Brantford Police Arrest Man After Suspicious Incident Involving Teenage Girl
By Alex Murray Writer Brantford Police Service (BPS) arrested and charged a man on June 6 following a suspicious incident involving a teenaged girl on the morning of Friday, June 5, 2026. After the incident was reported on Friday, BPS sought assistance in identifying their suspect from anyone who might have witnessed the incident. Around 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., a teenage girl was walking near Brock Street and Colborne Street East when she was accosted by an adult male who engaged her in conversation. The youth did not enter the adult male’s vehicle and was able to leave the area safely. A later report said the man also grabbed the girl’s shoulder during the interaction. On June 6, BPS said they arrested a 28-year-old man from Paris and charged...
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House of Commons passes bill criminalizing forced sterilization
By Canadian Press Staff The House of Commons has passed a long-awaited law criminalizing forced or coerced sterilization. The law states that sterilization without legal consent constitutes aggravated assault, which carries a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison. Survivors and advocates have been pushing for a change to the Criminal Code since 2015. The Survivors Circle for Reproductive Justice estimates as many as 15,000 Indigenous people have been sterilized without their consent since the 1890s, some as recently as last year. Some physician groups, including the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, warned earlier this spring that the bill could cause doctors to worry about how they treat patients in an emergency. The bill was put forward in the Senate last year by Sen. Yvonne Boyer and now...
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The Key First Nation to elect new chief and council
By Bastien MacLean, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Kamsack Times There are four candidates for chief and 24 candidates running for five council spots for The Key First Nation. All of the incumbent councillors are running again. Current Chief Clinton Key is also running for a council spot. Election day is June 12. Advance polls were held on June 2 in Vancouver at the Indian and Métis Friendship Center, June 4 at the Radisson Hotel in Edmonton and June 6 at the Ramada Downtown Hotel in Regina. There is one ballot for the position of chief, and a separate ballot where electors may vote for up to five council candidates. Candidates for chief are: Dustin Dayan Brass, Percy O’Soup, Clarence Papequash and Ron Papequash. Candidates for council are: Ferlyn Brass, Jay-Cee...
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Fort Pelly-Livingstone Museum unveils Red River Cart pavilion
By Bastien MacLean, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Kamsack Times A model Red River cart built by Kelly and Armand Jerome of St. Northbert, Man. is now on permanent display at the museum. “The Red River Cart was a simple conveyance developed by the Métis people for use in their settlement of [the] Red River area”, per an informative signboard at the display. “The Red River cart was constructed using basic materials, oversized wheels, [it was] small but could carry heavy loads” said Donald Budz, president of the Fort Pelly-Livingstone Museum board. The settlers followed several trails, some which dipped south “into Pembina, North Dakota, then onto St. Paul, Minnesota”, while others followed a northern trail that went to Fort Pelly through Fort Qu’Appelle. This is “how the settlers moved around...
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What happens when the world’s breadbaskets start failing simultaneously?
By Ekamjot Dhillon, Phd Student, Global Governance, University of Waterloo Agriculture today is a massive, globally interconnected industry. That interconnectivity has brought jobs and varied foods to people who might not otherwise be able to access them. However, like many other industries today, agriculture is dependent on a small number of key regions that support a vast network. What made the modern food system seem resilient was never abundance alone. It was geography. Regions like the North American Prairies, Ukrainian Steppe and northern India grow much of the crops that feed humans and livestock. The system works because crop failures are expected to be local, not simultaneous. If one breadbasket region fails to produce one year, another could cover the shortfall. The Earth itself provides a kind of buffer, but...
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Feds planning evacuation centres in advance of wildfire season
By Nick Murray The federal government says it’s helping to set up evacuation centres across the country for people fleeing wildfires. At a recent news conference in Ottawa, Emergency Preparedness Minister Eleanor Olszewski said Ottawa would work with the provinces and territories to choose locations for the evacuation centres. “That’s something that we’re working on in conjunction with a number of provinces, is a plan for where some set evacuation centres could be so that they are ready, that they’re an appropriate size,” she said on May 28. Last year’s wildfire season was the second-worst on record, with nearly nine million hectares consumed — larger than the area of New Brunswick and P.E.I. combined and more than double the 10-year average. Olszewski said having evacuation centres in place would help...
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Gov. Gen. Louise Arbour’s first speech, in full
Former Supreme Court justice Louise Arbour was sworn in Monday as Canada’s 31st Governor General. Here are the remarks she delivered during her installation ceremony in Ottawa, provided by Rideau Hall: — Dear Canadians. I am deeply honoured to stand before you here today. These halls were built on the traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg Nation, a proud people who have cared for these lands and enriched them with their culture for millennia. We are gathered today in this Senate Chamber, where careful scrutiny is applied to the laws that will shape our future. Like the Supreme Court of Canada and the House of Commons, the Senate contributes to the dialogue through which Canadian democracy is expressed. I want to thank Prime Minister Carney, and His Majesty King Charles...
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What are we going to do with all the old fishing boats?
By Nora O’Malley, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Ha-Shilth-Sa Tofino, B.C. – Down the dock of broken dreams lies a fleet of old fishing boats that are the end of their life – and there’s next to no money left in federal or provincial coffers to do anything with them. The federal Abandoned Boats Program (ABP), which was launched in 2017 with an initial investment of $6.4 million, was not renewed. “There is no more funding for ABP at this time,” said Transport Canada in a May 29 email. The program disposed of 223 abandoned and wrecked vessels in Canadian waters. Provincially, the Clean Coast, Clean Waters initiative (CCCW) that funded derelict vessel removal projects in Tofino, Ucluelet, Opitsaht, Tla-o-qui-aht and Ahousaht, removing a combined 65 vessels from these communities, is...
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Nunavut asks Ottawa for higher fishing quotas and commercial access to waters off Baffin Island
By William Koblensky Varela, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunavut News Community Services Minister Craig Simailak said he’s asked the federal fisheries minister for higher fishing quotas and commercial access to waters off Baffin Island. Simailak made the comments in response to a question from Pangnirtung MLA Johnny Mike on May 28 in the legislative assembly. “We’ve been meeting with Department of Fisheries and Oceans’ federal minister, and imploring to her office that we need a better, fairer share of quotas off of our adjacent waters,” said Simailak. “I have explained to her that it brings employment. It brings a better economy.” On Dec. 9, 2025, the federal government proposed awarding Greenland halibut — or turbot — fishing licences on the Davis Strait between Baffin Island and Greenland to the Nova...
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Treaty 8 chiefs warn independence vote could result in ‘civil disobedience’
By Jeremy Appel, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Alberta Native News ( Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta’s grand chief has written an open letter to Premier Danielle Smith calling on her to cancel October’s referendum on whether to pursue a future independence referendum. “We state this plainly so that there can be no misunderstanding: there is no lawful path by which Alberta can pursue separation from Canada while bypassing the rights, consent, and constitutional status of Treaty 8 First Nations,” wrote Grand Chief Trevor Mercredi in the June 3 correspondence. “That consent has not been sought. It has not been given. Nor will it be given under duress or through any process designed to circumvent our constitutional rights.” On Oct. 19, Albertans will be asked: “Should Alberta remain a province...
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Nisga’a Nation says it wasn’t consulted on proposed pipeline routes
By Jeremy Appel, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Alberta Native News Nisga’a Nation in northwestern B.C. says it hasn’t been consulted on proposed routes for a new tar sands pipeline that pass through its modern Treaty lands. On June 1, the CBC reported that Alberta’s government is examining three potential routes to B.C.’s northern coast for a new bitumen pipeline that Prime Minister Mark Carney agreed to designate as a priority project in his memorandum of understanding with Premier Danielle Smith. The story was based on documents, “which were shown to local community leaders during private consultations on the proposed project this spring,” wrote CBC business reporter Kyle Bakx. The Nisga’a Lisims Government issued a June 2 statement to clarify that it wasn’t part of these consultations. “We can confirm that...
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Cuba’s iconic antique cars sit idle as US energy blockade deepens fuel crisis
By Martin Silva Rey HAVANA (AP) — A worsening fuel crisis across Cuba is testing the island’s famed “almendrones,” the vintage American cars that serve as vital shared taxis and embody the island’s ingenuity and endurance. These days, many of the iconic gas-guzzling antique cars sit idle, casualties of fuel shortages that have gripped Cuba since January and that Cuban officials blame on a U.S. energy blockade. Outside his modest concrete-block home on a dirt road in Las Minas, a town of about 2,000 people on the outskirts of Havana, Diriel Valdez is restoring a 1951 Chevrolet Deluxe. The burgundy body is intact and the original engine still works. Finding fuel for it, however, is another matter. Valdez is among thousands of Cubans waiting for fuel through a government reservation...
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The Key First Nation to elect new chief and council
By Kamsack Times, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter There are four candidates for chief and 24 candidates running for five council spots for The Key First Nation. All of the incumbent councillors are running again. Current Chief Clinton Key is also running for a council spot. Election day is June 12. Advance polls were held on June 2 in Vancouver at the Indian and Métis Friendship Center, June 4 at the Radisson Hotel in Edmonton and June 6 at the Ramada Downtown Hotel in Regina. There is one ballot for the position of chief, and a separate ballot where electors may vote for up to five council candidates. Candidates for chief are: Dustin Dayan Brass, Percy O’Soup, Clarence Papequash and Ron Papequash. Candidates for council are: Ferlyn Brass, Jay-Cee Brass, Jesse-Thomas...
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Gov. Gen. Louise Arbour says learning from differences key to strong society
By David Baxter and Catherine Morrison Extreme polarization and consensus are dangerous and a better Canada can only be built through the “peaceful management” of our differences, Gov. Gen. Louise Arbour said Monday, in her first speech as the King’s representative in Canada. The former Supreme Court justice said our ability to coexist peacefully, despite our differences, is critical to maintaining a lawful, rules-based society. “It is through our differences, and our fundamental right to express them, that we will nourish critical thinking, creativity and innovation,” Arbour said from the throne in the Senate chamber. “It is through our differences that we will build a common future.” Arbour, 79, said it is important to protect institutions where societal debates take place such as universities, the media, courtrooms, legislative spaces and...
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The Latest: Louise Arbour installed as Canada’s 31st Governor General
Former Supreme Court justice Louise Arbour has been installed as Canada’s 31st Governor General, replacing Mary Simon. Today’s ceremony included a 21-gun salute, a poetry reading and musical performances by two Canadian artists. Here’s the latest on a historic day in Ottawa. All times are Eastern: 11:20 a.m. Soprano Measha Brueggergosman-Lee performs the national anthem as the ceremony concludes and Arbour walks out, smiling. 10:55 a.m. Arbour begins her speech, seated in the throne in the Senate, reading from the printed document inside a brown portfolio. She thanks now former governor general Mary Simon for her “remarkable service,” after which the audience gives Simon a standing ovation. Simon, clearly touched, smiles softly and at one point puts her hand over her heart in gratitude. Arbour says both extreme polarization and...
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Government-run grocery stores and longer airport runways among suggestions to decrease Nunavut food prices
By William Koblensky Varela, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunavut News Residents, retailers and an academic all have strategies on how to bring down the high price of groceries in Nunavut. No matter what the proposed solution, it’s going to involve the federal government investing money, according to Nicholas Li, an associate professor in the Department of Economics at Toronto Metropolitan University. In both Greenland and Mexico, government-owned grocery stores are used to subsidize prices. “Greenland, outside of the capital, most communities are served by this chain of stores and it’s basically government-run stores with the same fixed price everywhere,” Li said. “Mexico has a whole network of government-licensed shops that all sell at the same price.” Toronto and New York City have both approved pilot projects to test government-run grocery...
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Alberta’s Smith says law will be enforced if separation vote spurs civil disobedience
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says the law will be enforced if First Nations communities engage in civil disobedience over her government’s separation referendum. At an unrelated news conference in Calgary Friday, she said: “I hope it doesn’t come to that.” On Oct. 19, Albertans will vote on whether they want to stay in Canada or start the process to hold a second, binding referendum on quitting the country. First Nations leaders across the province have been pushing back against talk of secession, and Smith’s decision to put it on a ballot. Treaty 8 Grand Chief Trevor Mercredi, representing First Nations across northern Alberta, said Thursday that if necessary, they may get in the way of industry or take the fight against Smith’s separation vote to the highways. “There can be...
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Louise Arbour arrives at ceremony to install her as Governor General
By Catherine Morrison and David Baxter Former Supreme Court justice Louise Arbour has arrived for the ceremony to install her as Canada’s 31st governor general. Arbour, 79, is replacing Mary Simon, who became Canada’s first Indigenous viceregal in 2021. Arbour was welcomed at the Senate of Canada building by Simon, Prime Minister Mark Carney, his wife Diana Fox, Usher of the Black Rod Greg Peters and other dignitaries. An Algonquin elder read a territorial welcome for Arbour and the assembled dignitaries before they entered the Senate building. Canada’s treaties are agreements signed between First Nations and the Crown, making the relationship between Indigenous peoples and the monarch an important part of the installation ceremony. Arbour will give her first address to the nation as governor general during the ceremony and...
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Blood Tribe Reserve roads closed due to heavy rainfall
By Alexandra Noad, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lethbridge Herald The excessive rainfall has caused two roads on the Blood Tribe Reserve to deteriorate and are unfit for travel. Blood Tribe Public Works has announced the closures for the road between Highway 2, and Saipoyi Elementary School and the Old Lease Road, east of Highway 509. The closures were both caused by damages from the recent rainfall, which have caused washout conditions and soft road and standing water to the areas. Motorists are asked to avoid the area and use alternate routes if available. They are also asked to obey all posted signs and barricades from Public Works crews as they continue to monitor conditions and assess repairs. Updates on these road conditions can be found on the Blood Tribe Communications...
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Inuit association investing $10 million in childcare facilities
By William Koblensky Varela, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunavut News The Qikiqtani Inuit Association has agreed to spend an additional $10 million to fund the construction of new Kakivak Association childcare facilities across the region. Pangnirtung was chosen as the next community to receive a facility, while daycares are still being built in Sanirajak, Arctic Bay, Pond Inlet and Clyde River. A place to build a daycare in Pangnirtung has not yet been identified. “Access to affordable, high-quality childcare is essential to strong and healthy communities,” said QIA President Olayuk Akesuk. “This investment reflects QIA’s commitment to supporting Inuit families, increasing opportunities for children and building the community infrastructure needed to meet the needs of our growing population.” To date, QIA has committed a total of $25 million to daycare...
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