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Winnipeg Free Press
a day ago
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
Sombre start to Filipino Heritage Month in B.C. as festival attack's shadow lingers
British Columbia is marking the start of this year's Filipino Heritage Month with a sombre tribute to the victims of April's deadly attack at Vancouver's Lapu Lapu Day Festival. Premier David Eby issued a statement saying this year's celebration of Filipino Heritage Month in June is happening 'alongside deep sorrow, under the backdrop of the tragic attack' that killed 11 people and shook the community to its core. Eby says the province continues to grieve, but the support shown by different communities 'coming together to heal' demonstrates how 'strength in unity' has enriched B.C.'s cultural fabric. In a separate statement, New Democrat legislative member Mable Elmore — who is of Filipino descent — says her community is marking the heritage month to 'honour the memories of those lost after the Lapu Lapu Day Festival.' Elmore says while the community remains in mourning, she is confident that people are healing and will emerge stronger from the tragedy. The suspect in the attack, Adam Kai-Ji Lo, appeared in court on Friday via video as part of the process to determine if he is fit to stand trial. He is tentatively set to appear in court next on June 6. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 1, 2025.
Hamilton Spectator
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Doug Ford says it's time to ‘move on' from Macdonald statue controversy
It's time to 'move forward' from controversy over the Ontario legislature's statue of Sir John A. Macdonald now that the decision has been made to remove the protective hoarding around it , says Premier Doug Ford. 'You know, things have happened over a number of years, but we can't just box them up,' he told reporters Friday. 'We have to move on. Stop worrying about the past.' The statue of Canada's first prime minister, on the front lawn atop University Avenue, has been out of sight since a wooden box was built around it in 2020 following acts of vandalism over Macdonald's role in creating residential schools , where thousands of Indigenous children died after being taken from their families. In the coming weeks, the statue will be cleaned and a protective coating applied as a result of a May 12 decision by the legislature's board of internal economy to once again have it on full public display. Representatives from Ford's Progressive Conservatives, the New Democrats and Liberals sit on the board. There will be a plaque stating, in part, 'though we cannot change the history we have inherited, we can shape the history we wish to leave behind' as consultations continue with Indigenous groups on how to better represent their concerns at the legislature, where suggestions have included building a residential schools monument. The move to 'unbox' the statue, where dozens of tiny shoes had been placed in memoriam over the years, has frustrated New Democrat MPP Sol Mamakwa (Kiiwetinoong), a residential school survivor who warned it could be toppled or spray painted because of the hurt residential schools caused. 'We are still trying to find our kids, our ancestors, in these residential schools,' he said earlier this week, referring to the search for unmarked graves that is expected to take years. Ford discouraged vandalism but invited protests at the statue, which will be under 24-hour security watch. Residential schools opened in 1883 under Macdonald's government. The last one closed in 1996. About 150,000 Indigenous children were removed from their homes in a system likened to apartheid and genocide. Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission counted 3,201 deaths in its 2015 report.
Hamilton Spectator
5 days ago
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Doug Ford's Tories amend controversial mining bill to allay First Nation concerns
Premier Doug Ford is amending his controversial Bill 5 in a last-ditch bid to allay concerns from Indigenous leaders that treaty rights and environmental protections are under threat. The Progressive Conservatives scrambled Wednesday to alter their Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act fast-tracking mines and infrastructure projects by proposing to make changes in regulations after the legislation is passed — which critics dismissed as too little, too late. 'This is totally the wrong way,' said New Democrat MPP Sol Mamakwa (Kiiwetinoong), whose remote northwestern riding includes the vast Ring of Fire mineral deposits Ford wants to feed electric vehicle development, defence and other industries in the face of U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs. A key amendment would eventually allow Indigenous-led 'special economic zones' to fast-track mining and infrastructure projects that could benefit their communities. It states '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.' Ford's office said '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.' Special economic zones, which would limit environmental assessments and be exempt from many municipal and provincial rules, have been a main point of contention with First Nations because they violate treaty rights and endanger wildlife. 'We've ... heard the desire to strengthen the commitment to the duty to consult. They want to make sure that their rights and treaty rights are protected. We hear them,' said Energy and Mines Minister Stephen Lecce. 'A responsible government, an element of pragmatism, will work with them and build upon that advice,' said Lecce. Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation Minister Greg Rickford, who is meeting with chiefs from across the province, said the changes 'line up perfectly with what we're hearing from First Nations business leaders and First Nations political leaders.' 'They want to be a part of the economic opportunity and fundamentally transform and change the economic fortunes of many First Nations across this province,' said Rickford, who worked as a nurse in remote reserves for years before going into politics. 'There have been no 'economic' designations as of yet,' he said, referring to the special economic zones where development could be expedited by years. But as protesters rallied outside Queen's Park, opposition parties and First Nations said the government's 'trust-me' approach to make changes in regulations won't work because the government has already broken trust by rushing the bill into law after failing to consult them while crafting it. 'This legislation will not unleash our economy. In fact, it erodes trust between Ontario and Moose Cree First Nation and will only delay planning and development because there is no shortcut around First Nations' rights,' said Moose Cree First Nation Chief Peter Wesley. 'This attempt to shortcut the duty to consult and override environmental protections will end up at the Supreme Court and delay any Ring of Fire activity by at least 10 years,' said Chief Michael Sugarhead of Nibinamik First Nation. In a legislative committee doing a clause-by-clause examination of the bill Wednesday, Mamakwa said 'the government is on a path of no reconciliation' with First Nations that will backfire. 'You cannot legislatively bulldoze your way to our homeland,' said Mamakwa. 'If that's done, there are repercussions and we don't want to go there ... while you may change your laws, you remain accountable to us.' Earlier this week, Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation said the government's actions could lead to 'conflict on the ground.' 'If this bill in its current form goes through, that is where we're heading, And those that oppose (Bill 5) will most likely end up in jail,' said Fiddler, who has repeatedly emphasized that 'our treaty is not red tape, our rights are not red tape.' NDP Leader Marit Stiles said consultations with Indigenous leaders should have taken place before the bill was drafted and agreed it will lead to a slowdown in mine and infrastructure development because of court challenges and protests. 'This eleventh hour scramble ... is not going to cut it,' she told reporters. Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie said the amendment is yet another example of the three-term Tory government being forced into policy retreats because it doesn't 'do its homework.' 'They react, and then they realize they need to walk things back. This has been a pattern with this government, as we saw, even with the Greenbelt,' said Crombie in reference to the Tories' $8.28-billion land swap scandal now being investigated by the RCMP. Green Leader Mike Schreiner noted 'the government says 'trust us' on a bill that they've actually broken trust with First Nations.' Proponents argue that the controversial bill is essential for Ontario's economy amid U.S. President Donald Trump's trade war with Canada. Proponents argue that the controversial bill is essential for Ontario's economy amid U.S. President Donald Trump's trade war with Canada.
Toronto Star
5 days ago
- Business
- Toronto Star
Doug Ford's Tories amend controversial mining bill to allay First Nation concerns
Premier Doug Ford is amending his controversial Bill 5 in a last-ditch bid to allay concerns from Indigenous leaders that treaty rights and environmental protections are under threat. The Progressive Conservatives scrambled Wednesday to alter their Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act fast-tracking mines and infrastructure projects by proposing to make changes in regulations after the legislation is passed — which critics dismissed as too little, too late. 'This is totally the wrong way,' said New Democrat MPP Sol Mamakwa (Kiiwetinoong), whose remote northwestern riding includes the vast Right of Fire mineral deposits Ford wants to feed electric vehicle development, defence and other industries in the face of U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW A key amendment would eventually allow Indigenous-led 'special economic zones' to fast-track mining and infrastructure projects that could benefit their communities. It states '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.' Ford's office said '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.' Special economic zones, which would limit environmental assessments and be exempt from many municipal and provincial rules, have been a main point of contention with First Nations because they violate treaty rights and endanger wildlife. 'We've ... heard the desire to strengthen the commitment to the duty to consult. They want to make sure that their rights and treaty rights are protected. We hear them,' said Energy and Mines Minister Stephen Lecce. 'A responsible government, an element of pragmatism, will work with them and build upon that advice,' said Lecce. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation Minister Greg Rickford, who is meeting with chiefs from across the province, said the changes 'line up perfectly with what we're hearing from First Nations business leaders and First Nations political leaders.' 'They want to be a part of the economic opportunity and fundamentally transform and change the economic fortunes of many First Nations across this province,' said Rickford, who worked as a nurse in remote reserves for years before going into politics. 'There have been no 'economic' designations as of yet,' he said, referring to the special economic zones where development could be expedited by years. But as protesters rallied outside Queen's Park, opposition parties and First Nations said the government's 'trust-me' approach to make changes in regulations won't work because the government has already broken trust by rushing the bill into law after failing to consult them while crafting it. 'This legislation will not unleash our economy. In fact, it erodes trust between Ontario and Moose Cree First Nation and will only delay planning and development because there is no shortcut around First Nations' rights,' said Moose Cree First Nation Chief Peter Wesley. 'This attempt to shortcut the duty to consult and override environmental protections will end up at the Supreme Court and delay any Ring of Fire activity by at least 10 years,' said Chief Michael Sugarhead of Nibinamik First Nation. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW In a legislative committee doing a clause-by-clause examination of the bill Wednesday, Mamakwa said 'the government is on a path of no reconciliation' with First Nations that will backfire. 'You cannot legislatively bulldoze your way to our homeland,' said Mamakwa. 'If that's done, there are repercussions and we don't want to go there ... while you may change your laws, you remain accountable to us.' Earlier this week, Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation said the government's actions could lead to 'conflict on the ground.' 'If this bill in its current form goes through, that is where we're heading, And those that oppose (Bill 5) will most likely end up in jail,' said Fiddler, who has repeatedly emphasized that 'our treaty is not red tape, our rights are not red tape.' NDP Leader Marit Stiles said consultations with Indigenous leaders should have taken place before the bill was drafted and agreed it will lead to a slowdown in mine and infrastructure development because of court challenges and protests. 'This eleventh hour scramble ... is not going to cut it,' she told reporters. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie said the amendment is yet another example of the three-term Tory government being forced into policy retreats because it doesn't 'do its homework.' 'They react, and then they realize they need to walk things back. This has been a pattern with this government, as we saw, even with the Greenbelt,' said Crombie in reference to the Tories' $8.28-billion land swap scandal now being investigated by the RCMP. Green Leader Mike Schreiner noted 'the government says 'trust us' on a bill that they've actually broken trust with First Nations.' 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. 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.
Vancouver Sun
5 days ago
- Politics
- Vancouver Sun
Flawed, but ultimately fair, chief electoral officer says of B.C. election
VICTORIA — Elections B.C. chief Anton Boegman found himself on the defensive this week over a report on how his independent agency handled — and in some cases mishandled — the 2024 B.C. election. 'Elections are messy, to use a word, right?' the chief electoral officer told reporters on Tuesday. 'All election agencies hire people from communities to serve their fellow citizens in administering the election. And while all election officials are given training, at times they do make mistakes.' Many such mistakes are detailed in the report, the first of three that Boegman intends to release about last year's provincial election, the closest in B.C. history. A daily roundup of Opinion pieces from the Sun and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Informed Opinion will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Eleven days after the election, officials identified one ballot box, containing 861 votes, that had not been counted. Officials in five electoral districts were found to have failed to report out-of-district votes, affecting results in 69 of the 93 electoral districts. In all, the chief electoral officer had to issue 41 orders, rectifying mistakes of one kind of other. Two separate orders dealt with errors in Juan de Fuca-Malahat, won by New Democrat Dana Lajeunesse. Another was needed to sort out several problems in side-by-side Surrey ridings, including one where the 22-vote NDP margin of victory is still being challenged in court. Other orders leave one guessing, as the riding is not identified nor is the number of ballots affected. Still, Boegman insists that in each case the problems were fixed and the overall outcome of the election was not affected. 'We were able to correct them, and we did correct them, and we were very transparent about that.' Most of the mistakes were attributed to human error among the more than 17,000 workers that Elections B.C. had to recruit and train in relatively short order. 'Our voting, counting and reporting processes are administered by short-term temporary election officials, who receive training and carry out their duties to the best of their ability,' said the report. 'Unfortunately election officials can and do make mistakes. The Election Act recognizes this by enabling the chief electoral officer to issue orders to correct mistakes.' 'Our goal is always error-free election administration,' added Boegman. 'As chief electoral officer, I take full accountability for the work of our officials. Elections B.C. has reviewed each incident or error and identified appropriate actions to improve future electoral event delivery.' The report also examines and discounts what it calls 'false narratives' about Election 2024: that non-citizens voted, that some people voted more than once, that there were abuses of balloting by phone and by mail, and that ballot boxes were not secured. Elections B.C. investigated a relatively small number of incidents alleging voting irregularities, some 30 in all. Twenty were determined to be 'unfounded.' Another 10, alleging a total of 15 potential contraventions, needed further review. Those included 'five false statements about election officials or voting administration tools, four instances of false election information, two of misrepresentation, and four unauthorized transmissions.' The outcomes of those reviews will be included in a report due later this year. For all that, Boegman told reporters, 'I stand by my assertion that the election was free, fair and secure.' Asked to give a letter grade to the Elections B.C. performance last year, Boegman ventured a 'B.' The lapses documented in the report could be viewed with less significance if B.C. were not known for elections where every vote counts. The B.C. Liberals lost their legislative majority by 189 votes cast in one seat in 2017, clearing the way for the NDP to take power. In 2024, the New Democrats secured their majority by one seat, Surrey-Guildford, and that seat by a mere 22 votes. The latter outcome is being challenged in court by Honveer Singh Randhawa, the B.C. Conservative candidate who ended up losing. He claims to have identified more than enough irregularities to challenge the 22-vote margin of victory and unseat NDP winner Garry Begg, B.C.'s solicitor general and minister of public safety. The case was up in B.C. Supreme Court this week on a preliminary matter regarding disclosure of voter identities, according to Bob Mackin of the Breaker online news service. Justice Barbara Norell expressed the hope that the case would get underway by mid-June. 'I am concerned,' she said in court. 'This is an election and we've got to get this matter heard as quickly as we can.' Elections B.C. is staffing the proceedings with a lawyer, acting as a friend of the court according to Boegman. Regarding a claim that one person had voted twice, Elections B.C. said the ballots were cast by two different people with similar names. As to the stakes for Begg and Randhawa, the Elections B.C. report has this to say: 'On hearing the application, the court may declare that the election in Surrey-Guildford is confirmed as valid, or that the election is invalid and the seat is vacant. 'For the latter ruling, a byelection would be held.' Make that a byelection to end all byelections, given that the NDP government's majority would be at stake as well. vpalmer@
