Latest news with #FirstNations
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Concern, optimism in N.W.T. at prospect of quicker development with new federal law
A controversial federal bill to fast-track "nation-building" projects has been passed into law and while some northern leaders welcome the opportunity to build, others are more skeptical. The Senate passed Bill C-5, the One Canadian Economy Act, on Thursday afternoon, allowing the federal government to streamline approval processes for some projects and bypass provisions criticized for hindering timely approvals. But some have expressed worry that the new legislation will override consultation with First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities and ignore their right to free prior and informed consent as defined by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). N.W.T. Sen. Dawn Anderson said the act has sparked concern over Canada's commitment to reconciliation. "The process for consultation does not appear to be substantive in any way, which calls into question the commitment to the [UNDRIP] legislation and Canada's commitment to Indigenous peoples in Canada," she said, speaking with CBC News before the bill passed. "It erodes trust and relationships between Canada and Inuit and First Nations and Métis people." Prime Minister Mark Carney has listed the Grays Bay Road and Port Project as one project he'd like to see approved quickly. The project would see the construction of a 230-kilometre all-weather road that stretches from ice roads in Yellowknife all the way to the Arctic ocean, linking Nunavut to the N.W.T.'s road system. Earl Evans, chair of Beverly and Qamanirjuaq Caribou Management Board, said there's not enough information about how the road would affect caribou migration, and worries about speeding the approvals process before they know more. "We're going to have to be very vigilant in how this is done and make sure our input is taken seriously — because caribou is life for the people up here," Evans said. He recognized the potential economic benefits of the project, and the need for jobs in the region and across the country, but said the stakes of interfering with caribou are high. The Mackenzie Valley Review Board has been travelling to communities to collect feedback on the project. Evans said he does feel his concerns are being taken seriously. "But at the same time, when the federal government wants a project done, it gets done," he said. Meanwhile, at an Arctic development conference in Inuvik, N.W.T., earlier this month, Caroline Wawzonek, the territory's minister responsible for strategic infrastructure, energy and supply chains, spoke to the importance of advocating for federal investment. She didn't mention Bill C-5 but spoke to the importance of all levels of government working together "at speeds and with levels of partnership we haven't seen before." She said that development must include traditional knowledge, and that it's not a "nice-to-have," but an essential. "The homes, the health centres, the schools, the roads that link us, and the energy that powers us — as well as our collaborative and co-management systems of governance — this is what makes our communities sustainable, sovereign, and secure," Wawzonek said.
Hamilton Spectator
3 hours ago
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
First Nations say Alberta data centre approach won't attract big tech players
CALGARY - The chiefs of four First Nations in Alberta say they're eager to take part in the province's nascent data centre industry, but argue the province is taking the wrong approach to attract large-scale tech players. The chiefs of the Alexander First Nation, Paul First Nation, Enoch Cree Nation and Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation outlined their concerns this week in an open letter to Premier Danielle Smith and members of her government. 'There are shovel-ready proposals backed by major industry players aligned with government objectives that will be left stranded without a change in proposed policy,' the chiefs wrote. 'Alberta should be a premier destination for hyperscale data centre investment. But strengths only matter if we act on them. Right now, Alberta's ability to execute and deliver on its promise is in question.' Data centres are huge facilities housing the computing firepower needed for artificial intelligence and other applications. It can take an enormous amount of power to run and cool them. The chiefs say the amount of power the Alberta Electric System Operator has allotted to new projects falls short. The Alberta Electric System Operator said earlier this month that it has received requests from 29 proposed data centre projects representing more than 16,000 megawatts — more than 11 times the City of Edmonton's load. It said it will allow the connection of up to 1,200 megawatts of large load projects between now and 2028. 'Alberta has never seen this level and volume of load connection requests,' said AESO CEO Aaron Engen. 'As the system operator, we are responsible for ensuring that new project connections do not compromise grid reliability. Because connecting all large loads seeking access would impair grid reliability, we established a limit that preserves system integrity while enabling timely data centre development in Alberta.' The Alberta government has set a goal of attracting $100 billion in data centre investment over five years. But the chiefs wrote that the limit sends the wrong signal to tech powerhouses like Meta and Amazon. 'The hyperscalers 'don't build small.' They think in gigawatts, because their global operations require that scale,' they wrote. 'Under the current proposal, not even one such flagship project may be fully realized here without years of delay, since 1,200 megawatts total divided among many projects signals that Alberta isn't prepared to accommodate a true hyperscaler's needs. 'This sends an unintended but clear message to investors that Alberta's actions do not match its ambitions.' The Alberta government supports the 'balanced approach' the AESO is taking, said the press secretary for Affordability and Utilities Minister Nathan Neudorf. 'Alberta aims to be the destination of choice for AI data centres in North America,' Ashli Barrett said in a written statement. 'At the same time, our government will always put the well-being of Albertans first and ensure data centre projects will not compromise the affordability or reliability of the electricity that millions of Albertans, First Nations, and our local industries depend on.' Barrett added the 1,200-megawatt limit is short-term and should not be thought of as a cap. 'It will enable data centre projects in advanced stages of planning and development to get started, while government works to develop a long-term framework for data centres, which will provide additional pathways for data centres projects to meet their power needs, including encouraging them to bring their own power.' Chief Tony Alexis of the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation northwest of Edmonton said his community is looking at taking an equity stake in a project, and discussions are in the early stages. He said First Nations want more than to be consulted — they are ready to invest. 'Our nations have been growing. We've got young populations and this industry can bring some real training, some jobs, some long-term prosperity for our community,' Alexis said in an interview. 'Alberta is aiming for a championship-level digital economy. We just need the stadium doors open wide enough so that the star players can participate and everyone wins.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 27, 2025.
Winnipeg Free Press
4 hours ago
- General
- Winnipeg Free Press
Sponsored Content FPDI drone pilot program
When Corbin Spence-Hart's boss approached him earlier this year to see if he would be interested in taking part in a training program to become a licensed drone pilot he immediately said yes. Spence-Hart works as a First Nations safety officer in Nelson House, part of Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation in northern Manitoba. He viewed the opportunity to become an accredited drone pilot as a chance to do more to help people in his community including assisting on search and rescue missions and helping deal with the wildfires that have plagued the region of late. In April, he was part of the first cohort of 15 students to graduate from the Advanced Drone Accreditation Training program offered through First People's Development Inc. (FPDI), a non-profit organization that facilitates partnerships designed to develop and deliver training- to-employment programs to meet labour market needs. The pilot program was developed in conjunction with Saskatchewan Polytechnic and its Centre for Continuing Education's training solutions department. Instruction was provided by Transport Canada-certified instructors from Queen City Drone, a Regina-based company that has trained hundreds of drone pilots in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Evan Colgan, supervisor of FPDI's robotics and drones department, says the organization offered a couple of previous drone courses that were extremely popular with young learners and felt it was time to provide something a little more advanced to help meet a growing demand for trained drone pilots. 'We thought we needed to get others accredited so that First Nations communities can utilize this new technology because its growing and there's so many regulations that you need to know,' he says. 'This class is kind of perfect, especially for those communities that may not get this kind of chance otherwise.' Students received about 20 hours of classroom instruction as well as hands-on training as part of the Advanced Drone Accreditation Training program. Classroom instruction was provided in FPDI's offices on Mountain Avenue while flight training took place in a park space the organization reserved for test flights. The three-day program covers a wide range of topics including: a thorough understanding of Canadian Aviation regulations governing the use of drones; how to pilot a variety of different drones; how to read flight charts; and how to communicate with air traffic controllers. The final day includes a written test and a flight review which students must pass before receiving their pilot's license. The program is free of charge and is open to any First Nations person who resides in Manitoba. 'We really wanted to make it accessible to our First Nations which is why we offer the free tuition,' Colgan says. 'We really just wanted to make sure that we give as many people a chance as possible to help out their community.' Spence-Hart says one of his favourite parts of the program was having an opportunity to test fly some of the latest state-of-the-art drones including those used by law enforcement and firefighters. He also appreciated the fact that the instructors did a good job of explaining all the rules and regulations in easy to understand terms. 'They did an excellent job. They really helped us with some of the more confusing (topics),' he says. Queen City Drone owner Ryan Beston conducted both the classroom and hands-on instruction for the program's first session. He was impressed with the enthusiasm of the students and their genuine desire to learn. 'One of the guys in the class was actually the fire chief of his (community). He went up afterwards to a Sask Polytech staff member after we were done and said: 'When I came into this class I knew zero about drones or anything remote controlled. Now I'm 100 per cent sure I can do great with this',' Beston recalls. Gerry Youzwa, director of training solutions for Saskatchewan Polytech, says teaming up with FPDI to offer drone accreditation training was a natural fit for the institution since a big part of its mandate is to partner with industry to design custom training programs that address specific skills gaps in the labour market. 'Obviously our goal (with the program) was to provide Indigenous participants hands-on training in drone technology,' she says. 'Those types of skills are really in high demand and can help people manage emergency response plans and really map out the topical aerial view of different land masses that are being impacted.' A second session of the program is scheduled to run July 28 to 30 and will be open to 15 students. Future sessions will depend on demand from First Nations communities and FPDI may consider expanding it to include other provinces if there is enough interest. 'It's loads of fun and I hope more people join it,' Colgan says.
CTV News
7 hours ago
- Sport
- CTV News
Province signs World Cup agreement with 3 host First Nations
Vancouver Watch Vancouver and the province have inked a deal with the three host First Nations to ensure the FIFA World Cup games provide a lasting legacy.
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Concern, optimism in N.W.T. at prospect of quicker development with new federal law
A controversial federal bill to fast-track "nation-building" projects has been passed into law and while some northern leaders welcome the opportunity to build, others are more skeptical. The Senate passed Bill C-5, the One Canadian Economy Act, on Thursday afternoon, allowing the federal government to streamline approval processes for some projects and bypass provisions criticized for hindering timely approvals. But some have expressed worry that the new legislation will override consultation with First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities and ignore their right to free prior and informed consent as defined by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). N.W.T. Sen. Dawn Anderson said the act has sparked concern over Canada's commitment to reconciliation. "The process for consultation does not appear to be substantive in any way, which calls into question the commitment to the [UNDRIP] legislation and Canada's commitment to Indigenous peoples in Canada," she said, speaking with CBC News before the bill passed. "It erodes trust and relationships between Canada and Inuit and First Nations and Métis people." Prime Minister Mark Carney has listed the Grays Bay Road and Port Project as one project he'd like to see approved quickly. The project would see the construction of a 230-kilometre all-weather road that stretches from ice roads in Yellowknife all the way to the Arctic ocean, linking Nunavut to the N.W.T.'s road system. Earl Evans, chair of Beverly and Qamanirjuaq Caribou Management Board, said there's not enough information about how the road would affect caribou migration, and worries about speeding the approvals process before they know more. "We're going to have to be very vigilant in how this is done and make sure our input is taken seriously — because caribou is life for the people up here," Evans said. He recognized the potential economic benefits of the project, and the need for jobs in the region and across the country, but said the stakes of interfering with caribou are high. The Mackenzie Valley Review Board has been travelling to communities to collect feedback on the project. Evans said he does feel his concerns are being taken seriously. "But at the same time, when the federal government wants a project done, it gets done," he said. Meanwhile, at an Arctic development conference in Inuvik, N.W.T., earlier this month, Caroline Wawzonek, the territory's minister responsible for strategic infrastructure, energy and supply chains, spoke to the importance of advocating for federal investment. She didn't mention Bill C-5 but spoke to the importance of all levels of government working together "at speeds and with levels of partnership we haven't seen before." She said that development must include traditional knowledge, and that it's not a "nice-to-have," but an essential. "The homes, the health centres, the schools, the roads that link us, and the energy that powers us — as well as our collaborative and co-management systems of governance — this is what makes our communities sustainable, sovereign, and secure," Wawzonek said.
