Friday's letters: Cartmell's infill vote absence a bad look for potential mayor
Is that what Edmonton has to expect should Tim Cartmell become mayor? Lame excuses about technologies followed by a letter? He should be in front of the camera and face reporters and Edmontonians.
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In reading Don Braid's column on the current measles outbreak in Alberta, it's sad when 'equally awful' seems to be considered an acceptable standard. We should all be equally ashamed.
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Someone has got to explain to our premier that she can start an Alberta pension plan at any time, but will have to start it from scratch. And it would have to be separate from and out of the hands of the Government of Alberta. The money in the CPP doesn't belong to the Government of Canada to use as it sees fit; the government of the day can't just take money out of it to balance a budget or to build a railway.
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None of the CPP should ever belong to the Government of Alberta; it belongs to us, those that have and are still contributing to it. Even if we separate from Confederation, the money in that CPP that we the people have contributed will be due to us, not to the Alberta government's general revenues.
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Warren Footz, St. Albert
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Alberta now has more cases of measles than all of the United States. Definitely not a record to be proud of. Interesting that both Alberta and the United States have leaders who are strongly against vaccines. The people I feel sorry for are the poor children who may have long-term aftereffects, but had no voice in getting the vaccine or not.
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Plain and simple, we need a government that will heed the science.
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Thank you to Lydia Kawun and Colin Hefferon for their clear assessment of Edmonton's new zoning law. Most people would agree that increased density in Edmonton is a good thing. The problem is the no-holds-barred, one-size-fits-all approach. This is simply building the tenements and slums of tomorrow.
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Winnipeg Free Press
3 hours ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Settlement dollars paying for broken promises, missed opportunities, devastated lives
This week, the federal government agreed to a $99-million settlement with Muscowpetung Saulteaux Nation, a First Nation approximately 60 kilometres northeast of Regina, for Canada's failure to provide agricultural support and materials as promised under Treaty 4. That seems like a lot of money, but it's really not. And, far more important, is the profit from the opportunity gained when justice is finally served. Under Treaty 4, signed in 1874, 35 First Nations across what is now northwestern Manitoba, almost all of southern Saskatchewan and southeastern Alberta were promised farming tools including plows, seeds and animals to rebuild their lives after losing their traditional territories — and, indeed, their livelihoods — due to urbanization and settlement. The federal government didn't keep its promises, resulting in massive poverty, starvation and death as communities struggled to build economies, feed themselves and stave off sickness due to weakened immune systems. Add in the fact First Nations had to endure laws such as the Indian Act, which forbade movement, provided substandard education and prevented economic growth, and you get — in many cases — the dire situations that exist now. Farming is the financial and cultural bedrock of life in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta, and First Nations didn't even get a chance to participate. So, how much does it cost to compensate 151 years of suffering and lost opportunities? Much more than $99 million. Meanwhile, the other 34 First Nations in Treaty 4 are owed the same thing. This week, alongside the agreement with Muscowpetung Saulteaux Nation, the federal government also announced settlements with two other Treaty 4 communities: Big River First Nation ($208 million) and One Arrow First Nation ($124 million). The claims don't end at Treaty 4. Agricultural materials and opportunities were promised to virtually every First Nation from northwestern Ontario to B.C. to the Northwest Territories in what is often called the (11) 'numbered' treaties, negotiated between 1871 and 1921. Those promises weren't kept, either. In fact, more than 50 specific such 'cows and plows' claims against the federal government have now been negotiated with First Nations. The total so far is $6.9 billion. There are another 100 or so additional cases under negotiation and about 150 legitimate claims yet to come. In Manitoba, there are 24 in process, which leaves 39 more First Nations— including my home community of Peguis First Nation — with claims they can (and likely will) pursue. Most Manitoba claims are currently in the 'assessment' or 'negotiation' stage, according to information provided by the Government of Canada. Five Manitoba claims have been settled: Gambler First Nation, Pine Creek First Nation, Sapotaweyak Cree Nation, Tootinaowaziibeeng Treaty Reserve and Wuskwi Sipihk First Nation, each in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Don't get caught up in the numbers. It's about new opportunities. This is why many don't like the term 'cows and plows' when describing these agreements; treaty promises of agricultural materials and support wasn't about providing First Nations with one-time payments, but opportunities to grow their economies, thrive and live like anyone else. This is why some communities choose different paths when obtaining a settlement. In some cases, First Nations governments provide their members a 'per-capita' payment. Muscowpetung, for example, approved a $40,000 one-time payment for each member. Ironically, it's probably more a benefit passed on to Canadian businesses and citizens, as First Nations beneficiaries will spend their settlement dollars buying things for themselves and their families. Most First Nations governments have set up trust funds to pay for community infrastructure projects and programs — a long-missed opportunity to build the lives of residents, provide employment and facilitate the growth of educational and cultural paths. It's easy to get caught up in the money when it comes to settling legitimate claims First Nations have with the Canadian government over failed promises. What's harder to see are the opportunities that should have been, and the ones now possible when justice is finally served. Status report on specific claims Niigaan SinclairColumnist Niigaan Sinclair is Anishinaabe and is a columnist at the Winnipeg Free Press. Read full biography Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Cision Canada
19 hours ago
- Cision Canada
Statement by Minister Guilbeault on Emancipation Day
The Government of Canada marks Emancipation Day OTTAWA, ON, Aug. 1, 2025 /CNW/ - The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages, made the following statement: "Today, across the country, we mark Emancipation Day, a moment of reflection and resolve. This day is both a call to action and a reminder of our shared past. It is the duty of every person to never forget the tragic history of slavery and its enduring impacts on Black people, their communities and our country. In 1834, the Slavery Abolition Act, passed by the British Parliament, came into force—paving the way for the emancipation of enslaved Africans and their descendants across most of the British Empire. More than 800,000 people in Canada, the Caribbean, Africa and South America were freed after being stripped of their freedom, dignity and fundamental rights, and subjected to horrific violence and abuse. Though generations have passed, the pain remains deeply felt. People of African descent have been foundational to the building of our Canadian identity, and their experiences have shaped the country we know today. Our new government is committed to supporting Black communities across the country, with initiatives and investments that empower people of African descent, combat anti-Black racism, and remove systemic barriers to social and economic inclusion. Today, I invite all Canadians to take this moment to reflect on the history of slavery in Canada and the enduring impacts of anti-Black racism. Let's all be allies in building a stronger, united Canada, where Black communities can succeed and prosper."
Global News
2 days ago
- Global News
Alberta transportation minister won't rule out legislation on the future of bike lanes
'It was a good initial meeting to talk about how the province's road network intertwines with municipal road networks and how there has to be a better, more coordinated, measured approach going forward.' That's how Alberta Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen described an hour-long meeting with Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek on Wednesday, during which the future of bike lanes in the city was one of the main topics of discussion. The meeting took place after Dreeshen sent letters to both Calgary and Edmonton earlier this year, asking them to remove bike lanes from some of the city's key transportation corridors. View image in full screen In a video posted to social media earlier this year, Alberta Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen claimed bike lanes are creating gridlock and longer commutes in Calgary and Edmonton. Government of Alberta He's concerned they cause congestion, taking away from needed space for cars, trucks and other vehicles. Story continues below advertisement 'The big major concern was bike lanes that are obviously taking over driving lanes that have been engineered by a civil engineer years ago and some places 100 plus years ago — and then for that road network that's supposed to accommodate vehicle traffic, it being taken over by bike lanes just doesn't make sense,' said Dreeshen. 1:52 Alberta transportation minister, Calgary mayor trade letters over bike lanes Several protesters also gathered outside the closed door meeting, calling for an audit of bike lane use in Calgary. 'I'm not against bike trails, I'm against the building of these trails of bike paths where there's insufficient traffic,' said Roy Beyer of A Better Calgary Party, a conservative-leaning political party that will be running candidates in this fall's municipal election in Calgary. View image in full screen A protestor holding a sign protesting against any more bike lanes in Calgary, gathers outside a closed door meeting Wednesday, between the mayor of Calgary and Alberta's transportation minister, where the future of bike lanes was one of the main topics of discussion. Global News On the opposite side of the debate is Doug Clark of Bike Calgary, who calls bike lanes 'part of the solution' to Calgary's traffic congestion. Story continues below advertisement 'Cycling infrastructure, when implemented properly, generally contributes to less congestion,' said Clark. 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 'Just completely removing cycling infrastructure — I think that's taking a step backwards.' Speaking to reporters following her meeting with the minister, Gondek noted that bike lanes take up just 1 per cent of Calgary's road capacity. 'Minister Dreeshan and I share the perspective that everything we do must be focused on supporting the economy,' said Gondek. 'That means helping people get to work, run their businesses, and take care of their daily tasks — whether it's picking up the kids from school, heading out for groceries, or heading out for entertainment. Every investment and decision has to help Calgarians move efficiently and support continued economic growth,' added Gondek. 'Our extensive regional pathway system supports many of our bicycle commuters, helping to keep them safe and separated from traffic — they are designed for safety and minimal disruption.' However, the mayor also said that bike lanes are not fixed. 'If a bike lane is causing any concerns with congestion or parking, our traffic team is open to reviewing and making any necessary changes,' said Gondek. View image in full screen Speaking to reporters, following her meeting with Alberta's transportation minister, the Mayor of Calgary said the city is open to reviewing and making any neccessary changes to bike lanes that are causing concerns with congestion or parking. Global News Dreeshan's reaction was, 'It was great to hear Mayor Gondek say that bike lanes are temporary.' Story continues below advertisement 'So that's something that we're going to be looking at and working with the City of Calgary to see if there are some bike lanes that need to be removed,' added Dreeshan. The discussion about the future of bike lanes in Alberta's two biggest cities is similar to a debate also taking place in Ontario where, on Wednesday, a court ruled a law passed by Premier Doug Ford's government ordering the removal of three bike lanes in the city of Toronto was unconstitutional. The law, the court said, was a violation of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms — because it would put people at an 'increased risk of harm and death.' 2:56 Ford government to appeal court ruling which deemed bike lane removal unconstitutional The Ontario government has promised to appeal — and following his meeting with the Mayor of Calgary, Dreeshen left open the possibility of the Alberta government introducing legislation here on the future of bike lanes. Story continues below advertisement 'As I've said publicly before, we've seen other provinces introduce legislation to be able to make sure that there's more sanity when it comes to bike lanes,' Dreeshen said. 'That's something that we're hoping that these conversations with the mayors of Edmonton and Calgary — that we wouldn't need to have provincial legislation to make sure that driving car lanes are protected, but we'll see where things go.' When she was asked about the possibility of legislation, Gondek replied, 'This was not a combative meeting in any way. It was an idea exchange and an information exchange.' '(The Minister) and I have committed to working together and making sure that we understand each other and that he has a good overview of what the city is doing and how we are accommodating all modes of transportation,' said Gondek. 'Whatever happened in Ontario is the perspective of government and the courts there. Here, we are simply trying to keep people safe no matter how they choose to travel.'
