceremonial waters is about ensuring a future for his people. “As we look to our future, we look to our past, to our ancestors, and this is the biggest threat that...
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MPs to discuss deaths of First Nations people by police in emergency debate
The Canadian Press MPs will hold an emergency debate in the House of Commons tonight on the recent deaths of First Nations peoples during interactions with Canadian police forces. Six First Nations peoples have died in the last two weeks at the hands of police officers, which NDP MP Lori Idlout characterizes as a “disturbing pattern.” She wrote a letter to Speaker Greg Fergus calling for the emergency debate, while lambasting what she calls a lack of media coverage of the deaths and inaction by the government to pass legislation on First Nations policing. She says that as parliamentarians, they must show leadership and keep institutions accountable. She says a debate will allow discussion of potential measures that could save Indigenous lives. The deaths occurred in Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario...
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MPs to discuss deaths of First Nations people by police in emergency debate
By Canadian Press MPs will hold an emergency debate in the House of Commons tonight on the recent deaths of First Nations peoples during interactions with Canadian police forces. Six First Nations peoples have died in the last two weeks at the hands of police officers, which NDP MP Lori Idlout characterizes as a “disturbing pattern.” She wrote a letter to Speaker Greg Fergus calling for the emergency debate, while lambasting what she calls a lack of media coverage of the deaths and inaction by the government to pass legislation on First Nations policing. She says that as parliamentarians, they must show leadership and keep institutions accountable. She says a debate will allow discussion of potential measures that could save Indigenous lives. The deaths occurred in Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario...
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Energy minister says public money could help finance Alberta energy cleanup
The Canadian Press 16/09/2024 17:16 Alberta’s energy minister is promising strong action by next fall to clean up the province’s growing backlog of unreclaimed oil and gas sites. “There are many oil wells to reclaim and the current system is unlikely to see them reclaimed,” Brian Jean said in an interview with The Canadian Press. But Jean said industry might need help from public finances to live up to its legal obligations, as well as lower municipal tax burdens and a lighter regulatory approach. “I don’t like sticks. I like carrots,” Jean said. “Without changes to how we approach fixed costs and we approach financing well closure, we won’t make the required progress. We need to find new ways to do liability financing, and we need to change the approach...
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MPs to discuss deaths of First Nations people by police in emergency debate
The Canadian Press 16/09/2024 17:18 Members of Parliament will hold an emergency debate in the House of Commons Monday night on a string of recent deaths of First Nations people during interactions with Canadian police forces. Six First Nations people have died in the last two weeks at the hands of police officers, which NDP MP Lori Idlout characterizes as a “disturbing pattern.” She wrote a letter to House Speaker Greg Fergus calling for the emergency debate, lambasting what she called a lack of media coverage of the deaths and inaction by the government to pass legislation on First Nations policing. “As parliamentarians, it is on us to show leadership and take responsibility to keep our institutions accountable. People across Canada must know their Parliament is addressing the institutional violence...
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B.C. mayors seek ‘immediate action’ from governments on mental health crisis
The Canadian Press Mayors, First Nations leaders, and law enforcement officials are pleading with the federal and provincial governments to take “immediate action” to address what they call dual “crises” of public safety and mental health issues in communities across British Columbia. At a news conference Monday, Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim and several other politicians from around B.C. announced the request to senior levels of government, touting a letter sent to Premier David Eby and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau calling for action on “three critical fronts.” The letter, signed by 10 mayors, three First Nations leaders, Vancouver’s police chief and others, calls on the governments to bring in “mandatory care” for people with severe mental health and addiction disorders, reform the bail system for repeat offenders and the “bolstering” of...
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Oregon tribe sues over federal agency plans to hold an offshore wind energy auction
The Associated Press 16/09/2024 1 EUGENE, Ore. (AP) — A tribe in Oregon whose culture is tied to the ocean is suing the U.S. government over plans to hold an offshore wind energy auction next month, saying the environmental analysis underpinning the sale was too narrow and based on a “predetermined political decision.” The lawsuit, filed by the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians, alleges the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management “failed to take a hard look at the impacts to the environment from private offshore wind energy development,” including those stemming from building and operating wind energy facilities, plus potential effects on aquatic and cultural resources and viewscapes. “The lifestyle and culture of the Tribe is tied to Oregon’s rich coastal and marine waters, which...
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Intimate Partner Violence Investigation results in charges
(HALDIMAND COUNTY, ON) – The Haldimand detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged a 47-year-old Caledonia resident after launching an investigation into an incident of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in the town of Caledonia. As a result of the investigation, a Caledonia resident has been charged with the following offences: Assault – Spousal (two counts) Forcible Confinement Uttering Threats – Cause Death or Bodily Harm Possession of Firearm or Ammunition Contrary to Prohibition Order (two counts) Take Motor Vehicle Without Consent Fail to Comply with Probation Order (three counts) The accused remains in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cayuga on a later date. Victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) are not alone. If you or someone you know needs...
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Quebec premier visits Cree community displaced by hydro project in 1970s
The Canadian Press 16/09/2024 13:26 François Legault has become the first Quebec premier to visit a Cree community that was displaced by a hydroelectric project in the 1970s. Legault was greeted in Nemaska on Sunday by men and women who arrived by canoe to re-enact the founding of their new village in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay region, in northern Quebec, 47 years ago. The community was forced in the early 1970s to move from their original location because they were told it would be flooded as part of the Nottaway-Broadback-Rupert hydro project. The reservoir was ultimately constructed elsewhere, but by then the members of the village had already left for other places, abandoning their homes and many of their belongings in the process. George Wapachee, co-author of a book...
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Northland focused on reconciliation; so Indigenous students feel represented at school
By Pearl Lorentzen Local Journalism Initiative Reporter In response to community engagement, Northland School Division has made connections that support reconciliation with its Indigenous communities and students its number one priority. Northland runs schools in northern Alberta, including in Wabasca, Calling Lake, Chipewyan Lake, Grouard, Métis settlements, and other communities. The majority of Northland students are Indigenous, says Cal Johnson, Northland superintendent. About 10 to 20 per cent of the teachers are Indigenous, but a higher percentage of education assistants and support staff are Indigenous community members. In an effort to get more teachers from the local communities, Northland has a program with the University of Calgary for education assistants who want to study to become teachers while living in their own community. Last year, Northland did community engagement in...
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Energy minister says public money could help finance Alberta energy cleanup
Canadian Press 16/09/2024 12:53 Alberta’s energy minister is promising strong action to clean up the province’s growing backlog of unreclaimed oil and gas sites. Brian Jean says the effort might involve using public finances, even though industry is already legally required to clean up its mess. Jean tells The Canadian Press that municipal governments have to recognize that the industry needs competitive taxes if it’s going to be able to pay any taxes at all. He says the industry may also need a lighter regulatory burden. Jean says talks with industry, landowners and some First Nations are already being organized. He expects legislation to be ready by fall of next year. The issue of how to fund the cleanup of tens of thousands of pieces of energy infrastructure at a...
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The election race is on in the Carleton ridings
By Jim Dumville Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Even before the writ officially dropped, candidates for most political parties hit the campaign trail in the three Upper St. John River Valley encompassing Carleton County and portions of York and Victoria Counties. The ridings of Carleton-York, Woodstock-Hartland and Carleton-Victoria provide the ruling Progressive Conservatives with one of the strongest footholds in the province. All three incumbents hold seats in Premier Blaine Higgs’ cabinet. Carleton-York MLA Richard Ames has served as Transportation and Infrastructure Minister since replacing former Minister Jeff Carr in June 2023. Carr moved to the backbenches after falling out with Premier Higgs over disagreements regarding the government’s proposed changes to the Education Department’s Policy 713, which affected how schools dealt with trans students. Woodstock-Hartland (formerly Carleton) incumbent MLA Bill Hogan,...
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UN official says between 20 and 50 people have been killed in Papua New Guinea violence
The Associated Press MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Between 20 and 50 people have been killed in violence among illegal miners in Papua New Guinea, a United Nations official said Monday. The fighting started days ago and is continuing in the Porgera Valley, near the site of a landslide in May estimated to have killed more than 2,000 people, according to the South Pacific island nation’s government. The U.N.’s humanitarian adviser for Papua New Guinea, Mate Bagossy, said the death toll of at least 20 as of Sunday was based on information from community members and local authorities in Enga province in the nation’s mountainous inland. “We have confirmed that at least 20 people have been killed, but as per the last news that I have, it’s likely up to 50...
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Earthquakes shake deep below northern British Columbia coast
The Canadian Press The northern British Columbia coast was rattled by two earthquakes below the ocean floor on Sunday. Natural Resources Canada said the first quake hit at 3:20 p.m. and measured 6, while the second came about an hour later and measured 4.5. It says no damage was reported and none would be expected. The U.S. Geological Survey set the magnitude of the quake at 6.5, and says it was centred at about the midway point between Haida Gwaii and Port McNeill on the northern end of Vancouver Island. The American Tsunami warning centre said no tsunami was expected to be generated. Ben Wilson, the food and beverage manager at the Willows Golf Course in Sandspit, B.C., says he was home on his break when he felt the ground...
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RCMP arrest second suspect in deadly shooting east of Calgary
The Canadian Press 13/09/2024 RCMP say a second suspect has been arrested in the killing of an Alberta county worker. Mounties say 28-year-old Elijah Strawberry was taken into custody Friday at a house on O’Chiese First Nation. Colin Hough, a worker with Rocky View County, was shot and killed while on the job on a rural road east of Calgary on Aug. 6. Another man who worked for Fortis Alberta was shot and wounded, and RCMP said the suspects fled in a Rocky View County work truck. Police later arrested Arthur Wayne Penner, 35, and charged him with first-degree murder and attempted murder, and a warrant was issued for Strawberry’s arrest. RCMP also said there was a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Strawberry, describing him as...
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RCMP arrest second suspect in deadly shooting east of Calgary
The Canadian Press RCMP say a second suspect has been arrested in the killing of an Alberta county worker. Mounties say 28-year-old Elijah Strawberry was taken into custody Friday at a house on O’Chiese First Nation. Colin Hough, a worker with Rocky View County, was shot and killed while on the job on a rural road east of Calgary on Aug. 6. Another man who worked for Fortis Alberta was shot and wounded, and RCMP said the suspects fled in a Rocky View County work truck. Police later arrested Arthur Wayne Penner, 35, and charged him with first-degree murder and attempted murder, and a warrant was issued for Strawberry’s arrest. RCMP also said there was a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Strawberry, describing him as armed...
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Sechelt council considers strategies for improving black bear conflict responses
By Jordan Copp, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Coast Reporter As the District of Sechelt deliberated over supporting a black bear cub conflict response, they invited local BC Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS)’s Dean Miller to give his input on the resolution. The resolution that the District of North Vancouver passed in April asks that the Union of British Columbia Municipalities ask the province to update the BCCOS, Human-Black Bear (Single) Conflict Response Guideline. This would include a review of actions through an independent civilian-led oversight committee and an audit to be done by the solicitor general on BCCOS actions, policies and procedures. During its Sept. 11 regular meeting (the meeting that followed Miller’s appearance), council unanimously voted to support the resolution. Providing insight into orphaned black bear response procedure on the Coast,...
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TIFF audience prizes for ‘Life of Chuck,’ Hip doc; Rankin among Canadian winners
The Canadian Press “The Life of Chuck,” an offbeat drama from writer-director Mike Flanagan, is the People’s Choice Award winner at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival. The top TIFF award, which is voted on by audiences, was handed out Sunday as the 11-day festival rolled into its final hours. Other prizes were bestowed on Matthew Rankin’s “Universal Language,” Sophie Deraspe’s “Shepherds” and a Tragically Hip docuseries. Flanagan is best known for his Netflix horror fare, including “The Haunting of Hill House” and “Midnight Mass.” His latest, which is adapted from a Stephen King story, strays from that genre with a quirky portrait of a divorced man, played by Chiwetel Ejiofor, who can’t escape a looming presence that’s infiltrated every corner of his life. In announcing the award, TIFF CEO...
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Feds wary of back-to-work legislation despite employer demands: labour experts
The Canadian Press 16/09/2024 06:46 In an era of increased strike activity and union power, labour experts say it’s not surprising to see more calls for government intervention in certain sectors like transportation. What’s new, experts say, is the fact that the government isn’t jumping to enact back-to-work legislation. Brock University labour professor Larry Savage says for decades, companies in federally regulated sectors, like airlines, railways and ports essentially relied on government intervention through back-to-work legislation to end or avoid work stoppages. “While this helped to avert protracted strikes, it also undermined free and fair collective bargaining. It eroded trust between management and the union over the long term, and it created deep-seated resentment in the workplace,” he said. Barry Eidlin calls it a “Canadian tradition.” “Canadian governments, both federal...
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New Brunswick RCMP dispute death of Indigenous man was wellness check gone wrong
The Canadian Press 13/09/2024 11:12 New Brunswick RCMP are disputing claims that the recent shooting death of an Indigenous man in mental distress happened during a police wellness check. Assistant commissioner DeAnna Hill, commander of the New Brunswick RCMP, says that information is inaccurate. On Monday, the RCMP said two officers responded to a report of an armed man in mental distress at a home in the Elsipogtog First Nation, where one Mountie shot the man after the other failed to subdue him with a stun gun. Erin Nauss, director of the Serious Incident Response Team, says she understands the initial interaction on Sunday was not what the RCMP would call a wellness check, but she says the police oversight agency will conduct an investigation to “determine all of the...
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