We need a willing partner in the Canadian government
Last week marked the fifth anniversary of the government’s apology to First Nations for the residential schools. At that time, the Prime Minister—who has called the apology one of his most rewarding days in office—stated, “There is no place in Canada for the attitudes that inspired the residential schools system to ever prevail again.” Five […]
Federal Court decision could have significant implications for First Nations families across Canada
A recent Federal Court decision that requires the federal government to contribute more robustly to the health-care needs of First Nations children on reserves could have significant implications for First Nation families across Canada. Experts watching the case say that the court’s decision to make Ottawa reimburse a Nova Scotia tribal band for costs associated […]
Young aboriginal population growing dramatically, crucial to economy to offer employment opportunities
The number of aboriginal young people is growing dramatically in Canada, and it is crucial for the country’s economic well-being that Canadian corporations promote skills and employment opportunities for them, according to experts. The convergence of the economy’s skills shortage and the explosion in number of aboriginal young people represent an economic opportunity unparalleled […]
First Nations groups resolute in their opposition to Keystone XL
First Nations groups are resolute in their opposition to the Keystone XL Pipeline, and are willing to go to great lengths over the coming months in order to stop the project, activists say. Maryam Adrangi, of the progressive think-tank the Council of Canadians, told The Hill Times that activist groups are “training people for non-violent […]
Federal Conservatives taking ‘big government’ approach to First Nations
The federal government continues to face accusations that it’s imposing paternalistic legislation and failing to consult with First Nations, but the Conservatives insist that their legislation will improve on-reserve quality of life and stimulate economic development. The Conservatives continued to move forward on First Nations legislation last week, passing two more bills that will impact […]
Aboriginal business leaders see paradigm shift in new economic opportunities
Aboriginal peoples are ready to play a leading role in the Canadian economy, but business leaders say that access to equity remains a barrier to aboriginal entrepreneurship and the Indian Act continues to be an obstacle to economic self-sufficiency to First Nations living on reserve. Canada’s aboriginal population is growing rapidly and ready to play […]
Prime farmland disappearing under development across Canada
Canada’s limited amount of prime farmland is disappearing under subdivisions and strip malls, risking the country’s ability to feed itself, say experts. “Ensuring that we hang on to our agricultural land is really key,” said Abra Brynne, a researcher with Food Secure Canada an umbrella organization for dozens of food banks, growers and community […]
Climate crisis threatens Canadian agriculture, we need an agricultural adaptation plan, now
Canada’s agricultural production is under threat as never before, but the Harper government is deaf, dumb, and blind to the threat. The threat is the climate crisis. Even if global emissions of greenhouse gases were to be stabilized tomorrow, we would face decades of destabilized climate conditions. However, there is no sign of current […]
Five years since the Weatherill report, feds haven’t moved on key recommendation
From field to fork, our food goes through a lot and it is often not until a major crisis that Canadians consider just how much faith they place in our food safety system. Canadians care deeply where their food comes from—but trust that Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, the Public […]
Can our farmers afford us?
The number of young farmers under the age of 35 has dropped by a staggering 70 per cent since 1988 and the current average age of a farmer is 55 years of age or older. In the next 15 years, we will face a renewal crisis in agriculture as fewer young people take up […]
