Ontario’s solicitor general sorry for saying improperly released inmates were caught
By Liam Casey Ontario’s solicitor general and his No. 2 have apologized for “inadvertently” saying officials apprehended all 157 criminals who were mistakenly released from the province’s jails over the past five years. Michael Kerzner repeatedly said last week during question period at Queen’s Park, and afterward to journalists, that the criminals were caught immediately after being improperly released. On Monday afternooon, Kerzner told the legislature he was “imprecise” in his language. “I’d like to correct my record without reservation: I inadvertently referenced the immediate re-apprehension of improperly released inmates, rather than clarifying that the local police of jurisdiction were notified immediately,” Kerzner told the legislature “I apologize unreservedly to the members of this house for providing them with information that was not fully accurate.” Global News discovered through a...
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Carney names members of new advisory committee on Canada-U.S. economic relations
By David Baxter Prime Minister Mark Carney retooled an advisory committee on Canada-U.S. trade on Tuesday, adding a former Conservative leader and the former high commissioner to the United Kingdom to the team. The committee replaces the Council on Canada-U.S. Relations that was established by former prime minister Justin Trudeau in January 2025. Carney has renamed it the Advisory Committee on Canada-U.S. Economic Relations and has added several high-profile names. They include former Conservative leader Erin O’Toole, former Liberal cabinet minister and high commissioner to the U.K. Ralph Goodale, former Conservative cabinet minister Lisa Raitt and former Nunavut premier P.J. Akeeagok. Among the names retained from the original Trudeau committee are former Quebec premier Jean Charest, Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association president Flavio Volpe and Unifor president Lana Payne. “It’s a...
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War, climate change and AI: What’s at stake at this year’s UN Indigenous forum
By Anita Hofschneider/grist Hundreds of delegates are arriving at the United Nations this week for the world’s largest gathering of Indigenous peoples. But they arrive against an increasingly hostile global backdrop, facing an artificial intelligence boom driving new extraction on ancestral lands, a U.S. administration that has made it increasingly difficult for Global South delegates to secure visas to attend, and the twin challenges of climate change and green energy projects that have frequently run afoul of Indigenous land rights. This year’s United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues is focused on the grim topic of survival in the midst of war, with its official theme “Ensuring Indigenous Peoples’ health, including in the context of conflict.” Experts emphasize that Indigenous peoples already face health inequities from colonialism and climate change,...
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Eby called changes to Indigenous law ‘non-negotiable,’ but series of backdowns ensued
By Canadian Press Staff The British Columbia government’s efforts to mitigate the impact of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act has resulted in a series of climbdowns in the face of opposition from First Nations. Here’s how it has played out: Nov. 28, 2019: The Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, known as DRIPA, is unanimously adopted by the B.C. legislature. It is intended to reflect the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which says governments should obtain “free, prior and informed consent” from Indigenous peoples on legislation that affects them. Nov. 23, 2021: Then-attorney general David Eby introduces changes to the Interpretation Act, which governs how legislation is implemented in B.C. The changes say “every act and regulation must be construed...
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Poilievre says Carney ‘pushing fear’ in address to Canadians on U.S. relations
By Catherine Morrison Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre accused Prime Minister Mark Carney of “pushing fear” in a recent address to Canadians on the relationship with the U.S. In a 10-minute video posted to social media on Sunday, Carney said Canada’s deep economic ties with the U.S. used to be a major strength, but are now a source of weakness. The prime minister said it would be wrong to wait for the U.S. to resume the co-operation of decades past and Ottawa must instead push forward with a plan to diversify its trade. In his own video posted to social media Monday, Poilievre argued Carney’s address was “strangely timed” and aimed at distracting Canadians from issues like inflation. “It’s not surprising that the prime minister wants to distract from his costly...
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Eby ‘moving forward’ with First Nations after latest climbdown on Indigenous law
By Wolfgang Depner British Columbia Premier David Eby said that “moving forward together” with First Nations leaders is now his top priority, explaining why he withdrew plans to table legislation to suspend key parts of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act on Monday. Eby, who previously angered First Nations leaders by saying that changing DRIPA was “non-negotiable,” told reporters that he takes “responsibility” for taking the province in “different directions” on the Indigenous law. “Well, I certainly would have liked to have been right the first time — I was not,” he said. “This is challenging work. This is one of the hardest files that I have ever worked on.” Trevor Halford, interim leader of the Conservative Party of B.C., said Monday the premier made an “absolute...
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Scientist advises against rushing Ring of Fire road projects
By Mike Stimpson, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, SNnewswatch.com OTTAWA — The Ontario government wants to go fast on connecting the Ring of Fire to the highway system, but conservation scientist Adam Kirkwood cautions that haste carries risk. “There are definitely quite a few risks,” Kirkwood, a research associate with Wildlife Conservation Society Canada, told Newswatch. Financial risks are real, he said, but ecological risks are his focus and area of expertise. On March 2, the province released a plan to accelerate construction of all-season roads to the Ring of Fire so that projects could start this June and the first road — the Webequie Supply Road — could open by the end of 2030, four years ahead of schedule. The roads involved are routes to the Webequie and Marten Falls...
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Great Northern Arts Festival hit by ‘surprising’ funding rejection
By Aastha Sethi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Cabin Radio Inuvik’s Great Northern Arts Festival is working to fill a significant funding gap after applications to the Canada Council for the Arts were denied this year. Festival executive director Adi Scott said the organization had applied for two grants – one to support travel for participating artists and another to cover core festival costs. Together, the applications totalled about $90,000. According to Scott, both requests were rejected for similar reasons. She said the festival received its lowest score in the “feasibility” category, which ultimately affected its overall ranking. “I believe that this is a common thing that’s happening across the North,” she told Cabin Radio. “Other organizations I’ve spoken to in Yellowknife have also been denied their funding based on feasibility,...
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One school, nine students. CA pays over $100,000 per kid to keep small schools open
By Carolyn Jones/calmatters School closures are an incendiary issue in nearly every corner of California, as enrollment declines and expenses climb. The topic has sparked parent revolts, teacher strikes and school boards’ desperate attempts to keep districts financially afloat. And then there’s Orick. The picturesque town in northern Humboldt County has a historic school with five classrooms, a gym, a vegetable garden and an expansive play field. Its current enrollment: nine. Its expenses: $118,000 per student per year, more than five times the state average. California has dozens of school districts with enrollments under 100 and higher-than-average expenses. Most of these districts are in remote areas miles from the next nearest school. But as urban districts grapple with the threat of school closures and the inevitable backlash from families and...
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Pushing for Recognition – Michael Jolly takes over as the new Chief of MoCreebec
By Natalia Fedosieieva, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Nation After decades of service, Michael Jolly has taken the helm of MoCreebec, continuing a legacy of resilience and advocacy for the community’s future. In a delayed election process that concluded March 12, Jolly became the chief of MoCreebec, bringing with him experience in leadership roles in IT and community economic development. “I’m looking forward to embracing the new role and responsibilities that the people have given me,” Jolly said. Established in Moose Factory and Moosonee in 1980 to support Cree beneficiaries of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement, MoCreebec adopted its constitution in 1993. Today, MoCreebec manages numerous programs, services and economic initiatives, while continuing to advocate for formal recognition as a First Nation. Jolly’s path to leadership has been...
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MWF welcomes $3.8B nature fund, seeks balance on Seal River protections
By Steven Sukkau, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Winnipeg Sun The Manitoba Wildlife Federation says it is encouraged by a new federal conservation strategy that includes advancing protection of northern Manitoba’s Seal River Watershed, while emphasizing the need for balanced, accessible land use as details of the proposal take shape. The federation’s response follows a March 31 announcement by Prime Minister Mark Carney outlining a $3.8-billion national nature strategy aimed at conserving 30 per cent of Canada’s lands and waters by 2030. The plan includes support for new national parks, marine conservation areas and Indigenous-led initiatives such as the proposed Seal River Watershed National Park. In a statement, the federation said it supports conservation efforts but stressed the importance of maintaining access and sustainable use. “We support protected areas … and...
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Most homes at risk of flooding on Manitoba First Nation still need protection: Kinew
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew says about a quarter of the homes at risk of flooding on Peguis First Nation are being protected so far, as the community braces for rising water on the nearby Fisher River. The First Nation north of Winnipeg, in the Interlake region, has estimated that about 225 homes are in danger. Kinew visited Peguis a day earlier to help with sandbagging, along with hundreds of other volunteers. Preparations began last week after the First Nation was warned it could see flooding like in 2022, when roughly 2,000 residents were forced out and hundreds of homes were damaged. The Manitoba and federal governments say a long-term prevention solution is on the way for the flood-prone community. The province says runoff is expected to begin next week across...
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Honouring reconciliation: Squamish library calls for Nation artists
By Ina Pace, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Squamish Chief The Squamish Public Library is inviting proposals from Squamish Nation artists for a permanent art installation, honouring reconciliation, accessibility, and community. The Squamish Public Library is inviting Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) artists to submit proposals for a permanent interior art installation. According to the library’s press release, the commissioned artwork—planned to be installed in the fall this year—will be “prominently displayed … offering meaningful and visible acknowledgement” of the Nation’s culture and land. The call is part of a provincial enhancement project for various B.C. libraries, launched after the COVID-19 pandemic, for which the Squamish library has received a grant. Director of library services Hilary Bloom said that this call for artists is one of several ways the province’s grant...
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Wasauksing to create mobile nursing unit with support from Ontario
By Shania Tabobondung, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Parry Sound North Star Indigenous communities along the Highway 69 corridor are expected to see improved access to primary care services following a new provincial investment announced Friday. Shawanaga, Wasauksing, Magnetawan and Henvey Inlet are some of the communities that will benefit from expanded health services supported by new funding to Wasauksing First Nation’s Health Department. On April 17, Wasauksing Chief Councillor Elizabeth Taylor joined Ontario MPP Graydon Smith in Gravenhurst to announce an investment of $615,900, to support an expanded nurse practitioner program aimed at connecting 656 patients with essential health-care services. Taylor said the investment will fund a mobile health unit lead by Wasauksing’s health department, allowing nurse practitioners to reach neighbouring communities that currently face barriers to care. Wasauksing Chief...
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B.C. to table suspension of Indigenous law on Monday, First Nations sources say
By Alessia Passafiume and Wolfgang Depner First Nations sources say British Columbia Premier David Eby’s government will introduce legislation to suspend parts of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act on Monday. Independent First Nations sources tell The Canadian Press that the bill that has been vehemently opposed by many Indigenous leaders will seek to suspend the core elements of DRIPA for one year. Eby has said a recent court decision on B.C.’s mineral claims regime that cited DRIPA puts the province at serious litigation risk. His government, with just a single-seat majority, has struggled to find a course that satisfies First Nations leaders, who rejected an initial plan to amend DRIPA, then dismissed the idea to suspend the law to give the Supreme Court of Canada time...
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Carney pledges regular updates on pivot from U.S. and to ‘never sugar-coat’ issues
By Dylan Robertson Prime Minister Mark Carney says he plans to regularly update Canadians with a frank assessment of efforts to diversify away from the U.S. “I promise you, I will never sugar-coat our challenges,” Carney said in a 10-minute video posted Sunday morning to YouTube. “I will talk with you directly and regularly about our plan — why we’re doing what we’re doing, what’s working, what isn’t.” Carney doubled down on moves to deepen economic and defence ties with allies other than the U.S. “Many of our former strengths, based on our close ties to America, have become our weaknesses — weaknesses that we must correct,” he said. Carney argued it would be wrong to try waiting for “the good old days” of co-operation with the U.S., saying Ottawa...
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First Nations say Eby backs down again on B.C. Indigenous law
By Alessia Passafiume and Wolfgang Depner Two First Nations leadership sources say British Columbia Premier David Eby is backing down again on the suspension of key parts of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, scrapping plans to table legislation on Monday. One of the sources says the suspension bill — which was already delayed last week — won’t be tabled this legislative session, as a result of planned protests by First Nations. The latest plan to table the suspension on Monday lasted just a few hours after it emerged Sunday, and was immediately repudiated by First Nations leaders who have also opposed previous plans to amend DRIPA instead. Eby has said a recent court decision on B.C.’s mineral claims regime that cited DRIPA puts the province at...
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First Nations say Eby backs down again, now seeks joint path on B.C. Indigenous law
By Alessia Passafiume and Wolfgang Depner British Columbia Premier David Eby has backed down again on the pausing of key parts of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, scrapping plans to table a suspension bill this legislative session. The premier’s office says in a brief statement that it “can confirm that the government will not be introducing legislation on DRIPA during this session.” Instead, it says Eby will hold a press conference Monday to outline next steps. A draft document provided by a First Nations source says the government now hopes to work with First Nations to come up with a joint approach to DRIPA, under a framework for negotiations. Eby met with First Nations leaders late Sunday afternoon, one of whom says the suspension law was...
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Brandon 911 dispatcher reflects on 14 years as “lifeline” for callers
By Steven Sukkau, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Winnipeg Sun A Manitoba emergency dispatcher says a frightening 911 call as a teenager set her on a path to becoming a steady voice for others in crisis. Tyne Carmichael, now a system status controller at the Medical Transportation Coordination Centre (MTCC) in Brandon, still recalls the fear she felt when she called for help at age 18. “I think about that day often and how that call felt,” Carmichael said in a release from Shared Health. “Now, as the voice on the other end of the phone, I have the opportunity to help others with the same compassion that was shown to me.” Carmichael has worked at the MTCC for 14 years, helping coordinate emergency medical responses across Manitoba outside Winnipeg. The...
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Gov. Gen. Mary Simon at United Nations to talk Indigenous rights
By Alessia Passafiume Gov. Gen. Mary Simon speaks during Canada Day celebrations at LeBreton Flats in Ottawa on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby Gov. Gen. Mary Simon and other Indigenous leaders are heading to the United Nations on Monday to stress the importance of its Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The forum comes as the use of the declaration in Canada has come under fire and after some governments have attempted to water down its application following court rulings that cited it. An advisory from Simon’s office says her opening remarks will “underscore our country’s enduring commitment to reconciliation and the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.” The notice also says Simon will meet with UN Secretary-General António Guterres...
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