Heavy snowstorm and frigid temperatures prompt flight cancellations and delays
By Sharif Hassan and Fakiha Baig Hundreds of flights were cancelled or delayed Sunday as Toronto was hit with a blizzard and temperatures so bone-chilling that the city urged residents to stay home and avoid unnecessary travel. “We are a caring city, a city that supports each other and cares for each other. So if you see someone being stuck … if you notice that people are having difficulty, give them a hand,” Mayor Olivia Chow told a news conference Sunday afternoon. Environment Canada predicted Toronto could get over 50 centimetres of snowfall Sunday. Eastern Canada was bracing for a similar snowfall, as the storm moved through Ontario. The snowfall paired with powerful winds continued throughout afternoon in Durham Region east of Toronto. Oshawa, Ont., resident Sai Lin, who was...
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Former Winnipeg officer gets 7 years for selling drugs, taking photo of dead woman
By Brittany Hobson A judge has sentenced a former Winnipeg police officer to seven years in prison for selling drugs to colleagues and distributing a photo of a partially clothed dead woman. Court of King’s Bench Justice Kenneth Champagne had initially told lawyers Friday he was “inclined” to go higher in sentencing Elston Bostock. But the judge decided on seven years, after the defence and Crown agreed to the term. “Today is a dark day for public confidence in the administration of justice,” Champagne said. “For the last eight years of his employment, Bostock was involved in serious, sustained and intentional criminal activity.” Bostock, 49, pleaded guilty last week to charges including breach of trust, attempting to obstruct justice, drug trafficking and offering an indignity to human remains. The Crown...
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Deninu K’ue chief miffed by business going to southern companies
By Kody Ferron, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, NWT News/North Deninu K’ue Chief Louis Balsillie is seeking backing from the GNWT as he tries to ensure that locally-owned First Nation businesses don’t lose out to companies from outside the NWT. He recently wrote to Industry, Tourism and Investment Minister Caitlin Cleveland to convey concern that the practice of materials procurement by non-government entities could harm the economy in Fort Resolution. Specifically, he cited the lower cost bid of a non-NWT contractor as his motivation for speaking up. “Our local core box business creates employment for local workers and supports our local economy. The DKDC [Deninu K’ue Development Corporation] has operated this business for many years to not only provide jobs for our residents, but to promote economic opportunity and foster relationship...
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Trump’s comments ‘false,’ Canadians made ‘great sacrifices’ in Afghanistan: Miller
By Craig Lord A Liberal cabinet minister and former member of the armed forces is dismissing U.S. President Donald Trump’s comments about NATO allies staying off the front lines in Afghanistan. Trump downplayed the contributions of the United States’ NATO partners in a media interview Thursday when he claimed that troops from allied nations “stayed a little back” from the front lines in Afghanistan. Culture Minister Marc Miller, who served as a reservist, told reporters Friday that Canadians made “great sacrifices” during the 13-year deployment in Afghanistan and everyone knows Trump’s comments are “false.” Some 158 members of the Canadian Armed Forces were killed in Afghanistan as part of the multilateral operation launched when the United States invoked NATO articles in response to the Sept. 11th terrorist attacks. Trump has...
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Inuvik town councillor awarded King Charles III Coronation Medal
By Kody Ferron, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, NWT News/North Kurt Wainman, a longtime member of Inuvik Town Council, is one of 30,000 Canadians to receive the King Charles III Coronation Medal. Awarded on Jan. 14, the ceremony was held in Inuvik’s municipal council chambers. The medal was created to mark the King’s May 2023 Coronation, with the purpose of recognizing Canadians who have made significant contributions to Canada or achieved outstanding success across the nation. When asked what inspired him to join the town council, Wainman replied, “A few of my friends were on there, a few of my family, and they told me about what it means to serve as a councilor and how you can help out with the community…” Wainman cited his desire “to be a part...
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Cold weather alert issued: where you can find help at Six Nations and Brant
By Lynda Powless Editor SIX NATIONS OF THE GRAND RIVER-Six Nations community members needing help during the cold weather alert can access a number of warming centres in the community during the alert. The Six Nations Elected Council’s (SNEC) cold weather warming centre notifications came Friday Jan., 23 after the Medical Officer of Health (MOH) for Grand Erie Public Health had issued a cold weather alert Jan 22. The SNEC alert warned temperatures are expected to drop below -15C or reach wind chill values of -20C. With temperatures of -15C or colder the MOH warns unprotected skin can freeze in less than 30 minutes and there is a high risk of developing hypothermia Six Nations of the Grand River has opened warming centres at: – The Family Gathering Place,18 Stoneridge...
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Assembly of First Nations warns members to be cautious in U.S. following ICE actions
By Alessia Passafiume The Assembly of First Nations is warning First Nations individuals to be wary of crossing the border into the United States in response to immigration enforcement raids and the detention of some Indigenous people. AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak confirmed that at least one First Nations person had a negative encounter recently with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, better known as ICE, and that person has since returned to Canada. Woodhouse Nepinak told The Canadian Press the AFN will not be releasing the person’s name. The case prompted the advocacy body to issue a statement warning First Nations members to make sure they have the right documentation and identification when crossing the border. “These actions are a violation of our inherent rights and a breach of...
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Nuclear site review could ‘prejudice’ legal case, says First Nation
By Matt Prokopchuk, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, TBnewswatch.com EAGLE LAKE — A First Nation challenging the Nuclear Waste Management Organization in court says the ongoing assessment of a proposed nuclear waste site should be suspended. Eagle Lake First Nation filed an application for judicial review of the nuclear industry-funded not-for-profit’s site selection for the deep geological repository in December 2024. It’s arguing it wasn’t considered as an option to be a host community when the waste management organization deliberated its options leading up to the eventual selection of Ignace and Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation as hosts. “We are concerned that, as the impact assessment moves forward, it will prejudice our hearing on judicial review,” said Kate Kempton, legal counsel for Eagle Lake. “It’s just simply human nature that the more...
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Judge reserves sentencing for former Regina officer who pursued women, broke trust
By Jeremy Simes A judge has reserved her sentencing decision for a former Regina police officer who abused his position of authority to pursue romantic relationships with women while using a false identity. Judge Marilyn Beaton told a Regina courtroom she needs more time to analyze lawyers’ arguments and victim impact statements. Robert Semenchuk, a former sergeant, pleaded guilty last year to breaching trust and using a computer for unauthorized purposes. Court heard the 22-year member of the force used a police computer system over eight years to contact women. An agreed statement of facts say he would reach out the women using a fake name while pretending he didn’t know who they were. A sentencing decision is expected on Feb. 6. This report by The Canadian Press was first...
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New York school violated civil rights law by changing name from ‘Thunderbirds’ to ‘T-Birds,’ US says
BOHEMIA, N.Y. (AP) — A New York school district is “erasing its Native American heritage” and violating civil rights law by changing its team name from the “Thunderbirds” to the “T-Birds,” federal education officials say. The U.S. Department of Education said Thursday that the Connetquot Central School District can voluntarily resolve the federal law violation by restoring the “rightful” Thunderbirds’ name. The Long Island district, like others in the state, changed its team name in order to comply with state regulations banning Native American sports names and mascots. But federal education officials argue the state mandate violates civil rights law because it allows schools to continue using names derived from other racial or ethnic groups, such as the “Dutchmen” and “Huguenots.” “We will not allow ideologues to decide that some...
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Keep cold-weather supplies at the ready to avoid frostbite: health unit
By Matt Prokopchuk, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, TBnewswatch.com ARMSTRONG — Be prepared, especially during conditions like the current cold snap. That’s one significant way the Thunder Bay District Health Unit says people can avoid frostbite — a condition that, in extreme cases, can lead to nerve damage and amputation. “Typically, frostbite happens when we go out and do our ordinary things and emergencies happen,” said Matt Bradica, a public health inspector with the health unit. The public health organization covers over 230,000 square kilometres and includes 15 municipalities and 25 First Nations, primarily in the Lakehead and points north and east. “Say you’re going to get groceries and your car breaks down — so, I would recommend to keep a cold weather emergency kit in your car.” That can include...
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First Nations warn members to be cautious when entering U.S. following ICE actions
The Jay Treaty Alliance is encouraging First Nations individuals crossing the border to the U.S. to ensure they are carrying their familial lineage letter, status card, long-form birth certificate and government-issued photo ID while in the U.S. By Alessia Passafiume Several First Nations are warning their members to be wary of crossing the border into the United States in response to immigration enforcement raids and the detention of some U.S. tribal citizens. The Kashechewan First Nation in northern Ontario — which was forced to evacuate earlier this month when local water and sewage systems failed — posted on social media that residents evacuated to Niagara Falls, Ont., should refrain from crossing the border into Buffalo, N.Y. “For the safety and security of its evacuees sent to Niagara Falls, Kashechewan First...
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‘No easy choices left’ for Ontario hospitals to save money: association
By Allison Jones Ontario hospitals have already started making some “lower risk” cuts in the face of rising deficits, but those alone won’t alleviate hospitals’ financial strain, the head of their association says, warning there are no easy choices left. The Ontario Hospital Association has told the provincial government in its submission ahead of the spring budget that the sector faces a structural deficit of $1 billion and needs not just more money this year but a predictable, multi-year funding plan. “Worryingly, our financial reserves — also called working capital — which are really intended to be for long-term, capital-related expenses like medical and diagnostic equipment or refurbishing and rebuilding hospitals … those working capital dollars are being used to actually pay for operating expenses, and that is a sign...
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Two charged in 2021 shooting of man on First Nation in Nova Scotia: RCMP
RCMP in Nova Scotia say charges have been laid in a nearly five-year-old shooting on a First Nation on Cape Breton Island. Mounties say they were called in late February 2021 to a home on the Eskasoni First Nation, where a 53-year-old man had been shot through a window, suffering non-life-threatening injuries. Investigators now say two men were arrested earlier this week at homes on Eskasoni and the Potlotek First Nation, also known as Chapel Island, about an hour’s drive south. A 35-year-old from Eskasoni faces counts of attempted murder, discharging a firearm with intent and other weapons charges, while the 29-year-old from Potlotek is charged with accessory after the fact. Both men are scheduled to appear in court on March 3. Eskasoni First Nation Chief Leroy Denny says on...
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‘Her story is not unique’: Muskrat Dam mourns one of their own
By Mike Stimpson, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Thunder Bay Source MUSKRAT DAM — Kenina Thomas was born in Muskrat Dam First Nation in December 1981 and died eight days into 2026 at a bus shelter in Thunder Bay. Those are the bare-bones details of her life, but Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler — also from Muskrat Dam — knows there’s much more to her story. “She was a mother and a wife and a daughter, and I know she did her best to live the best life that she could,” Fiddler said Thursday, the day after a funeral service for the 44-year-old at Muskrat Dam’s Anglican church. “And then what I remember about her is that there was a few years where she lived up in Fort Severn...
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B.C. minister condemns hate crimes after Nazi symbol spray-painted on bridge
British Columbia’s Indigenous relations minister is condemning “repeated acts of racist vandalism” in Port Alberni after someone spray painted a Nazi symbol over a message of ‘every child matters’ on a bridge in the city. Spencer Chandra Herbert says in a statement that hate crimes and hate speech have no place in Port Alberni, the province or anywhere in Canada. He says the most recent attack included the use of swastikas, which are triggering to many. The statement notes it is the third time Orange Bridge has been defaced and Herbert says the province stands with Tseshaht First Nation and community leaders in opposing such crimes. He says he is concerned by “the steady rise of residential school denialism in B.C.,” saying it seeks to erase or distort the truth...
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Carney says Canadian values key to sovereignty, pushes back on Trump’s remarks
By Catherine Morrison Staying true to Canada’s core values will be key to upholding its sovereignty, Prime Minister Mark Carney said in a speech Thursday which also pushed back against recent comments by U.S. President Donald Trump. Surrounded by ministers and secretaries of state, Carney delivered the speech in Quebec City at a historically significant spot to kick off a two-day cabinet retreat. In it, he said Canada was created by people of different backgrounds coming together to build a nation on the principles of multiculturalism and openness. He also rebuked Trump’s recent claim that “Canada lives because of the United States.” “Canada and the United States have built a remarkable partnership in the economy, in security and in rich cultural exchange. But Canada doesn’t live because of the United...
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Success of ISSI partnerships shared with Sask Rivers board
By Michael Oleksyn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Prince Albert Daily Herald The success of Invitational Shared Services Initiatives (ISSI) Partnerships in the Saskatchewan Rivers School Division was outlined for the school board. Superintendent Jennifer Hingley shared highlights from the 2024-2025 final reports for the division’s three partnerships. The Saskatchewan Rivers School Division has ISSI partnerships with Muskoday First Nation, Wahpeton Dakota Nation and Montreal Lake Cree Nation. Director of Education Neil Finch explained that partnerships with local First Nations are always a positive item. “Any time we can have partnerships with our First Nations within our school division, it’s beneficial to what we’re doing. And you can see within the partnerships, there’s a different focus in all three of them. And so we want to continue to have a good...
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Wary EU leaders seek to preserve transatlantic ties after a week of Trump threats
By Lorne Cook And Sam Mcneil BRUSSELS (AP) — European Union leaders on Thursday welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to drop his tariff threats over Greenland but expressed reservations about getting involved in his Board of Peace project. After chairing an emergency summit called to reassess troubled ties with the Trump administration, EU Council President António Costa underlined that the leaders believe “it’s very important to preserve and cherish our transatlantic partnership.” Striking a measured tone after days of high rhetoric over Trump’s threats to annex Greenland, Costa said the priority must now be to put in place the EU-U.S. trade deal agreed last July. “The goal remains the effective stability of the trade relations,” he told reporters. That said, Costa did affirm that the 27-nation trading bloc “will...
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An ancient forest in Ecuador is the last stand for a tiny hummingbird facing extinction
QUITO, Ecuador (AP) — Deep in the Ecuadorian Andes, an ancient forest stands as a final sanctuary against the encroachment of human activity. This is the Yanacocha Reserve, the last refuge for the Black-breasted puffleg (Eriocnemis nigrivestis), a tiny hummingbird teetering on the edge of extinction. Measuring just 9 centimeters (3.5 inches), this emblematic bird of Quito is one of the most threatened species on the planet. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, its global population has dwindled to between 150 and 200 birds. Founded 25 years ago by the Jocotoco Foundation, the Yanacocha Reserve has become a centerpiece for Andean biodiversity. “We realized we were conserving an entire ecosystem, not just one species,” conservationist Paola Villalba told The Associated Press. The bird is easily identified by...
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