Canada’s at a crossroads, it needs to do the right thing
OTTAWA—Canada is at a crossroads. After decades of neglect, First Nations are poised to become pivotal players. The path we take in reconciling this reality will shape the political, cultural and literal landscape of this country for generations. In addition to clear legal and moral imperatives, there are also twin catalysts for this moment of […]
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, […]
Canada’s Aging Society
Opposition calls on feds to take a harder line on elder abuse
Opposition critics of the government’s seniors’ policies say it’s time to stop talking about elder abuse and implement new policies to eliminate it. “We need to do something practical and pragmatic, and not just focus on awareness,” said NDP seniors critic Irene Mathyssen (London – Fanshawe, Ont.), who described elder abuse as an “appalling […]
Canada’s demographic shift redefining retirement
Canada is getting older and living longer, and experts predict that the demographic challenges will reshape the country’s social safety net and redefine retirement in the coming decades. It’s difficult to ignore the oft-stated statistics and inferences: the number of seniors is expected to double by 2030; the average life expectancy has increased by […]
Prepare for increasing mental health issues, urges Mental Health Commission of Canada report
As Canada’s population ages, improving health care has become a priority across the country and while the federal government and provinces may be preparing for increasing health-care burdens, their focus should also include the mental well-being of Canadians, says a report from the Mental Health Commission of Canada. “Canada’s population is currently undergoing a […]
Ottawa must play strategic role in seniors’ care
VICTORIA, B.C.—Although researchers have been warning of the aging of Canada’s population for decades, governments do not yet have an overarching policy strategy to deal with the profound, long-term socio-economic implications of this demographic shift, let alone its more immediate impact on seniors’ care. There is a current imbalance between the demand for and […]
