Latest news with #Mi'kmaq
Hamilton Spectator
7 hours ago
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Carney government's ‘nation-building' bill becomes law despite Senate criticism
OTTAWA — Prime Minister Mark Carney's controversial legislation to fast-track 'nation-building' development projects received royal assent and became law after the rushed passage of Bill C-5 through the Senate on Thursday. But the legislative accomplishment — the first government bill to pass in both chambers under the minority Liberal administration elected April 28 — was marred by expressions of outrage from some senators, who criticized the legislation's creation of 'so-called Henry VIII' powers that allow the federal cabinet to override laws and regulations to approve development projects. Some also condemned what they saw as the bill's lack of consultation and requirements to respect Indigenous rights, suggesting the new process could get bogged down in the very opposition and delay that it is designed to avoid. 'Bill C-5 is not reconciliation. It's a betrayal of it,' said Sen. Paul Prosper, a Mi'kmaq lawyer from Nova Scotia, who told the red chamber his office received a deluge of 'racist vitriol' after he spoke about his desire to slow down the legislation that sped through the House of Commons last week with the support of opposition Conservatives. Yet some in that party still had concerns about the legislation. Mary Jane McCallum, a Conservative senator from Manitoba, argued Thursday that the bill gives too much power to the federal cabinet to choose projects, and to decide which laws and regulations are relevant to how they are approved. 'Canada is not a dictatorship, yet the so-called Henry VIII clauses in Bill C-5 bring us dangerously close to the precipice,' she said. After two days of debate, the Senate voted down several amendments that would have sent the legislation back to the House, and passed it as written without a recorded vote Thursday afternoon. It received Royal Assent from Gov. Gen. Mary Simon a short time later. Since introducing and pushing to pass the bill before Canada Day, the Carney government has defended the legislation as a necessary framework to boost economic growth and reduce reliance on the United States that has imposed steep tariffs that Ottawa deems illegal and unjustified. Last week, Carney also promised to host summits with Indigenous leaders in July to ensure there is participation on which proposed projects — from pipelines to ports and mines — are chosen for the fast-track process under C-5. The legislation gives the cabinet wide latitude to fast-track a development project based on 'any factor' it deems relevant. Although it's not written in the legislation, the government has pledged to finish the approval of fast-tracked projects so construction can begin within two years, while the special powers the bill creates are set to expire after five years. On Thursday, Sen. Hassan Yusseff, a former labour leader who advocated for the bill in the upper chamber, echoed the government's rationale that the special process to fast-track major projects — and a separate, less contentious part of the bill to lift federal barriers to trade and labour mobility inside Canada — are necessary because of U.S. President Donald Trump's trade war. His voice breaking with emotion, Yusseff made the case that the legislation is needed quickly to bolster the Canadian economy and help workers in the industries targeted by Trump's tariffs, from steel and aluminum to the auto sector. 'The men and women who build this country of ours are watching very closely,' Yusseff said. Throughout the day, senators debated the merits of the bill, with some arguing it forces Indigenous groups and environmentalists to trust the government to respect rights and standards, rather than force the government to do so. Some senators, however, said the bill's references to Indigenous rights in the Constitution, as well as the government's insistence it won't fast-track projects without provincial buy-in and Indigenous consultation, mean these concerns can't be addressed through amending the legislation. 'There's no bill we can pass that will guarantee the honour of the Crown,' said Alberta Sen. Patti LaBoucane-Benson. 'I don't think there's anything more we can do to the text of the bill to protect Indigenous rights.' Others, like Ontario Sen. Bernadette Clement, argued Parliament should take more time to improve the legislation and address concerns raised by environmental groups, Indigenous communities, and organizations like the Assembly of First Nations. 'Growing our economy, nation-building — yeah, that's urgent. It requires a timely an efficient response. But it doesn't require the trampling of Indigenous rights and our environmental protections,' Clement said. Marilou McPhedran, a senator from Manitoba, expressed shock that Conservatives and Liberals in the House voted en masse to surrender 'parliamentary sovereignty' to the cabinet under the bill. 'As we watch the results of the C-5 juggernaut roll out and roll over Canada, please remember this key question: are the constitutionally guaranteed rights to equality, to Aboriginal and treaty rights, the first to go with Bill C-5?' she said. The House of Commons made several amendments to the bill that some senators welcomed, including new reporting requirements on how projects are selected, and the creation of a parliamentary committee to oversee how the legislation is being used. The House also added a requirement to publish details of a project at least 30 days before it is named in the 'national interest,' and introduced limits so no projects can be added to the new process while Parliament is prorogued or dissolved. The legislation also requires the minister responsible for the law — currently Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc — to consult with provinces, territories and Indigenous Peoples whose rights 'may be adversely affected' by a project. The Commons inserted a clause that requires the government to get 'written consent' from a province or territory — but not an Indigenous community — if a project falls within an area of its 'exclusive' jurisdiction. Sen. Marc Gold, the government representative in the chamber, said the bill is 'fundamentally about trust' that all groups — including the government — will act in the best interests of Canadians during a time of crisis after an election he said gave the Liberal minority government a clear mandate to pursue rapid economic growth. 'C-5 is indeed extraordinary, and indeed it entails unprecedented trust,' Gold said. 'This is not about any partisan interest, but in the interest of our country.'
The Herald Scotland
a day ago
- General
- The Herald Scotland
Final preparations underway for historic ship launch
It marks a new era in the storied history of the ship, which arrived in Pictou Harbour on September 15, 1773, with 189 passengers onboard from the Lochbroom and Coigach areas of North West Scotland who had boarded almost three months earlier in Ullapool. With just over two weeks until the long-anticipated relaunch of the Ship Hector, final preparations are now underway to ready both vessel and community for what has been billed as a 'once-in-a-generation' event. The replica is located at the Hector Heritage Quay, a heritage centre run by local volunteers, in Pictou, Nova Scotia. Pictou is renowned as the "Birthplace of New Scotland" because it was the primary location where the first Scottish immigrants arrived in 1773. READ MORE: New era for replica of ship that transported Scots to Nova Scotia On Saturday, July 12, the town will come alive as thousands gather to witness the iconic tall ship return to the water. Work continues on the standing and sliding ways that will guide the ship safely back into the harbour, with crews also putting finishing touches on the ship's hull and deck. The launch will mark a major milestone in the $4 million restoration effort, and a proud moment in Nova Scotia's shared cultural and maritime story. The launch event will include a formal ceremony, cultural performances, heritage displays, and the highly anticipated dockside launch of the Hector into Pictou Harbour in the town of Pictou. Vern Shea, project manager for the restoration, said: 'The side launch of the ship will be an unforgettable sight, and spectators can expect quite a show when the Hector makes her big splash. 'Seven sliding ways will be positioned under the Hector, secured, and when released, will allow the vessel to slide down the standing ways and into Pictou Harbour. Once afloat, she'll be stabilized and inspected before being secured at Pier C.' Between the years 1770 and 1815, nearly 15,000 Scots travelled from their homeland to settle in Nova Scotia (Image: Getty) Members of Pictou Landing First Nation will participate in the Ship Hector launch through cultural expressions and contributions to the day's program highlighting the connection between the Mi'kmaq people and early settlers. Meanwhile, hands-on maritime activities, such as blacksmithing and knot-tying, will showcase skills that shaped seafaring life in the 18th century and genealogy experts will be on hand to help Ship Hector descendants trace their family roots, connecting past and present. Throughout the entire launch weekend, Pictou will be alive with festivities, from free outdoor waterfront concerts and a Pictou Yacht Club regatta to a headline Launch Day concert at the deCoste Performing Arts Centre. As phase one of the ship's restoration nears completion, the Ship Hector Society is also completing a major transformation of the Hector Heritage Quay Interpretive Centre. Supported entirely by federal and provincial funding, the new centre will feature interactive exhibits that tell the story of the Scottish settlers' partnership with the Indigenous Mi'kmaq people of Pik'tuk. 'These new exhibits will add incredible depth to the story of the Ship Hector,' said Wes Surrett, Chair of the Ship Hector Society. 'The Interpretive Centre will open in June, so we encourage visitors to come early and experience these new displays before the big day.' While the relaunch is a major milestone, the Ship Hector's journey isn't over. Plans are in place for the Ship Hector to evolve beyond its role as a dockside attraction. The next phase of this ambitious project will see the vessel transformed into Canada's largest fully rigged, electric-powered passenger sailing vessel, offering tours and sail training programs. Targeting full operational status by summer 2027, the Hector will serve as both a landmark of Canadian heritage and a premier tourism destination for Nova Scotia. With the final phase of work expected to begin after the ship is back in the water, the "Charting Our Course" capital campaign aims to raise an additional $1.8 million - £980,000 - to complete the restoration and sail the Hector into her next chapter. 'We're in the final leg,' said Surrett. 'Every donation helps bring this project to completion and ensures that the Hector's legacy will live on, allowing visitors to step back in time and, one day, sail aboard this incredible vessel.'
Daily Mail
a day ago
- General
- Daily Mail
How Queen Elizabeth's dresser caused her to break royal protocol with 'very unusual suggestion' during visit to honour indigenous community
Renowned for her vibrant fashion sense, Queen Elizabeth II understood the powerful role clothing could play in diplomacy and cultural respect. She worked closely with her Personal Assistant and Senior Dresser of 25 years, Angela Kelly, to create outfits that were not only stylish but also deeply thoughtful and culturally sensitive. Her wardrobe was often a tribute to the country or community she was visiting - whether through a symbolic colour choice, meaningful embroidery or a carefully selected piece of jewellery. A memorable example of this was during her June 2010 visit to Canada, when she met with members of the Mi'kmaq, an indigenous community known as the 'People of the Dawn,' celebrated for their exquisite beadwork. In her book Dressing the Queen, Angela Kelly recounts the honour of collaborating with the Mi'kmaq for this special visit. 'In recognition of their unique beading skills, I asked the Chiefs if the oldest generation of skilled women would like to embellish the yellow jacket that I had planned for the Queen to wear on the occasion of her visit.' This suggestion was highly unorthodox as Elizabeth's outfits were usually kept confidential until the moment of their debut. However, Ms Kelly felt that making an exception was entirely justified. She writes: 'This was a very unusual suggestion, since the Queen's outfits are normally kept secret for maximum impact on the day, but I felt it was the right decision, as their knowledge of beading goes back hundreds of years.' After the tour discussions, Ms Kelly and her team returned to London, where they created a design for the collar and cuffs of the Queen's jacket. The fabric was then sent back to Canada for the Mi'kmaq artisans to adorn. Their response was enthusiastic. 'They took enormous pride in being asked to undertake this work and returned it to us quickly for the final making-up,' Ms Kelly shares. The result was a beautifully unique garment that reflected both royal elegance and indigenous craftsmanship - a meaningful gesture of mutual respect. To complete the look, the Queen wore a special maple leaf brooch, offering a patriotic nod to Canada. This particular piece, showcased for the first time on that visit, featured a spray of enamel maple leaves edged with diamonds. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh embarked on an eight-day tour of Canada, starting in Halifax and ending in Toronto. Despite being greeted by light showers, Queen Elizabeth remained characteristically composed and elegant, wearing a classic trench coat, wide-brimmed hat and transparent umbrella, trimmed in the same cheerful yellow as the jacket she would later reveal The visit coincided with the centenary celebrations of the Canadian Navy and the marking of Canada Day - an occasion rich in national pride and pageantry. Despite being greeted by light showers, Queen Elizabeth remained characteristically composed. She stepped off the plane wearing a classic trench coat, teamed with a wide-brimmed hat and a transparent umbrella, trimmed in the same cheerful yellow as the jacket she would later reveal. The weather did little to dampen the Queen's spirits - her face lit with a radiant smile that reflected her genuine delight at being in Canada.
Hamilton Spectator
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Funding announced for Mi'kmaq climate change initiatives in Cape Breton
MEMBERTOU - Mi'kmaw knowledge and tradition will spearhead the development of a climate change action plan over the next two years based on action priorities identified by five Cape Breton First Nation communities. Provincial funding of $893,750 for the initiative was announced in Membertou Tuesday by L'nu Affairs Minister, Leah Martin, on behalf of Environment and Climate Change Minister Timothy Halman. The funds will go to the Unama'ki Institute of Natural Resources (UINR) for use in the five Cape Breton First Nation communities of Eskasoni; Membertou; Potlotek; Wagmatcook; and We'koqma'q. 'This is about building solutions that are rooted in Mi'kmaq ways of knowing and putting local communities in the loop,' Martin said. 'Climate change affects us all, but not all communities are impacted in the same way – that's why we are proud to support Mi'kmaq-led climate action that reflects Indigenous knowledge, priorities and ways of knowing. 'By working together in the spirit of Etuaptmumk – 'two-eyed seeing' – we can build a more resilient, equitable future for everyone in Nova Scotia.' Martin said: 'when we lean into the knowledge around us through Indigenous communities, we're in a good place.' 'Part of the reason we formed the Unama'ki Institute of Natural Resources, is because we are really concerned about the state of our climate and we have all of the Island in our thoughts,' Paul said. He expressed concern about the future of the Bras d'or Lakes system and said all the chiefs are 100 per cent behind the work of the institute. He said sustainability is a high priority. 'Climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing our communities, and it requires solutions that are grounded in who we are as Mi'kmaq people. This investment supports our ability to lead with our knowledge, our values and our vision for the future. I commend the Unama'ki Institute of Natural Resources for continuing to bring our communities together to take action — for the land, the water and the next generations,' the Chief said. According to a press release, the UINR will use the funding to: UINR executive director, Lisa Young, stressed the importance of working in partnership to deal with climate change challenges. 'Our values and belief systems inform what we do and, more importantly, inform why we do things in a way that's mindful of the land and our relationships with land,' Young said. 'We look forward to working with the province and our many partners to develop approaches to climate change that are rooted in Mi'kmaq ways of knowing and being. Applying a Mi'kmaq lens helps us all work toward a more resilient Unama'ki.' LOCAL COMMUNITIES LEADING Article content Minister Martin had some thoughts about the importance of the UINR and local Mi'kmaq communities leading the project. Article content 'I think when you listen to community, that's what you hear from community. And I feel that community puts forward exactly what it wants to see and have happen. And so I feel whole and grateful when we're able to do that and provide funding to support Indigenous-led approaches,' she said. 'I take a lot of peace in the ancestors and in two-eyed seeing. I feel we're doing exactly that and listening to community. It's a really happy place to be.' Lisa Young said she feels there's a lot of excitement about that prospect of the project being Indigenous led. 'We speak many times to our elders and we know ourselves that Mi'kmaq traditional knowledge and belief systems hold the key to moving forward to addressing a lot of our environmental concerns,' she said. 'Just given the knowledge that indigenous peoples have stewarded these lands successfully for millions of years based on those beliefs and knowledge system is good. We look forward to having space to explore what that looks like in a modern-day context and how we can improve on how we approach things like climate change using that lens is a very exciting prospect and we're very hopeful.' The funding is being provided through Nova Scotia's climate change plan, 'Our Climate, Our Future: Nova Scotia's Climate Change Plan for Clean Growth.' Article content QUICK FACTS 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 .
Winnipeg Free Press
4 days ago
- Science
- Winnipeg Free Press
Nova Scotia to fund Mi'kmaq-led climate change action on Cape Breton
The Nova Scotia government is giving the Unama'ki Institute of Natural Resources in Cape Breton $893,000 to fund Mi'kmaq-led climate change adaptation work. The institute that represents the five Mi'kmaq First Nations on Cape Breton on natural resources matters says it will use the money to develop climate change monitoring and action plans for these communities. Lisa Young, the executive director of the institute, said in a statement the organization's approaches to addressing climate change are rooted in Mi'kmaq knowledge. The institute will use the funding to hire a Mi'kmaw climate change co-ordinator and project assistant, develop educational material in Mi'kmaq and English and establish a monitoring plan that uses culturally relevant indicators of climate change. Membertou First Nation Chief Terry Paul said in a statement climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing Mi'kmaq communities, and it's important that solutions to it are grounded in Mi'kmaq knowledge and values. Nova Scotia's Minister of L'nu Affairs, Leah Martin, announced the funding in Membertou today, saying climate change affects everyone, but not all communities are affected in the same way. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 24, 2025.
