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 […]
B.C. First Nations chief ‘mystified’ by feds’ approach to resource development
Canada’s resource boom could generate more than $600-billion in investment over the next decade, but without respectful dialogue and capacity-building partnerships there’s little chance of gaining First Nations’ approval for many projects, says British Columbia Chief Douglas White. Chief White, who represents the Snuneymuxw First Nation on B.C.’s Vancouver Island, told The Hill Times […]
Responsible resources development brings economic prosperity, environment protection
Canada is fortunate to have an enormous wealth of natural resources and abundant oil and gas reserves. In fact, we possess the world’s third largest oil reserves and are the world’s third largest producer of natural gas. We are also number one in potash and number three in diamonds. The natural resources sector represents […]
Will Fisheries minister act in response to the Cohen Commission?
It has been nearly five months since the mammoth report of Justice Bruce Cohen on “The Uncertain Future of Fraser River Sockeye” was tabled with the Governor General. The Cohen Commission was set in motion in the fall of 2009 to explore the causes for the collapse of returning sockeye populations to the Fraser […]
Industry, environmental groups try to speed up progress on Canadian Boreal Forest Agreement
Progress is slow on plans to protect Canada’s vast boreal forest, but it’s happening, says the main industry group involved in conservation efforts, and nobody wants to resume the war in the woods. “Everybody acknowledges that the [Canadian Boreal Forest Agreement] is a complex deal or initiative, wider in scope than any other agreement […]
Rethinking natural resources, building Canadian prosperity for the long term
Today, the laissez-faire Conservative approach to resource exploitation is facing renewed challenges. After seven years of delaying and misdirection, the Conservatives are simply out of step when it comes to sustainable resource development—with Canadians, and with our closest allies. To hear Natural Resources Minister Joe Oliver tell it, over the last few years the […]
