Latest news with #TsilhqotinNation
National Post
23-07-2025
- Politics
- National Post
Caroline Elliott: The end of Canada is coming and B.C.'s NDP is leading the charge
Article content Even so, the government maintains its implausible position that this is 'not about a veto' but rather reflects the (democratically and legally-flawed) DRIPA principle that 'both governments have authority to decide whether a particular authorization should be issued.' Article content From a democratic standpoint, shíshálh Nation's constitution is clear: only members can vote in shíshálh elections, and membership is based strictly on ancestry. This means that tens of thousands of citizens living in the large region covered by the agreement will have no democratic voice in consequential land-use decisions that directly affect their interests, a fact that has already led to an important constitutional challenge by one community group on the Sunshine Coast. Article content And this is just one of many similar arrangements being implemented across B.C. Article content Last month, the Province announced a joint land use planning process with five Indigenous groups covering an area larger than England in B.C.'s mineral-rich Northwest. Consent-based agreements are again touted as part of the process. Article content This means Indigenous groups representing a combined population of less than 15,000 will be able to exercise decision-making power over a massive, economically crucial region impacting over five million British Columbians with whom they have no democratic relationship. Article content Another recent agreement 'requires the consent of the Tŝilhqot'in Nation for any mine in the Teẑtan Area that is a reviewable project under the Environmental Assessment Act to proceed.' Most, if not all, of the 740,000 acres covered by the new agreement is outside of the Tŝilhqot'in Aboriginal title area recognized by the Supreme Court of Canada, and remains public land. Article content Once again, the B.C. government has agreed to an effective veto over an area of public land for a governing body that non-Indigenous British Columbians cannot vote for. And once again, they've failed to preserve their own basic responsibility to make decisions in the broader public interest. Article content Over the years, Canadian courts have consistently called for a balancing of the public interest with the unique interests of individual Indigenous groups. Finding that balance is supposed to be the difficult but critically important task of the governments we elect. Article content Instead, under DRIPA, the B.C. government is increasingly abdicating its responsibility to protect the public interest, and eroding the foundational principles underpinning our democracy. Time will tell whether the federal government follows suit.
CBC
30-06-2025
- Health
- CBC
B.C.'s top doctor among British Columbians appointed to Order of Canada
B.C.'s provincial health officer is one of 10 new Order of Canada appointees, Gov. Gen. Mary Simon announced Monday. The latest list of honourees includes two new companions — the highest level of the Order of Canada — 19 officers and 62 members, the introductory honour level in the order. One appointment is a promotion within the Order of Canada and another is an honourary appointment. Dr. Bonnie Henry, made an officer of the Order of Canada, became a household name during the COVID-19 pandemic, appearing on television screens with daily updates and recommendations to keep residents safe. It was her moment to shine; as an epidemiologist, she'd spent many years researching viruses, including Ebola, H1N1 and SARS. "Having my name amongst this group of incredible Canadians is truly humbling," Henry said in a statement. "I have been privileged to have the opportunity to live and work in many parts of this great country and the world. To be recognized by my country for my life's work in health and public health is a tremendous honour and I am very grateful." She wasn't the only physician turned public figure to receive the appointment: Dr. Theresa Tam, former chief public health officer for Canada, was made an officer for the order for her role in leading the country's public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic. But this year's list is varied, including athletes, artists, public servants and more. Ruth Williams of the Tsilhqot'in Nation — a founding member of the All Nations Trust Company, which empowers and supports Indigenous entrepreneurs — is included in the Order of Canada appointees, as well as Lorraine Greaves, an expert in sex and gender-based research into women's experiences with addiction and violence. Thomas Irving, a long-time potter, Emily Carr University of Art and Design professor emeritus and founder of the British Columbia Centre of Excellence for Women's Health, is also included. "We proudly recognize each of these individuals whose dedication and passion for service not only enrich our communities but also help shape the fabric of our nation," the Governor General said in a media statement. "Together, they inspire us to strive for greatness and to foster a future filled with hope and possibility." Here is the list of British Columbians appointed to the Order of Canada on June 30, 2025:
