Carney to Address Assembly of First Nations Gathering in Ottawa

Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to address hundreds of First Nations chiefs today in Ottawa during the Assembly of First Nations' December meeting. His presence comes at a potentially tense time, following a recently signed pipeline agreement between Ottawa and Alberta, which has faced criticism from several First Nations leaders regarding inadequate consultation and environmental concerns.

Traditionally, the December meeting sees prime ministers and their cabinets gather to understand the perspectives of First Nations leadership and be available for questions and criticisms from chiefs. Carney previously participated in a similar event in July, where he hosted chiefs in Gatineau, Quebec, to discuss his government's major projects legislation.

Prominent members of Carney's cabinet will also address the chiefs over the course of the three-day event. This includes Rebecca Alty, Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister; François-Philippe Champagne, Finance Minister; Mandy Gull-Masty, Indigenous Services Minister; David McGuinty, National Defence Minister; and Tim Hodgson, Energy and Natural Resources Minister.

May Calls Budget Vote a 'Mistake'

Green Party Leader Elizabeth May has publicly labeled her support for the budget vote as a "mistake" she will not repeat. In an interview with The Canadian Press, May expressed her discontent regarding a memorandum of understanding signed by Prime Minister Carney with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, which she believes involves federal tax credits for enhanced oil recovery. She describes this act as a "significant betrayal" that raises questions about Carney's reliability.

Last month, May hesitated to support the budget until assurances from cabinet minister Steven Guilbeault confirmed that such tax credits would not be included. However, the agreement with Alberta, which emerged ten days after May voted in favor of the budget, commits the federal government to extend tax credits aimed at encouraging major investments in Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS), including projects focused on enhanced oil recovery.

This reversal has also contributed to Guilbeault’s recent departure from cabinet.

Ontario Auditor General to Release Annual Report Focused on Healthcare

The Ontario Auditor General, Shelley Spence, is scheduled to publish her annual report today, primarily concentrating on the healthcare sector. The report will include five audits alongside a review of the government's advertising practices and its responsibilities under the Environmental Bill of Rights.

Notably, three of the five audits will delve into healthcare issues, focusing on access to primary care as the government aims to connect every Ontarian with a primary care provider by 2029. Additionally, the report will evaluate the oversight of medical education in family medicine and assess the Ministry of Health's systems for managing physician billing to identify any inappropriate costs.

The auditor's report will also examine the Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority, which regulates producers of batteries, tires, and blue box materials.

Weather Alerts in Effect for Atlantic Canada

Environment Canada has issued special weather statements across much of the Atlantic region due to a forecast that calls for a mix of snow, rain, and high winds. Forecasts predict between 15 to 35 centimeters of snow to accumulate in inland Nova Scotia and elevated areas, particularly in the Cape Breton Highlands, starting today and lasting into Wednesday.

Along the Atlantic coastline, residents can expect between 30 and 50 millimeters of rain, accompanied by high winds over the same period. Southeast New Brunswick may see 10 to 15 centimeters of snow this afternoon through Wednesday, while Prince Edward Island is expected to receive over 15 centimeters of snow, also with strong winds.

Franklin the Turtle Book Publisher Condemns 'Violent' Post by U.S. Defense Secretary

Kids Can Press, the publisher of the popular Franklin children’s book series, has condemned a social media post by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The post featured a parody cover of a Franklin book titled "Franklin Targets Narco Terrorists," depicting the character as a soldier holding a bazooka, which the publisher views as inappropriate and violent.

The mock cover, shared on Hegseth's social media, illustrates Franklin in military attire, firing a weapon from a helicopter at boats allegedly involved in drug smuggling. A spokesperson for Kids Can Press emphasized that Franklin represents kindness and criticized the depiction for not adhering to the positive values associated with the character.