Latest news with #IndigenousPeoples
CBC
a day ago
- General
- CBC
Native Friendship Centres say Ottawa needs to do more to bring down barriers to health care
Speaking from Montreal, Native Friendship Centres from across Canada are calling on the federal government to improve equitable health-care access for Indigenous people living in urban areas, away from their home communities.
National Post
a day ago
- Business
- National Post
Bryan N. Detchou: Canada's historic opportunity to develop natural resources
Article content Early signs give reason for cautious optimism. The appointment of Tim Hodgson as minister of energy and natural resources was welcomed across the sector and his first major speech in Calgary struck the right tone, declaring that Canada would be 'defined by delivery.' Carney's recent mandate letter to his ministers also reflects a sense of urgency and seriousness about the economic promise of Canada's natural resources. But let's not mistake intention for action. Article content To be clear, a push for urgency does not absolve us of our constitutional responsibilities to Indigenous peoples, give the federal government license to trample on provincial jurisdiction or grant us permission to abandon our commitment to environmental stewardship. What it does require is a co-ordinated, respectful and united 'Team Canada' approach, for the good of Canadians and our global partners. Article content We must also come to terms with another truth: not every bet will pay off. Some investments may under-deliver. Some projects may fail. It's a reality we should work diligently to minimize — especially when taxpayer dollars are on the line — but we must accept that the far greater risk lies in doing nothing at all. The cost of inaction, delay and missed opportunity will be paid in lost jobs, growth, relevance and a diminished ability to meet global demand. Article content Canada needs to break the cycle and stop undermining our most productive sector — whether through 1,000 cuts of poor policy or by trapping it in a never-ending labyrinth of government consultations. The window of opportunity won't stay open forever. Major projects take years, even decades, to complete, and governments and public opinion change. Article content Article content Article content
Hamilton Spectator
2 days ago
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Update: Squamish Nation considering next steps after B.C. passes Bill 15
On Wednesday night, Bill 15 passed third and final reading in the Legislature by a vote of 47-to-46. New Democrats voted for the legislation, with 41 Conservatives, the two B.C. Greens, including Sea to Sky MLA Jeremy Valeriote, and the three Independents opposing it. The tie was broken by Speaker Raj Chouhan. Next, the bill will go to Lt.-Gov. Wendy Cocchia for royal assent. (The last time royal assent was withheld was in 1920, according to Parliamentary Practice in British Columbia: Fifth Edition .) Regarding the passage of the bill, Sxwixwtn Wilson Williams, spokesperson and council member, said Thursday that Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) leadership are considering next steps. 'Council strongly opposes the provincial government's decision to push Bill 15 forward, despite several calls for the province to withdraw the bill for its threat to the constitutionally protected rights and title of Indigenous Peoples, including the Squamish Nation,' he said. 'As a result, we have now directed staff to undertake a comprehensive political and legal review to inform our next steps,' he added. 'The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), which Canada and the province have endorsed, emphasizes the necessity of obtaining free, prior, and informed consent from Indigenous peoples before implementing measures that may affect their lands, territories, and resources. Bill 15 is a step backwards in the province's relationship with Indigenous People. 'Since the introduction of UNDRIP, we have made notable progress in streamlining decision making with all levels of government and industry. However, despite these advancements, we will now be conducting a full analysis of how we will engage in the future.' Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) is taking a strong stand against what it deems a 'significant threat' to the constitutional rights and title of Indigenous Peoples of the provincial government's Bill 15- Infrastructure Projects Act , which is due to pass on Wednesday. In a letter addressed to Bowinn Ma, B.C.'s Minister for Infrastructure, Khelsilem, Nation council chairperson, appealed to the provincial government to immediately withdraw the legislation and to subsequently discuss amendments co-operatively. The Bill 15-Infrastructure Projects Act was first introduced on April 10 last year. It was drafted by the Ministry of Infrastructure with the aim of centralizing planning for major capital projects, such as schools and health care facilities. The bill would give the cabinet powers to fast-track such projects, which it deems significant to the province. The Nation's May 13 letter of appeal lists 'grave concerns' over the marginalization of Indigenous knowledge, centralized powers without accountability or transparency, and an overall lack of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (or FPIC). The Nation's commitment to a 'shared vision' with the province is also elaborated upon, as well as the province's legal and moral obligations, and co-decision making. Significantly, the Nation states that the bill is holistically 'a step backward… [in] a self-governing Nation with deep responsibilities to our lands and waters,' and that it 'is a clear violation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA).' According to the Nation, it had not received a response to its letter as of May 28. The Nation is not alone in its sentiments and disillusionment with the bill. Many other Indigenous organizations and leaders have spoken out against it. For example, an open letter was also presented to the province this week by the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) on behalf of the First Nations Summit, the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, and the BC Assembly of First Nations, which said the province was 'walking backwards with a top-down, 'economy first' agenda,' which could have 'irreparable' impacts on many First Nations' relationships. The letter described how the FNLC had convened with the province on May 15 at an All Chiefs Meeting where they communicated their—yet to be acknowledged—opposing stance, and that the wording within the proposition of Bill 15 was misleading and unclear, for example the definition of 'core territories,' and who would determine the whereabouts of a project. Furthermore, the FNLC suggested that the bill's proposal purported to uphold Indigenous rights as an explicit provision, including consent as a prerequisite, and yet was not included in the ultimate legislative wording. 'The honour of the Crown is at stake when the Crown engages with First Nations,' the letter reads, '[it is] part of honourable dealing… more than just semantics. 'This is not a matter for the Crown to decide, and this proposed approach seriously risks prejudicing First Nations because of new or persisting boundary disputes caused by colonial policies and processes. It is a paternalistic and dismissive approach [to core territories] in this context.' For its part, the Ministry of Infrastructure told The Squamish Chief that whilst it is understandable Indigenous People want clarity, the province remains committed to its obligations under DRIPA. In a statement, the ministry said that on March 26 it issued letters offering future, deeper consultations on the bill to all 204 Nations impacted. 'We acknowledge that our engagement process was shorter than we would have liked,' the emailed statement reads, 'but we want to be clear, the bill can't be used to shortcut Indigenous participation … Our government remains committed to reconciliation.' According to the Ministry, the obligation to consult with the First Nations is guaranteed by a section written directly into the bill, as well as the Interpretation Act, which is a separate piece of legislation ensuring that all legislation must be interpreted in a way that aligns with DRIPA. 'We are committed to working collaboratively with partners, and to ensuring projects uphold BC's world-class environmental standards and consultation with First Nations,' the statement continues. Ina Pace is The Squamish Chief's Local Journalism Initiative (LJI) Reporter. This reporting was produced through the LJI, which supports original civic journalism across Canada.
Toronto Star
3 days ago
- Business
- Toronto Star
Doug Ford government amends controversial mining bill to allay First Nation concerns
Premier Doug Ford's government is amending its controversial Bill 5 in a last-ditch bid to allay concerns from Indigenous Peoples. With clause-by-clause debate of the so-called 'Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act ' beginning Wednesday, the Progressive Conservatives are scrambling to fix it. 'As the next step in developing mutually beneficial nation building projects that will unlock prosperity and critical infrastructure in Indigenous communities, our government will work throughout the summer in consultation with Indigenous partners to develop regulations to create new Indigenous led economic zones as part of Bill 5,' Ford's office said in a statement. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW 'This amendment creating a new category of zone is at the request of some First Nations who, like us, want to build projects that will unlock economic prosperity for generations,' the statement said. 'It has never been more important to work together — and we want to get this right, to strengthen Bill 5 while driving prosperity and upholding the duty to consult.' To that end, the amendment states that 'regulations under this Act shall be made in a manner consistent with the recognition and affirmation of existing Aboriginal and treaty rights in section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, including the duty to consult.' Indigenous leaders have been warning Ford that his bill fast-tracking mining and other infrastructure projects violates long-standing treaty rights. Provincial Politics Doug Ford's legislation to speed up mining projects violates First Nation treaty rights, hearing told Proponents argue that the controversial bill is essential for Ontario's economy amid U.S. President Donald Trump's trade war with Canada. Provincial Politics Doug Ford's legislation to speed up mining projects violates First Nation treaty rights, hearing told Proponents argue that the controversial bill is essential for Ontario's economy amid U.S. President Donald Trump's trade war with Canada. Energy and Mines Minister Stephen Lecce admitted Monday the bill needed to be amended. 'We can continue to work in good faith with First Nation leaders to strengthen the bill, to get it right. We're open to making those improvements to the bill. We already have made some, but I think there's some more work to do,' said Lecce. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Bill 5 would limit environmental assessments and create 'special economic zones' exempt from many municipal and provincial rules that First Nation leaders say would break their treaty rights and endanger wildlife. NDP Leader Marit Stiles has implored the Tories to 'go back to the drawing board.' New Democrat MPP Sol Mamakwa (Kiiwetinoong), whose northwestern Ontario riding includes the vast Ring of Fire mineral deposits, has said forging ahead could mean 'blockages of mines, roads.' Earlier this week, Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation said Ford's comment last Friday that reluctant First Nations would come on board once they see others enjoying benefits like electricity lines from Bill 5 was 'an idiotic thing to say.' First Nations will do 'anything and everything that will make this government listen to us,' said Fiddler, predicting 'conflict on the ground.' 'If this bill in its current form goes through, that is where we're heading,' he said Monday. 'And those that oppose (Bill 5) will most likely end up in jail.' ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie has said the Tories are going too far with Bill 5. 'I have a lot of issues with the power that it grants to cabinet, with respect to the special economic zones, the trusted proponents, who might they be and who would qualify, and then, of course, the lack of consultation with Indigenous communities with respect to Ring of Fire and other Northern development issues,' said Crombie. 'The problem is the premier is ignoring Indigenous communities and plowing ahead … and I think there could be a big fallout as a result.' This is a developing story. 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.
National Observer
3 days ago
- Politics
- National Observer
Power, patriarchy and petroleum: Why imagining a world beyond fossil fuels is so damn hard
US President Donald Trump doesn't just deny climate change — he mocks it. During his renewed presidency, he's doubling down. He sneers at wind turbines, brags about ' beautiful clean coal,' and promises to 'drill, baby, drill,' as if he's offering freedom — not disaster. But this isn't just political theatre. It's performance with a purpose: a reassertion of dominance — over nature, over science, over anyone who dares to challenge the fossil-fuelled status quo. Let's be clear: 86 per cent of the emissions currently trapped in our atmosphere — blanketing the planet and fuelling floods, fires, deadly storms and rising seas — come from just three things: oil, gas and coal. This is not a vague environmental problem. This is a fossil fuel problem. This is more than energy policy. It's ideology. The Trump administration is once again a fossil-fuel dream team: oil lobbyists, coal barons and climate deniers working hand-in-glove to dismantle environmental protections and flood the world with more oil, gas and coal. Their goal isn't energy security or economic freedom. It's control. Over land. Over people. Over the future. Fossil fuels have always been about more than powering cars or heating homes. They are the foundation of a political and cultural system that rewards exploitation and punishes restraint. The global fossil-fuel industry has made $2.8 billion in profit every day for the past 50 years. That kind of money doesn't just buy influence — it builds a worldview. One where nature is a thing to be conquered, not cared for. Where profit is the measure of progress. Where those closest to the land — Indigenous Peoples, women and racialized communities — are treated as obstacles, not leaders. That's why the return of Trump is so dangerous. His administration is not just pro-fossil fuel — it is a full-blown extraction regime. It's the politics of domination repackaged as patriotism. We saw this in his first term: the gutting of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the opening of sacred Indigenous lands to drilling, the withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, and the relentless attacks on climate science. Now, we're seeing it again — with renewed speed and greater confidence. And it's not just environmental protections under attack. In a sign of how deeply the fossil fuel worldview runs, even previously progressive sectors like the tech industry are being pulled backward — tech leaders who once championed innovation are now funding political movements aimed at suppressing diversity, equity, inclusion and climate action. Empowered, diverse communities — communities that value cooperation over conquest — are seen as a threat to the fossil-fuel political economy. That's why those in power are working to roll back civil rights and silence those demanding changes. In their eyes, the fewer voices challenging the system, the easier it is to keep exploiting people and the planet without consequence. And here's the deeper truth: the fossil fuel system is designed to perpetuate dependence. If you rely on oil and gas to heat your home, drive your car and feed your family, you remain tethered to the system — and it keeps generating profits. That's why they're fighting so hard. Because the new energy systems — based on wind, sun and community control — aren't just cleaner and safer. They're harder to monopolize. No one owns the sun. No one controls the wind. And that makes renewables an existential threat to those who want to maintain dependence, power and profits. The Trump administration's goal isn't energy security or economic freedom. It's control. Over land. Over people. Over the future, writes Tzeporah Berman But here's what they won't say out loud: they're fighting so hard because they know they're losing. The world is changing. Renewable energy is now cheaper than fossil fuels in most regions. We have the technology to replace the vast majority of fossil fuel uses. And we've already extracted more than we can safely burn. The problem isn't capability — it's political will. Sixteen countries are now participating in a global initiative to negotiate a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, a proposed international framework that would end fossil fuel expansion and support countries in building a just transition. From Indigenous-led solar cooperatives in Canada to energy commons in Europe and Latin America, communities are showing what post-carbon leadership looks like. This is real momentum — not just policy, but a shift in imagination. Fossil fuels are also killing us. A recent study estimates that more people die premature deaths each year from air pollution caused by fossil fuels than from any other single cause — about eight million people annually. The fossil fuel industry is stealing our children to asthma. It is stealing lives and livelihoods as more of the planet suffers under lethal heat. And perhaps, most insidiously, it has stolen our imagination — our capacity to envision a world without being dependent on their oil, gas, and coal, and the political structures they uphold. A recent Oxford study shows that more than 80 per cent of the public now understands that climate change is happening and supports climate action — but most people remain silent. And that silence is exactly what the fossil fuel system depends on. Right now, as the world burns, drowns and gasps for air, what we need most is not passivity — it's courage. Speaking out — about the reality of the crisis and the possibilities of the future — is an act of resistance. It's an act of imagination. We've been taught to believe that fossil fuels are inevitable. That their grip on our economies and politics is unshakable. But that's a myth — and like all myths of power, it's crumbling. A post-fossil world is not only possible — it's already being built. The challenge now is to scale it, defend it and organize against those trying to drag us backward. That starts with naming what we're up against. Trump's energy agenda isn't about freedom — it's about domination. It's about preserving obscene profits for the few, while communities pay the price in wildfires, floods, poisoned air and rising inequality. It's about maintaining a system that sees both people and the planet as disposable. This isn't just about emissions. It's about power. We're not just fighting climate change — we're confronting a system where fossil fuels are entwined with a specific identity: one that valorizes domination, control and a nostalgic return to traditional hierarchies. Political theorist Cara Daggett calls this phenomenon petro-masculinity — a cultural formation where fossil fuel consumption becomes a way to assert masculine authority in response to perceived threats from climate action and gender equality. In this context, the aggressive defence of fossil fuels isn't solely about economics — it's also about upholding a social order. Challenging fossil fuel dominance means challenging the identities and values that sustain it. So, talk about it. Talk about climate change. Question the ads pushed by the oil and gas industry that fearmonger about scarcity and price while trying to connect fossil fuel use to 'freedom.' Demand that elected officials support climate action and a fossil fuel phase-out to keep us safe and protect what we love. Join the movement calling for a Fossil Fuel Treaty. Oppose new fossil fuel projects and infrastructure being proposed in your community. And most importantly, dream big. One of the worst crimes of the fossil fuel industry is that it has used its bloated profits and relentless lobbying to steal our imagination. So, let's take it back. Imagine a world that is cleaner and safer. Where our kids don't get asthma, our water isn't toxic, and our cities aren't choked in smoke from terrifying fires. Imagine that one day we'll be telling our children we used to power our homes and cars with gas — and they'll barely believe us, because the world will be such a different place. Tzeporah Berman BA, MES, LLD (honoris causa) is an award-winning climate policy expert who has held many positions advising governments and designing local and global advocacy campaigns. She is the co-founder and international program director at and the founder and chair of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative.
