Where science meets Inuit stewardship: Saving the Nuvvuagittuq Greenstone Belt
By Cedric Gallant, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunatsiaq News The Nuvvuagittuq Greenstone Belt near Inukjuak may well be the oldest accessible volcanic rock formation on Earth, but increased scientific interest in the region is causing irreparable damage to the land. And that has forced residents to put their foot down to find a solution. As a place where scientific research meets the will of Inuit as stewards of the land, the Nuvvuagittuq Greenstone Belt — 40 kilometres south of Inukjuak — captured interest from researchers around the world after scientists theorized that it could contain some of the oldest rocks on Earth in 2008. Further research by University of Ottawa professor Jonathan O’Neil in 2017 suggests parts of the rock formation, which includes garnet, quartz and biotite, are 4.3 billion...
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‘My hands were being guided’: Exhibition invites viewers into the world of Haida master artist
By David P. Ball, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Standing in front of a studio work desk cluttered with wood-carving tools, family photos, newspapers, and tide charts around his homeland Haida Gwaii, Kihl ‘Yahda (Christian White) describes the “sense of satisfaction” he gets from his artwork. Whenever he finishes a new carving, painted box, or ceremonial mask, he often feels pride and happiness. He hopes it brings similar feelings for others in his nation. “I imagine it could spur many emotions, really,” he tells IndigiNews in an interview. “We live in a small community where there can be a lot of grief. You know, there’s always loss in our community — but there’s also life and smiles and happiness. And we’ve got to let that win.” The 62-year old Haida artist...
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Take precautions for your heart while snow shoveling, cardiovascular experts say
By Nicole Ireland -CP-Bev Gilbert was thinking about his heart as he and his wife dug their daughter’s car out of its snow prison on a Toronto side street. “I take it really easy,” the 71-year-old said Monday as he gestured toward a vehicle almost entirely encased in snow. “I got a small shovel. I’m not taking great big piles (of snow).” Gilbert was among many people across Eastern Canada digging themselves out from more snowfall than many have seen in years. Cardiovascular experts would approve of his precautions — along with the fact that he keeps in good shape overall by walking throughout the winter. “If you’re not doing any physical activity, it’s not a good idea from one day to the other to go and (be) shoveling snow,”...
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Like Poilievre, Freeland is pitching a housing plan that would limit immigration
By David Baxter and Kyle Duggan -CP-Liberal leadership candidate Chrystia Freeland’s plan to fix the housing shortage would tie the number of newcomers Canada admits to housing availability. The former finance minister made the promise in a 10-point policy document her campaign issued Monday morning. Freeland said the move would slow down population growth until housing affordability stabilizes. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has been promising for some time now to tie immigration numbers to housing starts. Under the federal government’s current immigration plan, the number of permanent residents being admitted is set to decline annually until it reaches 365,000 in 2027. The previous goal was to admit upwards of 500,000 permanent residents annually from 2024 to 2026. The link between immigration and housing starts isn’t the only thing the Freeland...
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New program helps Inuit connect to the land
By Heidi Atter, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Independent The Nunatsiavut Government recently launched Aullâsimapvet, a pilot project funded by Environment and Climate Change Canada that helps Inuit cover the costs of gas, ammunition and food. “It’s a way to help get Inuit back on the land,” says Crystal Allen, cultural program manager with the Nunatsiavut Government. “This project is going to help them get out and get back to hopefully living some traditional ways of life and reconnecting to their roots.” The program is needed as the high cost of living creates barriers for people going on the land, Allen says, explaining the project also benefits Nunatsiavummiut as a community because it will help train the next generation to be stewards of the land, track land erosion and sea...
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Akeeagok reminds Poilievre about need to consult in the North
By Kira Wronska Dorward, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunavut News After a brief and unexpected visit to Iqaluit on Monday, Feb. 10, from federal Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok released a three-page statement before flying to Washington to discuss American tariffs alongside Canada’s other premiers and representatives of Trump’s government. In it, Akeeagok outlines the agreed-upon policy regarding security currently in place with the federal government, projects already underway to further develop Nunavut’s infrastructure and he emphasizes the need to consult Inuit and Northerners before making policy decisions or announcements.The current Arctic security national defence policy under the Trudeau government includes the slogan “nothing about us, without us” in terms of consulting Northerners in decision-making. “This morning, I learned about Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre’s Arctic platform, including...
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Justin Trudeau, Prince Harry take in final day of Invictus Games in Vancouver
By Chuck Chiang -CP-Talk of war and politics mixed with sport at the closing ceremony in Vancouver of the 2025 Invictus Games where hundreds of wounded or sick service personnel competed for their country. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau singled out team members of Ukraine, Afghanistan and the United States as he spoke to a crowd of about 12,000 at Rogers Arena on Sunday. He told the American competitors that Canada and America have stood together for generations and Canadians “will never stop fighting for the friendship that unites our two countries.” While he didn’t mention U.S. President Donald Trump, Trudeau said Americans and Canadians “have values and a friendship that endures the test of time.” “I know my American friends, you’ve been reminded this past week that your Canadian friends...
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U.S.-‘Waste, fraud and abuse’ is a political fight older than the nation. Here’s what to know
By Bill Barrow ATLANTA (AP) — Good-government advocates, anti-tax conservatives, politicians of various stripes and everyday Americans grouse about “waste, fraud and abuse” across the U.S. government. President Donald Trump and the Department of Government Efficiency, led by the world’s richest man, Elon Musk, opened the latest chapter for a phrase hailed as common sense and derided as propaganda. “It’s a very broad idea,” said Matt Weidinger of the right-leaning American Enterprise Institute. “But this phrase ‘waste, fraud and abuse’ obviously means different things to different people.” Here is a look at this rhetorical cudgel and how it relates to the outset of Trump’s second administration. The seemingly far-away government has always been a bogeyman Pinpointing the genesis of “waste, fraud and abuse” as political rhetoric is difficult. But the...
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RCMP say suspect is armed and dangerous after multiple stabbings in Saskatchewan
-CP-RCMP are hunting for a 29-year-old man who they allege stabbed people at three different homes on a northern Saskatchewan First Nation, and also tried to steal a vehicle in a nearby community while armed with a machete. Mounties warn that Ryan Lachance is considered armed and dangerous, and should not be approached. Police say they were called on Saturday afternoon about a stabbing at a home on Big River First Nation, where they say there was an altercation between a male and a female that ended with the female suffering non-life threatening injuries. Minutes later, police say a group of people entered another home in the community and stabbed a male, who also suffered non-life-threatening injuries, and they say another stabbing victim was located at a third home and...
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Five things to watch for in the Canadian business world in the coming week
Five things to watch for in the Canadian business world in the coming week: Tariffs Businesses and investors will be watching for the latest developments in Canada’s trade dispute with the U.S. and the possibility of crippling tariffs being imposed starting next month. Efforts by Canadian politicians to lobby U.S. President Donald Trump to back off on his threats, which would raise prices and hurt both Canada and the U.S., are expected to continue this week. Real estate data Two key data points for the Canadian housing market are expected this week. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. is scheduled to release January housing starts figures on Monday. Meanwhile, the Canadian Real Estate Association is expected to release home sales figures for January on Tuesday. Home sales in December were up...
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Canadian LGBTQ+ advocacy group won’t visit UN forum over concerns about U.S. border
By Dylan Robertson -CP-Canada’s leading LGBTQ+ advocacy organization is boycotting travel to the U.S. — and won’t attend an upcoming United Nations event — in response to concerns about how their members might be treated at the border under the Trump administration. “I don’t think there’s anything more important than safeguarding my staff and our community members, and also sending a strong message to the U.S.,” said Egale Canada head Helen Kennedy. “It was a culmination and an accumulation of legislative changes, rhetoric and discriminatory policies specifically targeting gender-diverse folks that made us make this decision.” U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that states the U.S. only recognizes two genders, male and female, and the U.S. State Department has replaced the acronym LGBTQI with the more limited...
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Awaiting sentencing, Tiny House Warriors tell court they acted for Secwépemc rights: ‘We’re not criminals’
By Aaron Hemens, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Four members of the Tiny House Warriors are rejecting a Crown characterization of them as “criminals,” despite facing a possible six to 12 months in jail over a 2021 confrontation at a Trans Mountain work camp. Prosecutors want the members of the Secwépemc-led resistance group put behind bars with sentences ranging from 187 to 374 days for their actions opposing the federally owned pipeline expansion in Secwépemcúl’ecw. During a sentencing hearing in Tkʼemlúps (Kamloops) on Feb. 3 and 4, Crown prosecutor Anthony Varesi said the defendants “hide behind a mantle of protest in an attempt to legitimize their illicit acts.” “Violence, intimidation, and destruction of property are not forms of lawful protest,” Varesi said during his opening submissions. “The accused before this court...
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Big shift in Canadian policy needed for new energy export projects: Enbridge
By Ian Bickis -CP-As concerns rise about Canada’s reliance on the U.S. for energy exports, Enbridge Inc. chief executive Greg Ebel says getting a big new energy export project off the ground in this country would require drastic shifts in government policy. Speaking on an earnings call, he laid out numerous criteria such as legal guarantees for a pipeline, the removal of various environmental policies, more funding for Indigenous participation and better indications of costs and financial returns before the company would consider reviving something like the Northern Gateway pipeline or other export projects. “For us to be willing to seriously consider reinvesting in a project like that, whether it’s east or west or just west, we need to see real change on numerous fronts,” said Ebel. He said he’d...
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Ontario party leaders spar over housing in first election debate
By Allison Jones and Liam Casey -CP-The leaders of Ontario’s New Democratic, Liberal and Green parties went on the offensive Friday against Progressive Conservative Leader Doug Ford, who polls suggest is cruising to another majority government, in the first debate of the provincial election campaign. The debate in North Bay, Ont., was held specifically to discuss northern issues. The leaders talked about road safety and infrastructure in the north, as well as the addictions crisis that has hit many northern communities hard, but the three party leaders also saw an opportunity to zero in on housing and Ford’s record across the province. “Where are the homes that Doug Ford said he was going to build?” NDP Leader Marit Stiles said. “Where are the homes, Doug? Because they’re not in our...
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Urban deer a target as B.C. government, cities try to curb wasting disease
-CP-The B.C. government along with the southeastern cities of Cranbrook and Kimberley say they’ll try to limit the spread of chronic wasting disease with a targeted removal and testing of urban deer. Five cases have been confirmed in southeast B.C. in the last year for the disease that is fatal and affects species in the deer family, including mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk, moose and caribou. A statement from the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship says the risk of spread is higher in urban deer because of population density, and two cities are of special concern because of their proximity to the areas where the infected deer were found. It says the work will be done as safely and humanely as possible, with the removal of the deer...
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Recent B.C. earthquakes linked to fracking as regulator tightens oversight
By Brenna Owen -CP-The British Columbia Energy Regulator has toughened its oversight of what it calls “induced” seismic activity after a series of earthquakes linked to hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, in the northeastern corner of the province. John Cassidy, a seismologist with Natural Resources Canada, said the regulator had confirmed that four quakes recorded between last Saturday and Wednesday were related to the gas industry practice. The quakes ranged in magnitude from 3.1 to 4.7, with the most powerful felt in Fort St. John, B.C., about 105 kilometres southeast of the epicentre. Cassidy said earthquakes triggered by fracking in B.C. typically result from the injection of material into shallow wells to open up fractures and release gas for extraction, and almost all of the induced quakes are “tiny.” “There have...
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Urban deer a target as B.C. government, cities try to curb wasting disease
-CP-The B.C. government along with the southeastern cities of Cranbrook and Kimberley say they’ll try to limit the spread of chronic wasting disease with a targeted cull and testing of urban deer. Five cases have been confirmed in southeast B.C. in the last year for the disease that is fatal and affects species in the deer family, including mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk, moose and caribou. A statement from the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship says the risk of spread is higher in urban deer because of population density, and two cities are of special concern because of their proximity to the areas where the infected deer were found. It says the cull will be conducted as safely and humanely as possible, with the removal of the deer...
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81 more days in jail for dangerous offender who ignored supervision order
By Bob Mackin, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter A provincial court judge in Prince George sentenced a dangerous offender to 15 months for breaching a long-term supervision order plus three years of probation. Kevin Roy Grunerud, 48, however, qualified for 375 days enhanced credit for time served in jail since last March, meaning he has 81 days remaining. Judge Robert Brown said Grunerud’s risk to re-offend remains significant and he requires monitoring. “There remains a real risk to public safety,” Brown said. Grunerud pleaded guilty last August to breaching his 10-year, long-term supervision order by possessing alcohol in Prince George in January 2022 and failing to travel directly to his residence and report directly to his parole supervisor in Chilliwack in September 2023. The 15 month sentence is for the Chilliwack...
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Bridging Truth and Action: Grandmother’s Voice Conference Returns to Oakville
By Kezia Royer-Burkett , Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Burlington Local-News.ca The Grandmother’s Voice conference, Truth with Reconciliation: Respect, Restore, Relearn, returns on February 25–26 at the Meeting House in Oakville, bringing together Indigenous leaders, Knowledge Keepers, and allies for crucial discussions on reconciliation. “This event is not just another conference — it’s a call to action,” says Jody Harbour, founder of Grandmother’s Voice. “It’s an opportunity for organizations and individuals to engage in meaningful change.” Last year’s conference sparked powerful conversations, but Grandmothers and Elders Renee Thomas Hill, Gail Whitlow, and Allen Sutherland felt the work was far from over. Moved by the impact of the gathering, they decided to bring the event back, aligning it with the Bear Moon — a time of deep reflection and setting intentions. “Feedback...
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Poilievre pledges to restore ‘promise of Canada’ in campaign-style speech
By Sarah Ritchie -CP-Pierre Poilievre began a speech on Saturday with a quote from the country’s first prime minister, Sir John A. Macdonald, pledging to create a united, rich nation “instead of making us a tributary to American laws, to American railways, to American bondage, to American tolls.” The Conservative leader, who appeared at a rally in a room at a downtown Ottawa convention centre, went on to address Americans directly, laying out the consequences of “an unprovoked attack” on Canada’s economy via tariffs. “If Canada is not your friend, who is?” Poilievre asked. U.S. President Donald Trump’s shifting threats to impose sweeping tariffs on Canadian goods and his repeated claims that he wants to annex Canada have prompted a sudden rise in Canadian patriotism. Poilievre reiterated that if his...
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