A recent roundup of stories from Canada highlights significant developments in governmental policy, humanitarian concerns, and advancements in medical technology.
New Major Projects List Has Some Indigenous Buy-in, Carney Says Approvals Still Needed
The Canadian government announced a new list of major projects that incorporates Indigenous support, following an earlier round of referrals that lacked any Indigenous-led initiatives. This updated list for expedited approval includes the Crawford nickel mine in Ontario, the Ksi Lisims LNG project located on British Columbia’s northwest coast, and the North Coast Transmission Line, which will support the Ksi Lisims LNG facility, among others. Prime Minister Mark Carney, addressing attendees in Terrace, B.C., noted that these projects represent a substantial investment totaling $56 billion, marking a significant step towards greater Indigenous engagement in resource development.
Former Immigration Minister Says Canada’s Reputation on Welcoming Refugees Is at Risk
Lloyd Axworthy, the former immigration minister, has voiced serious concerns regarding Canada’s image as a refuge for those in need. In a recent interview with The Canadian Press, he criticized federal policies—including a proposed border security bill—that would empower the government to restrict asylum claims in the name of “public interest.” Axworthy, who is retiring as the chair of the World Refugee and Migration Council after eight years, argues that current refugee and asylum policies are reflecting an alarming “Trumpian” mindset. He advocates for the termination of the Safe Third Country Agreement with the United States, which limits asylum choices for individuals who first reach the U.S.
Here’s What Else We’re Watching...
Eby Under Scrutiny at NDP Convention
British Columbia Premier David Eby is currently facing a leadership review at the provincial NDP convention in Victoria, where he is seeking a “healthy majority.” Eby received a high approval rate of 93.1 percent from delegates during the last convention two years ago, but the challenges faced during the recent election—where the party barely secured a victory—have raised questions. Political science lecturer Stewart Prest from the University of B.C. anticipates that delegates will express their concerns after what he termed a “near-death experience” for the party. Frustrations have mounted among First Nations and union members following the government’s introduction of two bills designed to expedite natural resource projects without adequate consultation.
Montreal’s New Mayor Sworn In at City Hall
Soraya Martinez Ferrada was officially sworn in as the new mayor of Montreal, taking over from Valérie Plante, who chose not to seek a third term. Martinez Ferrada, a former child refugee from Chile, has expressed ambitious goals for Montreal, aiming to position the city as a global metropolis. Her primary focus will be addressing homelessness, as she called for a collaborative “war effort” from fellow elected officials to tackle this pressing issue. Leading the centrist party Ensemble Montréal to victory on November 2, she has pledged to change the course of the city’s leadership, bringing fresh perspectives to long-standing housing challenges.
Robot Technology Aims to Help Remote Stroke Patients
A groundbreaking achievement at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto signals a new era for stroke treatment, with the successful completion of brain angiograms performed remotely via robotic technology. Dr. Vitor Mendes Pereira was able to control the robotic system from six kilometers away, allowing the catheter to be navigated into the patient’s brain from a distance—an innovative approach that could revolutionize procedures for stroke patients who require immediate care. Over the next year, the hospital plans to initiate a clinical trial to further assess this technology's application in treating stroke patients at the Sault Area Hospital in northern Ontario.
Reva, Simpson Win Writers’ Trust Awards
At the prestigious Writers’ Trust Awards, Maria Reva received the Atwood Gibson Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize for her book “Endling,” a satirical narrative set against the backdrop of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Expressing her surprise at winning the award, Reva shared that she initially doubted her ability to complete the book. Leanne Betasamosake Simpson was awarded the Hilary Weston Writers’ Trust Prize for Nonfiction for her work “Theory of Water: Nishnaabe Maps to the Times Ahead,” which delves into the connections between water and culture, showcasing the importance of interconnectedness in environmental and social contexts.
