Latest news with #NewDemocrats
Hamilton Spectator
18 hours 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.
Vancouver Sun
a day ago
- Business
- Vancouver Sun
Farce in legislature as B.C. Conservatives seek a provincial election over a blurred Zoom call
VICTORIA — The legislature descended briefly into farce this week in a dispute over a cabinet minister who blurred the background behind him while voting online on a key piece of legislation. Opposition leader John Rustad argued that 'blurgate' — as one of the New Democrats called it — was serious enough to have led to the defeat of the NDP government. The alleged infraction happened Wednesday night, as the New Democrats pushed through Bills 14 and 15, increasing the cabinet's power to fast-track approvals for energy projects and infrastructure. Several New Democrats exercised the option of casting their votes using the Zoom online platform. One who did so was Rick Glumac, the junior minister of state for trade and NDP MLA for Port Moody-Burquitlam. 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. When Glumac voted in support of Bill 14 shortly after 7 p.m., he did so with a blurred background. When he voted on Bill 15 an hour later, he'd abandoned the blurring and changed to a clear background. The B.C. Conservatives pounced on the distinction, arguing that the blurring violated the guidelines for voting by Zoom issued by Speaker Raj Chouhan himself. 'A quiet, private location with good lighting should be selected,' said MLA Peter Milobar, quoting from the rule book. 'The backdrop must be neutral, free of political or partisan images or slogans. Zoom virtual backgrounds must not be applied. 'The only way to have a blurred background is by electronic means, which would be virtual,' Milobar continued. 'That is the only possible way the technology happens, for the minister of state for trade to have a blurred background on one vote and an hour later a clear background.' Then the Opposition pitch to Speaker Chouhan: 'We would ask for a reconsideration, based on the Speaker's own rules, that the minister of state for trade was not eligible to have his vote cast on Bill 14.' If Glumac's participation were disallowed, Bill 14 would have been defeated 46 votes to 45. The Speaker had already ruled that there was no specific rule against use of a blurred background. Now, pressed by the Conservatives, he did so explicitly a second time. 'The chair has already ruled on this issue earlier,' Chouhan advised the house. 'The chair does not consider a blurred background to be a virtual background.' The Conservatives protested angrily, whereupon the Speaker reminded the house: 'Members, no argument with the chair.' He was citing a rule adopted after the Solidarity protests against the 1980s Social Credit government. Those protests spilled over into the chamber and the house was paralyzed by constant challenges to the chair. Under the new rules adopted 40 years ago, challenges were no longer allowed: 'The Speaker delivers rulings through a statement to the house and the matter is no longer open for debate or discussion.' Following the current Speaker's warning, the Conservatives stormed out in protest. As they left, one of their number, Kelowna Mission MLA Gavin Dew, snarled an insult, which the Speaker took as a direct attack. 'The member for Kelowna-Mission has left by making a very disparaging remark to the chair,' ruled Chouhan. 'He will not be allowed to return to the chamber until he comes back and apologizes.' A half-hour later, Dew obtained permission to return and said, 'I made an inappropriate remark, and I withdraw.' Though not strictly an apology, it was sufficient for a Speaker determined to lower the temperature in the room. 'Thank you, member, you now have permission to sit,' said Chouhan. 'But I remind all members, you can disagree with each other but never question the chair's ruling (and) never be disrespectful to the chair.' The matter should have ended there, with the Conservatives cooling down and the house winding down for the night. But, next day, Rustad escalated the attack on Chouhan. 'He has seriously shaken our confidence in his ability to carry on with that job,' the Conservative leader told reporters. 'There is no mechanism that we can do, unfortunately, to be able to voice that displeasure in the confidence we have with the Speaker.' Yet with the house not scheduled to sit again until October, Opposition tempers should have cooled by then. NDP house leader Mike Farnworth dismissed the notion that the NDP could have fallen on the issue. There's a recognition in B.C. that governments aren't defeated by accident and the government always has the option of scheduling an explicit confidence motion to clarify the support of the house. The blurring was an 'accidental technicality,' argued Farnworth, not evidence that the minister was gallivanting where he had no business to be. 'He was clearly in a room in a house. 'Blurring is not a virtual background,' continued Farnworth. 'Maybe a member of the Opposition, sitting on a beach with half a coconut, with an umbrella in it and palm trees — that would be a virtual background.' That left only the hapless Glumac. He's toiled mostly in obscurity through his eight years in the legislature. After this week, he risks being remembered mainly as 'the blurred guy' at the centre of a ridiculous standoff. vpalmer@
Calgary Herald
a day ago
- Politics
- Calgary Herald
Interim report for Alberta's investigation into AHS procurement delayed four months
The preliminary report of the Alberta government's investigation into procurement and contracting processes at Alberta Health Services (AHS) will be delayed by four months, and the final report by 3 1/2 months, the province announced Friday. Article content Article content In January, former Manitoba chief judge of the provincial court Raymond Wyant was appointed to lead the third-party investigation into Alberta's procurement of pharmaceuticals, and the services offered by chartered surgical facilities. Article content Article content His interim report was to have been due to government on Friday, but will now be pushed back until Sept. 24, a delay of three months and 26 days. Article content Article content Similarly, his final report was to have been due on June 30 but will now be completed by Oct. 15, a delay of three months and 16 days, and less than two weeks before MLAs return for the fall sitting of the legislature and five days before municipal elections are held across the province. Article content Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration Deputy Minister Christopher McPherson selected Wyant to lead the investigation and cited the large number of documents and interviews being reviewed in announcing the delay. Article content 'In consultation with and by the mutual agreement of judge Wyant and the deputy minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, I have extended the term of the investigation,' he stated in a news release. Article content Article content He added that the terms of reference for the investigation remain unchanged. Questions Wyant is considering include if any elected official, government of Alberta or AHS employee acted improperly during the procurement processes. Article content Wyant's is one of several ongoing investigations into allegations of corruption within procurement practices at AHS that were raised in a $1.7-million wrongful dismissal lawsuit filed by the agency's former head, Athana Mentzelopoulos. Article content Her allegations have not been tested in court and the government has denied wrongdoing. Article content Alberta's Office of the Auditor General and the RCMP are also investigating. Article content Critics, including Opposition New Democrats, have claimed Wyant's review is limited in scope and could be subject to political interference.
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.
Vancouver Sun
2 days ago
- Politics
- Vancouver Sun
David Eby speech hints to First Nations: Help my government, I'll help you
VICTORIA — As the New Democrats mustered their legislative majority to force passage of Bills 14 and 15 this week, Premier David Eby released a letter that helped explain his determination to proceed. 'The Nisga'a Lisims government welcomes the introduction of the bills and generally supports streamlining energy and major public and private infrastructure projects across B.C.,' declared Nisga'a president Eva Clayton in the letter. 'We have been advocating for a more efficient and effective regulatory regime for some time now and we have valuable input based on our continuing experiences through various regulatory processes for (our) projects. 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. 'Our early involvement will ensure that the bills are developed and implemented in a way that respects our constitutionally guaranteed and protected rights defined in the Nisga'a Treaty,' Clayton continued. The Nisga'a treaty, the first modern-day Indigenous treaty in B.C., went into effect 25 years ago this month. The projects referred to in the letter include Ksi Lisims LNG, a floating liquefied natural gas export terminal and feeder pipeline proposed for the Nisga'a territory on the northwest coast. The Nisga'a Nation views the project as a cornerstone of its economic development, as Derrick Penner reported in Postmedia this week. But it is opposed by other First Nations, including the Gitanyow Nation whose territory the pipeline would cross, and a consortium of environmental groups.' In declaring support for the NDP legislation, the Nisga'a seek reciprocal support from the province for expediting their projects. Wednesday also saw the arrival of an open letter from former NDP MLA and cabinet minister Melanie Mark, the first Indigenous woman to be elected to a seat in the B.C. legislature. Mark expressed dismay that the New Democrats were 'turning their backs' on Indigenous leaders and other opponents of expedited passage of the bills, 'when all they are advocating for is more time.' 'I am all for streamlining bureaucracy and getting to 'yes' on building infrastructure. 'However I am skeptical if getting to yes means bypassing constitutionally protected and inherent Indigenous/First Nations rights,' wrote Mark, echoing the arguments that many Indigenous leaders made in urging the government to delay passage of the bills for proper consultations. Nevertheless, Wednesday evening the New Democrats used their legislative majority (including tie breaking votes by Speaker Raj Chouhan) to pass Bill 14, giving the cabinet power to fast track approval of energy projects, and Bill 15, which did the same for other public and private infrastructure. Premier David Eby explained his rationale in a brief speech following the votes. 'The bills are critically important,' he told the house. 'They respond to a rapidly evolving situation with our biggest trading partner, the president of the U.S. attacking our economy, and doing it in the name of annexing Canada as the 51st state. 'British Columbians expect us to respond to ensure that we're protecting, as best we can under this threat, our economy, that we're supporting them and their families with high-quality services, that we're building the schools and hospitals we need, and that we're doing so efficiently and quickly.' By aligning with the Nisga'a, Eby was also sending a message to other Indigenous leaders: If they work with the government on its priorities, the government will work with them on theirs. Another factor in Eby's decision to press ahead with the two bills over much opposition was likely the federal-provincial meeting Prime Minister Mark Carney has called for next week. Carney is expected to brief premiers on his plan to fast-track major projects, according to the Globe and Mail newspaper. He'll bring in legislation to impose a two-year approval process for ports, critical mineral mines, trade corridors and other major projects. Such projects require joint approval by both the federal and provincial governments. Knowing Carney's intentions, the B.C. premier probably did not want to be left behind in passing his own legislation to expedite project approvals. Eby won't be attending the meeting with the prime minister, as he leaves this weekend for an Asian trade mission. The province will be represented by Attorney General Niki Sharma, who is the B.C. deputy premier. Despite Eby's rationale for pressing ahead, the First Nations Leadership Council served notice Thursday that it is not giving up the fight over Bills 14 and 15. 'Premier Eby and his government have chosen to ignore our voices, dismiss our rights, and trample on the very reconciliation framework they helped create,' said Terry Teegee, the B.C. regional chief for the Assembly of First Nations. 'But First Nations do not have the luxury of walking away from this fight. Our ancestors demand that we continue to stand up for our rights and title, as our future generations depend on it. We will use every legal and available tool at our disposal to protect what is rightfully ours and to hold this government accountable for breaking their own laws.' There matters stood as the spring session of the legislature wrapped up. The New Democrats were hoping to turn the page while Indigenous leaders warned of the battles still to come. vpalmer@
