Latest news with #CommunityServices
CBC
2 days ago
- General
- CBC
Nunavut MLA and cabinet minister David Akeeagok won't run for re-election
Nunavut cabinet minister David Akeeagok says he won't be running in the next territorial election. Akeeagok holds a number of portfolios in cabinet, including community services and human resources, as well as being the minister responsible for mines, trade, and the Workers' Safety and Compensation Commission. He announced his decision to step away from politics on Tuesday in legislative assembly. Speaking in Inuktitut, he said he made the decision "because I want to be with my family." He also thanked his constituents in his Quttiktuq riding, saying "words are not even enough to express my gratitude." Akeeagok was first elected MLA of Quttiktuq in 2017 and was acclaimed to a second term in 2021. The riding includes the communities of Resolute Bay, Arctic Bay, and Grise Fiord, where Akeeagok was raised. Speaking to CBC News, he said that representing the three widely separated communities "has become a challenge." He says he was especially proud to represent his home community of Grise Fiord. "It's one community that does not get as much attention as it should," he said. The next territorial election will happen in October. Akeeagok said he wanted to announce his decision now so that anybody interested in running for the Quttiktuq seat has time to think about it.
Daily Maverick
26-05-2025
- Daily Maverick
Xenophobic violence breaks out in Addo after murder — three dead, 10 injured
The acting Provincial Commissioner of the Eastern Cape, Major-General Thandiswa Kupiso's office confirmed on Monday morning that additional members from specialised units were deployed to Addo after revenge attacks — sparked by the murder of a young man — left three people dead and at least 10 others seriously injured. WARNING FOR SENSITIVE READERS: Disturbing images of the deceased are shown later in this story Three foreign nationals were murdered in revenge attacks in Addo after a violent protest was sparked by the killing of a young South African man over the weekend, the police said on Monday morning, 26 May 2025. 'It is believed that these unlawful acts of revenge attacks began with an incident, in which a local resident was allegedly murdered following a fight between a group of local residents and foreign nationals outside a tavern on Saturday, 24 May,' said police spokesperson Captain Majola Nkholi. He said that after the murder, local community members mobilised and randomly attacked foreign nationals in the area. Thousands of foreigners are currently in the Kirkwood and Addo areas because of the citrus picking season. 'The situation is now under control. Police have deployed members from various specialised units and are maintaining a heavy police presence in the area. Police are investigating four counts of murder (including the first murder of the young man), and 10 counts of attempted murder. The arrests are imminent,' he said. Kupiso appealed for calm and urged community leaders to help with engagement with the affected community. Councillor Karen Smith from Community Services in the Sundays River Valley Municipality said a meeting would be held at 5pm to find a way forward. 'Extreme violence' Sundays River Local Municipality mayor, Solethu Lucas said there had been an outbreak of 'extreme violence'. 'This scourge of violence has fatalities and continuous criminal activities. The SAPS, ambulances services and fire services have been dispatched to Valencia in Addo; we are pleading for a ceasefire and peace as we are dealing with the matter working with the SAPS and other security services to restore peace. 'We urge our communities to refrain from any acts of violence as we are dealing with this matter as local authorities.' Smith added that she had never seen anything like it in Addo. 'I first heard about it at around 5pm when the ambulances asked for help as they could not get into Valencia. We spoke to the police and they told me that the Public Order Policing Unit was already on its way. 'Two men were murdered in the streets,' Smith said. 'Others had to be carried through the bushes to the ambulances.' She confirmed that the violence was triggered by a fight at a shebeen in the township in which a 21-year-old man was murdered. This young man's brother, who was also attacked, is still in an Intensive Care Unit. The incident happened on Saturday night. By Sunday mob justice had claimed the lives of three men, understood to be Zimbabweans, who were stabbed and beaten to death. Smith said another 10 dockets had been opened for cases of attempted murder. 'There are more than a hundred people currently hiding in the Kirkwood Police Station,' she said. 'The women of the Sundays River Valley are making sure they at least have something to eat.' 'Xenophobia' Smith added that they would ask to perhaps move the foreigners to another site. She said that the incident was a mob justice attack that 'morphed into xenophobia'. 'I want to say that the police have been amazing,' she said. She added that seven men who were injured in the attacks had been discharged from hospital, and that the police were looking for them so they could take statements. But despite the violence, Smith said they had managed to get the workers who picked citrus fruit to their jobs this morning. 'We had to warn that buses must be removed from the township as there were threats that these would be burned,' she said, According to the Eastern Cape Department of Health's official Emergency Services Report, nine patients were treated at about 7pm on Sunday. These included men with head and facial injuries, and some with severe head injuries. Three men were found dead on arrival of the ambulance. DM
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Santa Fe public works, family services directors announce upcoming departures
The city of Santa Fe announced the upcoming departures of two high-level employees at public meetings this week: the directors of Youth and Family Services and Public Works. After nine years with the city, Youth and Family Services Director Julie Sanchez will leave July 4 for a new role at the state, where she will serve as a director of planning policy and special projects in the Department of Aging and Long-Term Services. Community Services Director Henri Hammond-Paul announced Sanchez's resignation Wednesday to city councilors on the Quality of Life Committee. 'We're incredibly excited by what's next for her and seeing her continue to thrive, but we're also heartbroken that she'll no longer be with us," he said. Sanchez's portfolio includes most of the city's social services work, including homelessness and housing efforts, violence prevention, early child care and eviction prevention. The department received millions of dollars from the American Rescue Plan Act during the COVID-19 pandemic. Public Works Director Regina Wheeler announced at a Public Works and Utilities Committee meeting Monday she will retire in January. Wheeler has been with the city since July 2018. Wheeler said it's been an honor to serve the city, and she believes her department will be in good hands after she leaves. 'You have a great public works team that is doing incredible work. They're just a machine,' she said. 'I think with the knowledge the governing body has about where investments are needed, it's just set up for success in the long run.' The two departures create the need for additional job searches at a time when the city is recruiting for a number of top positions, including public utilities director, affordable housing director, risk manager and equity and inclusion director. Regina Wheeler headshot (copy) Regina Wheeler The city also is searching for a new airport manager, as former manager James Harris' last day was Friday. He announced last month he was stepping down to serve as manager of the Waco Regional Airport in Texas. Former airport security coordinator Jimmy Gunn will serve as interim manager while the city searches for Harris' successor, city spokesperson Regina Ruiz said Thursday. The city last month hired Elisa Montoya as the new community development director following a vacancy of nearly 10 months, and City Manager Mark Scott said Tuesday he believes the city is 'really close' to hiring a new deputy city manager following the previous deputy's departure in January.
CBC
16-05-2025
- Politics
- CBC
Drinking in Ottawa public parks could be allowed this summer
Social Sharing Ottawa parkgoers could soon enjoy alcohol in public parks, as a report from City of Ottawa staff is recommending consumption be allowed within certain parameters. In a report tabled for the city's Community Services Committee, staff included a proposed update to the parks and facilities bylaw. This proposed version would allow alcohol consumption in designated areas of parks and would establishe parameters for where it will continue to be prohibited. The current bylaw prohibits anyone from possessing alcoholic beverages in park spaces, except for at events with a proper permit. City staff outlined two options for councillors to consider. The first option would identify parks where personal consumption of alcohol is allowed. Councillors would then work with communities in their wards on designating parks or continuing prohibition. This option would establish parameters for limiting consumption of alcohol, such as before before 11 a.m. or after 9 p.m. It would also forbid drinking within five metres of playgrounds, parking lots, beaches, and sports fields. The report said these restrictions are designed to prioritize the safety of children and park users and ensure that areas frequently used by them remain secure, while also maintaining public safety. The second option would test drinking in parks with a pilot that would run from July to October. The Recreation, Cultural and Facility Services Department would select up to one park per ward with the local councillor to authorize the consumption of alcohol. Afterwards there would be a post-pilot evaluation that would go to council for further direction. Capital ward Coun. Shawn Menard introduced a motion last year to launch a pilot program, citing cities like Toronto that allow alcohol consumption in designated parks. Both Ottawa Public Health and Ottawa Police Service voiced concern with the proposed bylaw. In a letter, Police Chief Eric Stubbs said, "permitting alcohol consumption in public parks presents risks that could compromise public safety and strain our resources." A letter from Ottawa Public Health raised concerns linking increased alcohol consumption to several types of cancer, as well as the risks of underage drinking. Councillors will discuss the report from city staff at a Community Services Committee meeting scheduled for May 27. If approved, the proposed bylaw would then go to city council.
CTV News
16-05-2025
- Politics
- CTV News
Ottawa residents could be allowed to enjoy an alcoholic beverage in parks this summer
Parkgoers could be able to enjoy a cold alcoholic beverage while visiting parks in Ottawa this summer. An update to Ottawa's Parks and Facilities Bylaw, to be discussed at the Community Services Committee meeting on May 27, recommends allowing alcohol consumption in designated parks selected by councillors, but not at beaches, sports fields and around playground equipment. The current bylaw prohibits alcoholic beverages in a park, except at events with a park rental permit and a special occasion permit. Councillor Shawn Menard asked city staff to explore a pilot project to allow the consumption of alcohol in municipal parks. Staff are recommending allowing alcohol consumption in designated areas of parks, as determined by the Public Works general manager in consultation with the ward councillor. The report does provide two potential options for allowing alcohol consumption in parks: Option 1 : Allow the councillor in each ward to work with their communities to decide on designating a park, or not, to permit personal consumption of alcohol. : Allow the councillor in each ward to work with their communities to decide on designating a park, or not, to permit personal consumption of alcohol. Option 2: Implement a phased approach, whereby the Recreation, Cultural and Facility Services Department general manager would, in consultation with the local ward councillor, select 'up to one park per ward' to authorize personal consumption of alcohol from July 1 to Oct. 31. Staff are recommending the city proceed with option one, staying the bylaw 'will make it possible for individual councillors to identify parks where personal consumption of alcohol would be allowed.' The proposed rules include: No alcohol consumption before 11 a.m. and after 9 p.m. or hours designated by the general manager. No person shall possess or consume alcohol within a five-metre radius of a playground or playground equipment, wading pools or splash pads or outdoor pools, beaches, parking lots, natural or artificial ice ranks, and at sports fields, sports courts and ball diamonds. Both the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) and Ottawa Public Health have raised health, safety and security concerns about allowing alcohol consumption in parks. 'The OPS has significant concerns about the implications of this policy, which may undermine public safety,' Chief Eric Stubbs said in a letter to the city. 'The OPS does not support the initiative to allow alcohol consumption in city parks. While we understand that municipalities in Ontario are exploring this possibility, we believe such a change presents risks to the public.' Stubbs says residents have raised concerns about open-air drug use, and 'allowing alcohol consumption in public parks could further these concerns and heighten their sense of insecurity.' The chief says if the City of Ottawa allows alcohol consumption in parks, police would need to discuss 'specific implementation measures' to mitigate the risks. 'Adequate bylaw enforcement presence and clear guidelines for managing alcohol consumption would be essential,' Stubbs writes, adding police support would 'be limited.' 'While OPS is committed to supporting initiatives that enhance the quality of life in our community, permitting alcohol consumption in public parks presents risks that could compromise public safety and strain our resources.' Staff say if city council wishes to maintain the current ban on alcohol consumption in parks, a motion would be required to amend the bylaw. The Liquor Licence Act of Ontario gives municipalities the authority to designate public places for legal alcohol consumption.
