Hajdu’s new role includes familiar territory
By Mike Stimpson, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Thunder Bay Source THUNDER BAY – Patty Hajdu is the new jobs and families minister, but she said Thursday that she’s already familiar with much of her federal cabinet portfolio. The Thunder Bay–Superior North MP became minister of jobs and families on Tuesday. She’s also the minister responsible for FedNor, the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario. “There are aspects of this portfolio I know very well,” said Hajdu, who was minister of employment, workforce development and labour from January 2017 to November 2019. “But I am very excited to work on some of the social development programs that fall under this department,” Hajdu said. “For example, as you know, (Prime Minister Mark) Carney has talked about EI reform and a responsive...
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Highlights of Ontario’s 2025 budget: U.S. tariff measures, boost for alcohol market
By Rianna Lim The Ontario government tabled a budget Thursday that focused on investments it says will protect Ontario workers in the face of U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs. The province is projecting a deficit of $14.6 billion this year, up from a forecast of $4.6 billion in last year’s budget, and a deficit of $7.8 billion next year. Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy said the budget seeks to help Ontario businesses and workers “weather the storm” to make the province’s economy resilient and competitive. Here are the highlights: U.S. TARIFFS AND ONTARIO WORKERS The budget is pledging to create a $5-billion fund to provide immediate relief to support sectors of the economy facing tariff-related disruptions. The budget describes this fund as an “emergency backstop” that will provide immediate relief for...
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Onion Lake Cree Nation to proceed with legal challenge of Alberta sovereignty act
By Lisa Johnson Alberta’s bill lowering the bar for a separation referendum has spurred a First Nation to push ahead with a legal challenge against the premier’s flagship sovereignty act. Danielle Smith has said her Alberta Sovereignty Within a United Canada Act is needed to push back on what the province believes is unconstitutional federal encroachment on provincial jurisdiction. But Onion Lake Cree Nation Chief Henry Lewis says it undermines his community’s pre-existing treaty with the Crown. He announced the legal challenge is moving forward a day after Smith’s government passed a bill significantly lowering the threshold for citizens to prompt a referendum, including one on seceding from Canada. The First Nation filed a statement of claim in 2022, but lawyer Robert Hladun says the community put it on pause,...
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Researchers investigating “alarming” decline in Robson Valley mountain goat population
By Abigail Popple, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Rocky Mountain Goat Mountain goats have had a continuous presence in North America since they plodded across the Bering Strait tens of thousands of years ago, and the fluffy white creatures are ubiquitous on signs and statues throughout the Robson Valley. Despite their endearing place in local iconography, the valley’s mountain goat population has been declining over the past few decades – and researchers are unsure why. However, new research under way in the Robson Valley may give clues as to why populations are declining. Led by Kara MacAulay, a Prince George-based wildlife biologist for the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, the study will track 30 female mountain goats using GPS collars. This is the fourth study on Robson Valley...
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B.C. minister says government erred in not consulting First Nations on legislation
By Wolfgang Depner B.C.’s Infrastructure Minister Bowinn Ma says her government “made an error” in not adequately consulting First Nations on a bill proposing to speed up private and public infrastructure projects. Her admission came during debate on Bill 15 in the legislature about concerns relayed by the First Nations Leadership Council, the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs, and the B.C. Assembly of First Nations. Those opposed to the bill say it either needs to be fixed or killed because it undermines environmental assessments and the constitutional rights of First Nations to be consulted. Ma rejects the complaints, saying the proposed bill neither changes environmental standards nor the constitutional rights of First Nations to be consulted on projects. But she acknowledges that the government has misread the interests of...
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Library says its ‘surprised’ by stance of tenant who invested $1 million in building renovations
By Sandi Krasowski, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Chronicle-Journal THUNDER BAY-The end of a lease agreement has created tension in the relationship between Thunder Bay Public Library and Anishinabek Employment and Training Services (AETS). In March, the Thunder Bay Public Library announced the expansion of its children’s area as part of a restructuring of the Waverley and Brodie Street facilities. The restructuring displaced AETS, which will reopen June 2 in their offices on the third floor of 523 Algoma St. North, and will continue to offer services in Suite 210 at 250 Park Ave. within Goods & Co in the former Eaton’s Building. The situation has left disappointment with AETS, causing it “shock and uncertainty” about the future of their relationship with the library’s leadership. In a statement to The...
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Six new measles exposure locations in Brantford
Grand Erie Public Health (GEPH) is advising community members of new measles exposure locations in the region. GEPH said exposure to the measles virus may have occurred at the following locations, dates and times as indicated: Reach Gymnastics Club, West Brant, 111 Sherwood Drive, Brantford, on May 1, 2025, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Triple Arts Academy, 625 Park Road North Unit #2, Brantford, on May 3, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pius X Parish, 9 Waverly Street, Brantford, on May 4, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Reach Gymnastics Club, North Brant, 160 Brantwood Park Road, Brantford, on May 4, 2025, from 10:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Brantford General Hospital Emergency Room, 200 Terrace Hill St., Brantford, on May 8-9, 2025, from 9:20 p.m. to...
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School ponders renaming
By Maggie Macintosh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Winnipeg Free Press A deep dive into a city high school’s history reveals it was named after a Catholic archbishop who endorsed residential schools. Now, staff members want a rewrite. Citing findings from extensive archival research and a commitment to reconciliation, teachers from Collège Béliveau are making the case for renaming their Grade 7-12 campus in Windsor Park. “It’s important for our students to see us stand up and call for change,” said Mélanie Dubois, who is among the group that found proof the building is named after Archbishop Arthur Béliveau (1870-1955). It is a common misconception the title is a tribute to Jean Béliveau (1931-2014), the Montreal Canadiens legend who is far more known among 21st century students, staff and their families....
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A musical from Tomson Highway, dancing skateboarders among NAC’s upcoming lineup
By Cassandra Szklarski A long-awaited musical from playwright Tomson Highway, a ’90s take on “Macbeth” and skateboarding stunts are among the spectacles bound for the National Arts Centre. Canada’s multidisciplinary home for the performing arts released a 2025-26 lineup Thursday that includes the return of holiday favourites including Handel’s “Messiah” by the NAC Orchestra and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s “Nutcracker” in December. In between are dance, orchestral, pop music and drama productions from new voices and established veterans. Here’s a look at some of the highlights. THEATRE Highway brings the third instalment of his “Rez Cycle” to NAC’s Indigenous Theatre program, with the world première of his musical “Rose.” The 2003 play is set on the Wasaychigan Hill Reserve in 1992, and revisits several characters from “The Rez Sisters” and...
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Halfway River First Nation celebrates taekwondo champions
By Ed Hitchins, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Energeticcity.ca WONOWON, B.C. — A northeast B.C. First Nation is celebrating the accomplishments of its small but mighty taekwondo program. Illona Wiebe is a martial arts instructor at Halfway River First Nation (HRFN) and teaches classes with students each Tuesday. Wiebe says she began the program approximately a year ago, after she was encouraged to start a self-defence class at HRFN by her friend, Chris Souvie. Souvie is a resident of HRFN. Having married into the community, he lives on the reserve with his family. “I’d been given private kickboxing lessons,” recalls Wiebe. “Chris asked if I’d do it out there. “We decided that doing taekwondo would be better, because I can actually advance the kids and test them for belts.” Wiebe, a...
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Tse’K’wa Heritage Society names summer 2025 artist in residence
By Ed Hitchins, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Energeticcity.ca CHARLIE LAKE, B.C. — With the backdrop of the Tse’K’wa cave behind her, Adrienne Greyeyes works with dedication and intent below a canopy, the carcass of a moose stretched as she scrapes hair from its hide. Greyeyes, who works as an Indian day school coordinator with the Indian Residential School Survivors Society, has for a portion of the summer gone back to an undying passion: art. She has been announced as Tse’k’wa’s artist in residence for the summer of 2025. Greyeyes holds a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Vancouver’s Emily Carr University of Art and Design. According to a press release, Greyeyes will be incorporating “combined teachings from Dane-zaa and Nehiyaw Elders to develop her hide-making skills” during eight weeks in...
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Robert Horton and Fort Frances Lakers named 2025 Citizens of the Year
By Ken Kellar, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Fort Frances Times A local educator and a hometown hockey team have been recognized by the town as the annual Citizens of the Year. At the town’s annual Volunteer Appreciation BBQ event held at the Memorial Sports Centre on Thursday, May 1, 2025, Fort Frances mayor Andrew Hallikas revealed the winners of both the 2025 Citizen of the Year and 2025 Junior Citizen of the Year Award. Leading off with the longer running Citizen of the Year Award, the mayor remarked that anyone selected for the recognition embodies the attributes “that make Fort Frances such a great place to live and to raise a family.” He then announced this year’s recipient of the award as Robert Horton. “Robert is many things,” Hallikas said....
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Ruling in North Dakota case erases path for people in 7 states to sue under the Voting Rights Act
By Jack Dura BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A federal appeals court that already has said private individuals and groups cannot sue under a key part of the federal Voting Rights Act went even further Wednesday toward blocking lawsuits over alleged racial bias in voting in seven Midwest states. But its decisions may not be the last word, because another appeals court has ruled differently, and the U.S. Supreme Court might have to resolve the conflict. The latest ruling reversed a legal victory for two tribal nations in North Dakota that challenged a legislative redistricting plan. The ruling shuts off a route to Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act through a federal civil rights law known as Section 1983, which allows people to sue state officials to vindicate their federal...
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Man, woman found dead as crews battle wildfire in Manitoba, police say
By Steve Lambert and Brittany Hobson The bodies of two people were found in an area northeast of Winnipeg as fast-moving wildfires spurred by dry, hot and windy conditions prompted hundreds to evacuate Wednesday. RCMP said the bodies are believed to be of a man and woman, and that it may take days to confirm their identities. It is believed they died from injuries sustained during the fire, Supt. Chris Hastie told a news conference. Loren Schinkel, reeve of the Rural Municipality of Lac du Bonnet, a popular lakefront cottage area northeast of Winnipeg, said the whole community is grieving. “This is a truly tragic event,” said Schinkel. “We’re a very close-knit community here, and certainly the family, friends and loved ones that have been impacted by this have our...
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Alberta government amends referendum bill in effort to placate First Nations’ concern
By Lisa Johnson Alberta’s government has made 11th-hour changes to controversial proposed legislation, declaring that no separation referendum question could threaten First Nations’ existing treaty rights. Premier Danielle Smith’s government is working to considerably lower the threshold to allow for citizen-initiated referendums, including whether the province should separate from Canada. Her government’s proposed bill has yet to become law, but it’s faced backlash from Indigenous leaders since its introduction in the house more than two weeks ago. Justice Minister Mickey Amery said Wednesday the United Conservative Party government has heard concerns from First Nations on how such a referendum might affect treaty rights. “We are listening,” he said. Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation Chief Sheldon Sunshine and Mikisew Cree First Nation Chief Billy-Joe Tuccaro were quick to release a statement saying...
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Quebec coroner to release report into Innu man who froze to death in Montreal in 2021
MONTREAL-A coroner is scheduled to release her report today into the death of a homeless Innu man whose body was found inside a portable toilet in Montreal. Fifty-one-year-old Raphaël “Napa” André died in January 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. His body was found steps away from a shelter that had been closed by public health officials because of plumbing problems and a COVID-19 outbreak. Quebec had also imposed a nighttime curfew to curb the spread of the virus. Coroner Stéphanie Gamache is scheduled to hold a news conference in Montreal shortly after she releases her report. The coroner’s inquest on André’s death was held in May and June 2024. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 15, 2025. ...
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Two Charlotte County municipalities denied SEED funding
By Nathalie Sturgeon, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Saint Croix Courier Some municipalities in Charlotte County have been denied Student Employment Experience Development Program (SEED) funding. At a recent meeting of St. Stephen council, it said it was denied funding for the first time in six years. Kev Sumner, the director of parks and community services, for the Municipal District of St. Stephen (MDSS), said the news was unfortunate. “Just after COVID, we were at nine positions, now we’re down to three,” he said during the meeting. “It’s unfortunate that we didn’t get anything from the province.” SEED provides employment opportunities to students for 12 weeks for non-profits, First Nations communities, and municipalities to cover wages. His report said the town does budget for a zero-funding scenario. “We should have the...
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Enbridge sells stake in Westcoast pipeline to First Nations group
Enbridge Inc. has signed a deal to sell a minority stake in its Westcoast natural gas pipeline system to a group of 36 First Nations in B.C. Under the agreement, the Stonlasec8 Indigenous Alliance Limited Partnership will invest $715 million for a 12.5 per cent stake in the system. The Westcoast natural gas pipeline system is extends more than 2,900 kilometres from Fort Nelson in northeast B.C. and from Gordondale near the B.C.- Alberta border, south to the Canada -U.S. border. Chief David Jimmie, president and chair of Stonlasec8 and chief of Squiala First Nation, called the deal a significant milestone. “Enbridge’s Westcoast pipeline system is a legacy asset that has operated within our traditional territories for over 65 years,” Jimmie said in statement. “Now, our Nations will receive sustained...
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Province wants intervenor status in case against Maine lobster fisher
By Andrew Bates, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Telegraph-Journal A lawyer for the province is asking to be included in a constitutional challenge being brought by a Maine lobster fisher accused of fishing illegally in Passamaquoddy Bay. Erik D. Francis, 55, of Perry, Maine, faces two charges under the Coastal Fisheries Protection Act related to allegations that he illegally fished for lobster off the coast of Deer Island on Nov. 15, 2022. Francis, who is self-represented, has claimed Indigenous fishing rights as a part of the Peskotomuhkati (Passamaquoddy) Nation, which has communities on both sides of the border but is not federally recognized in Canada. In February, Peskotomuhkati Nation at Skutik lawyer Paul Williams was granted status to intervene on behalf of the nation’s three chiefs. The nation argued that it...
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Māori lawmakers who performed a protest haka receive temporary bans from New Zealand’s Parliament
By Charlotte Graham-Mclay WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Three New Zealand lawmakers from Te Pāti Māori, the Māori Party, will receive temporary bans from Parliament and severe censure, it was announced Wednesday, over their protest of a proposed law by performing a haka, a chanting dance of challenge, directed at their opponents. A committee of their peers recommended the penalties, understood to be the harshest ever assigned to New Zealand parliamentarians, in findings that said the trio’s actions could have intimidated other legislators and were in contempt of Parliament. Their temporary suspensions are expected to be affirmed by vote during a sitting of all lawmakers on Thursday. The decision means that Hana-Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke, who at 22 is currently New Zealand’s youngest lawmaker, will be suspended from Parliament for seven days....
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