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Hamilton Spectator
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Return of the Arctic ambassador: Here's who might be up for the job
More than six months after the federal government revived the position of Canada's Arctic ambassador, the job remains vacant. The ambassador works with Canada's Arctic allies, Indigenous Peoples and provincial and territorial governments to promote the country's domestic and foreign policy agendas, advance Canada's Arctic interests and raise awareness of Indigenous rights in the Arctic, according to Global Affairs Canada. 'Canada's Arctic ambassador will be announced in due course,' Charlotte MacLeod, a spokesperson for Global Affairs Canada, said in a June 25 email, when asked about the vacancy. The ambassador — to be named by the federal cabinet — was one of the key pillars of the federal government's $34.7-million Arctic foreign policy announced in December. The role of an ambassador for circumpolar affairs was created by Jean Chrétien's Liberal government in 1994. Mary Simon, the current governor general, was the first ambassador until 2004 when she was replaced by Jack Anawak, a former Nunavut MP. In 2006, Stephen Harper's Conservative government eliminated the position to save money. To some, the cut was a signal of the federal government's disinterest in Arctic affairs. As the role is brought back, here are some potential candidates who might be up for the gig. P.J. Akeeagok, Nunavut premier — A first-time MLA, Akeeagok announced July 8 he won't seek re-election in the Oct. 27 territorial election. Akeeagok said in a social media post he is not 'stepping away for another role.' It's a move to spend more time with his family. He didn't say what his future plans are, but said he will' look at opportunities when that moment hits.' Akeeagok was elected to the legislative assembly in November 2021, winning the Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu riding after seven years as president of the Qikiqtani Inuit Association. That same month, he was elected premier in a vote by MLAs, succeeding Joe Savikataaq. Natan Obed, president of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami — Obed's term as president of the national Inuit organization is winding down, with an election scheduled for the third week of September. In 2021, Obed was the only candidate to run and was acclaimed as president for a third term as head of the organization. Before that election, he told Nunatsiaq News he would not seek re-election in 2025. No one has put their name forward as a potential contender in the upcoming election, and Obed hasn't publicly laid out his post-presidency plans. Prior to his time as ITK's president, Obed served at the Labrador Inuit Association, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. and chaired ITK's National Inuit Committee on Health. Aluki Kotierk, former president of Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. — Aluki Kotierk has had several appointments after stepping down last December as president of Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., the territory's lands claim organization. In February, she was appointed to lead an external review of Nutrition North Canada, a food subsidy program. As well, she was appointed to chair the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. Manitok Thompson, retired politician and broadcasting executive —Thompson is only a few days into her retirement from the Inuit Broadcasting Corp., and from Nunavut and Northwest Territories politics. She was the only woman to be elected to the first Nunavut legislative assembly, and in 2004 ran unsuccessfully as an independent to represent Nunavut in Parliament. Although Thompson retired, she said she might 'show up again' and will stay vocal on issues important to Inuit. Lisa Kopperqualak, former president of Inuit Circumpolar Council — Kopperqualak, a longtime Nunavik writer and Inuit advocate, resigned as president of Inuit Circumpolar Council Canada in March to 'pursue her next chapter of advocacy work for Inuit interests,' the ICC's statement said. In 2018, she was elected vice-president of international affairs at ICC Canada. Then in 2022, she was appointed as the council's president. David Akeeagok, MLA and minister with seven portfolios — Akeeagok was the first Nunavut MLA to announce he will not run in the fall territorial elections. As a family man, he was having a hard time managing work and personal life, he told reporters at the legislative assembly June 3. As MLA for Quttiktuq, Nunavut's northernmost riding, Akeeagok served as a minister under premiers Paul Quassa, Joe Savikataaq, and his nephew, the current Premier P.J. Akeeagok. 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. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
The Hill
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hill
Anna Wintour stepping down as Vogue editor in chief: Reports
Anna Wintour, the longtime editor in chief of Vogue and a prominent Democratic fundraiser, is reportedly stepping down from her role at the fashion magazine. The publication's head announced she was leaving Vogue at a Wednesday staff meeting, multiple outlets reported Thursday. Seventy-five-year-old Wintour, who's topped the masthead at Vogue since 1988, will reportedly continue as its global editorial director and as Condé Nast's global chief content officer. A Vogue representative didn't immediately return ITK's request for comment. The British journalist is a longtime supporter of Democratic candidates. Last March, she helped spearhead a $25 million New York City fundraiser for former President Biden's reelection bid. Biden awarded Wintour with the Presidential Medal of Freedom at a ceremony in January, just weeks before he exited the White House. She was also seen sporting her signature pair of sunglasses at a 2022 White House state dinner for French President Emmanuel Macron. In 2016, Vogue issued its first political endorsement — backing Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton. Despite her support for Democrats over the years, Wintour met with White House chief of staff Susie Wiles last month to discuss the potential impact of President Trump's tariffs on the fashion industry.
The Hill
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hill
Michelle Obama: ‘I'm not giving another political speech'
Michelle Obama says she's done with politics, shooting down the possibility of ever giving a stump speech or hitting the campaign trail for a candidate. 'I am not going to be in politics,' the former first lady said on NPR's 'Wild Card with Rachel Martin,' released Thursday. 'I'm not giving another political speech. I'm not campaigning for another candidate,' Obama continued. 'But I'm here,' she said, when asked if her 'IMO' podcast — which she launched with her brother, Craig Robinson, in March — was 'a way of making peace' with her 'place in the world.' 'Just being able to still have a platform to give voice to people, to let people know we're still here,' the wife of former President Obama said. Obama delivered remarks at the 2024 Democratic National Convention and campaigned for then-Vice President Kamala Harris in several battleground states. The 'Becoming' author has put the kibosh on talk of her own political bid before, saying in 2019 there was 'zero chance' she would run for president. After her name was floated as a potential 2024 White House hopeful and touted by commentators as the 'best chance' for Democrats to win, her office told ITK in a statement that she would 'not be running for president.' Asked during the NPR interview if she ever considered living a 'super private life and curling up,' Obama replied, 'Yeah, and I get that more than I ever have gotten it ever before.' 'I'm 60, but I'm still just 60. And I still feel like I can't stop yet. I'm ready to slow down a bit, but not stop,' she said. 'And that time will come, but it's probably too soon. So finding creative ways to stay engaged that is still useful, and is authentic to my nature, which is advice giving and talking,' she said, 'I think is a good balance to strike.'
The Hill
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hill
5 Dem senators protest Trump Kennedy Center takeover with gay pride concert
A group of five Democratic senators reportedly protested President Trump's unprecedented overhaul of the Kennedy Center by hosting a gay pride concert. The performance, dubbed 'Love is Love,' was held Monday night at a theater inside the Washington performing arts institution and included pro-LGBTQ songs and monologues, according to The New York Times. Sen. John Hickenlooper (Colo.) — one of the five Democrats behind the event — told the publication, 'What's happening in the world is deeply concerning, but even in our darkest hours, we must continue to seek out the light.' 'The LGBTQ community has long embodied this resilience, maintaining joy and creativity in the face of adversity,' Hickenlooper said about the performance, which was also hosted by Sens. Tammy Baldwin (Wisc.), Elizabeth Warren (Mass.), Brian Schatz (Hawaii) and Jacky Rosen (Nev.). Hickenlooper's office didn't immediately return ITK's request for further comment about the event, which was held during Pride Month. The concert came after Trump put himself in charge of the Kennedy Center in February, naming himself chairman after accusing the arts hub of being too 'woke.' He appointed his envoy for special missions, Richard Grenell, as its president. Several artists, including producers of the Broadway musical 'Hamilton,' canceled plans to perform at the Kennedy Center amid Trump's takeover. 'Hamilton' lead producer Jeffrey Seller said in March that the Kennedy Center was a 'sacred' setting that should be 'protected from politics.' Seller helped organize Monday's concert hosted by the senators, The New York Times reported. 'This is our way of reoccupying the Kennedy Center,' Seller told the paper. Grenell ripped the move on Monday, calling it a 'political stunt' and saying in a statement that organizers were 'refusing to perform for audience members who don't share their personal politics' and attempting to 'cosplay as victims of intolerance.' Grenell said that Hickenlooper's staff requested to rent one of the theaters at the Kennedy Center for 'what his team billed as a first annual talent show' and 'we were pleased to welcome them to the Kennedy Center in this capacity.' Instead, Grenell said, the Kennedy Center was 'used by political operatives to larp as victims of intolerance in order to get a story in the Times.' 'No one has been cancelled by the Kennedy Center; we welcome everyone who wants to celebrate the arts, including our compatriots on the other side of the political aisle,' Grenell said. 'We especially welcome artists and audience members who come to the Kennedy Center not for partisan political pranks but to experience excellence in the performing arts,' he said.
Global News
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Global News
Indigenous leaders tell Senate that Canada's major projects bill is moving too fast
The president of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami says 'Canada's weakness' is publicly saying reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples is of top priority then acting like it isn't when it introduces legislation like the major projects bill. The legislation is being widely criticized by Indigenous leaders and community members across the country for a lack of consultation and a tight timeline in which the government wants to pass the bill. Bill C-5 would give the federal cabinet the ability to set aside various statutes to push forward approvals for a small number of major industrial products, such as mines, pipelines and ports. ITK President Natan Obed, speaking to the Senate on Monday, said the way Canada operates is by positioning itself as a champion for the rights of Indigenous Peoples, but 'acting very differently through its legislation and through its practice.' 'I think of those things as being born not only out of ignorance, but out of a clear decision on whose rights matter and whose don't, and how to get to an end goal that makes Canada feel good about itself while still trampling on the very rights that it says it upholds,' he said. Story continues below advertisement Obed was one of three Indigenous leaders speaking in the Senate chamber Monday who all said their rights were not properly considered in the legislation, and while they are generally in support of shoring up the Canadian economy, the rights of Indigenous Peoples should not be sidelined to achieve that goal. 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 Obed, Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak and Manitoba Métis Federation President David Chartrand all want the government to allow more time for Indigenous groups to express their concerns. 'Not only does (the legislation) not live up to Canada's obligation to respect rights, it creates the possibility of national interest projects ending up before the courts with litigation causing significant delays in the ability of the national interest projects to move forward. As such, the Building Canada Act may end up creating instability and ultimately undermine investor confidence,' Obed said. Story continues below advertisement Chartrand told senators he'll support the legislation, saying Canada 'should not take lightly the threat that is coming from the south,' referring to the increasingly unsteady trading relationship with the United States under President Donald Trump. 'Trump has started an economic war with Canada to beat us and bring us down,' Chartrand said. 'The Red River Métis will kneel for no one. We stand with you.' While optimistic about the potential of the legislation, Chartrand said he is worried Métis won't be fully included in the benefits it promises, and that Canada won't be a trustworthy partner. That trust can be built, Chartrand said, if Prime Minister Mark Carney meets with Indigenous leaders and provides clear details about how his government intends to consult with them on choosing the major projects to fast-track. Woodhouse Nepinak reiterated concerns she has been raising for weeks about the legislation and its potential impact on First Nations rights. She said that while Canada is trying to protect itself from Trump, the solution isn't to introduce Trump-like legislation. 'We know how it feels to have Trump at our borders. Let's not do that and have Trump-like policies with each other. Let's take the time and do things properly,' she said.
