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CBC
3 days ago
- General
- CBC
Lightning strike, low river tide triggers water crisis on northern Quebec Cree community
The Cree Nation of Chisasibi has declared a state of emergency because of an ongoing water shortage. Many local services, including the hospital and elders home, are also operating on reduced services because of the issue. Chisasibi is the largest community in Eeyou Istchee, with about 5,200 residents. It also has the only hospital in the region. The northern Quebec Cree community has been experiencing low water pressure and limited volume, and was entirely without water between Monday morning and Tuesday morning. A boil-water advisory is also now in effect and residents are being asked to conserve. Schools and daycares have also been closed since Monday. Local leaders are taking short-term precautionary measures until they fix the problem, including bringing in shipments of water to distribute to residents starting Tuesday evening. "Early this afternoon, the Cree Nation of Chisasibi declared a state of emergency for water shortage," said Jason Coonishish, director of emergency measures and disaster planning for the Cree Health Board, on Tuesday. The waterplant sustained damage due to a lightning strike, according to an official statement on the Cree Nation of Chisasibi Facebook page, but Coonishish also thinks the river's low tides are also a factor. "There's too much debris in the river because it's so shallow and very dry. It's having a hard time keeping up with pumping water to fill up the reservoir at the plant," said Coonishish. Some patients transferred to Montreal The Cree Health Board said in a statement on Tuesday that along with the local hospital and elders' centre, the community miyupimaatisiiun centre (CMC) and multi-service day centre (MSDC) are also operating at reduced services. Urgent and essential services are otherwise operating regularly, although residents who need hemodialysis treatment are being transferred to Montreal, according to Coonishish. He said they have so far medevaced about nine patients. Chisasibi experienced a water shut-off from 10 a.m. Monday until 5:30 a.m. Tuesday. Water was briefly restored on Tuesday, allowing residents to collect some for their households, but was again shut down, Coonishish confirmed. "That was just a short term because now they have to refill it again. We had issues at the water plant," said Coonishish. Coonishish says local and regional efforts are underway to bring more usable water for families. "The local emergency team set up some basins of water along the shore of the river so that people can go there with their pails so that they can use them to flush their toilets at home," he said. Daisy House, chief of Chisasibi, said community members are in high spirits despite the water shortage. House said she appreciates their co-operation, resilience and creativity in collecting water at the temporary station by the river. "We still know how to function without running water because that's what we do when we go to our camp. It's like camping for many of them," House said. "They're very creative with what they were using recycle bins and pails for camps, so very creative, very resilient, and working together." The Cree Nation of Chisasibi also received over 8,000 pounds of bottled water via AirCreebec. It's been distributed to residents from the Mitchaup building, with priority given to vulnerable people such as elders, young parents, and people with medical needs. Two more shipments of clean water were expected to arrive later. "The engineers, water operators, Hydro-Québec, the Cree Nation government are working together to work around the clock," said House. "Some of the operators hadn't slept 24 hours yesterday morning. We said that they need to rest, however, they're so dedicated and still in high spirits considering the situation." Barry Bearkskin, Chisasibi's director of general operations, said the lightning strike "burned the heart of the water treatment plan system." "One of the panels that the water treatment plant relies on for monitoring, controlling the pumps, everything. So the water treatment plant was crippled, there was nothing functional," Bearskin said. The short-term plan is to increase water levels, Bearskin said. "We are working with Hydro-Québec to provide the pumps in the river to increase the water into the water treatment plant so water can be processed at a higher pace than what we're producing right now," he said. For long-term solutions, they are still looking for ways to prevent the situations from happening again. "The engineers are working around the clock to come up with the long-term solution, so hopefully we won't find ourselves in this situation again in the future," Bearskin. It is unclear how long it will take for the water system to be operating normally. Local leaders suggest residents use water sparingly and stock up on bottled water.
Globe and Mail
5 days ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Sirios Resources Inc. to Participate in THE Mining Investment Event, Canada's Only Tier I Global Mining Investment Conference
Montreal, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - June 2, 2025) - Sirios Resources Inc. (TSXV: SOI) (OTCQB: SIREF), Focused on developing its Cheechoo Gold Discover., is pleased to announce that it will be participating in THE Mining Investment Event, Canada's Only Tier 1 Global Mining Investment Conference©, taking place June 3-5, 2025, at the Quebec Convention Centre, Quebec City, Canada. Sirios Resources Inc.'s management will be available to meet, and hold scheduled one-on-one investor meetings throughout the three-day conference. 'We are particularly excited about the global audience that THE Event has attracted, showcasing the best of international mining in Canada. This is a unique chance to engage with industry leaders and innovators, facilitating discussions that will shape the future of our sector. We look forward to seeing many of you there and exploring the possibilities that await us at this prestigious gathering.' Information regarding THE Event, including investor registration details, a list of participating companies, panelists and keynote speakers, as well as a preliminary agenda, can be found at About Sirios Resources Inc. Sirios Resources Inc. (TSXV: SOI) (OTCQB: SIREF) is a Quebec-based mineral exploration company focused on developing its 100%-owned Cheechoo Gold Project, located in Eeyou Istchee James Bay, Canada. About: THE Mining Investment Event—Canada's Only Tier 1 Global Mining Investment Conference© is held annually in Québec City, Canada. It is independently sponsored and designed to facilitate privately arranged meetings between mining companies, international investors, and various mining government authorities. The conference provides a platform to hear from some of the most influential thought leaders in the sector. THE Event is committed to promoting diversity, equality, and sustainability in the mining industry through education and innovation through its unique Student Sponsorship and SHE-Co Initiatives.
CBC
15-05-2025
- Politics
- CBC
'I work for the people,' says Mandy Gull-Masty, Canada's new Indigenous Services minister
Mandy Gull-Masty says even though she swore an oath to King Charles when she took on her new role as federal Indigenous Services minister, "I work for the people." The MP and former grand chief of Eeyou Istchee was appointed to Prime Minister Mark Carney's cabinet this week. She is the first Indigenous cabinet minister to hold the portfolio responsible for providing services for First Nations, Inuit and Métis. Gull-Masty said she understands that the role she's taking on is a challenging job. "Now I will work for all Indigenous people across Canada. It's very important but very difficult work, I know that already," she said, speaking to CBC News in Cree. Gull-Masty's husband and two of her children attended the swearing-in ceremony earlier this week. She's had conversations about what her new role means not only for her but also her family. "[When I was first elected as Eeyou Istchee grand chief], I told my family that they were in service to the Cree Nation," she recalled. They've had a similar conversation about her new role, she said. "We talked about it, I asked them about it, and told them, 'you will be in service to Canada too, not only me — we are in this together,'" said Gull-Masty. Gull-Masty feels emotional about being entrusted with this new role. She said she never thought she would work her way up into federal politics. "I always thought I would be like my mom, I would be a secretary at the band office. That's what I thought I would do when I got older. "I never thought I would be grand chief, or even be able to sit alongside members of Parliament, or even become a minister of Indigenous services," said Gull-Masty. She says her experience as the former grand chief of Eeyou Istchee gives her the confidence to embrace this new job with the same dedication. "It's important to me to remember where I come from and bring that same work ethic no matter where I go." Gull-Masty said she's received congratulatory messages from the Assembly of First Nations, Jordan's Principle, the grand council of the Cree, as well as community members from across Eeyou Istchee. "I've asked people for assistance, support, to work together, and most importantly, to communicate together, and keep me in your thoughts and prayers," said Gull-Masty. 'Mandy's appointment came at a very good time' Norman A. Wapachee, who's now the grand chief of Eeyou Istchee, emphasizes the importance of Indigenous representation at the federal level for fostering better relationships among leaders in all levels of government. Wapachee took over as grand chief last month following Gull-Masty's resignation. He is a former colleague of Gull-Masty, but also a close friend. "I've never met the past [Indigenous services] minister, but I did speak to Mandy this morning. Now I can say that was my first meeting with the minister of Indigenous services," said Wapachee. Wapachee is hopeful that Gull-Masty will bring to the ministry a new understanding of the realities of living in northern communities. "When you look at the history of Canada, there are all these non-native people in Parliament... They were from the core of society in the southern urban centres, and the northern communities never really had a voice in Ottawa," said Wapachee. "Mandy's appointment came at a very good time. It's a critical time for the Cree Nation because our agreements with Canada expire in 2028, and our negotiations will resume in 2026," said Wapachee. Looking ahead, Wapachee wants to work toward building relationships with the federal government. He cites ongoing discussions about a national marine conservation area, and the Eeyou marine region land claims agreement. "Those things will resume. So I'm happy for that," said Wapachee. Wapachee also says that Gull-Masty has strong cultural competence, enabling her to connect with northern communities in Western Canada. Her visionary leadership allows her to pursue long-term goals while collaborating effectively, according to Wapachee. "The Cree Nation government stands by her. We provide our full support. She'll be a voice for our riding here," said Wapachee.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Three Indigenous members of Canada's Parliament named to prime minister's cabinet
Miles MorrisseauICT It was a historic day in the Canadian government with the naming of the nation's first Indigenous Minister of Indigenous Services. Newly elected Prime Minister Mark Carney tapped Member of Parliament Mandy Gull-Masty, a former chief of the Quebec Crees, for the historic appointment. Gull-Masty, Cree, of Carney's Liberal Party, won in the northern Quebec riding of Abitibi-Baie-James-Nunavik-Eeyou, flipping a seat that had previously been won by the Bloc Quebecois. SUPPORT INDIGENOUS JOURNALISM. Congratulations from the Cree in Quebec greeted the historic news Tuesday. 'On behalf of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Nation Government,' the council stated on X, formerly known as Twitter. 'We extend our congratulations to Mandy Gull-Masty on her appointment as Minister of Indigenous Services in the new federal cabinet formed this morning.' Rebecca Chartrand who won in the northern Manitoba riding of Churchill Keewatinok Aski has been named Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs. Chartrand, Anishinaabe/Inninew/Dakota/Métis, also flipped a seat for the Liberals, defeating Nikki Ashton, the long time New Democratic Party incumbent. Buckley Belanger was named to cabinet as Secretary of State for Rural Development. Belanger was victorious in the northern Saskatchewan riding of Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River. Belanger was the lone Liberal elected in the entire province of Saskatchewan. Rebecca Alty has been named as the minister responsible for Crown-Indigenous relations. Alty is non-Indigenous but represents the Northwest Territories and a significant Indigenous demographic. The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations put out a release welcoming Alty to the role of Crown-Indigenous relations and stating that the former mayor of Yellowknife 'brings valuable northern perspective and experience working with Indigenous communities.' FSIN also congratulated Gull-Masty on her historic appointment. 'The appointment of these two accomplished women to lead key Indigenous portfolios signals a positive step forward for Prime Minister Carney's government to advancing reconciliation and addressing the priorities of First Nations,' said FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron. 'We look forward to establishing strong working relationships with both ministers as we collectively work to address the needs of our community.' Métis National Council President Victoria Pruden was also encouraged with the new cabinet. 'The Métis National Council welcomes the announcement of the new federal cabinet and is encouraged by the appointment of three Indigenous Members of Parliament to key leadership role,' Pruden told ICT. 'We are particularly pleased to see the historic appointment of Mandy Gull-Masty, former Grand Chief of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee), as the first Indigenous Minister of Indigenous Services Canada. We also recognize the proud Métis citizen from Île-à-la-Crosse, Buckley Belanger, who has been named Secretary of State for Rural Development, and Rebecca Chartrand—Anishinaabe, Inninew, Dakota, and Métis—as the new Minister of Northern Affairs and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency.'Pruden also stated that the council is ready to work with the new government to improve the lives of Métis people and strengthen the Métis Nation. 'We look forward to continuing to work in partnership through a government-to-government, nation-to-nation approach to advance the rights, interests, and priorities of the Métis Nation," she said. "This includes strengthening the Métis economy and addressing the cost-of-living crisis, workforce readiness, Métis climate leadership, and enhancing Métis data sovereignty and capacity.' The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs stated that the historic appointment of Gull-Masty and the appointment of Chartrand reflect the growing presence and leadership of First Nations women in federal decision-making. 'The swearing-in of Prime Minister Carney's Cabinet is a significant moment for the country, and especially for First Nations,' said Grand Chief Kyra Wilson. 'We look forward to building respectful, Nation-to-Nation relationships with this new team and ensuring that the commitments made to First Nations in the Liberal Party platform are fully implemented with clear identified timelines and deliverables. Treaty implementation will continue to be a priority for our Nations as we move ahead.' The new ministers were sworn in at Rideau Hall, the official residence of the Governor General Mary Simon, Inuk. Each Member of Parliament swears allegiance to Simon, who is the representative of the King of England. Following the swearing-in ceremony, Carney spoke to the media. 'Our new government will be a strong and reliable partner to the provinces, the territories and to Indigenous peoples,' Carney said. 'We will reinforce bridges across labor, business and civil society, and together, we will advance the nation, building investments that will support the core mission of this government, which is to create the strongest economy in the G7, an economy that works for everyone.' Carney referenced the rumblings about separation from some in the oil-rich province of Alberta who were disappointed in his election. 'Canada is only one nation, a confederation based on the union of peoples, French, English and Indigenous,' said Carney. 'Our government's approach will reflect that reality. We will govern as a cabinet constructively and collaboratively working with caucus and across parties in Parliament to deliver the change that Canadians want and desire.' Although the Liberals won the election, they will lead with a minority government, which will require support from the other parties. In the previous government of Justin Trudeau, the Liberals made a deal with the National Democratic Party to get their support and have the necessary votes in the House of Commons to pass legislation. It is still unknown what type of arrangement will be made, if any, but it is very possible that the NDP will hold some balance of power in the new government. The NDP was decimated in the recent national election, losing official party status, but their Members of Parliament could still hold influence if Carney wants to make a deal. Of the seven NDP Members of Parliament, two are Indigenous and are returning to Ottawa after successfully defending their seats. Leah Gazan, Wood Mountain Lakota Nation has held the riding of Winnipeg Centre since 2019. Lori Idlout, Inuk, held her seat of Nunavut since 2021. The Carney government will be heading back to work on May 27, when Parliament with be opened with King Charles III and Queen Camilla in attendance. Our stories are worth telling. 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Associated Press
12-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Critical Elements Lithium Summer Exploration Plans
MONTRÉAL, QC / ACCESS Newswire / May 12, 2025 / Critical Elements Lithium Corporation (TSX-V:CRE)(US OTCQX:CRECF)(FSE:F12) ('Critical Elements' or the 'Corporation') is pleased to announce the recommencement of active exploration on its highly prospective, 1,050 square kilometre land portfolio, including the 100% owned Nemaska Belt properties. An important helicopter-borne electromagnetic VTEM plus time-domain system ('VTEM') survey covering the Nemaska Belt group of properties in the Eeyou Istchee region of Québec has been completed (Figure 1). The 2,701-line kilometre VTEM survey executed by Geotech Airborne Geophysical Survey covers the entirety of Critical Elements' 100%-owned Nemaska Belt properties with flight lines at a 200-metre spacing. The objective of the survey was to identify conductors that could correlate with high-grade Nickel-Copper-PGE mineralization and define high-priority drill targets. Figure 1: VTEM survey map Nemaska Belt properties The Corporation plans to begin a surface exploration program on the Nemaska Belt portion of the portfolio and the Rose blocks at the end of May and intends to pursue a prospecting, mapping, and sampling program until late August. Dahrouge Geological Consulting Ltd. ('Dahrouge') has been mandated to perform the summer exploration program targeting potentially economic mineralization including high-grade Nickel-Copper-PGE as well as lithium-bearing spodumene. Management continues to be engaged in assembling the funding required to make a final investment decision on the Corporation's flagship Rose Lithium-Tantalum project. These efforts build on the $20 million conditional funding from Natural Resources Canada's Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund ( see press release dated February 6, 2025 ) and the support letter from a leading Canadian financial institution stating its interest in providing long term debt financing of up to US$115 million (approximately C$150 million) of project debt ( see press release dated February 10, 2025 ). Qualified Person François Gagnon, P. Geo, Operations Director - Québec for Dahrouge Geological Consulting Ltd., is the Qualified Person who has reviewed and approved the technical content of this press release on behalf of the Corporation. About Critical Elements Lithium Corporation Critical Elements aspires to become a large, responsible supplier of lithium to the flourishing electric vehicle and energy storage system industries. To this end, Critical Elements is advancing the wholly-owned, high-purity Rose Lithium-Tantalum project in Québec, the Corporation's first lithium project to be advanced within a land portfolio of over 1,050 km2. On August 29, 2023, the Corporation announced results of a new Feasibility Study on Rose for the production of spodumene concentrate. The after-tax internal rate of return for the Project is estimated at 65.7%, with an estimated after-tax net present value of US$2.2B at an 8% discount rate. In the Corporation's view, Québec is strategically well-positioned for US and EU markets and boasts good infrastructure including a low-cost, low-carbon power grid featuring 94% hydroelectricity. The project has received approval from the Federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change on the recommendation of the Joint Assessment Committee, comprised of representatives from the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada and the Cree Nation Government, received the Certificate of Authorization pursuant to section 164 of Québec's Environment Quality Act from the Québec Minister of the Environment, the Fight against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks, and the project mining lease from the Québec Minister of Natural Resources and Forests under the Québec Mining Act. For further information, please contact: Jean-Sébastien Lavallée, P. Géo. Chief Executive Officer 819-354-5146 [email protected] Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is described in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary statement concerning forward-looking statements This news release contains 'forward-looking information' within the meaning of Canadian Securities legislation. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as 'scheduled', 'anticipates', 'expects' or 'does not expect', 'is expected', 'scheduled', 'targeted', or 'believes', or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results 'may', 'could', 'would', 'might' or 'will be taken', 'occur' or 'be achieved'. Forward-looking information contained herein include, without limitation, statements relating to the results and completion of the 2025 exploration program and its related objectives, securing a strategic partnership and project financing leading to a Final Investment Decision. Forward-looking information is based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable at the time such statements are made. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Although Critical Elements has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from expected results described in forward-looking information include, but are not limited to: final and complete results of the Corporation's 2025 exploration program and effects on the Corporation's stated objectives, as well as those risk factors set out in the Corporation's Management Discussion and Analysis for its most recent quarter ended February 28, 2025 and other disclosure documents available under the Corporation's SEDAR profile. Forward-looking information contained herein is made as of the date of this news release and Critical Elements disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information contained herein is made as of the date of this news release. Although the Corporation has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information or implied by forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or reissue forward-looking information as a result of new information or events except as required by applicable securities laws. SOURCE: Critical Elements Lithium Corp. press release
