Latest news with #PaulProsper
CBC
29-07-2025
- 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.
Global News
29-07-2025
- Politics
- Global News
N.S. Mi'kmaq chiefs call on Ottawa to address income assistance disparity on reserves
Mi'kmaq 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'kmaq 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. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Sen. Paul Prosper, who is a Mi'kmaq 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. Story continues below advertisement A representative from Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada was not immediately available for comment. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 29, 2025.
Winnipeg Free Press
29-07-2025
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
N.S. Mi'kmaq chiefs call on Ottawa to address income assistance disparity on reserves
Mi'kmaq 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'kmaq 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'kmaq 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. A representative from Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada was not immediately available for comment. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 29, 2025.
Hamilton Spectator
29-07-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
N.S. Mi'kmaq chiefs call on Ottawa to address income assistance disparity on reserves
Mi'kmaq 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'kmaq 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'kmaq 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. A representative from Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada was not immediately available for comment. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 29, 2025. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. 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. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Hamilton Spectator
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
First Nations call on Carney to deliver on clean water and housing in first 100 days
Prime Minister Mark Carney's government faces its first major test on Indigenous infrastructure when Parliament resumes — First Nations leaders are demanding reintroduction of stalled water legislation and new investments in community-led housing within the first 100 days. Senator Paul Prosper, Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, and other First Nations leaders unveiled seven 'Canada Strong' priorities in Ottawa this week. They identified clean water and housing as urgent areas for immediate federal action, among other priorities for economic development and fisheries management. Indigenous Services Canada has issued 32 long-term drinking water advisories in First Nations communities. Neskantaga First Nation has been under a boil water advisory for almost 30 years. In 2024, the former Liberal government introduced Bill C-61 to establish enforceable national standards for drinking water and wastewater, safeguard freshwater sources, and create a First Nations Water Commission. The bill died on the order paper when Parliament was dissolved for the election, and will have to be reintroduced if it is to become law. 'The promise of introduction of a bill to address long-standing drinking water issues is more than just a promise,' said Kerry Black, an assistant professor and Canada Research Chair at the University of Calgary, during the press conference. 'It's a legal requirement embedded in the class action settlement.' Tataskweyak Cree Nation, Curve Lake First Nation, and Neskantaga First Nation filed a national class action lawsuit against the federal government, resulting in an $8-billion settlement and a legal commitment to modernize First Nations drinking water legislation, making reform a binding requirement of the settlement. 'Canada is a developed country, is a first- world country, and we shouldn't have our own people, the first peoples of this country, that don't have safe drinking water yet. There's something wrong with this picture,' said Myrle Ballard, a University of Manitoba professor and Anishinaabe scholar focused on Indigenous science and environmental issues. Beyond Bill C-61, the government is expected to make substantial investments in infrastructure and ongoing funding to support water treatment systems and personnel training. 'It's not just a one-time thing; it has to be an ongoing commitment,' Ballard said. Ken Coates, a professor of Indigenous governance at Yukon University, said that governments already have the authority and resources to upgrade drinking water systems, just as they routinely repair roads. Failing to fund those upgrades would be a clear sign Indigenous Peoples are not being treated equally, he said. Housing on reserves is still a crisis, according to the Assembly of First Nations report . Over 150,000 new homes are needed to address overcrowding, mould and deteriorating infrastructure. The previous Parliament's $4.3-billion Indigenous Housing Strategy has funded 74 projects so far, but thousands of families are still on waitlists. 'If we invest in First Nations to close the infrastructure and housing gap, we can propel ourselves from being at the bottom of the G7 countries to number one worldwide. I believe this represents a smart approach for Canada, investing in First Nations,' Woodhouse Nepinak said at the press conference. Housing experts say there is a disconnect between policy design and on-the-ground community needs, pointing to fragmented supply chains, gaps in infrastructure and lack of skilled trades. Leaders at the conference pressed for funding to flow directly to Indigenous-led housing projects. 'Prime Minister Carney has said that Canada must spend less and invest more, and First Nations-led solutions are exactly the kind of smart investment that delivers real returns in housing, jobs and long-term economic strength,' said Candace Larsen, executive director of One Bowl Housing Corporation, during the press conference. One Bowl, led by Missanabie Cree, Chapleau Anishinabeg, and Brunswick House First Nations in Ontario, builds modular homes from local timber. Since 2019, it has built 22 homes and sent 15 DIY kits to Kashechewan First Nation, where residents are trained to assemble energy-efficient houses suited for northern climates. The organization is also trying to build community capacity and self-sufficiency by involving local people in every stage of the housing process. Direct investment is needed not only in such housing projects, but also in capacity-building grants, streamlined approvals and technical support for First Nations communities, said Coates. Other priorities discussed include investing in Indigenous-led economic development initiatives, finalizing overdue disability income support for Mi'kmaw communities, expediting self-government fiscal negotiations and launching the external review into DFO's treatment of Mi'kmaw fishers. As Parliament prepares to open on May 26, the government's response to these priorities will be closely watched by First Nations leaders. 'The path to a stronger Canada runs through real partnership with First Nations Peoples. That means funding First Nations-led solutions with the same urgency and the same seriousness that we give to every other national priority,' Larsen said. Sonal Gupta / Local Journalism Initiative / Canada's National Observer
