Latest news with #ConstitutionAct
Cision Canada
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Cision Canada
FOREST MANAGEMENT: ANCESTRAL RIGHTS ARE NON-NEGOTIABLE
WENDAKE, QC, May 23, 2025 /CNW/ - A few weeks after the tabling of Bill 97 - An Act to modernize the forestry regime on the territory, the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) will have high standards in the various processes still underway. In order to propose amendments to the bill, the AFNQL has set up a committee bringing together several First Nations chiefs. This committee is currently sitting at a high-level table with Minister Maïté Blanchette-Vézina, who is responsible for the bill. "The high-level table must produce concrete results, and substantial changes to the bill are imperative. When it comes to the management of our territories and forests - the foundations of our identity and spirituality - failure to recognize our ancestral rights and title is no longer an option," said AFNQL Chief Francis Verreault-Paul The ancestral rights of Indigenous peoples have been recognized and guaranteed for over 40 years by Canadian law, notably by section 35.1 of the Constitution Act, 1982. "Rather than fully recognizing our ancestral rights on the territory, the bill simply grants us the possibility of pursuing activities for "domestic, ritual and social purposes". It's reductive, folkloristic, and doesn't meet Quebec's legal and constitutional obligations to First Nations," denounced Lucien Wabanonik, Chief of the Lac-Simon community and member of the AFNQL Chiefs' Committee on Forests. The AFNQL wishes to collaborate, but reminds us that respect for ancestral rights is not a political option: it is a legal and moral obligation. The development of each new law is an opportunity to move the legal context towards this goal. Only legislative reconciliation will enable our peoples to live together in a collaborative manner, drawing on our knowledge and know-how to ensure the sustainability of our environment, our Nations and our cultures.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
FOREST MANAGEMENT: ANCESTRAL RIGHTS ARE NON-NEGOTIABLE
WENDAKE, QC, May 23, 2025 /CNW/ - A few weeks after the tabling of Bill 97 - An Act to modernize the forestry regime on the territory, the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) will have high standards in the various processes still underway. In order to propose amendments to the bill, the AFNQL has set up a committee bringing together several First Nations chiefs. This committee is currently sitting at a high-level table with Minister Maïté Blanchette-Vézina, who is responsible for the bill. "The high-level table must produce concrete results, and substantial changes to the bill are imperative. When it comes to the management of our territories and forests - the foundations of our identity and spirituality - failure to recognize our ancestral rights and title is no longer an option," said AFNQL Chief Francis Verreault-Paul The ancestral rights of Indigenous peoples have been recognized and guaranteed for over 40 years by Canadian law, notably by section 35.1 of the Constitution Act, 1982. "Rather than fully recognizing our ancestral rights on the territory, the bill simply grants us the possibility of pursuing activities for "domestic, ritual and social purposes". It's reductive, folkloristic, and doesn't meet Quebec's legal and constitutional obligations to First Nations," denounced Lucien Wabanonik, Chief of the Lac-Simon community and member of the AFNQL Chiefs' Committee on Forests. The AFNQL wishes to collaborate, but reminds us that respect for ancestral rights is not a political option: it is a legal and moral obligation. The development of each new law is an opportunity to move the legal context towards this goal. Only legislative reconciliation will enable our peoples to live together in a collaborative manner, drawing on our knowledge and know-how to ensure the sustainability of our environment, our Nations and our cultures. About AFNQL The Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador is the regional political organization that brings together the 43 Chiefs of the First Nations in Quebec and Labrador. SOURCE Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador View original content: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
The new Carney government must tackle Canada's outdated system of intergovernmental relations
Throughout the recent federal election campaign, political leaders outlined their vision for Canada's future. Responding to a dramatically changing geopolitical climate, party platforms contained ambitious policy proposals about how to reposition the country for the challenges that lie ahead. Read more: But the leaders were silent about how a new federal government would navigate the division of powers among various levels of government in order to bring their proposals to life. Canada's Constitution separates powers between Ottawa and the provinces based on the principle of divided sovereignty. No order of government is subordinate to the other and, in principle, all governments can act autonomously in their respective areas of jurisdiction. Life would be easy if the problems we faced adhered to the 1867 Constitution Act. Most challenges, however, transcend the individual categories of jurisdiction. Collaboration among jurisdictions is therefore essential to meet the individual and collective needs of Canadians. From apprenticeships to energy corridors, childcare to caregiving, most policy areas require sustained and substantive co-ordination to succeed. Often, like in case of housing and climate change, this must also include municipalities. In addition, intergovernmental co-ordination must finally reflect a nation-to-nation relationship with Indigenous peoples. Nonetheless, the significance of intergovernmental relations in implementing policy continues to be overlooked, including by the victorious Liberals. The Liberal Party's Canada Strong platform refers eight times to nation-building projects. But it fails to acknowledge the need to transform intergovernmental relations for 21st century challenges. Instead, the Constitution is seemingly perceived as a minor inconvenience, not as a key governance challenge: 'We will work with the provinces and territories,' the policy says, seemingly hoping that somehow things will work out. Federal leaders seem oblivious to the fact that Canada is one of the most decentralized federations worldwide. The provinces exercise fiscal and jurisdictional autonomy exceeding those of other countries. In the meantime, the decisions of individual provinces and territories have implications that stretch far beyond their own borders. Take natural resources. Natural resources fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of provinces and, increasingly, the territories. But their development profoundly affects economic and environmental policy. If one province or territory unilaterally decimates the natural resources of their region, it's not just that specific province or territory that bears the consequences. This is just one of many sectors in need of collective consideration so that all of Canada benefits. Read more: There is a simple truth here: orders of government in Canada are not completely autonomous over their areas of jurisdiction. The federal government does not have the legitimate authority to compel provincial-territorial action; in the meantime, provinces and territories have little means to influence federal policy according to the needs and wants of their constituents. Rather than tackling this institutional problem, the federal government often asserts itself as the leader Alternatively, the federal government evokes an ad hoc 'Team Canada' approach in response to imminent crises, like the re-negotiation of the former NAFTA agreement in 2017 and today's threats and tariffs by U.S. President Donald Trump. Read more: Neither option, however, addresses the deeper problem: intergovernmental relations in Canadian federalism are notoriously weak and lack the legitimacy and transparency to bring about effective collective action. Canadian and international research shows that a robust institutional framework is critical for nurturing the key ingredient for effective and legitimate intergovernmental relations: Reciprocity. Regular policy meetings among governments and senior level public servants, especially when backed by sufficient administrative and political support, promotes shared norms and understandings, enhancing the potential for long-term policy solutions. If this type of regular collaboration is entrenched, it would be more difficult to obstruct meaningful collective action that respects Canada's political integrity. Reciprocity is at odds with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's threats to create a national unity crisis if a list of demands isn't met. It is also at odds with Ottawa's penchant under former prime minister Justin Trudeau to use federal tax dollars to pursue policy objectives that were within provincial jurisdiction. As Mark Carney's new government gets to work, Canadians must question not only the fiscal soundness of its proposals, but also their feasibility considering the deep divisions in Canadian federalism. Without taking tangible steps to reimagine Canada's outdated system of intergovernmental relations or developing a road map for institutional reform, the lasting policy changes that are needed to reposition Canada in an increasingly hostile environment are unlikely to materialize. About 100 Canadian academics recently argued in an open letter, Canada needs to establish a royal commission for securing Canada's future. As past experience has shown, this approach has great potential, but it must be developed in partnership among federal, provincial and territorial governments, including those of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organisation bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Jennifer Wallner, L'Université d'Ottawa/University of Ottawa and Jörg Broschek, Wilfrid Laurier University Read more: What the voter gender divide means for Canada's political future Mark Carney's cabinet: A course correction on gender, but there's more work ahead The King's speech: The world will be watching when Charles opens Canada's Parliament Jörg Broschek receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Jennifer Wallner does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Canada Standard
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Canada Standard
The new Carney government must tackle Canada's outdated system of intergovernmental relations
Throughout the recent federal election campaign, political leaders outlined their vision for Canada's future. Responding to a dramatically changing geopolitical climate, party platforms contained ambitious policy proposals about how to reposition the country for the challenges that lie ahead. Read more: Getting ready for what's next: 4 scenarios for Canada's future in a Trumpian world But the leaders were silent about how a new federal government would navigate the division of powers among various levels of government in order to bring their proposals to life. Canada's Constitution separates powers between Ottawa and the provinces based on the principle of divided sovereignty. No order of government is subordinate to the other and, in principle, all governments can act autonomously in their respective areas of jurisdiction. Life would be easy if the problems we faced adhered to the 1867 Constitution Act. Most challenges, however, transcend the individual categories of jurisdiction. Collaboration among jurisdictions is therefore essential to meet the individual and collective needs of Canadians. From apprenticeships to energy corridors, childcare to caregiving, most policy areas require sustained and substantive co-ordination to succeed. Often, like in case of housing and climate change, this must also include municipalities. In addition, intergovernmental co-ordination must finally reflect a nation-to-nation relationship with Indigenous peoples. Nonetheless, the significance of intergovernmental relations in implementing policy continues to be overlooked, including by the victorious Liberals. The Liberal Party's Canada Strong platform refers eight times to nation-building projects. But it fails to acknowledge the need to transform intergovernmental relations for 21st century challenges. Instead, the Constitution is seemingly perceived as a minor inconvenience, not as a key governance challenge: "We will work with the provinces and territories," the policy says, seemingly hoping that somehow things will work out. Federal leaders seem oblivious to the fact that Canada is one of the most decentralized federations worldwide. The provinces exercise fiscal and jurisdictional autonomy exceeding those of other countries. In the meantime, the decisions of individual provinces and territories have implications that stretch far beyond their own borders. Take natural resources. Natural resources fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of provinces and, increasingly, the territories. But their development profoundly affects economic and environmental policy. If one province or territory unilaterally decimates the natural resources of their region, it's not just that specific province or territory that bears the consequences. This is just one of many sectors in need of collective consideration so that all of Canada benefits. Read more: 'Elbows up' in Canada means sustainable resource development There is a simple truth here: orders of government in Canada are not completely autonomous over their areas of jurisdiction. The federal government does not have the legitimate authority to compel provincial-territorial action; in the meantime, provinces and territories have little means to influence federal policy according to the needs and wants of their constituents. Rather than tackling this institutional problem, the federal government often asserts itself as the leader Alternatively, the federal government evokes an ad hoc "Team Canada" approach in response to imminent crises, like the re-negotiation of the former NAFTA agreement in 2017 and today's threats and tariffs by U.S. President Donald Trump. Read more: Why Alberta's Danielle Smith is rejecting the Team Canada approach to Trump's tariff threats Neither option, however, addresses the deeper problem: intergovernmental relations in Canadian federalism are notoriously weak and lack the legitimacy and transparency to bring about effective collective action. Canadian and international research shows that a robust institutional framework is critical for nurturing the key ingredient for effective and legitimate intergovernmental relations: Reciprocity. Regular policy meetings among governments and senior level public servants, especially when backed by sufficient administrative and political support, promotes shared norms and understandings, enhancing the potential for long-term policy solutions. If this type of regular collaboration is entrenched, it would be more difficult to obstruct meaningful collective action that respects Canada's political integrity. Reciprocity is at odds with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's threats to create a national unity crisis if a list of demands isn't met. It is also at odds with Ottawa's penchant under former prime minister Justin Trudeau to use federal tax dollars to pursue policy objectives that were within provincial jurisdiction. As Mark Carney's new government gets to work, Canadians must question not only the fiscal soundness of its proposals, but also their feasibility considering the deep divisions in Canadian federalism. Without taking tangible steps to reimagine Canada's outdated system of intergovernmental relations or developing a road map for institutional reform, the lasting policy changes that are needed to reposition Canada in an increasingly hostile environment are unlikely to materialize. About 100 Canadian academics recently argued in an open letter, Canada needs to establish a royal commission for securing Canada's future. As past experience has shown, this approach has great potential, but it must be developed in partnership among federal, provincial and territorial governments, including those of First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples.
Global News
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Global News
Ontario First Nation seeks emergency relief in Federal Court over water crisis
A First Nation in northwestern Ontario is seeking $200 million in emergency relief from the federal government to address the 'critical' state of its water and sewage system as part of legal action launched in Federal Court, lawyers for the community said Friday. Pikangikum First Nation submitted a motion Thursday asking the court to compel the government to provide the emergency funds to deliver adequate water and sanitation services to the community of more than 4,000 people. The First Nation has declared a state of emergency and filed a lawsuit against the federal government, arguing that Canada has failed to fix the water issue and has caused irreparable harm to the community. A statement of claim initially filed last year says the First Nation has suffered from deficient water and sewage infrastructure for decades, and most households have no running water. Story continues below advertisement The First Nation alleges that Canada has failed to provide potable water, sewage disposal and fire prevention infrastructure to the community, and it's asking the court to order the government to immediately construct and repair its water systems. 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 It claims community members have contracted skin diseases and parasites due to lack of access to safe drinking water and inadequate sanitation, and some have been injured or have died while travelling long distances to access water and outdoor toilet facilities. The community is also 'ill-equipped' to respond to fires with limited water pressure and too few fire hydrants, the statement of claim says. 'The conditions in Pikangikum would shock Canadians who have never visited the reserve,' the statement says. 'These conditions constitute nothing less than a national embarrassment and demand an immediate and full remedy.' The First Nation is also asking for a declaration that Canada has breached Pikangikum's treaty rights and parts of the Constitution Act 'by failing to respect its rights over the land and waters and its right to maintain its traditional livelihoods' within Treaty 5 territories. The motion submitted Thursday is an interim request to the court 'to address the urgency of the situation on the ground' while the main lawsuit proceeds, lawyer Yana Sobiski said in an email. The Federal Court has put the motion on hold while the parties agree on a timeline for next steps, Sobiski said. Story continues below advertisement Indigenous Services Canada did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The community said in a press release that it has done multiple studies that confirm the inadequacy of its water infrastructure and it has issued multiple long- and short-term drinking water advisories. The most recent advisory came in February 2024 and remains in effect, it said. The First Nation's leadership has had to implement daily water conservation measures to prevent closures of local institutions, including the community's only school, it said. Pikangikum Chief Paddy Peters said in a statement that he implored Indigenous Services Canada earlier this year to provide long-term solutions for the community's residents, but nothing has changed. Peters said the government makes 'repeated promises for improvements that never come' while the residents' health is at risk every day. 'In 2025, our people still draw their drinking water from the lake because there is no trust that our treated water is safe to drink,' said Peters. 'For decades, we have waited for Canada. It's inhumane to make our people wait any longer.'
