Christmas celebrations return to Bethlehem after 2 years of war in Gaza
By Megan Janetsky BETHLEHEM, West Bank (AP) — For the past two Christmases, John Juka’s family restaurant looked about the same as any business in Bethlehem: shuttered and eerily empty. But on Saturday evening, it bustled with families and was lit by strings of red lights, a hopeful change in the Palestinian city that’s been reeling since war broke out in Gaza. Christmas celebrations are slowly returning to the traditional birthplace of Jesus in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. While a shaky ceasefire holds in Gaza, Palestinians hope the festivities are a step toward a more peaceful future in a region shaken by tragedy. “It’s not like it was before the war,” 30-year-old Juka said. “But it’s like life is coming back again.” Muslim-majority city thrives on Christmas Tourism and religious...
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Medical licence renewed for Labrador doctor under investigation following complaints from at least 20 patients
By Justin Brake, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Independent Newfoundland and Labrador’s new health minister is vowing to address what she calls a “crisis of trust” among reproductive health patients in Labrador amid an ongoing investigation by the province’s College of Physicians and Surgeons into complaints against Happy Valley-Goose Bay’s only obstetrician/gynecologist. “I want to make it clear to residents in Labrador that […] it’s my responsibility to ensure that patients can feel respected, that they have access to safe and respectful reproductive healthcare,” Lela Evans, the Inuk MHA for Torgat Mountains, told The Independent in a phone interview Thursday. The minister’s comments come after the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Newfoundland and Labrador (CPSNL) renewed the medical license of an obstetrician/gynecologist in Happy Valley-Goose Bay under investigation following...
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Mi’kmaq chiefs, former attorney general disappointed with N.S. cannabis directive
By Lyndsay Armstrong Mi’kmaq chiefs and a former Nova Scotia justice minister are criticizing the provincial government for directing police to crack down on illegal cannabis and asking for First Nations’ support in that effort, saying the order undermines relations with Indigenous Peoples. Sipekne’katik First Nation Chief Michelle Glasgow said in a statement on Friday she and her council are “appalled” by the province’s directive, which she calls a direct threat to their communities’ safety. “The province’s actions through the minister of justice are acts of systemic racism and inciting hate against Mi’kmaw people, labelling us the problem, and this narrative is absolutely disgusting,” Glasgow said. Her comments are in reaction to Armstrong’s directive on Thursday for all Nova Scotia police agencies to prioritize cannabis enforcement by identifying and disrupting...
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Feds to proceed with promised review of firearms classification regime, minister says
By Jim Bronskill and Catherine Morrison Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree says the federal government will move ahead with a promised review of Canada’s firearms classification regime that will include consultations with Indigenous communities on the SKS rifle. The classification review, first announced in March, will take a broad view of the legal framework for firearms, ammunition and magazines while emphasizing simplicity and consistency, Anandasangaree said in a news release. The government has been heavily criticized by gun control advocates for not including the semi-automatic SKS in its list of banned firearms. Since May 2020, Ottawa has outlawed approximately 2,500 types of guns on the basis they belong on the battlefield, not in the hands of hunters or sport shooters. The government says a federal buyback program will provide owners...
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First Nations say BC rushing mine expansion without proper review
By Sonal Gupta, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Canada’s National Observer Two First Nations in BC’s southern interior say the province is rushing a decision on a major mine expansion without giving them enough time to assess the risks. The Upper and Lower Similkameen Indian Bands are asking the province to slow the approval of the New Ingerbelle expansion at Copper Mountain Mine, right along the Similkameen River south of Princeton. “We do not consent at this point. We have too much more we have to work through,” said Keith Crow, chief of Lower Similkameen. Under the expansion plan, the open pit would extend to within roughly 50 metres of the river and be dug more than 160 metres below the riverbed. If approved, it would be the first mine ever...
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QuickFacts on the Alberta politicians facing citizen recall petitions
Seventeen Alberta legislature members with Premier Danielle Smith’s United Conservative Party caucus are officially facing recall petitions from constituents. A recall campaign has also been approved for Opposition NDP member Amanda Chapman. Three more are expected to be named soon. It’s the first time the province’s Recall Act has been used on provincial politicians. It was brought in under former UCP premier Jason Kenney as a way to empower citizens and hold politicians accountable between general elections. Under the legislation, a petitioner must submit a reason in 100 words or fewer about why they feel an MLA should be recalled. The person must live in the constituency and pay a $500 processing fee. There are no set criteria on what the reasons can be. If the petition is approved by...
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Pan-Arctic Vision rocks Iqaluit with global talent
By William Koblensky Varela, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunavut News The Black Heart Cafe was packed for the first performance of the 2025 Pan-ArcticVision music festival, featuring Indigenous artists from Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland) and Siberia. Greenlandic Inuit duo Kimmernaq Kjeldsen and HH Suersaq Poulsen performed in the Inuit languages of Kalaallisut and Inugguit. Kjeldsen said Inuit are one people and that meeting Nunavummiut was like finding a family she didn’t know she had. In 1996, Kjeldsen visited Nunavut for the first time, arriving by sailboat and was surprised by her affinity with Inuit in the territory. “We spoke the same language, we thought the same things were funny… and I was like ‘Why didn’t anybody tell me that I had fellow family here’?” Kjeldsen said. Inuit in Nunavut and Greenland...
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1 injured, 1 in custody after shooting in First Nation
By Matt Prokopchuk, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, TBnewswatch.com BIINJITIWAABIK ZAAGING — One person is in custody after a reported shooting in Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek. On its social media platforms, the Anishinabek Police Service said they were called about the incident at a home in the community, also known as Rocky Bay First Nation. A police spokesperson told Newswatch they were called after 11 a.m. Friday. One person was injured and taken to hospital, police said. One suspect is in custody. Police told Newswatch it was an isolated incident and they will issue a media release with more information. “There is no known, ongoing, related threat to public safety,” the police’s online statement said, adding that the public is being urged to avoid the area while the investigation continues. A heavy...
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Taking requests: Municipality seeks contractor for major road rebuild
By Matt Prokopchuk, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, TBnewswatch.com GERALDTON — Work to completely rebuild Geraldton’s Main Street is slated to begin when the frost thaws next year. That’s according to Greenstone Mayor Jamie McPherson, who said the municipality has issued its request for proposals for the multimillion-dollar job. The work will include improving drainage well below ground, replacing water and sewer infrastructure, rebuilding the road’s foundation, widening the thoroughfare, installing new, more modern curbs and repaving. “The goal is to get the water table low enough that we don’t have that frost heaving and that the road will last for many years,” he said. “Being the start of the road up to the First Nation communities that don’t have road access, there’s going to be a lot of traffic going...
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Mi’kmaq chiefs, former attorney general disappointed with N.S. cannabis directive
By Lyndsay Armstrong Mi’kmaq chiefs and a former provincial justice minister are criticizing the Nova Scotia government for directing police to crackdown on illegal cannabis. Sipekne’katik First Nation Chief Michelle Glasgow says in a letter she and her council are “appalled” by the province’s directive, which she calls a direct threat to their communities’ safety. On Thursday, Justice Minister Scott Armstrong called on all Nova Scotia police agencies to prioritize cannabis enforcement by identifying and disrupting illegal operations and distribution networks. Armstrong also wrote to 13 Mi’kmaq chiefs requesting their co-operation as they tackle illegal cannabis sales. Maw-lukutijik Saqmaq, also known as the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs, say they are disappointed by Nova Scotia’s apparent lack of understanding of treaty rights and their right to self-determination. Nova Scotia’s...
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Xats̓úll chief says reclaimed land parcel is ‘a beginning’ for growing community
By Dionne Phillips, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, IndigiNews The Kúkwpi7 (Chief) of Xats̓úll First Nation says a decision to reclaim a piece of its land about 20 minutes north of Williams Lake is needed to accommodate the growing community. For years, the land has been leased to an addiction treatment centre — but Kúkwpi7 Rhonda Phillips says with members trying to return home, the space is needed for the First Nation. Xats̓úll announced in late October that it would be taking back the site where the Nenqayni Wellness Centre currently operates as of April 1 of 2026. The decision has been a painful end for some, but Phillips said she hopes it will help her community. “We’re starting to build, and we’re bursting at the seams and that area has...
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Health Canada recalls glucose monitors that may give patients incorrect readings
By Hannah Alberga Health Canada is asking diabetes patients to check if their glucose monitor is subject to an international recall that has serious health risks. The federal agency is recalling some FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensors that may provide incorrect glucose readings. The recall warns incorrect readings may lead people to falsely believe their glucose levels are low and as a result consume too many carbohydrates, or skip or delay their insulin doses. The sensors are devices that measure glucose levels in fluid just beneath the skin, and send the information wirelessly to a device or phone. Abbott Diabetes Care, which makes the devices, said in a news release last month that the affected products are potentially linked to seven deaths and more than 700 injuries worldwide. An Abbott...
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Squamish Nation rolls out emergency measures against drug crisis
By Ina Pace, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Squamish Chief The Nation’s council has declared a state of emergency in response to the ongoing toxic drug crisis. As of Dec. 4, a new State of Emergency has been announced due to the toxic drug crisis. Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) council declared the emergency as a response to the ongoing toxic drug crisis, and its disproportionate impact on Indigenous people, families and communities. The crisis “is causing deep and lasting harm to Squamish families, communities and loved ones,” the Nation’s website reads. According to the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), Indigenous people made up 17.7% of toxic drug deaths in the first six months of 2023, despite accounting for just over 3% of B.C.’s population. Furthermore, the crisis is responsible for...
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City of Brantford has “re-invested” almost $109 million in OLG funds to city organizations
BRANTFORD, ON- The City of Brantford, home to the Brantford Casino, has received almost $109 million in gaming revenue from the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) that has been “re-invested in not-for-profit organizations in the city. As of November, the city announced it has received almost $109 million dollars in total gaming revenue payments from OLG as a host community, including $4,818,867 in Fiscal Year 2024 – 2025. The funds were re-invesed to not-for-profit organizations administered by the Brant Community Foundation since 1999. “Since this program’s inception, the City has proudly re-invested these funds through annual contributions to support the efforts of various not-for-profit organizations in our community,” says Brantford Mayor Kevin Davis. “We are deeply grateful for the ongoing partnership with OLG and for their ongoing commitment as...
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CANCELLED: Cold notification issued for Grand Erie Public Health region
UPDATE: DEC 5 2025- The cold notification issued by the Medical Officer of Health on December 4, 2025 for the Grand Erie Public Health region has been cancelled as temperatures are no longer forecasted to be -15 C or -20 C with windchill . To learn more about preventing cold-related illnesses during extreme cold weather, please visit www.geph.ca. BRANTFORD, ONT-The Medical Officer of Health (MOH) for Grand Erie Public Health is issuing a Cold Notification for the Grand Erie Public Health region (Brantford-Brant and Haldimand-Norfolk), effective December 4, 2025. A Cold Notification is issued, by the MOH, when parts or all areas of the region are expected to reach temperatures below -15 ºC, or when wind chill values reach -20 ºC. The notification will remain in effect until a...
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USask Prince Albert campus to offer Kanawayihetaytan Askiy programming
By Michael Oleksyn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Prince Albert Daily Herald The University of Saskatchewan (USask) recently announced that students can complete the Kanawayihetaytan Askiy Certificate at their Prince Albert campus. Kanawayihetaytan Askiy means “let us take care of the land” in Cree. According to the university, the program was developed in collaboration with First Nations, the Kanawayihetaytan Askiy Certificateexamines environmental, legal and economic aspects of land and resource management in Indigenous communities. Students can now take the certificate’s courses without having to travel to the main campus in Saskatoon. “There are so many advantages to offering the Kanawayihetaytan Askiy programming at the USask Prince Albert campus,” Jordie Gagnon, senior strategic officer, Indigenous programs and partnerships of the USask College of Agriculture and Bioresources (AgBio) said in a press release....
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Probation after teen caught during masked liquor store theft
By Bob Mackin, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Prince George Citizen A 14-year-old boy with no prior criminal record was sentenced Nov. 26 to a conditional discharge and one-year probation after pleading guilty to stealing liquor. The teen, who cannot be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, and two others wore medical masks to the Noble Spirits Liquor Store on March 2. One youth held the door open while the other two stole liquor. Court heard that one of the males who fled dropped a backpack that contained four bottles of vodka: two Smirnoff and one each of Finlandia and Pink Whitney. The youth who remained on scene was the one before the court. Judge Cassandra Malfair accepted the joint Crown and defence sentence proposal. Evidence before Malfair said the...
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First Nation grapples with ‘epidemic of grief’
By Mike Stimpson, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Thunder Bay Source ONIGAMING — As chief of Ojibways of Onigaming, Jeffrey Copenace goes to many funerals. Copenace’s First Nation, which has about 850 members living on and off reserve, has lost 52 members since he became chief in August 2021. “It’s like an epidemic of grief that’s in our community,” he said in an interview. Recently the Anishinaabe community had “back-to-back funerals, a mother and a daughter,” he said. “It’s just so overwhelming and something that I never ever expected to go through, but I’m hearing more and more chiefs are going through times like this.” He said the situation appears to have taken a toll on Onigaming children and youth, partly because of where funerals were frequently held. A child psychologist...
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Nova Scotia wants crackdown on illegal cannabis, asks Mi’kmaq chiefs for support
By Lyndsay Armstrong Nova Scotia’s justice minister has directed police across the province to crack down on illegal dispensaries, prompting criticism that the government may be interfering with law enforcement to target Indigenous communities. In a directive issued Thursday, Justice Minister Scott Armstrong called on all Nova Scotia police agencies to prioritize cannabis enforcement by identifying and disrupting illegal operations and distribution networks. He also wrote to 13 Mi’kmaq chiefs Thursday, requesting their co-operation as they tackle the “growing public safety problem” of illegal cannabis sales. In response, some Indigenous activists say the moves are racist, and one legal scholar says the justice minister appears to be infringing on police independence. Wayne MacKay, professor emeritus of law at Dalhousie University in Halifax, said the justice minister has the authority to...
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Kuujjuaq confronts rise of hard drugs in community
By Dominique Gené, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunatsiaq News Kuujjuaq council held a town hall meeting Wednesday evening to confront the rise of drugs in the community and how it’s impacting youths and families. Crack cocaine — an impure form of cocaine that is smoked instead of snorted — and the highly addictive stimulant crystal methamphetamine have made their way into Nunavik from southern Quebec, the Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services said in a news release Monday. Crack cocaine was almost absent in the region more than two years ago but it can now be found in all communities. Crystal meth started circulating this year and is present in some communities in Nunavik, the release said. “The rate of drug and addiction is too high and it’s...
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