Sydney, N.S., selected as the preferred maintenance port for new Arctic icebreakers
Sydney, N.S., has the inside track on becoming the maintenance hub for the Canadian Coast Guard’s upcoming polar icebreakers. The federal government announced today that the Cape Breton port is the preferred location as the maintenance base for the vessels. Ottawa cited the port’s deep water, proximity to Sydney’s Canadian Coast Guard Academy and the fact it has one of the shortest routes to the Arctic from Eastern Canada. It’s also near Halifax, headquarters of the Royal Canadian Navy’s Atlantic fleet. The coast guard is buying two new polar icebreakers, which will be the largest in the fleet, to help bolster Canada’s Arctic presence, with delivery of the new vessels expected in the 2030s. The government says due diligence, planning, consultations with Indigenous groups and talks with local landowners are...
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Brantford police investigation of online “hypnosis study” leads to sexual assault charge
BRANTFORD, ONT- A city man is facing a sexual assault charge after Brantford Police Service (BPS) officers investigated a case of inappropriate actions that involved a 19-year-old woman. The BPS said the accused posted an online advertisement seeking “paid hypnosis study participants.” A woman responded to the advertisement Thursday, Jan, 8, 2026 at about 10:10 a.m. attending the accused’s Grey Street residence, where she believed she was participating in a legitimate research experiment. During the visit at the residence, police said the accused engaged in inappropriate actions toward the victim. The victim left the residence and was not physically injured. The victim and the accused were not known to each other prior to this incident. As a result, on January 9, 2026, a 28-year-old Brantford man was arrested and charged with...
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Nearly 85,000 people homeless in Ontario, up 8 per cent in one year: report
Report shows 25 per cent increase in Indigenous homelessness By Liam Casey and Allison Jones Homelessness is getting worse across Ontario with an estimated 85,000 people who were without a home in 2025 and nearly 2,000 encampments across the province, a new report from Ontario’s municipalities shows. More than half of those people are experiencing prolonged periods of homelessness of six months or longer, the report by the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, the Ontario Municipal Social Services Association and the Northern Ontario Service Deliverers Association found. About 20,000 children and youth are homeless in the province. The data shows northern and rural regions are driving the growth in homelessness. “Something’s clearly broken,” said Lindsay Jones, executive director of AMO. “I think we’re seeing, again, the impact of pretty significant...
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Air Inuit launches new aircraft modified for passengers, cargo
By Dominique Gené, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunatsiaq News Air Inuit has a new aircraft that promises to deliver better service to Nunavik, says CEO and president Christian Busch. The Boeing 737-800 Next Generation aircraft will go into service Tuesday on the airline’s Montreal-Kuujjuaq route. “The aircraft itself will be a great addition to Air Inuit to modernize its fleet and also give a better service, a more comfortable service to the Kuujjuaq-Montreal route,” Busch said. The twin-engine aircraft is the world’s first 737-800 NG modified to transport both passengers and cargo, according to a news release issued by Air Inuit on Monday. The Inuit-owned airline took over the route linking Kuujjuaq and Montreal in August as part of a deal when Canadian North, which operated the route, was purchased...
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Carney meets with Coastal First Nations today to talk major projects, oceans
Prime Minister Mark Carney will meet today with Coastal First Nations in Prince Rupert, B.C., to discuss his government’s major projects agenda and marine conservation. He’ll be joined by a handful of ministers, including Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson and Housing and Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson. Coastal First Nations, which represents nine First Nations, works to protect the B.C. coastline and the Great Bear Rainforest, and to ensure First Nations have a say in how resources and waters are managed. Tensions between the federal government and Coastal First Nations heated up in 2025 when federal officials failed to meet with the group before signing an agreement with Alberta opening the door to a pipeline to B.C.’s coast. Hodgson was forced to apologize after quipping in a television interview that he...
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Greenland annexation threats ‘bewildering,’ Nunavut premier says
By Jeff Pelletier, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunatsiaq News As Premier John Main settles into his new role at the head of Nunavut’s government, he says he’s aware of annexation threats from the United States toward Greenland but it’s difficult to process them. “It is quite bewildering to understand the thought processes [of] some of the international actors around Greenland,” Main said in an interview. “We’re in support of their desire for self-determination, of course, and we all know the horrible history of colonization and military interests, and how they’ve impacted the North in the past.” Main did not reference U.S. President Donald Trump or any members of his administration by name. But it’s Trump and his administration who have been ramping up calls over the past week to acquire...
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Family, police dispute imitation firearm in altercation death in Saskatoon hospital
By Jeremy Simes -CP-The family of a man who died in an altercation with hospital security in a Saskatoon hospital are challenging police reports that a fake firearm and drugs played a part in what happened. Saskatoon police said Monday that methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and an imitation firearm were found in the hospital room where 36-year-old Trevor Dubois died Friday. But Dubois’s niece Jayden Dubois and his mother Val Dubois told a news conference the firearm was a combination cigarette holder-lighter in bright pink and yellow colours. Val Dubois said the fake-firearm accusation from police hits like “a dagger.” “Trevor would never hurt anybody,” she said. “I just want answers. How did this happen?” The mother had a cigarette with her son the day before the altercation, and the lighter...
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Military lands in northern Manitoba First Nation dealing with water woes
By Brittany Hobson Members of the Canadian Armed Forces are on the ground providing help to a First Nation in northern Manitoba that is in the throes of severe water issues, while some displaced residents may be forced to relocate once again. Pimicikamak Cree Nation Chief David Monias said seven military members arrived in his community Monday morning after he pushed the federal government to send in reinforcements. Monias said the crew will first be tasked with assessing one of the community’s water treatment plants, which has been out of commission for two weeks. “They’re doing a site tour of the water plant right now, take notes, identify what needs to be fixed, and assess how it needs to be fixed, and what resources are required to fix it,” he...
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Photographer and news outlet sue RCMP, alleging wrongful arrest at pipeline protest
By Ashley Joannou A photographer and the news organization that sent her to cover an anti-pipeline protest in British Columbia are suing the RCMP for wrongful arrest in a case they say has implications for media across the country. Amber Bracken and The Narwhal are seeking a declaration that Bracken’s arrest in November 2021 at a tiny cabin at a protest camp against the Coast GasLink pipeline in northwestern B.C. was unlawful. The Narwhal’s acting editor-in-chief Carol Linnitt said in a statement before the trial started in Vancouver on Monday that injunction zones like the one at the protest area allow the RCMP alone to “determine what journalism is, who performs it, where and how.” “Whatever form of freedom of press we can say we have in this country will...
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Crown says RCMP officer should go to jail for six months for obstruction of justice
By Bob Mackin, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Prince George Citizen The junior Prince George RCMP officer who directed a witness to delete a smartphone video the night an Indigenous man died in police custody in 2017 should be jailed for six months for obstruction of justice, according to a Crown prosecutor. But the defence lawyer for Arthur Dalman, 33, said he should instead receive a conditional discharge because it took five and a half years for him to be charged and tried. “Obstruction is a serious offence deserving of serious sanction,” Crown prosecutor Cory Lo told Judge Michael Fortino at the Jan. 12 sentencing hearing in Prince George Provincial Court. Dale Culver, a 35-year-old Gitxsan and Wet’suwet’en man, was violently arrested July 18, 2017, after a call about someone on...
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‘Dances with Wolves’ actor Nathan Chasing Horse standing trial in Las Vegas
By Jessica Hill LAS VEGAS (AP) — The jury trial for Nathan Chasing Horse, the former “Dances with Wolves” actor accused of sexually abusing Indigenous women and girls, is expected to begin Tuesday in Las Vegas. Prosecutors allege he used his reputation as a spiritual leader and healer to take advantage of his victims over two decades. Chasing Horse has pleaded not guilty to 21 charges, including sexual assault, sexual assault with a minor, first degree kidnapping of a minor and the use of a minor in producing pornography. The case sent shock waves across Indian Country when he was arrested and indicted in early 2023. There were many setbacks and delays, but the case finally proceeded to trial after prosecutors added allegations that he filmed himself having sex with...
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In the news today: Carney talks major projects, Alberta gives flu update, Leafs win
Here is a roundup of stories from The Canadian Press designed to bring you up to speed… Carney meets with Coastal First Nations today to talk major projects, oceans Prime Minister Mark Carney will be in Prince Rupert, B.C., today to meet with Coastal First Nations and discuss his government’s major projects agenda and marine conservation. He’ll be joined by a handful of ministers, including Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson and Housing and Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson. Tensions between the federal government and Coastal First Nations heated up in 2025 when federal officials failed to meet with the group before signing an agreement with Alberta to open the door to a pipeline to B.C.’s coast. Marilyn Slett, president of Coastal First Nations, which represents nine First Nations, has said there...
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Ohsweken woman wanted in stabbing incident
BRANTFORD, ONT- Brantford Police are seeking the public’s help in locating an individual wanted in a recent stabbing. The Brantford Police Service (BPS) released (January 12, 2025) the name and photograph of a person they believe was involved in a recent stabbing and are asking the public for help in locating and arresting the suspect. The BPS identified Takia Greene, 22, of Ohsweken as a suspect wanted in in relation to the violent incident. A warrant has been issued for her arrest. Greene faces a charge of aggravated assault. BPS are warning the public if they spot the suspect do not approach but contact police If observed, do not approach the suspect, please call police. Anyone with information that could assist police to locate Takia GREENE is asked to...
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Brantford Police Service investigate stabbing
BRANTFORD,ONT- The Brantford Police Service (BPS) is investigating a stabbing that sent a woman to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries on the weekend. BPS officers were dispatched Saturday, January 10, 2026, at about 2:15 a.m.to attend a bar located at Market Street and Chatham Street after receiving a report of a woman who had sustained a stab wound. BPS said their investigation found a verbal dispute between the victim and the suspect had occurred inside the bar but the assault had occurred once they were outside. The female suspect fled prior to police arrival and is wanted by police. A description of the suspect is not available at this time. Officers attended and located the victim who was transported to hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Officers continue to investigate the...
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Carney to discuss major projects, conservation with Coastal First Nations on Tuesday
By Alessia Passafiume Prime Minister Mark Carney will meet with Coastal First Nations on Tuesday to discuss major projects and marine conservation. Carney is travelling to Prince Rupert, B.C. for the meeting, along with Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson, whose relationship with Coastal First Nations got off to a rocky start. Hodgson did not meet with the alliance of nine First Nations before Carney signed an agreement with Alberta that opens the door to a pipeline to B.C.’s coast. He was forced to apologize after quipping in a television interview that he could have met alliance members via Zoom. Carney and Coastal First Nations are expected to talk about the federal government’s major projects agenda and how Indigenous communities can be included in the push to strengthen the Canadian economy...
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Drugs found in Saskatoon hospital room where man died in altercation with security
Saskatoon police say drugs and an imitation firearm were found in a hospital room where a patient had died after he got into an altercation with security. Police say the security officers entered the room last week at Royal University Hospital for reports a firearm was seen inside. They say there was an altercation when security attempted to restrain the man, and he became unresponsive and died. Police say along with the imitation gun, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were found in the room. The family of the man has identified him as 36-year-old Trevor Dubois, and they say he was at the hospital for chemotherapy to treat his brain cancer. Saskatoon Tribal Council Chief Mark Arcand and the man’s relatives are set to speak more on his death in a...
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Family, police dispute imitation firearm in altercation death in Saskatoon hospital
The family of a man who died in an altercation with hospital security in Saskatoon are disputing whether an imitation firearm was in the room. Saskatoon police say drugs and an imitation weapon were found in the hospital room where 36-year-old Trevor Dubois died Friday. His niece Jayden Dubois, and his mother Val Dubois, told a news conference Monday the firearm was a cigarette holder and lighter in pink and yellow colours. Val Dubois said the revelation from police hits like “a dagger” and says she wants answers on what happened. “Trevor would never hurt anybody,” she said. “I just want answers. How did this happen?” Police say the security officers entered the room last week at Royal University Hospital on reports a firearm was seen inside. They say there...
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Former MLA talks becoming lobbyist for forestry and First Nations after 20 years in politics
By Ed Hitchins, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Energeticcity.ca FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — When he lost his Peace River North MLA seat in the 2024 provincial election, Dan Davies joked the biggest challenge was “taking down the campaign signs.” Speaking to Energeticcity.ca about his pursuits outside of politics after 20 years in the field, Davies said he has focused his energy working with Doig River First Nation (DRFN) and forestry companies as a lobbyist. Davies, the former Peace River North MLA, took the defeat in stride and said although he was optimistic, he knew there was a chance he could lose. “I’m a realist,” said Davies, speaking to Energeticcity.ca. “I know there are winners and losers. I ran for the [federal] Conservative nomination against Bob Zimmer in 2011 and lost....
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15 new NAPS constables get their badges amid hiring blitz
By Matt Prokopchuk, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, TBnewswatch.com NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO — The Nishnawbe Aski Police Service has over a dozen new constables. The First Nations-led police service, which operates in 34 First Nations across Nishnawbe Aski Nation territory in Ontario’s far north, awarded badges to 15 new officers in a ceremony on Jan. 9. They’ve already been sworn in, meaning they’re now ready to be deployed to their communities. Scott Paradis, the service’s media relations coordinator, said it’s the end result of completing training through the Ontario Police College and separate blocks of instruction by NAPS itself. “Now that we are a fully legislated police service, our complement number needs to be much higher,” Paradis said in an interview with Newswatch. “And our recruitment unit is working tremendously at getting...
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Hudson’s Bay ephemera, Indigenous art slated for online auction this month
By Tara Deschamps The latest round of Hudson’s Bay treasures to hit the auction block is packed with ephemera and Indigenous art. Heffel Fine Art Auction House revealed Monday that the 198 pieces that will go up for sale Tuesday include canoe paddles, marionettes, coins, suitcases and model boats that once belonged to the fallen department store. Heffel has been auctioning off tranches of Hudson’s Bay’s 4,400 pieces of art and artifacts since November to help the defunct retailer recoup cash for its creditors. While the lone in-person auction Heffel hosted in November focused on art and the first online sale, which ran through December, added HBC point blankets to the mix, the next auction focuses heavily on retail-era curios. There’s an HBC typewriter, hockey jersey, model train tanker, a...
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