Tag: Aboriginal News

Ottawa, Ontario (March 14, 2022) – The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services; the Honourable David Lametti, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada; and the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations issued the following statement today:

“The Government of Canada welcomes the Quebec Court of Appeal’s February 10, 2022 ground-breaking decision, which found that the inherent right of self-government of First Nations, Inuit and Métis is recognized and affirmed by section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982 and includes jurisdiction of child and family services. This is the first time a court has recognized that Indigenous Peoples have a constitutionally-protected right of self-government, and the Government would welcome a decision from the Supreme Court of Canada to extend this across the country.

The Government of Canada also supports the Quebec Court of Appeal’s opinion that largely confirmed the constitutional validity of the Act, including the national standards for delivering child and family services to Indigenous children and families established by sections 10 to 17 of the Act.

The Government of Canada has, however, decided to appeal the Quebec Court of Appeal’s conclusion that sections 21 and 22(3) of the Act are invalid. Section 21 gives force of federal law to Indigenous laws that meet the conditions established by the Act, and subsection 22(3) confirms the paramountcy of those Indigenous laws over conflicting provincial laws. The Quebec Court of Appeal’s decision raises important questions regarding how communities can implement their jurisdiction over child and family services without being unduly impeded by provincial laws.

We look forward to the Supreme Court of Canada’s direction on the best approach to ensuring that Indigenous communities can effectively exercise their jurisdiction, unencumbered by conflicting laws.

The Government of Canada will continue to work alongside Indigenous groups, communities and leadership, and with all provincial and territorial governments, to ensure the continued safety and well-being of Indigenous children and families, and to establish a path forward that supports the full recognition of the rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis in relation to child and family services.”

CanNor invests more than $2.2 million toward seven Nunavut community infrastructure projects

March 11, 2022 – Iqaluit, Nunavut – Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)

Public spaces in Nunavut are critical assets to communities, sustaining the well-being of residents, attracting visitors and encouraging tourism, thus supporting local businesses. That’s why the Government of Canada is making targeted investments to improve local infrastructure so that communities across Nunavut are well-positioned for recovery and future growth following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Today, the Honourable Daniel Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, announced investments of more than $2.2 million delivered through CanNor, to support seven projects in communities across Nunavut.

Working together with the Government of Nunavut and Inuit partners, CanNor and the Government of Canada were there with financial support for Nunavut businesses and organizations when the pandemic began. Now, the Jobs and Growth Fund (JGF) and the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) are providing support for not-for-profit organizations, municipalities, Indigenous communities, and other community groups as they rebound from the pandemic.   

CanNor investments support Nunavut community projects

These investments support the building of new infrastructure, revitalize or improve existing facilities, and create new opportunities for employment. This includes eight jobs during construction, five new full-time jobs, two new part-time jobs and the continuation of four full-time jobs. Funding these initiatives contributes to the overall health of Nunavut communities, providing residents with places to go that support social interaction, physical activity and access to recreational programs and facilities.

March 11, 2022 – Ottawa, Ontario 

There has never been a clearer opportunity for Canada to secure our blue future. As a nation of three oceans and nearly 250,000 kilometres of coastline and existing strengths in innovation, we have a unique competitive edge. One in five Canadians live in coastal communities and today’s ocean industries generate over $30 billion a year. The potential of a blue economy is great. So the challenge of unlocking the promise and possibilities of our ocean resources in ways that are economically prosperous, requires environmentally sustainable, socially responsible and more inclusive solutions.

From February to June 2021, Fisheries and Oceans engaged with Canadians from coast to coast to coast. We heard from the people who make their living from the ocean — from Indigenous and non-Indigenous fish harvesters alike, as well as diverse ocean industries, scientists and many more. Canadians were eager to share their ideas, concerns, and solutions to grow a stronger, more sustainable blue economy.

Today the Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard released the ‘What We Heard’ report summarizing the input received.

In recent years, Canada has made historic investments in innovation, sustainability, and ocean protection, which has resulted in cleaner, more resilient coastlines and coastal communities, better preparedness for environmental challenges, stronger partnerships with Indigenous communities, and more opportunities for jobs and economic growth. A recurring theme is our oceans and marine resources must be healthy to support a prosperous blue economy, while continuing to support industries that have traditionally relied on the ocean and its resources. To achieve this objective, we must value the natural environment by taking action to protect, conserve, restore and rebuild our marine and coastal resources. If we maintain healthy oceans, we can ensure sustainable growth.

The input reflected will help guide the development of a Blue Economy Strategy that ensures Canada and its industry, communities and people are positioned to succeed in the fast-growing global ocean sectors of the blue economy while advancing reconciliation, conservation and climate objectives.

The Government of Canada looks forward to releasing a Blue Economy Strategy in due course. 

Today, the Honourable Daniel Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, announced a combined investment of over $2.2 million, delivered through CanNor, to support seven projects that help communities across Nunavut in their recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This investment through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) and the Jobs and Growth Fund (JGF) will support regional job creation and help communities across Nunavut with building and improving community infrastructure. The funds support the building of new community infrastructure and revitalizing already existing structures and assets, bringing people back to community public spaces as COVID-related health measures are lifted, creating jobs and stimulating local economies across Nunavut.

Kugaaruk Service Garage                                                                                       $1,000,000

CanNor is investing $1,000,000 in a two-year project with a further investment of $2,308,173 by the Hamlet of Kugaaruk. The total cost of the project is $3,308,173. This project will replace an existing forty-year old garage with a new six bay service garage for the community. It will include new equipment so the Hamlet can continue to provide needed services for motor vehicles, small engine repair, and community service trucks. The Hamlet is the only provider of mechanical services and the project ensures the community is well-equipped to provide mechanical services to its residents. It will result in two full-time positions, two-part time positions, and six positions during the construction phase of the project.

Kugaaruk Ball Diamond and Play Field                                                                 $87,500

CanNor is investing $87,500 towards a one-year project to construct a ball diamond. This will allow the Hamlet to convert the land they own into a ball diamond and play field. It will include purchasing and installing fence material, ball diamond dugouts, and bleachers. Additionally, staff will be hired to complete installation of materials. This project will create two short-term jobs during the project and a safe ball diamond and play area for the community to use.

Taloyoak Youth/Elders Community Centre                                                           $204,383

CanNor is investing $204,383 towards a two-year project, with a further investment of $58,117 from the Government of Nunavut, to support the renovation of an unused Hamlet building into a Youth/Elders Community Centre in Taloyoak. The total cost of the project is $262,500. The project includes the demolition of existing components, carpentry work, installation of doors and windows, flooring, painting, kitchen and washroom fixtures and millwork, and the installation of an exterior wheelchair access ramp. The Hamlet will be able to improve accessibility and usage of a community space. It will also create one full-time position to coordinate cultural programming at the Centre. This project will provide a safe gathering space for youth and elders, support community morale and mental health, and promote cultural exchanges between youth and elders.

Taloyoak Soup Kitchen                                                                                               $128,500

CanNor is investing $128,500 towards a two-year project to renovate an old Hamlet office building and the installation of an industrial kitchen to establish a daily community soup kitchen serving 200 hot meals per day. Funding will support plumbing, electrical work, flooring, and interior carpentry to convert the building. In addition to the soup kitchen, the renovated building will host the existing school breakfast program. To run both programs, the Hamlet will expand two part-time jobs to full-time jobs and create two new full-time jobs. This project will help reduce food insecurity in the community, support low income households, and support community morale and mental health.

Iqaluit Recreation Infrastructure Upgrades                                                              $375,000

CanNor is investing $375,000 towards a two-year project, with a further $185,000 from the Government of Nunavut, and $15,000 from Northmart. The total investment is $575,000. The project will improve eight public spaces and create one new one in the City of Iqaluit. It includes improvements to the Elders’ Qammaq, funding for the design of an upgraded chlorinator for the Iqaluit Aquatic Centre, repairing and upgrading three playgrounds, improving access to three trails to ensure durability and accessibility for local residents, and developing the new Hospital Hill trail. This will give increased access to recreational opportunities, promoting physical activity, and improve the mental health and quality of life for residents.

Naujaat Community Trail                                                                                        $225,000

CanNor is investing $225,000 towards a two-year project with a further investment of $50,000 from the Hamlet of Naujaat and $125,000 from the Government of Nunavut. The total cost of the project is $400,000. The project will build a community access trail that will run 15 km northeast of Naujaat. It will also provide access to natural aggregate sources for the hamlet that can be used for construction and increase the potential of carving stones and ecotourism opportunities to community members. The trail will also improve safety for traditional harvesters. This project will result in small scale infrastructure that contributes to economic development and outdoor access in the community.

Whale Cove Hall, Arena, Field Renovations                                                          $212,416

CanNor is investing $212,416 towards a two-year project with a further investment of $13,089 from the Hamlet of Whale Cove, and $58,353 from the Government of Nunavut. The total cost of the project is $283,858. This project will revitalize the community hall, arena and baseball field, which are currently closed. CanNor funds will be used to pay for the cost of the fire prevention system installation in the community hall as well as material and supplies for the repairs for the arena and baseball field. This project will result in two full-time positions being maintained and three public facilities improved.

Atlantic Canadian companies and products will be showcased at North America’s largest seafood expo

March 11, 2022 · Moncton, New Brunswick · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

The Government of Canada is committed to growing a more resilient, diversified and inclusive economic recovery that works for everyone, while creating jobs and generating growth.

The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), will be travelling to Boston March 12-14, 2022. There, she will promote Atlantic Canada’s fish and seafood sector at the 40^th edition of the Seafood Expo North America (SENA), North America’s largest seafood show.

Minister Petitpas Taylor will meet with Atlantic Canadian business representatives attending SENA and take part in several meetings, including with Atlantic Canadian technology firms who are participating in the Canada Technology Accelerator (CTA). The minister will also discuss opportunities to grow Atlantic Canada’s ocean economy, and build new connections with government officials and New England-based industry representatives.

By supporting Canada’s producers on the global stage, the Government of Canada continues to champion Canadian entrepreneurs and companies of all sizes, helping them scale up and reach new markets around the world.