Alberta judge rejects robber's Indigenous identity claims, proposes test for deciding who should and shouldn't get Gladue reports
An Alberta judge is proposing new guidelines for how courts handle people who say they are Indigenous during sentencing hearings, but don't have proof to back up their claims.
Last month, Justice Jordan Stuffco of the Alberta Court of Justice sentenced Jonathan Anthony Ninan to 33 months in prison for robbing a Leduc sports bar, after Ninan admitted to pointing a replica firearm at the bar's lone female employee and making off with $12,000 cash.
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Edmonton Journal
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Alberta RCMP seize cocaine, methamphetamine and oxycodone in Edmonton area
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CBC
3 days ago
- CBC
First Nation man shot and killed by police 1 year after father's death in police shooting
Just over a year after his father was shot and killed by a police officer in Kenora, Ont., Eric Nothing's family has identified him as the victim of a police shooting in Deer Lake First Nation that occurred earlier this week. Ontario's police watchdog is investigating the incident, which took place in the remote Oji-Cree community in northwestern Ontario Tuesday afternoon. The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) says officers with the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS) went to a residence in Deer Lake around 1:30 p.m. local time that day with a warrant to arrest a man, who then fled from the house. "There was an interaction, and one NAPS officer discharged his firearm at the man. Officers provided first aid and the man was taken to a nursing station where he was pronounced deceased," the SIU said in a news release issued Wednesday. Nothing's uncle, Joshua Frogg, described his nephew as a hard worker and a good person. During the community's recent evacuation due to a nearby wildfire, Nothing stayed behind to help with building maintenance and look after people's pets. "He volunteered to help in any crisis situation," Joshua Frogg told CBC News in an interview Thursday. "He was a very caring individual." About 1,100 people live in Deer Lake, which is about 580 kilometres northwest of Thunder Bay. Earlier this month, the SIU cleared a Kenora officer with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) of any wrongdoing in connection with the death of Bruce Wallace Frogg — Nothing's father — at Anicinabe Park in June 2024. In that case, Nishnawbe Aski Nation — which represents 49 First Nations across Treaties 9 and 5 — described the investigation as "severely flawed." "We reject the conclusion that the officers' actions were reasonable and justified," Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler said in a statement. I hate to say this, but it's just the reality for us as a family and maybe as Indigenous peoples, that the system is designed to fail us. The SIU is an independent government agency that investigates the conduct of police that may have resulted in death, serious injury, sexual assault or the discharge of a firearm at a person. The agency says two investigators and one forensic investigator have been assigned to the Deer Lake case, as well as one subject official and one witness official. "I have nothing good to say about the SIU," Joshua Frogg said. "We have no trust in them." While the SIU initially identified Nothing as a 45-year-old man, spokesperson Kristy Denette confirmed to CBC News that he was in fact 40, and that the information initially received by the agency was incorrect. According to Denette, "the arrest warrant was in relation to assault." However, the family's experience with Bruce Wallace Frogg's investigation has made them leery of how the agency may handle Nothing's case, said Joshua Frogg. "I hate to say this, but it's just the reality for us as a family and maybe as Indigenous peoples, that the system is designed to fail us," Joshua Frogg said. "There is no justice." Wapekeka, Deer Lake First Nations in mourning In a news release issued Wednesday evening, the OPP Northwest Region said that "at the request of the NAPS, the OPP is investigating the circumstances leading up to NAPS attendance as well as the immediate situation at the scene as officers arrived." "The OPP investigation is separate from that of the SIU, which is investigating the police-involved interaction," the OPP says. Joshua Frogg said Nothing grew up in Wapekeka First Nation and moved to Deer Lake when he got married. He called his nephew an intergenerational residential school survivor, and said he was affected by the experiences of his father, grandmother and other relatives who were forced to attend residential schools. From celebrations to funerals, Joshua Frogg said Nothing was always involved in the community, and that Deer Lake and Wapekeka are grieving him together. As the SIU investigation unfolds, Joshua Frogg said he wants a separate agency to look into Nothing's death that is not staffed by former police officers. "[The police are] basically investigating themselves, and that is not a good thing in our view," he said. Jeremy Sawanis, a band councillor for Deer Lake, posted on Facebook that a prayer service was being held Wednesday in Nothing's honour. "Chief and council would like to express our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of late Eric Nothing," Sawanis wrote. In the meantime, Joshua Frogg said the family is focusing on laying Nothing to rest and taking care of his wife and children. The OPP is asking anyone with information or video footage — including surveillance, dash cam, cell phone and social media — taken near the intersection of Police Station Road and Water Treatment Road in Deer Lake on Tuesday between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m., to contact the service at 1-888-310-1122. People can also submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or
CTV News
3 days ago
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Anne Burrell died by suicide, medical examiner finds
Anne Burrell is pictured in New York City in 2022. The popular Food Network star and celebrity chef's death has been ruled a suicide, according to authorities. (via CNN Newsource) Popular Food Network star and celebrity chef Anne Burrell's death has been ruled a suicide, according to authorities. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in New York City confirmed to CNN on Thursday that Burrell died by suicide and that her cause of death is acute intoxication due to the combined effects of diphenhydramine, ethanol, cetirizine and amphetamine. Burrell, a chef and beloved fixture on the Food Network, died last month at her home in New York. She was 55. A spokesperson for the New York Police Department told CNN at the time that officers responded to Burrell's home in Brooklyn, where they 'observed a 55-year-old female unconscious and unresponsive.' 'EMS responded and pronounced the female deceased at the scene,' police said. In a statement provided by the Food Network at the time, Burrell's family said that her 'light radiated far beyond those she knew, touching millions across the world.' 'Though she is no longer with us, her warmth, spirit, and boundless love remain eternal,' their statement added. A Food Network spokesperson added: 'Anne was a remarkable person and culinary talent – teaching, competing and always sharing the importance of food in her life and the joy that a delicious meal can bring. Our thoughts are with Anne's family, friends and fans during this time of tremendous loss.' Burrell had a storied history as a television personality and chef but was best known as one of the Food Network's most popular stars, appearing in several of the network's series including 'Worst Cooks in America,' 'Iron Chef America,' 'Chef Wanted with Anne Burell' and 'The Best Thing I Ever Ate,' among many others, over the years. This is a developing story. Alli Rosenbloom, CNN If you or someone you know is in crisis, here are some resources that are available. Canada Suicide Crisis Helpline (Call or text 988) Crisis Services Canada (1-833-456-4566 or text 45645) Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868) Hope for Wellness Helpline (1-855-242-3310) for Indigenous people across Canada If you need immediate assistance, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital.
