Feds face multiple policy challenges in closing gap in quality of life between aboriginal and non-aboriginal Canadians
Federal investments in aboriginal health, education and economic development will fail to close the gap in living standards between aboriginal Canadians and the rest of the country without a defined strategy by the Prime Minister, say opposition critics. Although aboriginal Canadians account for one of the fastest growing segments of the Canadian population, First Nations, […]
Feds’ ‘streamlining’ of environmental reviews could force constitutional showdown between Crown and aboriginal groups
The federal government is investing $13.6-million over the next two years to “enhance” aboriginal consultation for major industrial projects, but Bill C-38’s overhaul of the environmental review process may violate the Crown’s duty to consult aboriginal groups. The Tories have been promoting the investment in aboriginal consultation as part of “responsible resource development.” Bill C-38, […]
Feds’ efforts to improve water quality on reserves may not adequately address First Nations’ need: Senate report
The federal government’s move to improve water quality on reserves may not “adequately address” First Nations’ needs, says a Senate Aboriginal People’s Committee report. “While investments and efforts over time have resulted in improvements to water conditions in First Nation communities, much more remains to be done,” states the committee’s report on Bill S-8, Safety […]
Aboriginal Affairs Minister supports ‘thrust’ of private member’s bill to replace Indian Act
Aboriginal Affairs Minister John Duncan says he’s open to a Conservative backbencher’s private member’s bill that would require the minister to report annually on efforts to replace the Indian Act, but aboriginal groups and critics say the bill’s sponsor failed to consult with First Nations before introducing the bill. Conservative backbencher Rob Clarke (Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River, […]
Feds roll out War of 1812 commemorations, critics says it’s too much
Spending $28-million to commemorate the War of 1812’s bicentennial this summer during a time when the federal government is expected to cut billions of dollars is “irresponsible,” say opposition MPs. “I think most Canadians are despondent when they see almost $30-million being spent to commemorate one war,” Liberal MP David McGuinty (Ottawa South, Ont.) told […]
Feds needs to do more to foster a vibrant arts and culture sector in Canada
As Canadians we have arrived at a defining moment in our history. At stake is the history and tradition we have built for ourselves versus the homogenizing prospects of culture as defined by economic interests. More than just a reflection of our identity, arts and culture represent a crucial pillar of our society. Economically, they […]
Monarchy a defining trait of government’s cultural policy
The federal government continues to pay homage to the British monarchy with policies that outside observers say are motivated more by politics than pride. This spring the federal government is marking Queen Elizabeth II’s 60-year reign with Diamond Jubilee celebrations across Canada. The Tories have invested more than $7-million to host celebrations in capitals across […]
Feds should embrace vision of a culturally-vibrant Canada
PARLIAMENT HILL—Arts and culture are central to the Canada’s identity and the federal government has an important role to play in supporting artistic and creative activities. The arts allow communities to tell their stories, to share them across Canada, to celebrate our heritage. These narratives are important to who we are as Canadians. Cultural expressions […]
Without support for arts and culture, government ‘doesn’t have a plan for economic growth and recovery’: Minister Moore
The government has been tight-lipped when it comes to the details of this week’s federal budget, but Canadian Heritage Minister James Moore already knew that his department would see the deepest cuts when he appeared before the House Canadian Heritage Committee last December. “We will have the biggest cut in the operation of my department, […]
Moore says a government without a plan for arts and culture is one that has no plan for economy
Canadian federal Heritage Minister James Moore is credited as being a strong voice for the arts within Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s government. Canada’s artistic and cultural industries were major recipients of stimulus funding following the 2009 recession, and Mr. Moore, who has been on the file since the fall of 2008, has consistently advocated for […]
