
First Nations call for Ontario environment minister to resign for trying to stop clean water bill
The province gave cabinet the power to suspend provincial and municipal laws through the creation of so-called 'special economic zones' that First Nations say ignore their treaty rights. The province intends to name the mineral-rich Ring of Fire in northern Ontario as the first such zone.
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Debassige and several dozen First Nation chiefs met with Premier Doug Ford a few weeks ago to discuss Bill 5. Ford had said the day before that First Nations should stop coming to him 'hat in hand' if they don't get on board with Bill 5.
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He then apologized to Debassige and those chiefs in a private meeting before repeating it at a news conference on live television.
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Debassige and the chiefs accepted that apology and agreed to move forward with extensive consultations on the new law.
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Debassige said Ford told them that day he was in full support of clean drinking water for all Ontario First Nations and was going to figure out a way to help. That issue is a federal one, though Ford hinted on radio recently the province might step up if the federal government does not.
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'Everyone deserves fresh drinking water,' Ford said of First Nations on NewsTalk 1010.
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Debassige still takes the premier's word and believes McCarthy had gone 'rogue.'
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'To hear directly from the premier that he is in full support and then have one of his ministers turn around and ask the prime minister of Canada to essentially decommit in introducing C-61 is a complete show of disrespect, a show of incompetence and he's a loose cannon in my view,' said Debassige.
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Ontario passed the Clean Water Act in 2006, which ensures the protection of municipal drinking water systems. That came in response to the deadly E. coli outbreak in Walkerton, Ont., that killed seven people and made more than 2,000 people sick.
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But that Ontario bill does not extend to First Nations in the province because of jurisdictional issues.
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The federal clean water bill is part of a court-ordered settlement over a class-action lawsuit First Nations won against Ottawa over this very issue.
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Debassige helped draft that legislation, saying it was historic in many ways, including the fact the federal government worked with First Nations to write it.
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'The process we went through and we were able to negotiate was a testament to the government's commitment to reconciliation,' she said.
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'This is not reconciliation. I know the premier's office is very aware of our position and our response to these idiotic comments.'
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The Ford government has been taking pains to assuage First Nations' concerns over Bill 5 in the last month, pledging extensive consultations and a say in how related regulations are drafted.
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Neskantaga First Nation in northern Ontario has lived under a boil-water advisory for more than 30 years. The community says the water gives them lesions, eczema and a host of other skin issues if they shower or bathe in it. It leads to gastrointestinal issues if they drink from the taps and about half of the community has never lived at a time when the water was safe to drink.
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Global News
an hour ago
- Global News
Ford claims asylum seekers wait 2 years for work permits. Feds say it's actually 45 days
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Cision Canada
an hour ago
- Cision Canada
Flying Dust First Nation and Canada reach settlement agreement Français
FLYING DUST FIRST NATION, TREATY 6 TERRITORY, SK, July 25, 2025 /CNW/ - Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada and Flying Dust First Nation Today, Chief Tyson Bear of Flying Dust First Nation and the Honourable Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, announced a settlement agreement to resolve a land-related claim between Canada and the First Nation. Canada will provide more than $55 million in compensation to the Flying Dust First Nation for the improper transfer of 214.81 acres of treaty land in 1932 to the Canadian Pacific Railway which denied the First Nation its use for generations. Since then, about 200.8 acres have been returned, including two pieces of land held by Canada for a Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) detachment. The RCMP and the First Nation signed a lease, and on November 7, 2024, the land was formally transferred back to reserve status. The remaining land, once owned by the railway company, was remediated through cooperation between Canada, the Canadian National Railway (successor to the Canadian Pacific Railway) and the community. As part of the agreement, the First Nation may also add nearly 14 acres to its reserve through Canada's Additions to Reserve process. The Flying Dust First Nation has always recognized the Railway lands as reserve land. The story of how it it was expropriated in the early 1930s is part of the oral history of leadership. The story of the land has been passed down the years to ensure the people didn't forget. From Chief to Chief, from Council to Council, the Flying Dust First Nation always committed to have the railway lands returned home. A plan was made in 1992 when Chief Richard Gladue placed a caveat on the lands and launched the lawsuit. In the 30 years that followed, every Chief and Council joined the team and pushed the file forward. The most recent leadership team, Chief Tyson Bear, Council Calvin Bear, Marie Gladue, Nick Derocher, Charmaine Mirasty, were the ones who got to see the claim to its fruition. The vision of reacquiring the Railway Lands has always been seen as a certainty. As such, plans for development of the property has been ongoing for almost 20 years. Flying Dust has always had a vision of what the land could be and what it would mean for the people of Flying Dust, Meadow Lake and the surrounding communities. Settlements like this provide funding that First Nations can use to buy land and create new opportunities for their communities and economies. Settling specific claims is one way Canada is working to rebuild trust and strengthen its relationships with First Nations. By providing fair compensation when promises haven't been kept, Canada is taking responsibility for the past and working toward a more respectful future. These efforts are guided by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. Quotes "This settlement is a step toward reconciliation. A good example of Canada righting the wrongs made so many years ago, proving that this government is moving in the right direction in true Nation to Nation relationship building. The Railway Claim settlement opens the doors for Flying Dust and paves the way for economic prosperity and ensures the financial well-being of Flying Dust and generations to come." Tyson Bear Chief of Flying Dust First Nation "In order to build a better, more equitable future, we need to work together. The resolution of this claim marks a meaningful step forward in Canada's relationship with the people of Flying Dust First Nation. This long-overdue compensation recognizes past wrongs and supports the Nation's efforts to create lasting opportunities for future generations." The Honourable Rebecca Alty Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations "This long overdue settlement is about respect, recognition, and reconciliation, and about building a renewed partnership between Flying Dust First Nation and Canada. Flying Dust First Nation never stopped fighting to see this land returned, and I want to congratulate Chief Tyson Bear and his community for their perseverance and leadership in addressing this historic wrong." Buckley Belanger Secretary of State (Rural Development) Quick facts Flying Dust First Nation is a Cree reserve located in northwestern Saskatchewan, located adjacent to the city of Meadow Lake. With 2674 members (646 living on-reserve and 2028 living off-reserve) the community has developed a reputation as a strong, progressive community. Flying Dust First Nation adhered to Treaty 6, which was signed by Crown representatives and Cree, Assiniboine, and Ojibwe leaders on August 23, 1876 at Fort Carleton, Saskatchewan, and on September 9, 1876 at Fort Pitt, Saskatchewan. The Treaty boundaries extend across central portions of present-day Albert and Saskatchewan. Railway construction began in 1930. The line was fully operational by 1932. Over time, the railway lands included a passenger station, up to eight grain elevators, two fuel depots, a stockyard, creamery, fish plant and planer mill. In the 1970s, CPR started to sell some of the commercial lots. In 1978, Canada purchased two of the lots to build an RCMP detachment. CN purchased the remaining lots in 2006. By 2009, all railway operations had stopped. The tracks were removed in 2014. Starting in 2011, Canada began working with Flying Dust and CN to remediate the land so that it could be transferred back to reserve status. Specific claims deal with past wrongs against First Nations. These claims (made by First Nations against the Government of Canada) relate to the administration of land and other First Nation assets and to the fulfilment of historic treaties and other agreements. Claims are addressed through an alternative dispute-resolution process under the Specific Claims Policy, and, since 2009, the Specific Claims Tribunal Act. Over the past five years (April 1, 2020 to May 31, 2025), 229 claims have been resolved for nearly $15.1 billion in compensation. Flying Dust First Nation Specific Claims Stay connected Join the conversation about Indigenous Peoples in Canada: SOURCE Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada


Global News
4 hours ago
- Global News
Ford acknowledges water bomber pilot shortage, launches request for national fire plan
Premier Doug Ford has acknowledged that his province has a shortage of pilots trained in the difficult task of flying water bombers over forest fires, as blazes continue to rage across northern Ontario. Earlier in the season, the union representing front-line firefighters said planes in the province were grounded because Ontario didn't have enough pilots to fly the water bombers it currently owns. It's a claim the Ministry of Natural Resources confirmed to Global News, although it did not say exactly how many planes are grounded or how often. On Tuesday, at a meeting of the nation's leaders in Muskoka, Ont., Ford said there were pilots in the province, but suggested they don't have the training to fight fires. 'We have lots of pilots, but you have to also understand you can't just have any pilot with these water bombers,' he said. Story continues below advertisement 'And then we have the helicopters, too, that carry an enormous amount of water as well. So I think it's all hands on deck as well.' The Ford government has said it is ordering new water bombers, but the premier complained they take up to four years to build. Ford, as the chair of the Council of the Federation, is leading a push from the country's premiers to have the federal government take on a bigger role in fighting fires. 'What happens every single year, and we know what's going to happen, there's wildfires right across the country,' Ford added on Tuesday. 'We need a national program that we can call on for resources.' Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy That request is being floated for the first time this year during a potentially record-breaking summer for the country, where more than five million hectares of land have already burned. Story continues below advertisement At the close of the second day of a leaders' summit in Huntsville, Ont., this week, Canada's premiers agreed to a joint statement requesting that the federal government provide 'adequate and flexible federal funding' for emergencies. The request was also made for help in creating national standards and co-ordinating during emergencies. The plan is one that New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt said was talked about for the first time this week. 'That's a new one that we started discussing in light of the fires that are being experienced across a lot of provinces,' she said on Tuesday. 'So we started the conversation on what provinces need to be able to respond as quickly as possible and what level of communication is helpful, and what level isn't.' Wildfires have devastated the northern reaches of provinces across Canada this year. Figures last week showed more than 5.5 million hectares had burned since January, more than double the 10-year average of 2.12 million. In Manitoba, roughly 5,000 residents were evacuated from Flin Flon because of wildfires earlier this year. Twelve months ago, in Alberta's Jasper, 25,000 people were forced to flee two massive fires that ripped through the heart of the mountain community. Story continues below advertisement Ontario has evacuated at least 650 people from its northern communities in July alone. Exactly what federal support would look like remains to be seen. British Columbia Premier David Eby said he was a 'cautious supporter' of the idea and would be supportive if the federal government could help to standardize systems to make it easier for different fire services to come together. 'The caution that we have is the closer you get to the ground, the more effective the fire service is, in my experience,' he said. 'There is a potential role for the federal government, but I want to make sure it adds and doesn't create bureaucracy or delay.' View image in full screen Ontario Premier Doug Ford, left, and Quebec Premier Francois Legault listen to questions from the media during the 2025 summer meetings of Canada's Premiers at Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville, Ont., on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette Back in Ontario, however, opponents of the Ford government say it has failed to invest in the program and stress federal support is no substitute for a well-run local program. Story continues below advertisement 'Every part of the country, every part of the world has different kinds of fires, depending on what kind of wood is there,' NDP MPP Lise Vaugeois said. 'Whether we're talking about bogs or peatlands or boreal forests or old-growth forests in British Columbia, they all burn differently.' — with files from Global News' Ari Rabinovitch