Coastal hike series
By Sam McBain, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Advocate Make Your Move is a public engagement and awareness campaign that aims to encourage Nova Scotians to move more throughout the entire day. Chapters have been started across the north shore in Antigonish and New Glasgow. A particularly active group (no pun intended), Make Your Move New Glasgow recently hosted one of their Coastal Guided Hikes on Six-Mile Brook Trail, with transportation provided by Chad Transit. June 25 was the last hike for the month of June, but the next hike will be on July 9 at 6 p.m. at Lighthouse Beach, Fisher’s Grant. “The Coastal Guided Hike Series was inspired by Hike Nova Scotia’s Pictou County Coast Hiker Challenge Badge,” stated Veronica Deno, Active Living manager for the Town of...
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Alberta byelection called for Aug. 18, giving Poilievre path back to House of Commons
By Sarah Ritchie Pierre Poilievre has chosen one of the safest possible places to make his return to the House of Commons — but the rural Alberta riding he’s hoping to win in an August byelection could also be dangerous territory for the Conservative leader. Damien Kurek resigned his seat in Battle River—Crowfoot earlier this month after winning more than 82 per cent support in the April 28 election. Prime Minister Mark Carney has set Aug. 18 as the date for the byelection to choose Kurek’s replacement. In an emailed statement, Poilievre said it would be an “honour” to represent the riding and he plans to continue “fighting for oil and gas, low taxes, free enterprise, a strong defence and respect for the West.” “The farmers, energy workers and soldiers...
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Amid calls for separation, Alberta’s new referendum rules set to formally take effect
By Lisa Johnson As Canada prepares Tuesday to blow out 158 birthday candles, Alberta plans three days later to formalize rules making it easier to have an independence celebration of its own. Beginning Friday, Premier Danielle Smith’s United Conservative government is officially lowering the required threshold for citizens to initiate a provincewide referendum, including on separation. Mitch Sylvestre, CEO of the Alberta Prosperity Project, a non-profit group touring Alberta promoting independence, says he plans to apply to Elections Alberta that same day to start a petition under the new rules. The group aims to gather 177,000 signatures within 120 days to put the question on a ballot to voters: Do you agree the province of Alberta shall become a sovereign country and cease to be a province of Canada? “I...
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Province considering auctioning cutblocks near Walker Creek
By Abigail Popple, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Rocky Mountain Goat In the northernmost parts of the greater Robson Valley sits the Walker Creek watershed, a lush land with countless species of flora and fauna. The forest canopy, so far untouched by human industry, provides cover for caribou and hundreds of plant and lichen species on the forest floor. The area is also at the heart of a conflict between advocacy group Conservation North and BC Timber Sales (BCTS). In May, Conservation North found out BC Timber Sales is proposing cutblocks in the area, which would be auctioned off to forestry companies. The group held a letter-writing night in Prince George, where they encouraged attendees to contact the Ministry of Forests expressing opposition to the proposed auction cutblocks. In an...
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‘One Canadian Economy’ could end ‘balkanized’ Canada, professor says
By Jeff Pelletier, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunatsiaq News Getting rid of barriers to interprovincial and territorial trade and labour was on the new federal government’s agenda for a while. It was part of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s election campaign; included in the government’s throne speech; and it materialized into Bill C-5, which passed quickly through the House of Commons and was approved in the Senate on Thursday. Bill C-5 actually has two parts: the One Canadian Economy Act, and the Building Canada Act. Here is what the new bill is set to do, and how it could affect Nunavut. Canada is ‘balkanized’ For years, the provinces and territories have imposed barriers limiting movement of professionals and products across their borders. That means, for instance, that Ontarians would have a...
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Deaf community demands public forum after minister complains about ASL interpreter
By Maggie Macintosh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Winnipeg Free Press Manitoba’s deaf community is demanding the province take action to combat audism — discrimination against people who are deaf or hard of hearing — after the minister in charge of accessibility was caught complaining about an ASL interpreter on a hot mic. “When leaders diminish the importance of authentic accessibility, it sends a message that deaf Manitobans can be overlooked,” Andrew Stadnicki wrote in a letter to Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine over the weekend. “That attitude becomes policy, shapes budgets, dictates who gets hired, and ultimately keeps deaf people from becoming professionals, decision-makers, or role models.” Stadnicki’s three-page letter has been making the rounds on social media and was shared by others who, like him, are deaf or identify as...
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‘Historic moment’: First LNG Canada shipment departs B.C. for Asia
By Lauren Krugel A tanker carrying the first liquefied natural gas to leave Canadian shores is sailing across the Pacific, a major milestone as the country looks to diversify its export markets for oil and gas beyond the United States. LNG Canada said Monday that the vessel GasLog Glasgow has departed the northern port of Kitimat, B.C., full of ultra-chilled natural gas. CEO Chris Cooper called it a “truly historic moment.” LNG Canada hasn’t confirmed the overall price tag for the project. But the federal government has billed it as the biggest private sector investment in Canadian history – $40 billion between the Kitimat operation, the northeast B.C. gas fields supplying it and the pipeline in between. It’s a joint venture between Shell and Malaysia’s Petronas, PetroChina, Japan’s Mitsubishi Corp....
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B.C. First Nation issued evacuation order as wildfire burns nearb
The Village of Chase in British Columbia’s Interior has activated its emergency operations centre as a wildfire burns in the area. The village said in a statement that the nearby Neskonlith Indian Band issued an evacuation order because of the fast-spreading wildfire that was discovered Monday. Neskonlith Chief Irwin Wai told CFJC news that the band ordered people in 40 properties to leave. Wai said they don’t believe structures are in danger right now and they hoped BC Wildfire Service crews, on land and in the air, would have the fire contained within hours. He said those who have been ordered to leave should go to the reception centre at the Adams Lake Conference Centre. The BC Wildfire Service said the fire was human caused and had grown to 35...
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No damage expected after earthquake recorded Monday near Watson Lake, Yukon
Some Yukon residents may have felt the ground shake on Monday night after an earthquake was recorded near Watson Lake. Earthquakes Canada says the 4.6 magnitude quake struck around 64 kilometres west of the town near the British Columbia-Yukon boundary. No damage was recorded and none is expected. Earthquakes Canada’s magnitude scale says quakes between 3.5 and 5.4 are “often felt, but rarely cause damage.” The earthquake was the third to be detected in Yukon on Monday, as two others with magnitudes of under 2.5 were also recorded. Approximately 1,200 people live in Watson Lake, located 437 kilometres southeast of Whitehorse. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 1, 2025. r....
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B.C. reports offer ‘road map’ for repatriation of Indigenous items, remains
By Ashley Joannou A pair of reports out of British Columbia are detailing the complex, expensive and under resourced process of repatriating Indigenous historical items or remains back to their homes. The studies, developed in partnership between the First Peoples’ Cultural Council and K’yuu Enterprise Corporation, call for changes including the creation of a centralized body to facilitate the work, a repatriation accreditation program for museums and other institutions, and “substantial” funding and support from the provincial and federal government. Gretchen Fox, an anthropologist and the council’s acting heritage manager, said the growing interest in the moral and ethical requirement for repatriation shows resources are needed to set out steps that could be used in B.C. and in other provinces and territories. “There was a need for a way forward,...
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Wildfire near Lytton, B.C., prompts local state of emergency, evacuation order
By Brieanna Charlebois The Thompson-Nicola Regional District has declared a local state of emergency for the Blue Sky Country region due to an encroaching out-of-control wildfire near Lytton, B.C. It has also issued an evacuation order for two properties on Spencer Road South as the blaze poses “immediate danger to life.” The BC Wildfire Service says the Nikaia Creek wildfire is about six hectares in size and is one of more than 70 wildfires burning across the province. It says crews, supported by firefighters from Lytton First Nation, made “good progress” overnight and they are now focused on the north and south flanks of the blaze. The Thompson-Nicola Regional District also issued an evacuation alert Monday night for nine properties in the Harper Lake area near Chase, B.C., due to...
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Carney says values being tested by attacks on democracy in Canada Day speech
By Alessia Passafiume and Dylan Robertson Canadians took to parks and civic squares across the country Tuesday to show unity on Canada Day, amid American threats, economic uncertainty and Western alienation. “We’ve decided not to pull apart and fight, but to come together and to build. Because that’s the Canadian way,” Prime Minister Mark Carney said to thousands of Canadians gathered in Ottawa. This year’s festivities at Ottawa’s LeBreton Flats Park got the royal treatment, with Prince Edward praising Canada’s unity and accomplishments. “Seeing this sea of red and white, there is only one sense that I have here,” the Duke of Edinburgh said. “Today is truly a celebration of you, and your home and your land, strong and free.” Leaders gave speeches interlaced with musical performances, Indigenous cultural demonstrations...
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Family of Sudbury murder victim wants ‘justice’ not ‘vengeance’
By Hugh Kruzel, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Sudbury Star Note: Aspects of this story might be disturbing to some readers. Felicity Altiman didn’t just viciously stab Robert Keskinen to death, she sought to ‘degrade, disfigure and dehumanize’ him, a Crown prosecutor told the killer’s sentencing hearing. Now 44, Altiman was convicted of second-degree murder last year. She received an automatic life sentence of 25 years; Justice R. Dan Cornell must now decide when Altiman becomes eligible for parole. Arriving in leg and arm restraints, Altiman sat quietly on Monday, through impact statements made by Edward Arnold Keskinen – older brother to the victim – and cousin Richard Allan Keller. Keller recounted how the victim was “kind, considerate and well respected.” He called the murder in a Kathleen Street apartment...
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Alberta byelection called for Aug. 18, giving Poilievre path back to House of Commons
By Sarah Ritchie Pierre Poilievre has chosen one of the safest possible places to make his return to the House of Commons — but the rural Alberta riding he’s hoping to win in an August byelection could also be dangerous territory for the Conservative leader. Damien Kurek resigned his seat in Battle River—Crowfoot earlier this month after winning more than 82 per cent support in the April 28 election. Prime Minister Mark Carney has set Aug. 18 as the date for the byelection to choose Kurek’s replacement. In an emailed statement, Poilievre said it would be an “honour” to represent the riding and he plans to continue “fighting for oil and gas, low taxes, free enterprise, a strong defence and respect for the West.” “The farmers, energy workers and soldiers...
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Amid calls for separation, Alberta’s new referendum rules set to formally take effect
By Lisa Johnson As Canada prepares Tuesday to blow out 158 birthday candles, Alberta plans three days later to formalize rules making it easier to have an independence celebration of its own. Beginning Friday, Premier Danielle Smith’s United Conservative government is officially lowering the required threshold for citizens to initiate a provincewide referendum, including on separation. Mitch Sylvestre, CEO of the Alberta Prosperity Project, a non-profit group touring Alberta promoting independence, says he plans to apply to Elections Alberta that same day to start a petition under the new rules. The group aims to gather 177,000 signatures within 120 days to put the question on a ballot to voters: Do you agree the province of Alberta shall become a sovereign country and cease to be a province of Canada? “I...
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Wild now play at Grand Casino Arena after new naming rights deal succeeds Xcel Energy Center
PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Wild will play the upcoming season at Grand Casino Arena, after a naming rights deal with the tribal gaming and hospitality company that succeeds the venue’s original name, Xcel Energy Center. The Wild’s parent organization, Minnesota Sports and Entertainment, announced on Monday the 14-year agreement with the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe that takes effect on Sept. 3. The tribe operates two casino-resort complexes in east-central Minnesota, north of the Twin Cities. The arena, which has about 18,000 seats for hockey, opened in 2000 for the Wild’s inaugural season in the NHL on a 25-year naming rights deal with Xcel Energy that expired this summer. The utility provider remains a community and business partner of the club. In addition to Wild games, the downtown...
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‘It’s a privilege to live here’: What this Canada Day means for new citizens
By Vanessa Tiberio Samantha Sannella shed happy tears as she stood to sing the national anthem at her citizenship ceremony in early June, nearly three decades after she moved to Canada. She had sung “O Canada” countless times before, but this was the first time she’d done so as a Canadian. Originally from Houston, Texas, Sannella moved to Toronto 28 years ago for a job. For the longest time, she still considered herself a U.S. citizen, with a part of her thinking she might move back one day. But that changed last fall. “Because of the political climate down there, I decided finally after the last U.S. election that I was really Canadian in my heart and home is here with my boys,” Sannella said, referring to her Canadian-born children...
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Point Park returned to Northern Ontario First Nations after 27 year-long struggle
By Jon Thompson, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Ricochet The smell of walleye and the sound of live music wafted through Point Park on Indigenous Peoples Day. Under the 30C sun, dozens of children ran between the beach and inflatable, bouncy castles. Susan Councillor took in the ruckus under a lone tree at the edge of the park. Across the mouth of Rainy River to her right, you could see International Falls, Minnesota. To her left, Couchiching First Nationwas visible on the southern shore of Rainy Lake. And behind her, the highway met the Town of Fort Frances. All of this action right in the middle felt to her like the good old days. “This is awesome. We haven’t had something like this anywhere, (a place) to sit and enjoy music...
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Brantford Police charge man with child pornography related offences
BRANTFORD, ONT-A 39-year-old city man is facing child pornography charges as a result of an investigation by the Brantford Police Service (BPS) Internet Child Exploitation Unit (ICE) in February. BPS’s Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit raided a Brantford residence on March 31, 2025, after receiving tips through the National Centre for Missing & Exploited Children and the R.C.M.P. Police seized multiple computers, cellphones, and electronic devices during the search. Detectives working in the ICE Unit found evidence of child pornography on the various devices. As a result of the investigation, on June 26, 2025, a Brantford man was arrested and held for a bail hearing. The accused is facing one charge of Accessing Child Pornography, and two counts of Possession of Child Pornography contrary to the Criminal Code. The Brantford...
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Alberta byelection called for Aug. 18, giving Poilievre path to House
By Sarah Ritchie Pierre Poilievre has chosen one of the safest possible places to make his return to the House of Commons — but the rural Alberta riding he’s hoping to win in an August byelection could also be dangerous territory for the Conservative leader. Damien Kurek resigned his seat in Battle River—Crowfoot earlier this month after winning more than 82 per cent support in the April 28 election. Prime Minister Mark Carney has set Aug. 18 as the date for the vote. While almost no one expects Poilievre to lose, the decision to run in this particular part of the country has some analysts scratching their heads. “It sounded like he was looking for some sort of cakewalk byelection where he could easily get in, but he may have...
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