Latest news with #Mi'kmaw
CBC
2 days ago
- Politics
- CBC
Mi'kmaw chiefs call on Ottawa to address income assistance disparity on reserves
Social Sharing Mi'kmaw leaders from Nova Scotia are calling on Ottawa to urgently address the income assistance disparity they say is keeping some families on reserve in deep poverty. Ta'n Etli-tpi'tmk, which represents 12 of the 13 Mi'kmaw First Nations in Nova Scotia, says Canada must raise on-reserve income assistance rates to provincial levels. The group says there is a gap of more than $25 million a year between what First Nations people on reserve receive from Ottawa and what they would receive from Nova Scotia if they lived off reserve. Sen. Paul Prosper, who is a Mi'kmaw lawyer from Nova Scotia, says First Nations in the province are asking for basic human and legal rights, and poverty-reducing support that's comparable to what others access off reserve. James Michael, a lead negotiator with Ta'n Etli-tpi'tmk, says the disparity in income assistance rates is keeping some people on reserve in "deep poverty," making it impossible for some to access healthy food.
CBC
6 days ago
- Business
- CBC
N.S. Power could profit too much on transmission line project, economist says
The amount of profit Nova Scotia Power could make through the construction of a major transmission line is "inappropriate," according to an economist who analyzed the arrangement for the province's energy regulator. Sean Cleary, a professor of finance at Queen's University, filed testimony with the Nova Scotia Energy Board last week as a consultant and expert witness. He said Nova Scotia Power's return on equity — that is, how much money it gets back from what it puts in — is three percentage points too high. Based on figures provided by the utility to the board, CBC News has calculated the three percentage point difference is $4.1 million. The infrastructure in question is a 160-kilometre, 345-kilovolt transmission line that will run from Onslow, N.S., to Salisbury, N.B., known as the intertie. The utility has estimated the total project cost at $684.7 million. There is already a transmission line on that route, which will continue to operate. The new line would double the connection between the two provincial grids. Nova Scotia Power says the intertie is needed for grid stability as more wind energy is added to the electricity system. The project is a partnership between the utility, the Canada Infrastructure Bank and a Mi'kmaw business collective. Nova Scotia Power's rate of return on any endeavour is capped in provincial legislation at nine per cent. That's based on a 40 per cent equity ratio, meaning 40 per cent of the money going into the project comes from the company's coffers and 60 per cent from debt. The utility proposes a nine per cent return, but with a 60 per cent equity ratio. Cleary said the higher equity ratio means the project poses a "much lower financial risk" to Nova Scotia Power. Cleary suggests a six per cent rate of return on the project would be more appropriate. In his submission to the board, Cleary doesn't say what the two different scenarios would yield. But CBC's calculation shows a six per cent return on Nova Scotia Power's share of the equity would be $8.1 million, while a nine per cent return would be $12.2 million. Good or bad for ratepayers? Nova Scotia Power declined to comment on Cleary's analysis, citing the ongoing review by the energy board. Company officials have said the financing arrangement, which includes low-cost financing through the Canada Infrastructure Bank, would be beneficial to ratepayers. "[The arrangement] will reduce Nova Scotia customer costs by a net present value of approximately $200 million," the company said in a submission to the board. But Cleary has another take on the impact to ratepayers. He said the extra profit Nova Scotia Power stands to earn would come "at the expense of customers whose benefits reaped from this project will be smaller as a result." Minister concerned Energy Minister Trevor Boudreau said he's "concerned" about the issue and said his department would be following the proceedings at the energy board closely. "This is an important piece of infrastructure for Nova Scotians," he told reporters following a cabinet meeting this week. "It's going to help us with our transition and moving to 80 per cent renewables [by 2030], but respectfully, it has to be done in a way that's appropriate for ratepayers." Interim Liberal Leader Derek Mombourquette said he doesn't agree with the proposed financing arrangement. "Nova Scotians can't continue to be a piggy bank for Nova Scotia Power," he said in an interview. Mombourquette said his party is looking at what options may be available to legislators to get involved, and said he hopes the government is doing the same. "I think this is going to be a big conversation as we enter the House into the fall," he said, referring to the next sitting of the legislature. Construction of the new transmission line has been granted environmental approval, and the utility expects to begin some preparatory work this fall.
CBC
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
Calling all Indiginerds: Elsipogtog First Nation set to host first ever comic-con event
For the first time ever, Elsipogtog First Nation in New Brunswick will host Elsi-Con — its very own comic convention. The event promises something for everyone and was developed by Susan Levi-Peters, who came up with the idea while supporting her daughter, a digital artist. "People are really excited about this," said Levi-Peters. For years, Levi-Peters and her family have sold crafts and art at East Coast Comic Expo, a comic convention based in Moncton, N.B., to help fuel her daughter's creative passion. Through attending these events, Levi-Peters found herself inspired by the welcoming and creative community. "It'd be two days of us forgetting about everything and enjoying life," she said. "I wanted our whole community to experience the comic convention in Moncton, instead I brought it home." The result is Elsi-Con, a historic full day event packed with excitement hosted in Elsipogtog, a Mi'kmaw community 90 kilometres north of Moncton. Levi-Peters said she believes the cosplay aspect will be a big hit in Elsipogtog. "The most popular day in Elsipogtog is Halloween because Indians just love to dress up, people in Big Cove [Elsipogtog], anyway," said Levi-Peters. "I know they're gonna go all out." To help bring this vision to life, Levi-Peters connected with Scott Tingley and Brad MacDonald, two organizers of East Coast Comic Expo, during the show this past June. Tingley said lot of ideas with different organizations have come and gone, with nothing coming to fruition. But mere hours after mentioning the idea in June, Levi-Peters had the venue, Chief Young Eagle Hockey Arena, and security already booked. "The fact that it's the first time being done here was the selling feature for us," explained MacDonald. "That's historic." The duo said their Moncton-based expo draws in crowds of thousands to the area, and hope Elsi-Con will be the same. Support comes in East Coast Comic Expo is helping Elsipogtog organizers with the basics in organizing with the hope that the community will be able to grow this event in the future and become self-sufficient. "We absolutely don't have all the answers, but we know a lot of the right questions," said Tingley. Kylie Francis, Elsipogtog's recreation manager, is being trained in skills like hiring talent, organizing vendors, organizing artists and managing finances. "Everything is just falling into my lap," said Francis. "They're training me to continue [Elsi-Con]." Francis said she is especially excited to showcase talented artists from Elsipogtog, who haven't had the opportunity to take part in something like this before. "We're really excited to get them to come out and open up their vendor booths or just to show their art and their creativity," said Francis. "This is a space where they can feel safe and have fun." Susan Levi-Peters, said because of her community's support, she is confident the day-long event will go well. "Once they know how it is, they're gonna love it," she said. Elsi-Con is slated for Sat., Aug. 23 and is open to all. Organizers say they are still accepting vendor and sponsorship applications.
CBC
17-07-2025
- CBC
Parrsboro sharing its past to help grow local tourism
News Duration 3:06 The Mi'kmaw, Merchants, Missionaries and Mariners walking tour started in the town this summer and gives tourists a history lesson on the area. Luke Ettinger went along for a walk.
Cision Canada
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Cision Canada
Canada invests $2.2 million to support families of missing and murdered Indigenous people in Nova Scotia
TRURO, NS, July 16, 2025 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is investing $2.2 million over five years to help Nova Scotia support more families of missing and murdered Indigenous people. This funding will enhance the province's Family Information Liaison Unit and expand community outreach efforts through the Nova Scotia Native Women's Association. The announcement was made today by Jaime Battiste, Member of Parliament for Cape Breton–Canso–Antigonish, on behalf of Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, at the Nova Scotia Native Women's Association. Nova Scotia will use the funding to hire a full-time case coordinator for Victim Services, improving how families are supported through every step of the process. The Nova Scotia Native Women's Association will also hire a full-time community outreach worker to help connect families with culturally grounded support and services. The Family Information Liaison Unit works directly with families using a trauma-informed and culturally grounded approach. It helps gather answers from across government systems and connects families with Elders, cultural advisors, and other local supports. Units like this exist across Canada, supported by the Government of Canada in collaboration with provinces and territories. Quotes "For many families, getting information about a missing or murdered loved one is an essential part of the healing process. This support will help more families in Nova Scotia get the answers they deserve. It means more staff on the ground to guide families, stronger outreach in Mi'kmaw communities across Nova Scotia, and services that are grounded in culture, compassion, and trust." The Honourable Sean Fraser, P.C., K.C., Member of Parliament for Central Nova Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency "Families of missing and murdered Indigenous people have experienced unimaginable pain. They deserve more than words. They deserve real support. This investment in Nova Scotia's Family Information Liaison Unit will help families get the help they need to find answers, honour their loved ones, and begin to heal. It also responds to recommendations from the National Inquiry, like better coordination, cultural support, and services that put families first." Jaime Battiste, Member of Parliament for Cape Breton–Canso–Antigonish "Through Nova Scotia Victim Services, we strive to provide culturally appropriate and easy-to-use supports so that people can access justice and move towards healing. The Family Information Liaison Unit is an important resource for Indigenous families, and I am very pleased to see that it continues and expands." Becky Druhan, Attorney General and Minister of Justice "Too many Mi'kmaq families in Nova Scotia have faced barriers when searching for answers about their loved ones. This funding will help ensure that they are received with compassion, understanding and culturally appropriate care when it matters most." Leah Martin, Minister of L'Nu Affairs "We are committed to empowering women, girls, and Two-Spirit people and providing them with vital resources and safe spaces to thrive. This new funding is critical in our work to improve safety, implement preventative measures, and raise awareness of the FILU program. The addition of an outreach and prevention worker will also allow us to provide direct support and resources to MMIWG2S families and survivors." Dawn McDonald Executive Director, Nova Scotia Native Women's Association Facts Quick Facts The Government of Canada is investing $2.2 million over five years (2025–2030) to support families of missing and murdered Indigenous people in Nova Scotia. This funding will allow Nova Scotia to hire a full-time case coordinator for Victim Services and support the Nova Scotia Native Women's Association in hiring a community outreach worker. The Family Information Liaison Unit helps families gather information about their missing or murdered loved one and connects them to cultural, emotional, and legal support. Units like this exist across Canada and are supported by the Government of Canada in collaboration with provinces and territories. This initiative responds to key recommendations from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, including the need for family-focused, culturally respectful, and trauma-informed services. Associated links Justice Canada's Victim Fund Federal Victims Strategy Family Information Liaison Units Stay connected SOURCE Department of Justice Canada
