Topic: Today’s News

“Hello,

“First and foremost, I want to thank Chile for their leadership in bringing us all to COP25 and Spain for hosting. Canada welcomes Chile’s priorities including a focus on oceans, renewable energy, the circular economy, and biodiversity.

“As Canada’s new Minister of Environment and Climate Change, I am pleased to be here. My predecessor, Catherine McKenna, built important partnerships with many of you, and I look forward to strengthening those relationships and building new ones.

“In my previous role as Canada’s Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, I saw the impacts of climate change on our oceans.

“In British Columbia, my home, we see it in what’s happening to wild Pacific salmon stocks. Each year, numbers are declining—meaning less food for Indigenous communities, less income for fish harvesters, and less biodiversity in our ecosystem.

“Lives are being impacted. Last year, forest fires devastated Canada’s West, driving thousands from their homes. Canadian scientists recently released a report that showed Canada is warming at twice the global rate, and, in our North, it’s three times. We’ve all seen the reports about the potential of an ice-free Arctic. In August, I joined Prime Minister Trudeau, in Nunavut, to declare interim protection of Tuvaijuittuq (Tu-vai-you-ee-tuq), protecting Canada’s High Arctic.

“Climate change is a defining issue of our time and the main reason why I entered politics. Before this, I ran clean-technology companies. I am optimistic about technology’s potential to help us make deep cuts to carbon emissions, carve new paths to prosperity, and create jobs. Canada is ready to be among the leaders in this global economic shift.

“In October, Canadians re-elected our government with a mandate to take ambitious climate action. Last year, we enacted a price on pollution, and many said, at the time, that the political risk was too high. Instead, over two thirds of Canadians voted for parties that support pricing. We encourage all nations to put a price on pollution.

“We saw huge turnouts at September’s climate marches, including when Prime Minister Trudeau marched alongside half a million people in Montréal. And I participated in an enormous March in Vancouver.

“Canada is proud to be a part of international efforts to increase cooperation and climate ambition with an emphasis on gender equality and the empowerment of women. In 2017, we co-founded the Powering Past Coal Alliance, with the UK. While hosting the G7 last year, we introduced the Ocean Plastics Charter to fight plastic pollution.

“We are also delivering on our commitment to support developing countries, including ensuring responsiveness to the needs of small island states and coastal communities.

“Here in Madrid, we must unlock opportunities for deeper emission reductions and help countries meet and exceed their targets. On Article 6, Canada is committed to ensuring environmental integrity—by avoiding double counting, ensuring transparency, and promoting sustainable development—so that international cooperation can help all of us increase our ambition.

“Indigenous communities are among the first to feel the impacts of climate change. Canada strongly supports respect for human rights and the rights of Indigenous Peoples, in the implementation of the Paris Agreement, including Article 6.

“By establishing robust rules, here at COP25, we can provide the certainty the private sector needs to mobilize finance and create a cleaner economy.

“We’ve all seen the latest scientific reports: We know we must increase our ambition. Canada has done a lot thus far—introducing a price on pollution, phasing out coal, making historic investments in renewables, building public-transit projects across the country, and doubling our protection of nature. But we must do more. We know we need to not only meet our Paris target, but to exceed it, and Prime Minister Trudeau has recently committed that Canada will focus on exceeding its current target.

“Further, we will come forward with legislation that commits us to a net-zero-by-2050 goal, with milestones every five years, paired with a just transition act to make sure we keep people at the centre of our policies. We must address climate change in a way that’s empathetic and sensitive to legitimate concerns about this transition, including those expressed by communities in our hydrocarbon-producing regions.

“I am proud to be doing the work alongside the incredible Canadians we have here at COP, which include provincial and territorial governments, industry, environmental groups, labour, medical professionals, young people, parliamentarians, and Indigenous Peoples—and in partnership with all of you.

“Canada is committed to working with you to advance momentum on climate action. It’s also in this spirit of partnership that we are seeking a seat on the United Nations Security Council. We hope to continue working together to build a better world for the next generation of youth.

“Thank you.”

Contacts

Sabrina Kim
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change
819-743-7138
sabrina.kim2@canada.ca

Media Relations
Environment and Climate Change Canada
819-938-3338 or 1-844-836-7799 (toll-free)
ec.media.ec@canada.ca

(Ottawa, ON): Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde issued the following statement today on the announcement by Andrew Scheer, Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada and Member of Parliament for Regina-Qu’Appelle, that he is resigning as leader of the Conservative Party:

“I have known Andrew Scheer for many years and have noted many times that my First Nation, Little Black Bear, is in the riding he represents. I acknowledge his service over these many years. I know that public service is demanding work that takes diligence and dedication, and all who serve deserve respect for their commitment.

As Conservative leader, Andrew Scheer appeared twice at our AFN Assemblies, the first Conservative Party leader to do so. Our dialogue was always based on principle and our views of what was in the best interests of the country.

I look forward to working with Andrew Scheer and his successor. I wish Andrew Scheer well in the next chapter of his journey.”

Andrew Scheer served as the Conservative Member of Parliament for the riding of Regina-Qu’Appelle since 2004 and as Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada and Leader of the Official Opposition since 2017.

(Ottawa, ON) – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde says today’s Speech from the Throne opening the 43rd Parliament is an opportunity to maintain momentum and progress for First Nations.

“Today’s Speech from the Throne mirrors many First Nations priorities and is an important opportunity to maintain momentum and progress,” said AFN National Chief Bellegarde. “This is the first Throne Speech to include a section on ‘Reconciliation’ and it commits to a path forward that we pushed for – from a commitment to honouring the spirit and intent of the Treaties, action on the climate crisis, legislation on the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and ongoing progress on a better quality of infrastructure and a better quality of life for our people. The key to maintaining progress is working together based on the Treaty relationship of partnership, mutual recognition, mutual respect and sharing. I look forward to working with the government on an ambitious agenda that will make a stronger country for all of us.”

Today’s Speech from the Throne set out a number of initiatives that involve or affect First Nations, including action to work jointly with First Nations on legislation to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in the first year of the new mandate; continuing work on safe drinking water and eliminating all long-term drinking water advisories by 2021; high-quality, culturally relevant health care and mental health services,; implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, and the Calls for Justice of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls; and promises on infrastructure; self-government; child welfare and more. Commitments to addressing gender-based violence and economic growth for all of Canada respond to priorities of First Nations and provide a strong role for First Nations to set the path forward.

The AFN outlined its priorities during the 2019 election in its Honouring Promises document, which can be found here: https://www.afn.ca/2019/09/09/the-afn-launches-honouring-promises-2019-election-priorities-for-first-nations-and-canada/

The AFN is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada. Follow AFN on Twitter @AFN_Updates.

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women:

“Thirty years ago today, at the École Polytechnique de Montréal, 14 young women were murdered in a senseless antifeminist attack. Today, on the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, we gather to mourn their loss and honour their memory. Their deaths robbed us of daughters, sisters, friends, and colleagues, and of their limitless potential.

“Today, we reaffirm our commitment to fight the hatred that drove this tragedy, and the misogyny that still exists in our communities and our country. In Canada and around the world, too many women, girls, and people of diverse gender identities face violence and discrimination. That is unacceptable, and must never be tolerated. As we mark the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, we have the opportunity to not just recognize the persistence of violence against women, but to take action to prevent and address it.

“We can and we must end gender-based violence. That is why we are investing to better support survivors and their families, making the justice system more responsive to their needs, and supporting the important work of women’s organizations across the country. We are also working closely with the provinces, territories, and Indigenous partners to co-develop a National Action Plan to implement the Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. At the same time, we are committed to strengthening gun control and banning the type of weapon that took lives at École Polytechnique. Together, we can stand up to attitudes that devalue women, and create a future where everyone is safe and heard.

“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I invite all Canadians to help put an end to gender-based violence. Together, we can foster a culture of respect, and build a Canada that is safer and more just for everyone.”

The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) is launching the Remote First Nations Energy Efficiency Pilot Program to make electricity more affordable for remote Indigenous communities that will soon be connected to Ontario’s electricity grid.

The program is expected to provide significant, lasting energy savings while also improving health, safety and comfort. Participating customers will receive a home energy audit and installation of energy-efficient products such as lighting, insulation and pipe wrapping. Energy-efficiency measures will also be available to non-residential facilities, including small businesses, recreational facilities and band-owned buildings.

The program will serve four communities to be connected by the Wataynikaneyap transmission project in northwest Ontario: Kasabonika Lake First Nation, Wunnumin Lake First Nation, North Caribou Lake First Nation, and Sachigo Lake First Nation. Nishnawbe-Aski Nation will assist the IESO in delivering the program.

“Energy plays a critical role in the economic, environmental and social wellbeing of Indigenous communities,” says Terry Young, Vice-President of Policy, Engagement and Innovation at the IESO. “Through this program, Indigenous communities will enjoy lower electricity bills and safer, more comfortable environments.”

Connecting Indigenous communities to the provincial electricity grid is expected to save hundreds of millions of dollars in diesel generation costs over the long-term, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve local living conditions and spur economic development.

The IESO offers energy support programs and energy efficiency programs to drive broad Indigenous participation in Ontario’s energy sector, accelerating economic development and delivering improved social outcomes.

Quote from Minister Rickford

“This initiative is a great way to support residents who will be connected to Ontario’s electricity grid for the first time,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines. “Ontario remains committed to working with its partners to ensure remote First Nation communities have access to reliable and affordable electricity, enabling people to connect to greater opportunities.”

Quote from Minister Walker

“Our government is proud to support this pilot program that will provide substantial energy savings to the people of these First Nation communities,” said Bill Walker, Associate Minister of Energy. “With the installing of energy-efficiency measures for both residential and non-residential consumers in the newly connected First Nations regions, an important investment in community infrastructure is being made.”

Quote from Deputy Grand Chief Jason Smallboy, Nishnawbe-Aski nation (NAN)

“NAN is excited to be working with the IESO that will see our communities undergo significant improvements in the safety, prosperity, and energy efficiency while reducing the cost of electricity of the homes and businesses that chose to participate in the pilot project. We hope the positive results generated from this pilot project will lead to a NAN-wide initiative as more of our communities become grid-connected in the near future.”

About the IESO

The IESO operates Ontario’s power grid 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, ensuring Ontarians receive a reliable and cost-effective supply of power when and where they need it. It works with sector partners and engages with communities across Ontario to plan and prepare for the province’s electricity needs now and into the future. Visit www.ieso.ca for more information.

(Ottawa, ON) — Hundreds of First Nations leaders, Elders and Knowledge Keepers, women, youth and other delegates are set to gather December 3-5, 2019 for the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Special Chiefs Assembly (SCA) taking place at the Westin Hotel on unceded territory of the Algonquin Nation in Ottawa, Ontario.

Chiefs and delegates will gather under the theme “Honouring Promises” to assess progress, set priorities and strategic direction for the coming year. The Assembly will hear from Ministers in the new federal cabinet and federal and provincial leaders.

A full agenda is on the AFN website and will continue to be updated. Highlights include:

Day 1 – Tuesday December 3, 2019

• 8:30 a.m. – Grand Entry
• 10:30 a.m. – AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde Opening Address.
• 12:00 p.m. – National Chief Press Conference (onsite)
• 1:00 p.m. – Honourable John Horgan, Premier of BC
• 1:30 p.m. – Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services Canada

Day 2 – Wednesday December 5, 2018

• 10:00 a.m. – Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown Indigenous Relations
• 10:30 a.m. – Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Heritage Canada
• 11:00 a.m. – Honourable David Lametti, Minister of Justice & Attorney General of Canada

The provisional agenda and updates are available on the AFN website at www.afn.ca.
The main plenary of the SCA will be webcast on the AFN website at www.afn.ca.

Media accreditation is required and media are encouraged to register in advance through the contacts listed below.

The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nation citizens in Canada. Follow the #AFNSCA on Twitter @AFN_Updates.

Nunatsiavut President Johannes Lampe announced today that Kate Mitchell has tendered her resignation as First Minister and Minister of Nunatsiavut Affairs. 

“Ms. Mitchell acted inappropriately in discharging her duties as Minister responsible for housing by interfering in matters that are the sole responsibility of Torngat Regional Housing Association,” notes President Lampe. “Given the sensitivities around housing issues, it is important that all steps be taken to ensure the credibility of the Nunatsiavut Government and TRHA is maintained. We accept Ms. Mitchell’s resignation from the Nunatsiavut Executive Council.” 

The President also announced that effective immediately, Tony Andersen, Ordinary Member for Nain and Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, will assume the role as Acting First Minister and Minister of Nunatsiavut Affairs on an interim basis. A new First Minister will be nominated and appointed by the Nunatsiavut Assembly when it convenes on January 21. 

Ms. Mitchell will continue to serve as the Ordinary Member for Makkovik in the Nunatsiavut Assembly.

SUMMARY: Dr. Deb Saucier, VIU President and Vice-Chancellor since July 2019, was formally endowed with the powers and responsibilities of office in a ceremony at the Snuneymuxw First Nation Longhouse in Cedar on November 1

NANAIMO, BC: A regional institution such as Vancouver Island University (VIU) can change what it means to be a university, challenge longstanding perceptions on who goes and what can be taught there, and redefine how we understand and value people. 

Dr. Deb Saucier, VIU’s new President and Vice-Chancellor, shared this vision at her installation ceremony on Friday, November 15 at the Snuneymuxw First Nation Longhouse in Cedar, near Nanaimo.

“If not us, who will do it?” she stated during her speech, which inspired a standing ovation. “Do you want to dream big? Let’s be different.”

An installation in a university setting is the ceremony during which a president is formally endowed with the powers and responsibilities of office. It was also an opportunity for Saucier, who started in her new role in July, to share what she hopes to accomplish during her five-year term.

“I am struck by the common belief that ‘good’ universities are those that are exclusive,” she told the crowd of approximately 350 VIU employees, community members, government officials and representatives from post-secondary institutions across the country who came to the event. “What if we turned that notion on its head and thought instead that excellent universities were those which invited everyone in? That excellence was defined by how well the members of our community succeeded, not by how many were weeded out? VIU is that kind of university and we are committed to inclusion and promoting the success of our people, our communities and the nations that we serve.”

The installation was held at the Longhouse, both in recognition of the longstanding and respectful relationship VIU has with the Snuneymuxw peoples and as an illustration to VIU’s commitment to working with the communities it serves, explained Saucier. 

“This is a tangible demonstration that we have a commitment to community, we will bring our people to community. It’s a two-way street and we will walk together with the communities we serve,” said Saucier, adding that what makes VIU special is the people who work there and dedicate so much to checking in with one another, helping students succeed and figuring out ways to solve local problems together.

“Our strength is in our desire to lift each other up, to celebrate our successes and to help each other when we need it,” she said. “We’re a different kind of place, this university that puts students first and in doing so, celebrates employees and recognizes each person’s critical part in this critical mission.”

The installation ceremony was the first time in the history of his peoples that an event like this has been held there, said Snuneymuxw First Nation member Darren Good, who served as the Shqwi Qwal (or Speaker) for the occasion. 

Jointly hosted by VIU and Snuneymuxw, the ceremony incorporated Indigenous protocols such as the calling of witnesses to take the story of what happened that day back to people in their home communities, and asking speakers to come forward to reflect on the importance of the occasion.

“It’s about building bridges,” explained Good. “It’s for the future of our children who are going to go on to university and get an education.”

Snuneymuxw First Nation Chief Mike Wyse Xumtilum says the joint hosting of the installation at the Longhouse represents the VIU and Snuneymuxw communities’ commitment to walking together.

“We’ve come together in a good way and we want that relationship to grow,” he said.

Makenzie Leine, Chair of VIU’s Board of Governors, and Louise Mandell, QC, VIU Chancellor, participated in the installation ceremony, which involved the reading of a pledge, and placing the robe and stole on the president.

Leine explained to the audience that the board is responsible for hiring the president based on recommendations from the Presidential Search Advisory Committee made up of students, employees, board members and others. She said the selection process of VIU’s new president was deliberative and carefully thought out, resulting in Saucier as the successful candidate.

“I’m excited about her vision and I trust in her collaborative, responsive and innovative leadership,” said Leine.

Mandell said the whole event is a step in the never-finished process of education and reconciliation. 

“We draw from the wisdom of Indigenous laws and traditions that instruct us to ask how our actions today will impact generations into the future,” she said. “This day is part of VIU’s evolution and growth. Deb is a role model – she offers testament to the idea that it is possible to overcome invisibility, the bias of patriarchy and colonial barriers, get an education and lead a university. Others will look and say, ‘If she can do it, so can I.’”

Saucier reiterated this point about the transformative power of education, reminding people of the power of a post-secondary education by using her own story as an example.

“Education is key to a good and independent life,” she said. “We will continue to push the envelope on what is possible to make access a part of our DNA, because access is the key to the democratization of higher education – something that is a fundamental human right, especially in the 21^st Century.”

Permalink: https://news.viu.ca/hope-inclusion-and-access-education-viu-president-shares-vision-installation-event

Photo Caption: Dr. Deb Saucier, VIU President and Vice-Chancellor, shares her vision for the university during her installation at the Snuneymuxw First Nation Longhouse on November 15, 2019. Photo Credit: Vancouver Island University

(Ottawa, ON): The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is in federal court on Monday, November 25 to oppose the federal government’s Judicial Review of the recent Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) decision to compensate First Nations children and families who were wrongfully removed under the child welfare system and those denied essential services.

“The AFN will always stand up for First Nations children and families,” said AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde. “Canada has to stop fighting its own Human Rights Tribunal and respect the ruling to work with us on compensation for First Nations children and families who suffered from ‘willful and reckless’ discrimination. Canada says it’s open to discussing compensation, so it should send a strong signal of support by withdrawing its Judicial Review and meet with us immediately. Until that happens we will fight them every step of the way in court. This is too important.”

On October 4, 2019, the Government of Canada requested a Judicial Review of a September 6, 2019 CHRT decision ordering compensation for First Nations children wrongly removed or denied essential services. The CHRT cited Canada’s discrimination against First Nations children and families as “willful and reckless” and ordered Canada to pay the maximum amount allowable under the Canadian Human Rights Act. It is estimated that 54,000 children would benefit from this ruling.

The proceedings will be webcast live at: https://video.isilive.ca/fccf/2019-11/english/

The AFN is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.  Follow AFN on Twitter @AFN_Updates.