Recognizing ‘the truth of the pain’ of Canadian history on Indigenous Survivors Day
By Clint Fleury, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, TBnewswatch.com THUNDER BAY – In a first for the city, June 30 — the day before Canada Day — was declared Indigenous Survivors Day. Thunder Bay held a flag raising ceremony at City Hall and a sacred fire ceremony at Hillcrest Park. Tanis Thompson, the city’s manager of Indigenous relations, told Newswatch that Thunder Bay isn’t the only city across Canada to make June 30 Indigenous Survivors Day, but she is proud to join the movement. “It’s about formally acknowledging the lived experiences of survivors and the colonial oppression, systemic oppression that has happened not only historically but presently right now here today, even with our children who are in foster care right now,” Thpmson said. “It’s a very significant day when we...
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First Nations on-the-water protest planned near Dresden
By Pam Wright, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Chatham Voice A canoe relay to oppose Bill 5 and the Dresden landfill project is taking place July 13. Led by First Nation water protectors and settlers, Paddle for Nibi (Ojibwe for sacred water) participants will traverse the Sydenham River between Molly’s Creek and Wallaceburg to support the river’s rich ecosystem. According to a media release from the grassroots effort, the goal is to defend sacred waters and treaty rights while promoting environmental justice. “This call to action arises in direct opposition to Ontario’s Bill 5 and the proposed York1 Dresden landfill, which threaten the ecological integrity of the Sydenham watershed and violate foundational treaties,” the release said. “Our waters are sacred. Our treaties are still alive. And our voices will be heard.”...
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Mi’kmaq communities and Parks Canada planning to co-manage national parks
By Pratik Bhattarai, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Eastern Graphic L’nuey and Parks Canada are in the process of appointing two different boards to co-manage PEI National Parks and Parks Canada administered National Historic Sites (NHS) and the newly established Pituamkek National Park Reserve (PNPR). Jenene Wooldridge, executive director of L’nuey, said the Mi’kmaq sees this partnership as a return of the rights of Indigenous people to look after the land. “Our goals are to honour our ancestors, build opportunities for the next generation and ensure the lands are protected,” Wooldridge said. She said the board will consist of five members, two chosen by Mi’kmaq Epekwitnewaq Kapmntemuow, another two by Parks Canada and both will choose a chair. Mi’kmaq have had a long-standing partnership with Parks Canada and the concept...
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Coastal hike series
By Sam McBain, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Advocate Make Your Move is a public engagement and awareness campaign that aims to encourage Nova Scotians to move more throughout the entire day. Chapters have been started across the north shore in Antigonish and New Glasgow. A particularly active group (no pun intended), Make Your Move New Glasgow recently hosted one of their Coastal Guided Hikes on Six-Mile Brook Trail, with transportation provided by Chad Transit. June 25 was the last hike for the month of June, but the next hike will be on July 9 at 6 p.m. at Lighthouse Beach, Fisher’s Grant. “The Coastal Guided Hike Series was inspired by Hike Nova Scotia’s Pictou County Coast Hiker Challenge Badge,” stated Veronica Deno, Active Living manager for the Town of...
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Alberta byelection called for Aug. 18, giving Poilievre path back to House of Commons
By Sarah Ritchie Pierre Poilievre has chosen one of the safest possible places to make his return to the House of Commons — but the rural Alberta riding he’s hoping to win in an August byelection could also be dangerous territory for the Conservative leader. Damien Kurek resigned his seat in Battle River—Crowfoot earlier this month after winning more than 82 per cent support in the April 28 election. Prime Minister Mark Carney has set Aug. 18 as the date for the byelection to choose Kurek’s replacement. In an emailed statement, Poilievre said it would be an “honour” to represent the riding and he plans to continue “fighting for oil and gas, low taxes, free enterprise, a strong defence and respect for the West.” “The farmers, energy workers and soldiers...
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Amid calls for separation, Alberta’s new referendum rules set to formally take effect
By Lisa Johnson As Canada prepares Tuesday to blow out 158 birthday candles, Alberta plans three days later to formalize rules making it easier to have an independence celebration of its own. Beginning Friday, Premier Danielle Smith’s United Conservative government is officially lowering the required threshold for citizens to initiate a provincewide referendum, including on separation. Mitch Sylvestre, CEO of the Alberta Prosperity Project, a non-profit group touring Alberta promoting independence, says he plans to apply to Elections Alberta that same day to start a petition under the new rules. The group aims to gather 177,000 signatures within 120 days to put the question on a ballot to voters: Do you agree the province of Alberta shall become a sovereign country and cease to be a province of Canada? “I...
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Province considering auctioning cutblocks near Walker Creek
By Abigail Popple, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Rocky Mountain Goat In the northernmost parts of the greater Robson Valley sits the Walker Creek watershed, a lush land with countless species of flora and fauna. The forest canopy, so far untouched by human industry, provides cover for caribou and hundreds of plant and lichen species on the forest floor. The area is also at the heart of a conflict between advocacy group Conservation North and BC Timber Sales (BCTS). In May, Conservation North found out BC Timber Sales is proposing cutblocks in the area, which would be auctioned off to forestry companies. The group held a letter-writing night in Prince George, where they encouraged attendees to contact the Ministry of Forests expressing opposition to the proposed auction cutblocks. In an...
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‘One Canadian Economy’ could end ‘balkanized’ Canada, professor says
By Jeff Pelletier, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunatsiaq News Getting rid of barriers to interprovincial and territorial trade and labour was on the new federal government’s agenda for a while. It was part of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s election campaign; included in the government’s throne speech; and it materialized into Bill C-5, which passed quickly through the House of Commons and was approved in the Senate on Thursday. Bill C-5 actually has two parts: the One Canadian Economy Act, and the Building Canada Act. Here is what the new bill is set to do, and how it could affect Nunavut. Canada is ‘balkanized’ For years, the provinces and territories have imposed barriers limiting movement of professionals and products across their borders. That means, for instance, that Ontarians would have a...
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Deaf community demands public forum after minister complains about ASL interpreter
By Maggie Macintosh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Winnipeg Free Press Manitoba’s deaf community is demanding the province take action to combat audism — discrimination against people who are deaf or hard of hearing — after the minister in charge of accessibility was caught complaining about an ASL interpreter on a hot mic. “When leaders diminish the importance of authentic accessibility, it sends a message that deaf Manitobans can be overlooked,” Andrew Stadnicki wrote in a letter to Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine over the weekend. “That attitude becomes policy, shapes budgets, dictates who gets hired, and ultimately keeps deaf people from becoming professionals, decision-makers, or role models.” Stadnicki’s three-page letter has been making the rounds on social media and was shared by others who, like him, are deaf or identify as...
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‘Historic moment’: First LNG Canada shipment departs B.C. for Asia
By Lauren Krugel A tanker carrying the first liquefied natural gas to leave Canadian shores is sailing across the Pacific, a major milestone as the country looks to diversify its export markets for oil and gas beyond the United States. LNG Canada said Monday that the vessel GasLog Glasgow has departed the northern port of Kitimat, B.C., full of ultra-chilled natural gas. CEO Chris Cooper called it a “truly historic moment.” LNG Canada hasn’t confirmed the overall price tag for the project. But the federal government has billed it as the biggest private sector investment in Canadian history – $40 billion between the Kitimat operation, the northeast B.C. gas fields supplying it and the pipeline in between. It’s a joint venture between Shell and Malaysia’s Petronas, PetroChina, Japan’s Mitsubishi Corp....
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B.C. First Nation issued evacuation order as wildfire burns nearb
The Village of Chase in British Columbia’s Interior has activated its emergency operations centre as a wildfire burns in the area. The village said in a statement that the nearby Neskonlith Indian Band issued an evacuation order because of the fast-spreading wildfire that was discovered Monday. Neskonlith Chief Irwin Wai told CFJC news that the band ordered people in 40 properties to leave. Wai said they don’t believe structures are in danger right now and they hoped BC Wildfire Service crews, on land and in the air, would have the fire contained within hours. He said those who have been ordered to leave should go to the reception centre at the Adams Lake Conference Centre. The BC Wildfire Service said the fire was human caused and had grown to 35...
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No damage expected after earthquake recorded Monday near Watson Lake, Yukon
Some Yukon residents may have felt the ground shake on Monday night after an earthquake was recorded near Watson Lake. Earthquakes Canada says the 4.6 magnitude quake struck around 64 kilometres west of the town near the British Columbia-Yukon boundary. No damage was recorded and none is expected. Earthquakes Canada’s magnitude scale says quakes between 3.5 and 5.4 are “often felt, but rarely cause damage.” The earthquake was the third to be detected in Yukon on Monday, as two others with magnitudes of under 2.5 were also recorded. Approximately 1,200 people live in Watson Lake, located 437 kilometres southeast of Whitehorse. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 1, 2025. r....
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B.C. reports offer ‘road map’ for repatriation of Indigenous items, remains
By Ashley Joannou A pair of reports out of British Columbia are detailing the complex, expensive and under resourced process of repatriating Indigenous historical items or remains back to their homes. The studies, developed in partnership between the First Peoples’ Cultural Council and K’yuu Enterprise Corporation, call for changes including the creation of a centralized body to facilitate the work, a repatriation accreditation program for museums and other institutions, and “substantial” funding and support from the provincial and federal government. Gretchen Fox, an anthropologist and the council’s acting heritage manager, said the growing interest in the moral and ethical requirement for repatriation shows resources are needed to set out steps that could be used in B.C. and in other provinces and territories. “There was a need for a way forward,...
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Wildfire near Lytton, B.C., prompts local state of emergency, evacuation order
By Brieanna Charlebois The Thompson-Nicola Regional District has declared a local state of emergency for the Blue Sky Country region due to an encroaching out-of-control wildfire near Lytton, B.C. It has also issued an evacuation order for two properties on Spencer Road South as the blaze poses “immediate danger to life.” The BC Wildfire Service says the Nikaia Creek wildfire is about six hectares in size and is one of more than 70 wildfires burning across the province. It says crews, supported by firefighters from Lytton First Nation, made “good progress” overnight and they are now focused on the north and south flanks of the blaze. The Thompson-Nicola Regional District also issued an evacuation alert Monday night for nine properties in the Harper Lake area near Chase, B.C., due to...
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Carney says values being tested by attacks on democracy in Canada Day speech
By Alessia Passafiume and Dylan Robertson Canadians took to parks and civic squares across the country Tuesday to show unity on Canada Day, amid American threats, economic uncertainty and Western alienation. “We’ve decided not to pull apart and fight, but to come together and to build. Because that’s the Canadian way,” Prime Minister Mark Carney said to thousands of Canadians gathered in Ottawa. This year’s festivities at Ottawa’s LeBreton Flats Park got the royal treatment, with Prince Edward praising Canada’s unity and accomplishments. “Seeing this sea of red and white, there is only one sense that I have here,” the Duke of Edinburgh said. “Today is truly a celebration of you, and your home and your land, strong and free.” Leaders gave speeches interlaced with musical performances, Indigenous cultural demonstrations...
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Family of Sudbury murder victim wants ‘justice’ not ‘vengeance’
By Hugh Kruzel, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Sudbury Star Note: Aspects of this story might be disturbing to some readers. Felicity Altiman didn’t just viciously stab Robert Keskinen to death, she sought to ‘degrade, disfigure and dehumanize’ him, a Crown prosecutor told the killer’s sentencing hearing. Now 44, Altiman was convicted of second-degree murder last year. She received an automatic life sentence of 25 years; Justice R. Dan Cornell must now decide when Altiman becomes eligible for parole. Arriving in leg and arm restraints, Altiman sat quietly on Monday, through impact statements made by Edward Arnold Keskinen – older brother to the victim – and cousin Richard Allan Keller. Keller recounted how the victim was “kind, considerate and well respected.” He called the murder in a Kathleen Street apartment...
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Alberta byelection called for Aug. 18, giving Poilievre path back to House of Commons
By Sarah Ritchie Pierre Poilievre has chosen one of the safest possible places to make his return to the House of Commons — but the rural Alberta riding he’s hoping to win in an August byelection could also be dangerous territory for the Conservative leader. Damien Kurek resigned his seat in Battle River—Crowfoot earlier this month after winning more than 82 per cent support in the April 28 election. Prime Minister Mark Carney has set Aug. 18 as the date for the byelection to choose Kurek’s replacement. In an emailed statement, Poilievre said it would be an “honour” to represent the riding and he plans to continue “fighting for oil and gas, low taxes, free enterprise, a strong defence and respect for the West.” “The farmers, energy workers and soldiers...
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Amid calls for separation, Alberta’s new referendum rules set to formally take effect
By Lisa Johnson As Canada prepares Tuesday to blow out 158 birthday candles, Alberta plans three days later to formalize rules making it easier to have an independence celebration of its own. Beginning Friday, Premier Danielle Smith’s United Conservative government is officially lowering the required threshold for citizens to initiate a provincewide referendum, including on separation. Mitch Sylvestre, CEO of the Alberta Prosperity Project, a non-profit group touring Alberta promoting independence, says he plans to apply to Elections Alberta that same day to start a petition under the new rules. The group aims to gather 177,000 signatures within 120 days to put the question on a ballot to voters: Do you agree the province of Alberta shall become a sovereign country and cease to be a province of Canada? “I...
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Wild now play at Grand Casino Arena after new naming rights deal succeeds Xcel Energy Center
PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Wild will play the upcoming season at Grand Casino Arena, after a naming rights deal with the tribal gaming and hospitality company that succeeds the venue’s original name, Xcel Energy Center. The Wild’s parent organization, Minnesota Sports and Entertainment, announced on Monday the 14-year agreement with the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe that takes effect on Sept. 3. The tribe operates two casino-resort complexes in east-central Minnesota, north of the Twin Cities. The arena, which has about 18,000 seats for hockey, opened in 2000 for the Wild’s inaugural season in the NHL on a 25-year naming rights deal with Xcel Energy that expired this summer. The utility provider remains a community and business partner of the club. In addition to Wild games, the downtown...
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‘It’s a privilege to live here’: What this Canada Day means for new citizens
By Vanessa Tiberio Samantha Sannella shed happy tears as she stood to sing the national anthem at her citizenship ceremony in early June, nearly three decades after she moved to Canada. She had sung “O Canada” countless times before, but this was the first time she’d done so as a Canadian. Originally from Houston, Texas, Sannella moved to Toronto 28 years ago for a job. For the longest time, she still considered herself a U.S. citizen, with a part of her thinking she might move back one day. But that changed last fall. “Because of the political climate down there, I decided finally after the last U.S. election that I was really Canadian in my heart and home is here with my boys,” Sannella said, referring to her Canadian-born children...
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