Ontario reports more than 850 new COVID-19 cases, marking highest daily count in months
September 2, 2021
Ontario health officials are reporting more than 850 new COVID-19 cases, marking the highest case count in months. The province confirmed 865 new cases of the novel coronavirus on Thursday, which comes after officials logged fewer than 700 new infections for the past three days.
COVID-19 in Indigenous communities: Active cases in First Nations continue to rise
September 1, 2021
The number of active cases of COVID-19 in First Nations communities has doubled in the last week as the fourth wave of the pandemic continues to hit many parts of Canada.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/indigenous-covid-19-update-1.6161177
Ontario to Require Proof of Vaccination in Select Settings
September 1, 2021
To further protect Ontarians as the province continues to confront the Delta-driven fourth wave of the COVID-19, the government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, will require people to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of their vaccination status to access certain businesses and settings starting September 22, 2021.
What does the Liberal election platform promise on Indigenous issues? Here’s what we know
September 1, 2021
Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau stood at a podium on Wednesday and unveiled the promises he says he’d achieve for Canada if re-elected as prime minister. He was announcing the Liberal Party’s election platform, which includes an entire pillar dedicated to Indigenous issues and reconciliation.
https://globalnews.ca/news/8158429/canada-election-indigenous-liberal-platform-promises/
After summer of horrific discoveries, Indigenous issues are getting little attention in Canada’s election campaign
September 2, 2021
The spring and summer in Canada were marked by one grim announcement after the next. Several Indigenous groups said they had uncovered evidence of hundreds of unmarked graves on or near the sites of former residential schools, thrusting the terror of Canada’s mistreatment of Indigenous people back into the spotlight and unleashing a nationwide tide of grief and anger.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/09/02/canada-election-indigenous/
Pamela Palmater: How serious are the federal leaders about reconciliation with Indigenous people?
September 1, 2021
When ground penetrating radar confirmed the existence of 215 unmarked graves at the former Kamloops Indian residential school this past May, the whole country was stunned. Canadians expressed both sadness and outrage at the failure of churches and governments to work with Indigenous peoples to address the legacy of residential schools.
Record number of Indigenous candidates running in federal election
September 1, 2021
A record number of Indigenous candidates are running in the federal election this year with what they say is a goal of advancing meaningful change in Canada’s relationship with First Nations, Inuit and Metis.
Opinion: The federal election will not advance the interests of the First Nation peoples
September 1, 2021
Canada desperately wants this election to be about “first world problems.” Party leaders want to talk about the economy, jobs numbers, healthcare (in terms of COVID-19), and there is a hesitant optimism that normalcy and recovery are just around the corner. This snap election is a political calculation pitting the status quo against a dearth of ideology.
https://rabble.ca/news/2021/09/federal-election-will-not-advance-interests-first-nation-peoples
Grand Council Treaty #3 Fundraises for Treaty #3 Youth Education Bursaries
September 1, 2021
On August 27, 2021, Grand Council Treaty #3 hosted their 11th Annual Golf Tournament at Couchiching First Nation’s Heron Landing Golf Course. The tournament was a 4-person scramble with 28 teams successfully registered. The tournament offered the potential to win $10,000 cash for a hole-in-one on #6, as well as prize money for the longest drive, closest to the pin, and skins. Congratulations to this year’s winning teams!
http://gct3.ca/grand-council-treaty-3-fundraises-for-treaty-3-youth-education-bursaries-2/
81 St. Anne’s residential school compensation cases require ‘significant review,’ says court filing
September 2, 2021
An official appointed by the Ontario Superior Court has found 81 compensation cases involving the notorious St. Anne’s residential school require “significant review,” as their outcomes could have been impacted by evidence contained in police records that the federal government failed to disclose.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/st-annes-review-compensation-1.6161642
London owner of Saugeen First Nation based business becomes semi-finalist in Pow Wow Pitch competition
September 1, 2021
A Londoner is one of 156 semi-finalists from across North America to pitch his business idea to win with the Pow Wow Pitch. Steven Vanloffeld, owner of Saugeen First Nation-based eSupply Canada was selected as a regional finalist in the Pow Wow 2021 Pitch competition.
Introducing the first Indigenous Care Coordinator for TBRHSC
September 1, 2021
Joelle Mandamin is an Indigenous Care Coordinator at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBHRSC). She provides a variety of supports to Indigenous patients and their families.
http://gct3.ca/introducing-the-first-indigenous-care-coordinator-for-tbrhsc/
Caldwell First Nation members dip paddles to help Lake Erie
September 1, 2021
On a blistering 30-degree August day, members of the Caldwell First Nation in southwestern Ontario tackled two-foot swells on Lake Erie in canoes to raise money for protecting and improving the lake’s health.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/caldwell-first-nation-members-dip-210536859.html
AOK artist chalks up design for Every Child Matters
September 1, 2021
Artist Star Nahwegahbo of Aundeck Omni Kaning has her sights set on creating an adult colouring book featuring her colourful designs. Ms. Nahwegahbo recently decided to up the ante on the colouring book idea, providing some great outdoor fun for folks of all ages.
https://www.manitoulin.com/aok-artist-chalks-up-design-for-every-child-matters/
New Findings on Pandemic Kids. And What They Really Tell Us
September 1, 2021
Anew report by Children First Canada takes a long and detailed look at the state of our kids in this second year of pandemic. Even if you don’t have children, but hope for a decent and dignified old age, you’d better take note the findings of Raising Canada 2021 — and take appropriate action in this and future elections.
https://thetyee.ca/Analysis/2021/09/02/New-Findings-Pandemic-Kids/
Ontario Reinstating Renewal Requirements for Driver’s Licences, Licence Plate Stickers and Health Cards
September 1, 2021
The Ontario government is reinstating renewal requirements for driver’s licences, licence plate stickers, Ontario Photo Cards, Ontario health cards, and other products that would have expired on or after March 1, 2020, but were extended to provide immediate relief to Ontarians during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those needing to renew their provincial documents are encouraged to use ServiceOntario’s convenient and easy-to-use online option.
Opinion: Ending the toxic drug crisis means addressing racism, colonialism and the root causes of substance use
August 31, 2021
This week, on International Overdose Awareness Day, communities across B.C. and Canada commemorated the thousands of lives lost to drug poisoning — and called for action to end policies that are creating harms around the world.
Opinion: How Did We Make Reconciliation About White Folks? Ken Coates for Inside Policy.
August 31, 2021
Something strange has been happening on the road to true reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission produced clear recommendations on how the country could shed the bitter legacy of Indigenous residential schools. Yet, following revelations about gravesites near formal residential schools, the process seems to have morphed into measures designed to serve non-Indigenous people more than Indigenous communities.
https://www.macdonaldlaurier.ca/make-reconciliation-white-folks-ken-coates-inside-policy/
Book review: The Night Wanderer: A Native Gothic Novel
September 2, 2021
Aimed at a youth reader, Drew Hayden Taylor’s gothic novel, The Night Wanderer, is truly a marvellous read for anyone interested in a new Dracula’esque story. Yet, this novel is not simply a copy or homage to Bram Stoker. The Night Wanderer It is an Indigenization of the gothic novel with power and flair of its own – it is Taylor-Gothic.
https://anishinabeknews.ca/2021/09/02/book-review-the-night-wanderer-a-native-gothic-novel/
Pallister’s exit day met with delight by some, mixed reaction from former cabinet minister
September 1, 2021
On Brian Pallister’s final day as premier of Manitoba, one group is making no attempt to disguise its pleasure at his departure. “We are pleased to know that Brian Pallister’s term as premier of Manitoba has come to an end today,” Grand Chief Garrison Settee of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak said in a statement released Wednesday.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/brian-pallister-final-day-premier-manitoba-1.6160869
Embattled Education Bill Will Not Move Forward Under New Manitoba Premier
September 2, 2021
Interim Premier Kelvin Goertzen announced on Wednesday that Manitoba’s controversial education reform bill, as well as four other pieces of legislation delayed by the opposition NDP, will be scrapped.
First Nations in southern Manitoba start Indian Residential Schools solidarity campaign
September 1, 2021
An organization representing First Nations in southern Manitoba is starting a month-long campaign to commemorate and offer solidarity to those who were affected by residential schools.
https://globalnews.ca/news/8158926/southern-manitoba-indian-residential-schools-solidarity-campaign/
DFO officers greet launch of Pictou Landing treaty fishery in Nova Scotia
September 1, 2021
A Mi’kmaw chief harvesting lobster in northwestern Nova Scotia was met on the water by federal fisheries officers following a treaty fishery launch on Wednesday. But Chief Andrea Paul of Pictou Landing First Nation remained defiant.
Indigenous leaders disappointed with New Brunswick’s decision to pass on newest national holiday
September 1, 2021
Indigenous leaders in New Brunswick are expressing their deep disappointment with word the Higgs’ government will not be recognizing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a provincial holiday.
Teacher killed in Sask. murder-suicide was leaving abusive husband, family says
September 1, 2021
Della Duquette will never forget her younger sister’s dying words: “Go! Sis, it’s OK, I’m going to die.” It was an order for Duquette to run for her life, she said, as her sister’s estranged husband pointed a rifle at them Monday afternoon in a campground in Meadow Lake, Sask. Charlene’s estranged husband, Delane Graham, 34, from Thunderchild First Nation, south of Meadow Lake, had been living in the campground since the couple split about a month ago.
Tsuut’ina Nation leaders and Calgary businesses break ground on new retail development
September 1, 2021
Leaders of the Tsuut’ina Nation in southern Alberta and Calgary businesses have formally broken ground on Taza Park, a retail development on Tsuutin’a land. Auto dealerships will be the next tenants across the road from Costco which opened in fall of 2020.
Beloved Edmonton elder who dispensed ‘culture as medicine’ dies of COVID-19
September 1, 2021
An Edmonton elder and knowledge keeper dedicated to keeping Cree traditions alive for the next generation has died from complications of COVID-19.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/edmonton-elder-tootoosis-covid-death-1.6161081
Meet the Indigenous-Led Organizations Saving Lives in the Downtown Eastside
September 1, 2021
After a year and a half of COVID-19, increasingly toxic drugs and resurfaced trauma, Indigenous-led organizations in the Downtown Eastside say they need a healing centre to help people reconnect with their culture and heal from the intergenerational impacts of racist colonial policies.
https://thetyee.ca/News/2021/09/01/Indigenous-Led-Organizations-Saving-Lives-DTES/
How B.C.’s newest war in the woods shows the complex web of environmental politics
September 2, 2021
A little over a year ago, the first protesters arrived at the Fairy Creek watershed in southern Vancouver Island to stop logging in the old-growth forest. Today, the blockade — which could soon become the largest act of civil disobedience in Canadian history, by number of arrests — is representative of the complex way environmental issues could play out in the federal election.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/fairy-creek-blockade-election-1.6161196
Indigenous youth launch podcast tackling COVID myths and exploring current events
September 1, 2021
A new podcast by three Indigenous students tackles COVID-19 myths, explores current events and shares information about friendship centres — according to host Sherwin Strong.
https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/indigenous-youth-launch-podcast-tackling-022223979.html
Federal election Inuktitut service under scrutiny in Nunavut
September 1, 2021
Elections Canada expects to hire up to 300 people in total for advance and ordinary polls in every Nunavut community and another 30 to 40 employees in the returning office for the upcoming federal election.
https://www.nnsl.com/news/federal-election-inuktitut-service-under-scrutiny-in-nunavut/
Opioid overdose deaths in the Yukon on the rise
September 1, 2021
The Yukon is reporting alarming statistics regarding the territory’s opioid crisis. Yesterday Yukon’s chief coroner Heather Jones released a report stating there have been 14 overdose deaths in the territory since Jan. 1 of this year. The report notes that number is double the number of deaths that was reported at the end of April.
https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/opioid-overdose-deaths-in-the-yukon-on-the-rise/
Pauktuutit searching for seamstresses for Red Amauti project honouring MMIWG
September 1, 2021
Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada has launched a new project honouring Missing and Murdered Inuit women, girls and 2SLGBTQ+ people.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/pauktuutit-red-amauti-project-mmiwg-1.6161499
2021 Federal Election
Where the main party leaders are on Day 19 of the federal election campaign
September 2, 2021
Here’s what you need to know about where the leaders of Canada’s major political parties are on Day 19 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-19-1.6162045
How do the main parties compare on these issues?
September 1, 2021
Read the policies and promises of the six main parties on this election’s pressing issues. These will be updated as parties add to their platforms ahead of the Sept. 20 election.
https://newsinteractives.cbc.ca/elections/federal/2021/party-platforms/
Trudeau, O’Toole, Singh, Blanchet face-off in 1st debate of election 2021
September 2, 2021
Four leaders will face off tonight in the first televised debate of the federal election campaign. The French debate on TVA, one of Quebec’s most-watched networks, comes at the mid-point of the campaign and could prove crucial to the outcome on Sept. 20.
https://globalnews.ca/news/8161334/canada-election-2021-french-tva-debate/
Liberals unveil 2021 election platform, promising total of $78 billion for post-pandemic rebuild
September 1, 2021
The federal Liberals outlined their fully-costed plan to steer Canada out of the COVID-19 pandemic on Wednesday, promising new and extended support funding, and committing to tackle affordability and equality issues in their newly-released 2021 election platform.
O’Toole pledges high-speed internet for all, to drop Liberal infrastructure bank
September 1, 2021
Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole is promising to scrap the Liberal government’s infrastructure bank and ensure every Canadian has high-speed internet by 2025.
https://globalnews.ca/news/8159743/otoole-high-speed-internet-drop-liberal-infrastructure-bank/
O’Toole announces plan to get key infrastructure built
September 1, 2021
Today, the Hon. Erin O’Toole, Leader of Canada’s Conservatives, announced his plan to build key infrastructure to get the economy moving through Canada’s Recovery Plan.
NDP says it has a plan to fight ‘Trudeau’s housing crisis’, new homes on federal lands
September 2, 2021
Jagmeet Singh was in Montreal today, continuing to roll out his plan to fight Justin Trudeau’s housing crisis. Jagmeet committed to using available federal lands to build homes everyday people can afford.
‘Culture of coverup’: Trudeau faces pressure after Liberal MP accused of misconduct
September 1, 2021
Justin Trudeau came under fresh pressure on Wednesday over his handling of harassment complaints against a Liberal candidate. The Conservative and NDP leaders both accused Trudeau of failing to take complaints against Liberal candidate Raj Saini, who is seeking re-election for the third time, seriously enough.
https://globalnews.ca/news/8159747/liberal-candidate-raj-saini-misconduct-allegations/
Trudeau called ‘unnecessary election,’ Premier Ford says
September 1, 2021
Justin Trudeau’s Liberals called an “unnecessary election” instead of working on a national vaccine passport, Ontario Premier Doug Ford says. Although the provincial leader had been staying out of the federal campaign, his comments Wednesday echoed the criticisms of Trudeau’s political competitors.
https://torontosun.com/news/election-2021/trudeau-called-unnecessary-election-premier-ford-says
Protests dogging Trudeau on the campaign trail are being loosely organized online
September 2, 2021
It’s something almost as old as elections themselves. Demonstrators show up at political leaders election campaign events, chanting and holding signs. Often, the protests are organized by existing interest groups or political opponents. While they make a lot of noise, they are predictable.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/trudeau-protests-covid-election-1.6161679
Stumping and bumping: Life on the campaign trail for the federal leaders
September 2, 2021
Federal leaders have been on the road since mid-August, when the 36-day election campaign began. With the first half of the campaign over, here’s a look back at the party leaders as they toured Canadian cities, meeting people from all walks of life.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/federal-election-campaign-trail-scroller-1.6156301
Fact check: Can the federal deficit be eliminated in 10 years without cuts?
September 1, 2021
The federal government is running a large budget deficit — according to recent projections from the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO), it’s on track to spend about $138.2 billion more than it’s taking in this year. That’s compared to a $334.7 billion deficit in 2020-21. The reason for these big deficits is primarily increased spending and other effects on the economy relating to the COVID-19 pandemic.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/fact-check-federal-deficit-10-years-1.6161658
Shrinking economy bad news for both Liberals and Conservatives: Nanos
September 1, 2021
As affordability becomes a key topic during the federal election campaign for all major parties, the news that the Canadian economy contracted in the second quarter is bad for both the Liberals and the Conservatives, according to pollster Nik Nanos.
Measures in federal party platforms ‘not enough’ to curb GTA’s soaring housing prices, expert warns
September 2, 2021
With the release of the Liberal Party’s election platform on Wednesday, all three of the country’s major parties have set out their key promises to Canadians, and housing affordability has emerged as a key theme across all of them.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ndp-liberals-election-platforms-toronto-ontario-1.6161531
Elections commissioner clears Freeland on tweets labelled ‘manipulated media’ by Twitter
September 1, 2021
Canada’s elections commissioner has cleared incumbent Liberal candidate Chrystia Freeland over her campaign tweets targeting Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole that were later labelled “manipulated media” by Twitter.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/election-freeland-clear-1.6162063
How to vote at any Elections Canada office in the country
September 1, 2021
Canadians don’t have to wait until election day or advance polls to vote in the federal election. If you’re away from your home riding during the campaign and don’t want to vote by mail, you can cast a special ballot at any Elections Canada office. But there’s a deadline to do so.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/ask-voting-elections-canada-office-1.6160627
Several Indigenous candidates vying for Saskatchewan’s seats in Parliament
September 1, 2021
Here’s a look at some of the Indigenous candidates in Saskatchewan running in the federal election. All running for the New Democratic Party are Tria Donaldson in Regina-Lewvan; Harmonie King in Desnesthe-Missinippi-Churchill River; Halsten Rust in Yorkton-Melville; and former Métis Nation-Saskatchewan president Robert Doucette in Saskatoon West.
Conservatives promise to crack down on puppy mills, strengthen animal protections
September 1, 2021
Ian Symington, the federal Conservative candidate for Sudbury, hailed the announcement by party leader Erin O’Toole this week that a Tory government would strengthen protections for pets and those who care for them.
Meet the N.W.T. candidates: NDP’s Kelvin Kotchilea to focus on ‘meaningful employment’ if elected
September 1, 2021
The New Democratic Party’s candidate for N.W.T., Kelvin Kotchilea, 30, who is originally from Behchokǫ̀, holds two post-secondary diplomas — one in business administration and one in environment and natural resources.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/kelvin-kotchilea-ndp-candidate-federal-election-2021-1.6160993
We must keep our promises for the future during Parry Sound-Muskoka’s election
September 2, 2021
I made childhood promises to my best friend, to my teammates and to my high school sweetheart. We all make promises, but can we keep them? As Canadian citizens, we have vested interest in the past, how it carves the present and impacts our future. As the federal election looms, First Nations, Métis and Inuit, 11 million and counting, watch and wait. Watching the promises. Waiting to vote.
Candidates take aim at Quebec’s largest riding
September 1, 2021
It’s Quebec’s largest riding, one that’s nearly the size of Pakistan, stretching from Val d’Or in the south to the Hudson Strait in the north.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/abitibi-baie-james-nunavik-eeyou-candidates-1.6150429
