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Yahoo
5 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Paul John Murdoch elected new grand chief of Eeyou Istchee
Paul John Murdoch has been elected grand chief of Eeyou Istchee, securing more than half the vote in a decisive win over two other candidates on Thursday. A Cree lawyer from Wemindji and Waskaganish, Que., Murdoch is stepping away from private practice to take on the Grand Council's top leadership role. Official results from the election show Murdoch with 2,291 votes (52 per cent), defeating Norman A. Wapachee, the interim grand chief who earned 1,746 votes (39 per cent), and John Kitchen who received 410 votes (9 per cent). Central to Murdoch's platform are housing reform, investments in justice and prevention programs, and a commitment to uniting the Cree Nation's leadership. He replaces Mandy Gull-Masty, who resigned in May to become Canada's minister of Indigenous Services. "My priority from day one is going to be empowering the council, making sure everybody feels a part of leadership, and unite with all of the chiefs of the communities," said Murdoch. Murdoch says regular in-person meetings have already been set up with the grand council of the Crees. "Anything great the Cree Nation has ever achieved, it was always during the state of unity," said Murdoch. Murdoch called it a "friendly" election campaign and said he has a lot of respect for fellow candidates Wapachee and Kitchen. Housing has been a major issue discussed at general assemblies, according to Murdoch, and it has been a persistent struggle in every community for years. He says it will be another major priority for him, and that they have the tools to address the issue. "The Cree Nation government can do more to support a private housing sector which would take pressure off of social housing," said Murdoch, adding that they can also develop more social housing. Another priority for Murdoch is to better support the justice system, policing, and prevention programs. "We gave the bands the power to adopt laws, to ensure peace and order in their communities, but we didn't give them the ability to enforce those laws," said Murdoch Murdoch refers to the federal Cree-Naskapi (of Quebec) Act, passed in 1984, which establishes local self-government for the Cree and Naskapi First Nations in northern Quebec. "There are relatively simple things that we can do to empower communities so that they can adopt laws and policies to implement them, make sure that it is a reflection of what they want," said Murdoch. Murdoch hopes to build relationships with fellow members of the Cree Nation Government before tackling important files with the federal government, like Bill C-5. For Murdoch, this election is only the beginning. he says that he's not afraid to have hard conversations in the sprit of connecting and understanding one another. "I find it rare these days that people are encouraged to get a little uncomfortable having a conversation you might not normally have with somebody else," he said. As a former lawyer, Murdoch traveled over 100,000 kilometres to visit Cree communities. Although he struggled to find time for discussions during his trips, he found it especially meaningful to engage with people during the election campaign. "That's the only way we're going to build bridges between communities or people who are so different from one another," said Murdoch. The race for deputy grand chief is still ongoing, featuring Linden Spencer from Eastmain and John Henry Wapachee from Waswanipi. In the first round, Spencer received 2,126 votes, accounting for 47 per cent of the total, while Wapachee followed with 1,432 votes, representing 32 per cent. Voting for the run-off will begin on July 26, with the election scheduled for Aug. 1.
Hamilton Spectator
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Ford promises mining projects won't proceed without First Nations consultation after backlash
After meeting with 39 Anishinabek Nation chiefs, Ontario Premier Doug Ford reversed his position and pledged that no mining or development projects in First Nations communities — including in the Ring of Fire — will move forward without their consultation. The meeting follows weeks of growing resistance to Bill 5 , with First Nations leaders saying it was passed without meaningful consultation and warning the law violates treaty rights. Some have signalled potential blockades of roads, railways and mining sites if the province proceeds. Ford had warned such actions would not be 'wise,' saying, 'They need to move on or they'll be dealt with appropriately,' but following his meeting, his tone shifted significantly. In a joint press conference on Thursday with First Nations leaders, Ford said the meeting with the chiefs was 'productive' and added that critical mineral development — a key part of Ontario's economic strategy — cannot happen without partnership with Indigenous communities. 'Nothing moves without First Nations consultation — respecting the duty to consult and making sure we work together,' Ford said. 'We're going to get through this, and we're going to have a great collaboration.' First Nations leaders who attended the meeting said the premier's apology was welcome, but did not change their position. 'Our nations remain opposed to Bill 5,' said Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige of the Anishinabek Nation. 'This was not a consultation — it was our first conversation.' Ford also intends to visit First Nations communities to hear their needs directly — whether related to water, long-term care, or infrastructure. 'When First Nations prosper, Ontario prospers,' he said. 'And when Ontario prospers, Canada prospers.' Ford also apologized for remarks he made on Wednesday, when he said First Nations were coming 'hat-in-hand' for money from his government while rejecting resource development. At the heart of the legislation is a provision that allows the provincial cabinet to create 'special economic zones,' where selected projects and developers could be exempt from environmental regulations and planning laws — undermining First Nations consultation. The government has already signalled its intent to designate the Ring of Fire as a 'special economic zone' under the new law. Debassige said the meeting focused on broader treaty responsibilities, but not on the legislative substance of the bill. 'Our First Nations have said, and continue to say, that we are not opposed to development; however, it must be done with us as true partners.' She added that the Ontario government has now officially recognized that lands and resources are not theirs to give, exploit or regulate as economic corridors. Laura Bowman, a lawyer with Ecojustice, says the Ford government's approach to consultation under Bill 5 falls far short of constitutional obligations. 'You can't fulfill the duty to consult after removing the tools needed to do it,' she said. 'The duty to consult requires more than just meetings … It requires information-sharing, clear regulatory frameworks and enforceable mechanisms to accommodate First Nations' rights.' Bowman says by exempting certain projects from environmental assessments and planning laws, the province is depriving First Nations of critical information — such as how development may affect local wildlife, water or culturally significant lands — and removing the legal tools needed to negotiate protections or alternatives. 'The government has passed a law without telling communities how it will be used, what projects will be exempt or what safeguards will remain,' she said. 'That's not consultation — that's bypassing the entire process.' Bowman told Canada's National Observer the province needs to change the special economic zone provision of the bill to include clear rules for consent, environmental oversight and real engagement. Sara Mainville, an Anishinaabe lawyer , said many First Nations are exploring legal avenues to challenge the bill. 'Right now, the idea that we should just trust them is a non-starter for First Nations,' she said. 'There's no trust right now.' NDP MPP: 'We are not stakeholders. We are treaty partners.' Sol Mamakwa, the NDP MPP for Kiiwetinoong and the only First Nations member of the Ontario Legislature, said Ford's change in tone is welcome — but not enough. 'The premier seems to have realized that this can't move forward without First Nations,' Mamakwa said. 'But let's be clear — this wasn't consultation. And we're not stakeholders. We're treaty partners.' Mamakwa told Canada's National Observer Bill 5 backs Indigenous communities 'into a corner' and warned that the only recourse left may be legal or direct action. 'If we're not part of the decision-making from the start, it's not reconciliation. It's just politics.' Mainville told Canada's National Observer the government must be transparent about how it plans to fulfill its constitutional duty to consult First Nations and Métis peoples — especially since Bill 5 exempts major projects from key legislation that would normally trigger such consultation. 'Without a clear regulatory path, what's left is political promises,' she said, 'and First Nations have seen how those can shift.' Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. 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National Observer
20-06-2025
- Politics
- National Observer
Ford promises mining projects won't proceed without First Nations consultation after backlash
After meeting with 39 Anishinabek Nation chiefs, Ontario Premier Doug Ford reversed his position and pledged that no mining or development projects in First Nations communities — including in the Ring of Fire — will move forward without their consultation. The meeting follows weeks of growing resistance to Bill 5, with First Nations leaders saying it was passed without meaningful consultation and warning the law violates treaty rights. Some have signalled potential blockades of roads, railways and mining sites if the province proceeds. Ford had warned such actions would not be 'wise,' saying, 'They need to move on or they'll be dealt with appropriately,' but following his meeting, his tone shifted significantly. In a joint press conference on Thursday with First Nations leaders, Ford said the meeting with the chiefs was 'productive' and added that critical mineral development — a key part of Ontario's economic strategy — cannot happen without partnership with Indigenous communities. 'Nothing moves without First Nations consultation — respecting the duty to consult and making sure we work together,' Ford said. 'We're going to get through this, and we're going to have a great collaboration.' First Nations leaders who attended the meeting said the premier's apology was welcome, but did not change their position. 'Our nations remain opposed to Bill 5,' said Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige of the Anishinabek Nation. 'This was not a consultation — it was our first conversation.' Ford also intends to visit First Nations communities to hear their needs directly — whether related to water, long-term care, or infrastructure. 'When First Nations prosper, Ontario prospers,' he said. 'And when Ontario prospers, Canada prospers.' After meeting with 39 Anishinabek Nation chiefs, Ontario Premier Doug Ford reversed his position and pledged that no mining or development projects in First Nations communities will move forward without their consultation. Ford also apologized for remarks he made on Wednesday, when he said First Nations were coming 'hat-in-hand' for money from his government while rejecting resource development. At the heart of the legislation is a provision that allows the provincial cabinet to create 'special economic zones,' where selected projects and developers could be exempt from environmental regulations and planning laws — undermining First Nations consultation. The government has already signalled its intent to designate the Ring of Fire as a 'special economic zone' under the new law. Tools for consultation Debassige said the meeting focused on broader treaty responsibilities, but not on the legislative substance of the bill. 'Our First Nations have said, and continue to say, that we are not opposed to development; however, it must be done with us as true partners.' She added that the Ontario government has now officially recognized that lands and resources are not theirs to give, exploit or regulate as economic corridors. Laura Bowman, a lawyer with Ecojustice, says the Ford government's approach to consultation under Bill 5 falls far short of constitutional obligations. 'You can't fulfill the duty to consult after removing the tools needed to do it,' she said. 'The duty to consult requires more than just meetings … It requires information-sharing, clear regulatory frameworks and enforceable mechanisms to accommodate First Nations' rights.' Bowman says by exempting certain projects from environmental assessments and planning laws, the province is depriving First Nations of critical information — such as how development may affect local wildlife, water or culturally significant lands — and removing the legal tools needed to negotiate protections or alternatives. 'The government has passed a law without telling communities how it will be used, what projects will be exempt or what safeguards will remain,' she said. 'That's not consultation — that's bypassing the entire process.' Bowman told Canada's National Observer the province needs to change the special economic zone provision of the bill to include clear rules for consent, environmental oversight and real engagement. Sara Mainville, an Anishinaabe lawyer, said many First Nations are exploring legal avenues to challenge the bill. 'Right now, the idea that we should just trust them is a non-starter for First Nations,' she said. 'There's no trust right now.' NDP MPP: 'We are not stakeholders. We are treaty partners.' Sol Mamakwa, the NDP MPP for Kiiwetinoong and the only First Nations member of the Ontario Legislature, said Ford's change in tone is welcome — but not enough. 'The premier seems to have realized that this can't move forward without First Nations,' Mamakwa said. 'But let's be clear — this wasn't consultation. And we're not stakeholders. We're treaty partners.' Mamakwa told Canada's National Observer Bill 5 backs Indigenous communities 'into a corner' and warned that the only recourse left may be legal or direct action. 'If we're not part of the decision-making from the start, it's not reconciliation. It's just politics.' Mainville told Canada's National Observer the government must be transparent about how it plans to fulfill its constitutional duty to consult First Nations and Métis peoples — especially since Bill 5 exempts major projects from key legislation that would normally trigger such consultation. 'Without a clear regulatory path, what's left is political promises,' she said, 'and First Nations have seen how those can shift.'
Global News
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Global News
Ford apologizes to First Nations leaders for ‘hat in hand' comments
Ontario Premier Doug Ford apologized on Thursday afternoon for comments he made suggesting First Nations leaders 'can't just keep coming hat in hand all the time to the government.' At Queen's Park, Ford emerged from his meeting with Anishinabek Nation leaders and said he was sorry for what he said on Wednesday. 'I want to sincerely apologize for my words,' he said. 'Not only if it hurt all the chiefs in that room, but all First Nations.' After he apologized, Ford shook hands with several First Nations leaders, repeating his words. His apology came after comments he made on Wednesday that set off a major backlash from Indigenous leaders. Speaking at an unrelated event in St. Catharines, the premier said he was 'bending over backwards to take care' of First Nations, whom he said he treated 'like gold.' Story continues below advertisement The premier went on to describe a conversation he said he had had with his minister of Indigenous affairs, Greg Rickford. 'Treat them well, give them whatever they want for them to prosper,' Ford said he told Rickford. 'But there's going to be a point where you can't just keep coming hat in hand all the time to the government. You've got to be able to take care of yourselves.' Speaking at Queen's Park on Thursday, Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige said she felt the apology was 'sincere' from Ford. 'We are looking at today as a new day going forward,' she said, adding that First Nations leaders attending the meeting were not 'expecting an apology because of how we feel we've been treated.' 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 Ford said the meeting had gone well and described it as 'heartfelt.' Backlash from comments The premier's initial comments on Wednesday were met with fury from First Nations leaders, with some demanding an apology. Story continues below advertisement Before the meeting, Ontario NDP MPP Sol Mamakwa, who is the only Indigenous member of the legislature, said they were 'racist' and the premier should retract them. 'We are not beggars,' he said on Thursday. 'Today, I would ask for his apology for those racist comments. I ask not as an individual, not as First Nations, but for the people of Ontario.' Debassige said the meeting was requested by First Nations leaders and was not specifically about Bill 5, but rather broader treaty rights. 'The premier has corrected himself on the 'hat in hand' comment and has committed to working with us as a good treaty partner and has owned what he said,' she said. Bill 5 controversy The focus on the relationship between Ford and some First Nations was sparked as his government passed legislation designed to speed up mining projects. Story continues below advertisement The law, the Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, or Bill 5, allows for the creation of special economic zones. Those are areas where environmental, municipal, labour or other laws could be sidestepped entirely by companies selected by Ford's cabinet. The law has been met with fierce opposition, particularly from First Nation groups that fear their treaty rights could be at risk and have accused the government of abandoning its duty to consult. The bill officially became law at the start of the month, as First Nation leaders threatened they could launch a summer of disruptive protests in response to the legislation. A similar proposed law at the federal level has been met with the same threat. Ford had previously said the mineral-rich Ring of Fire in northern Ontario would be the first place he designates as a special economic zone. He promised to spend the summer consulting with First Nation leaders. On Thursday, Debassige said the Anishinabek Nation 'remained opposed to Bill 5,' something she said had been repeated to the government. 'The premier has made certain commitments that we're not going to speak to today,' she said. 'We remain steadfast in supporting those rights, and how our First Nations are going to work with the Crown, and I can share, the premier has committed to continue and having that ongoing dialogue with our rights holders in a respectful way.' Story continues below advertisement She said the meeting at Queen's Park on Thursday was 'not consultation on Bill 5.' She said it was 'an initial meeting' First Nations leaders had requested. 'I agree, I agree,' Ford said.
