Latest news with #Alty
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
First Nations infrastructure critical but not nation-building: minister
OTTAWA — The new Crown-Indigenous relations minister says there's a "critical" need to build up First Nations infrastructure — but that work won't qualify for the federal government's push to fast-track what it calls "nation-building" projects. The federal government is developing legislation to speed up work on certain projects with a streamlined regulatory approval process as a substitute for reviews under the Impact Assessment Act. Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Rebecca Alty told The Canadian Press that closing the First Nations infrastructure gap is important but it's not considered nation-building work and would be pursued outside the proposed legislation. "It's about looking to make sure that it's not just for one community or one region," Alty said of the legislation. "It's a separate and really important issue that we need to focus on." Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak said last week First Nations infrastructure should be considered nation-building because addressing the shortage of all-season roads and internet connectivity in many communities would boost the economy. In an interview Monday, she said it's "terrible" that the minister doesn't consider those projects nation-building, adding she hasn't met with Alty since she was sworn in last month. "This is the mother of all Canadian infrastructure and reconciliation projects," Woodhouse Nepinak said. She cited a report drafted by the Conference Board of Canada for the AFN that said closing the First Nations infrastructure gap could generate $630 billion in economic growth and create more than 330,000 jobs. "I just think that's wrong to even just say right off the bat because there's many children without access to proper schools … We need proper roads and community infrastructure, clean water, quality housing, modern schools," she said. Alty's statement came as premiers and Prime Minister Mark Carney were meeting in Saskatoon to discuss a draft list of "national interest" projects. First Nations are organizing opposition to the federal fast-track legislation and to bills at the provincial level that are attempting to do something similar. Woodhouse Nepinak addressed First Nations leaders' concerns in a letter sent to Carney on Friday. In it, she said she fears the proposed legislation could violate the rights of First Nations people and undermine the treaties they signed with the Crown. "Very clearly, the rights of First Nations under international law and the Constitution of Canada are at stake in this legislation," she wrote. "Presumably, the government has a draft of the proposed legislation and a consultation draft should be provided to all First Nations immediately." The federal government gave First Nations leaders a short briefing document on the legislation last Monday and asked them to report any concerns they had about the plan by the end of that week. A regional chief for Anishinabek Nation told The Canadian Press they were only formally briefed on Ottawa's plans just hours before that deadline. "It would be unfortunate if this opportunity to close the gap on First Nations infrastructure is lost. First Nations' free, prior and informed consent must first be obtained," Woodhouse Nepinak wrote in the letter to Carney. "Otherwise, this legislation, like so many before it, will become marred in conflict and protracted litigation because First Nations rights have once again been ignored." Alty said there will be more engagement when the bill is tabled. Woodhouse Nepinak told Carney consultations through a House of Commons committee process won't be enough. "We note that parliamentary committees that study bills often are not able to accommodate the numbers of First Nations likely wishing to engage on a matter of this magnitude and significance," Woodhouse Nepinak wrote. "In addition, parliamentary process alone is not suitable or conducive to the depth of legal consultation likely required in this case to meet the Crown's consultation and consent obligations." In Ontario, Premier Doug Ford's government attempted to consult with Indigenous Peoples through the committee process on legislation similar to what the federal government is proposing. That led chiefs to accuse Ford's government of breaching of protocol and to threaten blockades and protests. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 2, 2025. Alessia Passafiume, The Canadian Press Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
Toronto Star
02-06-2025
- Politics
- Toronto Star
First Nations infrastructure critical but not nation-building: minister
OTTAWA - The new federal Crown-Indigenous relations minister says there's a 'critical' need to build up First Nations infrastructure — but that work won't qualify for the federal government's push to fast-track what it calls 'nation-building' projects. The federal government is developing legislation to speed up work on certain projects with a streamlined regulatory approval process as a substitute for reviews under the Impact Assessment Act. Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Rebecca Alty told The Canadian Press that closing the First Nations infrastructure gap is important but it's not considered nation-building work and would be pursued outside the proposed legislation. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW 'It's about looking to make sure that it's not just for one community or one region,' Alty said of the legislation. 'It's a separate and really important issue that we need to focus on.' Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak said last week First Nations infrastructure should be considered nation-building because addressing the shortage of all-season roads and internet connectivity in many communities would boost the economy. In an interview Monday, she said it's 'terrible' that the minister doesn't consider those projects nation-building, adding she hasn't met with Alty since she was sworn in last month. 'This is the mother of all Canadian infrastructure and reconciliation projects,' Woodhouse Nepinak said. She cited a report drafted by the Conference Board of Canada for the AFN that said closing the First Nations infrastructure gap could generate $630 billion in economic growth and create more than 330,000 jobs. 'I just think that's wrong to even just say right off the bat because there's many children without access to proper schools … We need proper roads and community infrastructure, clean water, quality housing, modern schools,' she said. Alty's statement came as premiers and Prime Minister Mark Carney were meeting in Saskatoon to discuss a draft list of 'national interest' projects. First Nations are organizing opposition to the federal fast-track legislation and to bills at the provincial level that are attempting to do something similar. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Woodhouse Nepinak addressed First Nations leaders' concerns in a letter sent to Carney on Friday. In it, she said she fears the proposed legislation could violate the rights of First Nations peoples and undermine the treaties they signed with the Crown. 'Very clearly, the rights of First Nations under international law and the Constitution of Canada are at stake in this legislation,' she wrote. 'Presumably, the government has a draft of the proposed legislation and a consultation draft should be provided to all First Nations immediately.' The federal government gave First Nations leaders a short briefing document on the legislation last Monday and asked them to report any concerns they had about the plan by the end of that week. A regional chief for Anishinabek Nation told The Canadian Press they were only formally briefed on Ottawa's plans just hours before that deadline. 'It would be unfortunate if this opportunity to close the gap on First Nations infrastructure is lost. First Nations' free, prior and informed consent must first be obtained,' Woodhouse Nepinak wrote in the letter to Carney. 'Otherwise, this legislation, like so many before it, will become marred in conflict and protracted litigation because First Nations rights have once again been ignored.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 2, 2025. Politics Headlines Newsletter Get the latest news and unmatched insights in your inbox every evening Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. Please enter a valid email address. Sign Up Yes, I'd also like to receive customized content suggestions and promotional messages from the Star. 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. Politics Headlines Newsletter You're signed up! You'll start getting Politics Headlines in your inbox soon. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page.
CBC
05-05-2025
- Politics
- CBC
2 Yellowknife city councillors want to be city's next mayor
Two Yellowknife city councillors have stepped forward to become Yellowknife's next mayor, hoping to fill the seat Rebecca Alty left vacant when she was elected to be the N.W.T.'s Member of Parliament. Garrett Cochrane and Stacie Arden-Smith both announced on social media that they want the job, though council hasn't yet said how it will replace Alty. Arden-Smith has been on Yellowknife city council since 2018. She said she is running to increase representation of Indigenous women in leadership roles. "I have a passion for my community, I want to be of service and I think it's important to make sure that all voices are being heard," she said in an interview with CBC. Cochrane has been on city council since 2022 and said he wants to serve as mayor because of his love of the city. "This community is my passion," he told CBC. "As mayor, I will continue to collaborate with my colleagues and work with the administration in addressing the defining issues of our city." City council has not yet decided how Alty's replacement will be chosen. The territory's Local Authorities Elections Act offers city council three potential courses of action: appoint a new mayor from within its ranks, hold a byelection, or leave the seat empty until the next municipal election. CBC has previously asked Yellowknife city councillors if they would be interested in taking on the mayor's role. Councillors Warburton, Cat McGurk, Tom McLennan and Steve Payne said they would not. Councillor Hendriksen declined to say yes or no, and Councillor Ryan Fequet did not respond.
CBC
29-04-2025
- Politics
- CBC
Liberal Rebecca Alty 'really looking forward' to representing N.W.T. in Ottawa
Alty says she'll be stepping down as Yellowknife's mayor Rebecca Alty, the newly elected Liberal MP in the Northwest Territories, says she's looking forward to representing the territory in Ottawa and getting to work. "It's definitely a whirlwind," she said of the election on CBC's The Trailbreaker Tuesday morning. "It's so much work leading up to it and then it's this big moment, so yeah, really looking forward to it, it's a really big job." Alty said the territory is facing big challenges — and that top of mind for residents on the campaign trail had been drugs, housing and the economy. Now that the results are in, she said it'll be nice to get to work. Alty, who is in her second term as Yellowknife mayor, said one of the first things she'll do after cleaning up her election signs is signing her official resignation from her role at the city's helm. Once in Ottawa, she said she'll be pushing for a funding approval related to the Our Land for the Future conservation deal. That deal, signed last year by almost all Indigenous governments in the N.W.T. as well as the federal government and private donors, unlocked $375 million for long-term conservation. Alty said because Parliament was prorogued in January, funding didn't get approved on time. N.W.T. Premier R.J. Simpson congratulated Alty on her election in a statement. "As a proud Northerner, she brings a deep understanding of the territory's people, challenges and opportunities," he wrote. "I look forward to working with her to deliver results for Northerners in Ottawa." He said he looked forward to working with Carney as well, and noted the Prime Minister was born in Fort Smith, meaning he has a connection to the territory. "I look forward to building a strong and productive partnership focused on unlocking the full potential of the North for the benefit of all Canadians," said Simpson. At the time of the interview, it was still too close to say whether the Liberals would have a minority or majority government. Asked how she would make sure the N.W.T would get the attention it deserves in Ottawa, Alty said she'd build coalitions with other MPs across the country to amplify similar messages together. "There are differences in the North and I'll continue to highlight those, but really making sure we can amplify and build those coalitions to make a strong N.W.T. and a strong country," she said. Alty had 8,580 votes with 108 of 109 polls reporting as of Tuesday morning. Kimberly Fairman with the Conservatives was behind her with 5,284 votes. Kelvin Kotchilea, the NDP candidate, had 1,926 votes while the Green Party's Angela Davidson, also known as Rainbow Eyes, had 163.
CBC
29-04-2025
- Politics
- CBC
Liberal Party leads as first results reported in Northwest Territories
Forty-five out of 109 polls are reporting results in the Northwest Territories, and Liberal candidate Rebecca Alty is in the lead. Early results had Alty leading with 1,933 votes. Kimberly Fairman with the Conservatives was behind her with 1,275 votes. Polling stations across the territory closed at 7:30 p.m. MT. The N.W.T.'s four candidates included Alty, Fairman, Green Party candidate Angela Davidson, also known as Rainbow Eyes; and Kelvin Kotchilea, who returned as the NDP's candidate. This year, the territory had about 30,000 people on the voters list, according to Elections Canada. The amount of people voting in advance polls in the N.W.T. rose slightly this election compared to the 2021 federal election, with 3,631 people voting — 132 people more than last time. Here's a full rundown of the options of how and where to follow along with CBC's election coverage. What matters to N.W.T. residents N.W.T. residents told CBC their priorities this election largely centred around affordability and good leadership, as well as infrastructure. Some said they have been struggling financially; for others, affording housing has been the challenge. There was also a lot of talk about Arctic sovereignty and security, with each party rolling out promises for the North. At the polls Monday in Yellowknife, Brianna Brenton told CBC she was thinking about who would be best for future generations when she cast her vote. "Personally, my parents are like, 'Buying a house is going to be more difficult now, compared to when we were buying a house,'" she said. Mohammad Bhuiyan said he, too, was thinking of future generations, particularly his two sons and making sure they have opportunities in the future. "We are blessed, but I talk to my colleagues, friends, and they're really concerned about the economy, inflation, the cost of living," he added. Bohdin Hacala, also a first-time voter, said for him, key election issues included rights for transgender people and solving homelessness. "I really, in my heart, support trans rights and I think that it needs to be showed everywhere and everyone needs to support it, because humans are humans," he said.
