Ontario reports 656 new COVID-19 cases and 13 more deaths
September 1, 2021
Ontario reported more than 650 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday as the seven-day rolling average remained virtually unchanged from yesterday. Provincial health officials logged 656 new coronavirus infections, up from 525 on Tuesday and 660 a week ago.
https://www.cp24.com/news/ontario-reports-656-new-covid-19-cases-and-13-more-deaths-1.5569322
Doug Ford to announce details of Ontario’s COVID-19 vaccine passport system today
September 1, 2021
Ontario Premier Doug Ford is slated to announce his government’s impending proof-of-vaccination system — commonly called a COVID-19 vaccine passport — for the province today, his office has confirmed.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-covid-vaccine-passport-certificate-proof-1.6160728
Recovery of children in unmarked graves at the top of First Nations election priorities
August 31, 2021
The Assembly of First Nations is hoping to bring the atrocities of residential schools back into the national conversation after releasing its election priorities for the campaign.
NAN hails Human Rights Tribunal decision on child welfare capital costs
August 31, 2021
Nishnawbe Aski Nation is welcoming an interim Canadian Human Rights Tribunal decision regarding child welfare services in First Nations communities. NAN says the CHRT last week ordered the federal government to pay the actual costs of capital purchases and/or construction required to deliver child welfare services.
The choice facing Indigenous voters
August 31, 2021
Niigaan Sinclair: In 2015, Indigenous voters helped the Liberals win a majority. But most of Trudeau’s success on Indigenous issues came after 2019, in a minority government. For all of Justin Trudeau’s time in office, the federal Liberals have made Canada’s treatment of Indigenous communities and reconciliation one of their leading policy promises.
https://nationtalk.ca/story/the-choice-facing-indigenous-voters-macleans-ca
Youth poised to become regional climate leaders come together virtually
September 1, 2021
Serpent River’s Candace Day Neveau highlighted the Indigenous commercial fishing legacy during the Climate Justice Across the Lake Superior Watershed virtual panel webinar at Lake Superior Living Labs Network’s Climate Action Field School.
NOSM celebrating increase in Indigenous learners to med school
August 31, 2021
This year, 17 per cent of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine’s (NOSM) new students identify as Indigenous. That’s a record for the institution, which has campuses in both Sudbury and Thunder Bay.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sudbury/nosm-new-students-indigenous-1.6159552
Assembly of First Nations unveils priorities ahead of federal election
August 31, 2021
The Assembly of First Nations has released a document outlining key priorities for First Nations and the next federal government. Coming into her first federal election as leader of the AFN, National Chief RoseAnne Archibald unveiled the organization’s election shopping list Tuesday, titled Healing Path Forward: 2021 Federal Priorities for Strengthening and Rebuilding First Nations.
As O’Toole wants flag raised, AFN Chief says half-mast ‘honours’ children amid unmarked graves
August 31, 2021
Keeping flags at half-mast for the children whose remains have been found at former residential school sites is a matter of honouring the little ones, AFN National Chief RoseAnne Archibald said Tuesday.
https://globalnews.ca/news/8155103/indigenous-unmarked-graves-residential-schools-flag-otoole-afn/
Decision highlights role ‘honour of the Crown plays in interpreting land patents,’ counsel says
August 31, 2021
The Ontario Court of Appeal has allowed the appeals of three First Nations and the Attorney General of Canada in a dispute with an estate over three islands. The decision, counsel said, highlights the importance of reviewing “the context of treaties and the honour of the Crown when there is an Indigenous interest at stake.”
Indigenous community comes together to mark Overdose Awareness Day
August 31, 2021
CHIPPEWAS OF THE THAMES FIRST NATION – Dozens of people gathered Tuesday in this Indigenous community southwest of London to mark Overdose Awareness Day.
https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/indigenous-community-comes-together-mark-193217197.html
MMIWG2S advocates call for universal basic income to be top issue in 2021 federal election
September 1, 2021
The push for a universal basic income is top of mind during this federal election campaign for many people who work with Indigenous women, girls and gender diverse people. “It would definitely help save a lot of lives,” said Bianca Moar.
First Nations leaders endorse Liberal candidate while at an NDP event
August 31, 2021
During a campaign event in Winnipeg with NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh on Aug. 26, Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Arlen Dumas and Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) Grand Chief Garrison Settee endorsed Liberal party candidate Shirley Robinson
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/first-nations-leader-endorse-liberal-candidate-1.6159401
New Brunswick decides not to formally enshrine new Truth and Reconciliation holiday
September 1, 2021
With only 29 days before Canada’s inaugural National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, New Brunswick has decided not to make it a provincial holiday.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/new-holiday-not-enshrined-1.6159964
Nearly all eligible members of Pimicikamak Cree Nation fully vaccinated against COVID-19
August 31, 2021
Chief David Monias of the Pimicikamak Cree Nation in Manitoba says 90 per cent of on-reserve members are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The province estimates that roughly 46 per cent of First Nations people in Manitoba are fully vaccinated, though the number could be higher.
Cree activist turned author tells story of healing in Winnipeg’s inner city
August 31, 2021
In a new memoir, Winnipeg environmental activist Clayton Thomas-Muller details what life was like growing up as an Indigenous youth in Winnipeg’s inner city. Life in the City of Dirty Water ties together his stories of survival with his stories of defending lands against various pipelines.
The healing power of Zoon
August 31, 2021
Daniel Monkman is a time traveller. Throughout Bleached Wavves, his self-produced, debut album recorded as Zoon, the experimental Anishinaabe musician weaves the past, present and future together into a symphony of sound, light and storytelling. The results are both moving and kaleidoscopic.
https://www.cbc.ca/music/events/polaris/the-healing-power-of-zoon-1.6158521
AFN Alberta Chief slams UCP government
August 31, 2021
Marlene Poitras has issued a statement in response to the Alberta government’s refusal to observe Sept. 30 as the National Day of Reconciliation, tying it into their recent decision not to set up voting booths on reserve for October’s referenda and senate elections as examples of an anti-Indigenous bent in the United Conservative Party.
https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2021/08/31/afn-alberta-chief-slams-ucp-government.html
Search of former St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School begins in B.C.’s Interior
August 31, 2021
A search of the grounds of the former St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School in B.C.’s Interior has begun, as local First Nations look for confirmation of what happened to the children who were forced to attend the institution, but never returned home.
First Nation seeking court injunction to stop land transfer
August 31, 2021
The McLeod Lake Indian Band is seeking a court order to stop transfer of land it claims as traditional territory to the West Moberly First Naiton.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/first-nation-seeking-court-injunction-204013692.html
Trudeau first federal party leader to campaign in Iqaluit
August 31, 2021
Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau’s campaign made a visit to Iqaluit late Monday. He joined his party’s local candidate — former territorial cabinet minister Pat Angnakak — who is vying for the territory’s only seat in Parliament.
https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/trudeau-first-federal-party-leader-to-campaign-in-iqaluit/
Yellowknife artists explore Indigenous futures, with traditional materials
August 31, 2021
A group of artists in Yellowknife came together this summer to create a multimedia art piece that combines technology and moose skins. Showcased at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre along with a mixed reality exhibit exploring Indigenous Futurism, the art piece uses a traditional medium with an innovative twist.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/indigenous-futurism-art-display-yellowknife-1.6160013
2021 Federal Election
Where the main party leaders are on Day 18 of the federal election campaign
September 1, 2021
Here’s what you need to know about where the leaders of Canada’s major political parties are on Day 18 of the election campaign. You can watch streaming video of available live events on this page throughout the day. All times are eastern time (ET) unless otherwise noted.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-election-2021-where-the-leaders-are-day-18-1.6160533
Details matter in federal election housing pitches
September 1, 2021
When it comes to housing, politicians do love to throw around big numbers. Canada’s housing supply and affordability crisis is so big, the thinking seems to go, that it’s best to lead with big-sounding solutions.
Trudeau to pledge $50B of spending amid election fight
September 1, 2021
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is set to release an election campaign platform promising tens billions in spending on new initiatives that would be fully financed by a tax revenue windfall from an expanding economy.
https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/trudeau-to-pledge-50b-of-spending-amid-election-fight-1.1646522
Liberals to release platform on Wednesday amid tightening polls and looming debate
September 1, 2021
Liberals will release their full election platform Wednesday, a day ahead of the first televised leadership debate of the summer campaign.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/liberals-platform-2021-election-1.6160235
Trudeau calls out ‘anti-vaxxers’ for putting kids at risk as campaign event is disrupted by protesters
August 31, 2021
Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau made an election campaign stop Tuesday in Sudbury at a Laurentian campus, and while he didn’t address the Ontario university’s financial troubles, he told about two dozen protesters who were disrupting the event that “they’re wrong” for opposing COVID-19 vaccinations.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sudbury/trudeau-sudbury-laurentian-election-stop-1.6159866
Opinion: Canada burns and the election heats up. Trudeau’s still trying to figure out if he’s a climate warrior.
September 1, 2021
Justin Trudeau unveiled his party’s climate plan to fast track a goal to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 at a campaign event Sunday, and he was nearly drowned out by a cacophony of screaming protesters and their air sirens.
Improving mental health supports a commitment from all parties, citing pandemic’s toll
August 31, 2021
Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau centred Tuesday’s campaign messaging on the party’s promise to improve access to mental health services nationwide, something his main opponents have also committed to do, citing the ongoing strain of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Would the Liberals hike the industry’s corporate income tax?
August 31, 2021
Brokers will probably not be directly affected by a Liberal election promise to raise corporate tax rates on insurance companies making over $1 billion a year in profits, the CEO of the national brokerage association suggests.
Erin O’Toole slams Liberals as new statistics reveal a shaky economy
August 31, 2021
The costs of COVID-19 were top of mind for federal party leaders Tuesday as new data suggested Canada was on shaky fiscal footing heading into the fourth wave of the pandemic.
Erin O’Toole says he’ll balance the federal budget ‘without cuts’
August 31, 2021
Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole promised Tuesday to restore the federal government’s fiscal balance over the next decade and eliminate the gargantuan federal deficit “without cuts” to public services.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/otoole-balanced-budget-no-cuts-1.6159859
Conservative leader Erin O’Toole says he respects Ryerson University’s decision to change its name
August 31, 2021
Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole says he respects Ryerson University’s decision to change its name, after he previously criticized the debate and referred to similar efforts as cancel culture.
Singh to target ‘big-money’ house-flippers by hiking taxable amount of capital gains
August 31, 2021
The NDP leader promised Tuesday to crack down on “big-money” house-flippers by increasing the taxable amount of capital gains profits from 50 to 75 per cent.
After praising Quebec’s egalitarianism, Bloc leader halts questions to female candidate
August 31, 2021
Bloc Québécois leader Yves-François Blanchet returned to a page from a book that served his party’s electoral fortunes well in 2019, praising equality between men and women in Quebec and raising his allegiance to Bill 21, the controversial piece of provincial legislation that bars public servants from wearing religious symbols at work.
Would-be Sudbury MPs debate the future of Laurentian U and reconciliation
August 31, 2021
Hours after Liberal leader Justin Trudeau appeared on the campus of Laurentian University without discussing the financial crisis facing the school, the candidates running to be Sudbury’s MP talked a lot about in an online debate on Tuesday night.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sudbury/sudbury-riding-debate-federal-election-1.6159384
Peterborough Kawartha candidates seeking clean drinking water for First Nations communities
August 31, 2021
One candidate for Peterborough Kawartha riding is challenging her fellow candidates to drink the water from Curve Lake First Nation.
2 Mi’kmaw candidates seeking seat in Sydney-Victoria
August 31, 2021
Liberal Jaime Battiste made history in the 2019 federal election when he became the first Mi’kmaw MP elected to the House of Commons. This time around, Battiste is joined on the ballot in the Cape Breton riding of Sydney-Victoria by New Democrat Jeff Ward, marking what’s believed to be another first: two Mi’kmaw candidates running in the same riding.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/nova-scotia-mikmaw-candidates-sydney-victoria-1.6158746
Voter frustration could mute slim boost incumbency gives sitting MPs at the ballot box
September 1, 2021
Political strategists say Canadians are frustrated after almost two years of dealing with the pandemic, and that calling an election without a ‘clear narrative’ can damage the incumbent’s advantage.
More women than ever running in this election
August 31, 2021
All of the main federal parties have filed paperwork with Elections Canada detailing who will be running for them in the coming election, closing the door on any further changes to the candidate list before Canadians cast their ballots on Sept. 20.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/candidates-elections-canada-women-1.6159123
Anticipated flood of mail-in ballots for federal election hasn’t materialized so far
September 1, 2021
The anticipated flood of Canadians choosing to vote by mail on Sept. 20 has been more of a trickle so far. As of Monday night, Elections Canada had issued 298,040 special ballot kits.
When to expect your voter information card
August 30, 2021
With the 44th Canadian federal election set for Sept. 20, just a few weeks away, Elections Canada has begun mailing out voter information cards to registered voters.
How can I vote while away at college or university? Your election questions answered
September 1, 2021
The pandemic has changed the way we do just about everything, and elections are no different — especially when it comes to post-secondary students.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/ask-vote-college-university-federal-election-1.6158523
