Critics slam Ontario for proposal to create zones where projects are exempt from laws
By Liam Casey Proposed Ontario legislation that would give cabinet power to create “special economic zones” and allow the government to exempt itself from following laws on certain projects is little more than a power grab, First Nations, civil liberty groups and environmentalists say. Critics say the bill, known as the Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, is designed to ensure projects such as Premier Doug Ford’s proposed tunnel under Highway 401 and critical mineral mining in northern Ontario get done with little resistance. Ford pointed to both projects as examples of regions that could be designated as special economic zones once the law is passed. Ford has long envisioned mining the Ring of Fire, an area that is said to be rich with critical minerals, then refining and...
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Crazy8s film fest finalist ‘W7éyle (Moon’s Wife)’ explores science fiction from a Secwépemc perspective
By Lyssa Martin, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Wren If you could choose to live forever, would you? This is the question at the centre of the short film W7éyle (Moon’s Wife) — a top-six finisher in this year’s Crazy8s film festival. Written and directed by Secwépemc filmmaker Amanda Wandler, the 15-minute film weaves together science fiction with an ancient story in Secwépemc culture. In an interview with The Wren, Wandler describes herself as a “huge fan” of the science fiction genre. The implications of immortality is one of those classic sci-fi ethical dilemmas. After watching another movie about the concept of living forever, Wandler pondered how — if everyone made the choice to be immortal — the population would explode at an even more unsustainable rate. But she also...
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Homeland Security chief says travelers with no REAL ID can fly for now, but with likely extra steps
By Rebecca Santana And Olga R. Rodriguez WASHINGTON (AP) — Travelers who haven’t obtained a REAL ID by this week’s deadline received assurances from the head of Homeland Security that they will be able to fly after additional identity checks. Her comments came Tuesday as people were waiting in long lines outside of government buildings from California to Chicago trying to update their IDs before the long-delayed deadline. Kristi Noem told a congressional panel that 81% of travelers already have IDs that comply with the REAL ID requirements. She said security checkpoints will also be accepting passports and tribal identification when the deadline hits Wednesday. Those who still lack an identification that complies with the REAL ID law “may be diverted to a different line, have an extra step,” Noem...
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Danielle Smith dismisses Doug Ford’s warning against separatist threats from Alberta
By Lisa Johnson Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is urging her Ontario counterpart Doug Ford to mind his own business when it comes to talk of separating from Canada. Smith announced this week that she doesn’t want Alberta to leave Canada but, if enough residents sign a petition asking for a referendum on it, she’ll make sure it’s put to a vote in 2026. Ford, without mentioning Smith by name, said Tuesday that Canadian unity is critical as the country engages in a tariff fight with the United States. “This is a time to unite the country, not people saying, ‘Oh, I’m leaving the country,’” Ford said. Asked about his remarks, Smith said she has a great friendship with Ford but that they have different jurisdictions to govern. “I don’t tell...
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Spring flooding reignites First Nation’s calls for relocation
By Natasha Bulowski, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Canada’s National Observer Spring flooding is putting First Nations in northern Ontario at risk and reigniting calls for relocation. Kashechewan First Nation and Fort Albany First Nation — located on the shores of James Bay — both declared states of emergency last week and have been evacuating community members. People are forced to face this trauma each spring despite the Canadian government’s repeated promises to move the community to higher ground safe from flooding, Kashechewan Chief Hosea Wesley said in a May 2 press release. “It is unacceptable that the lives of our people continue to be put at risk every spring,” Chief Wesley’s statement read. “We have enough studies, we have enough promises, now is the time for action.” Kashechewan First Nation...
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Planned burn could have killed trapped firefighters, says B.C. safety report
By Brenna Owen British Columbia’s worker protection agency says a planned burn by the province’s wildfire service during the devastating 2023 fire season could have killed or injured multiple firefighters who became “trapped by extreme fire behaviour” that cut off their escape. Inspection reports by WorkSafeBC say the BC Wildfire Service didn’t adequately ensure safety during the burn in the Shuswap region on Aug. 17 that year, and a group of trapped Brazilian firefighters had to retreat to a “safe zone.” WorkSafeBC says they had to burn off fuel around their truck and spend the night because of low visibility, smoke, fire activity and falling trees. They were picked up the next day by another crew that “cut their way into the site.” “Other crews reportedly had to navigate off-road...
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Six Nations Police and OPP Tactical Unit shut down non Six Nations owned tobacco/pot operation
SIX NATIONS OF THE GRAND RIVER-Six Nations Police with the assistance of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) began shutting down a tobacco and cannabis operation being run by non-natives in a Chiefswood Road warehouse at about 7:45 a.m. today. Chiefswood Road from Fourth Line to Third Line was closed during the operation. The OPP Tactical Unit is also on scene. Police Chief Darren Montour stressed the operation is NOT a Six Nations operation but being being operated by non-Six Nations community people. MORE TO COME…...
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US stocks sink again as more companies detail damage they’re taking because of Trump’s trade war
By Stan Choe NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks are sinking Tuesday as AI mania on Wall Street loses more steam and as more companies scrub their forecasts for upcoming profits because of uncertainty created by President Donald Trump’s tariffs. The S&P 500 was down 0.6% in afternoon trading and on track for a second drop after breaking a nine-day winning streak, its longest such run in more than 20 years. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 310 points, or 0.8%, as of 1:29 p.m. Eastern time, and the Nasdaq composite was 0.8% lower. Palantir Technologies was one of the heaviest weights on the market after falling 13.3%. The company, which offers an AI platform for customers, dropped even though it reported a profit for the latest quarter that...
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Critics slam Ontario for proposal to create zones where projects are exempt from laws
First Nations, civil liberty groups and environmentalists are slamming Ontario for a proposed bill that would give cabinet the power to create “special economic zones” and allow the government to exempt itself from following laws on certain projects. Critics say it’s a power grab designed to ensure projects like Premier Doug Ford’s proposed tunnel under Highway 401 and mining critical minerals in northern Ontario get done with little resistance. Several First Nation leaders from the Ring of Fire region visited Queen’s Park Monday and said they have yet to be consulted on the bill, despite pledges from the province it would fulfil its duty to consult. The Canadian Civil Liberties Association says the bill is alarming and such power should only be used in emergency situations such as a pandemic,...
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News Alert: Canada is not for sale Prime Minister Mark Carney tells U.S. President Trump
WASHINGTON D.C.- Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney told U.S. President Donald Trump in their first sit down face-to-face meeting “Canada is not for sale. It will never be for sale.” Prime Minister Carney told President Trump “You’re a transformational leader with a focus on American workers… I have been elected with the help of my collegues here, to transform Canada with a similar focus on Canada.” Prime Minister Carney said “we are the largest client of the United States.” He said “this is a bigger discussion,” and that it will take “some time and some discussions,” to resolve the trade dispute. “Some things about it are going to have to change,” Carney says. “And part of the way, you’ve conducted these tariffs, has taken advantage of existing aspects of USMCA,...
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The Latest: Canada’s prime minister in Washington for high-stakes meeting with President Trump
Canada’s new prime minister, Mark Carney, who won with a promise to confront U.S. President Donald Trump’s aggression, has the opportunity to do that in Tuesday’s face-to-face Oval Office meeting. The Trump administration sided with the Biden administration in asking a judge to toss out a lawsuitagainst telehealth access to the abortion medication mifepristone, effectively kicking the issue down the road. Another judge has ordered the Trump administration to admit some 12,000 refugees. And the White House says Harvard University will receive no new grants. The letter to Harvard’s president escalates Trump’s targeting of the Ivy League school. His administration also is pushing to strip the school of its tax-exempt status. The Latest: Canada’s new prime minister arrives at the White House for Trump meeting Carney received a handshake and...
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Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation’s Maria Clark named Tofino’s Business Leader of the Year
By Nora O’Malley, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Ha-Shilth-Sa Tofino, B.C. – Maria Clark opened the door to her home in the First Nations community of Ty-Histanis with a warm smile. Caught on a day off as Tin Wis Resort’s assistant general manager, Clark was spending the day with her grandkids, family time she cherishes deeply. “Fortunately, a lot of young Indigenous women have come to me and said, ‘I like to see you speaking. I like to hear you speaking. I look up to you’,” says Clark. “I feel like I am breaking barriers and creating space for Indigenous People. That is a good feeling,” she continues. Clark was named the 2024 Business Leader of Year at the recent Tofino Business Excellence Awards gala hosted by the Tofino Beach Chamber...
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Don’t have a REAL ID yet? That could cause you travel headaches after May 7
By Bridget Brown NEW YORK (AP) — The deadline to get a REAL ID is almost here, after nearly two decades of postponements and delays. While it was initially said that you would not be able to fly domestically without a REAL ID or other TSA-approved form of identification once the May 7 deadline hits, the head of Homeland Security said Tuesday that travelers will still be able to fly, but should be prepared for additional steps at TSA. If you still don’t have your REAL ID and are confused about how to get one, or are wondering why you even need one in the first place, here are some things to know: What is a REAL ID? It’s a federally compliant state-issued license or identification card that the DHS...
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Province funding local projects against gender-based violence
By Mike Stimpson, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Thunder Bay Source THUNDER BAY – Nokiiwin Tribal Council officials say its project to address gender-based violence is community-focused and follows Anishinaabe teachings and values. The Ontario government announced last week that it is “investing” $2.9 million over three years in three projects relating to gender-based violence, Nokiiwin’s being one of them. Nokiiwin is to receive $569,600 in funding from the province. Matawa First Nations Management, serving nine First Nations, will receive $1.83 million while Thunder Bay Counselling is getting $508,200, the province said in a news release. Nokiiwin — which serves five First Nation communities north of Lake Superior in education, risk management and other areas of governance — has a strategic plan built around principles like love, trust, respect and bravery,...
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Red Dress more than just a day each year
By Alexandra Noad, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lethbridge Herald On Monday, people across the nation commemorated Indigenous women and girls who have been missing and murdered. Organizations took part in the day with various events including an information session and a sunset walk hosted by the Southern Alberta Metis Association as well as many others shared their support for the day, including Lethbridge Police, Victim Services and the City of Lethbridge. Echo Nowak, Indigenous relation specialist for the City of Lethbridge, says nationally 24 per cent of homicides are Indigenous women, while they make up only four per cent of the population. “The numbers are outstanding and it is an emergency that needs to be taken care of.” In February of this year, the bodies of two women were found...
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The Latest: Canada’s prime minister in Washington for high-stakes meeting with President Trump
Canada’s new prime minister, Mark Carney, who won with a promise to confront U.S. President Donald Trump’s aggression, has the opportunity to do that in Tuesday’s face-to-face Oval Office meeting. The Trump administration sided with the Biden administration in asking a judge to toss out a lawsuitagainst telehealth access to the abortion medication mifepristone, effectively kicking the issue down the road. Another judge has ordered the Trump administration to admit some 12,000 refugees. And the White House says Harvard University will receive no new grants. The letter to Harvard’s president escalates Trump’s targeting of the Ivy League school. His administration also is pushing to strip the school of its tax-exempt status. The Latest: Treasury secretary says the United States ‘will not default’ Scott Bessent is testifying on the Hill this...
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Harvard economist reveals factors that help Indigenous Nations become commercial successes
By Sam Laskaris, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Windspeaker.com Not only is he a leading American economist but Dr. Joe Kalt also co-founded the Harvard Project on Indigenous Governance and Development in 1987. Kalt was in Toronto recently as a featured speaker at the First Nations Major Projects Coalition (FNMPC) conference. Kalt spoke at an April 28 session titled Keys To Indigenous Commercial Success. During his presentation, Kalt provided insights into extensive research from his Boston-based university, which determined reasons behind the successes and the failures of Indigenous businesses worldwide. Kalt said governments around the globe destroyed communities and cultures and lives through colonization. “Apologies and reconciliation, they’re nice, but is that all,” said Kalt. “I’m sorry, but you can’t have your resources back? You can’t have the powers to run...
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New Manitoba Tory leader says sorry for campaign ads on landfill search
By Steve Lambert Manitoba’s new Opposition leader has apologized for his party’s campaign advertisements that touched on a landfill search for murder victims. Obby Khan stood in the legislature and apologized to the victim’s families and all Manitobans for any harm caused by the campaign. Khan also says he has instructed his staff to reach out to families and organizations, so he can apologize in person for the campaign the Progressive Conservatives ran in the 2023 election. The Tories, then in government, ran ads promoting the party’s decision not to search a landfill where the remains of two First Nations women were believed to be buried, citing safety concerns. The NDP government launched the search after winning the election and found the remains of Morgan Harris and Marcedes Myran. Khan...
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Canada’s resolve against U.S. threats should extend to human rights: Amnesty chief
By Dylan Robertson The global head of Amnesty International is calling on Ottawa to bring the same intensity it has used to call out U.S. tariffs and annexation threats to also call out breaches in human rights by Washington and other countries. “For many people around the world, Canada stood out for its determination to stand firm and to say no,” Amnesty Secretary-General Agnès Callamard told reporters Monday on Parliament Hill. “We are here today to ensure that this stand continues, and is deeper and stronger in terms of its values.” On a rare visit to Canada, Callamard urged the government of Prime Minister Mark Carney to stand up to “bullies” undermining global norms and institutions meant to uphold human rights. Though she acknowledged this could lead to blowback from...
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Study shows economic impact of diamond mines on Indigenous communities
By Eric Bowling, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, NWT News/North Diamond mining has brought 25 years of growth to the Northwest Territories, but a development corporation veteran is warning that more mines need to come online or the benefits will migrate elsewhere. An economic analysis of the impact of diamond mining on Indigenous communities over the past quarter century was commissioned by three Indigenous development corporations (IDCs) — and it’s been significant. “It’s been a very positive impact,” said Tlicho Investment Corporation CEO Paul Gruner, who noted he’s now worked for four IDCs and can say the impact is widespread. Findings from the report show mining activity created 675 jobs across the communities of Yellowknife, Ndilo, Dettah, Behchoko, Whatì, Wekweeti, and Gameti — ranging from jobs directly in the mining sector...
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