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Cool Idea: 3D-Printed Homes Could Help Address Long-Standing Northern Housing Challenges
Ottawa, November 29, 2018—The Conference Board of Canada’s new research series on emerging technologies launches with a look at how 3D-printed homes could be considered for Canada’s northern and Indigenous communities. The Cool Ideas series aims to spark discussion about how emerging technologies could potentially improve or disrupt the quality of life in Canada’s North. […]
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Reconciliation Efforts Missing the Main Target: C.D. Howe Institute
“Any meaningful attempt at reconciliation requires not just an on-reserve agenda, but also an off-reserve urban agenda,” said Richards. November 27, 2018—Current reconciliation efforts between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples are missing the main target, according to a new report from the C.D. Howe Institute. In “Pursuing Reconciliation: The Case for an Off-Reserve Urban Agenda,” author […]
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ITK’s Position Paper On The Arctic Policy Framework
This position paper shares Inuit priorities and expectations for the content and structure of Canada’s forthcoming Arctic Policy Framework (APF). In December 2016, the Government of Canada announced that it would co-develop a new Arctic Policy Framework with Indigenous, territorial, and provincial partners, replacing Canada’s 2009 Northern Strategy and the 2010 Statement on Canada’s Arctic Foreign […]
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Economic Growth in Yukon and Nunavut to Surpass Rest of Canada
Ottawa, November 15, 2018—New developments in the mining sector are helping to make Yukon and Nunavut economic growth leaders over the next few years, according to The Conference Board of Canada’s latest Territorial Outlook. Meanwhile, challenging times are on the horizon for the Northwest Territories as it faces a maturing diamond industry. “While the mining sector […]
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First Nations get richer thanks to oil, mining, and forests
Montreal, November 6, 2018 – Contrary to the widely held belief that they systematically oppose projects, numerous indigenous communities have embraced the development of natural resources to improve their quality of life, shows a Research Paper published today by the MEI. “First Nations are far from being unanimously opposed to development. Things have changed a lot […]
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October 2018 – The Hill Times Northern Policy Briefing – ITK
The October 31, 2018 Hill Times Newspaper featured a policy briefing in the North. In that brief, there is a submission from ITK President Natan Obed. You can read the brief here: 2018-10-31-HillTimes-policy-briefing Read More: https://www.itk.ca/october-2018-the-hill-times-northern-policy-briefing/
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UNDRIP Implementation: More Reflections on the Braiding of International, Domestic and Indigenous Laws – CIGI
October 30, 2018 The International Law Research Program of the Centre for International Governance Innovation, together with the Wiyasiwewin Mikiwahp Native Law Centre of the University of Saskatchewan College of Law, present this collection of essays discussing how international law, domestic constitutional law and Indigenous peoples’ own laws can work together to bring about full […]
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The problem with Canada’s gradual climate policy – Policy Options
The latest report of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) erases any doubts about the inadequacy of incremental action on climate. In that context, Canada’s gradual approach to climate policy has been exposed as a feckless failure. Rapid, unprecedented and systemic changes in how governments, industries and societies function are required to limit […]
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Attawapiskat chief says Mushkegowuk Council needs a policy on cannabis legalization – CBC
State of emergency due to illicit drugs and alcohol has been in place since last November Oct 24, 2018 It’s a remote First Nation that has fought hard against illegal drugs entering the community. Now it is having to deal with one of those drugs becoming legal and entering the community freely. Attawapiskat is among […]
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Government must consult First Nations who support development, too: Stephen Buffalo in the National Post – MLI
October 22, 2018 The federal government’s sweeping environmental legislation, which is now before the Senate, has the potential to undermine the hard-won gains of Indigenous people in the natural-resource economy. But C-69 is being rushed through by a government that does not seem to understand its obligations to consult comprehensively with Indigenous peoples. As we […]
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Hiking minimum wages has slowed income growth: MLI’s Labour Market Report
OTTAWA, ON (October 19, 2018): The Macdonald-Laurier Institute’s Labour Market Report for Q3, 2018, has been released, with key indicators suggesting that minimum wage hikes have actually slowed real income growth. “Overall the hoped-for boost to household incomes did not materialize for several reasons,” writes MLI Munk Senior Fellow and report author Philip Cross. “The number of […]
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Indigenous Canadians and the future of the natural resource economy: Gale and Coates for Inside Policy – MLI
October 15, 2018 It is important to recall all the stories attributing the delays in the Trans Mountain Pipeline, the collapse of the Enbridge Northern Gateway project, and the general malaise in the natural resource economy to Indigenous resistance. The symbolism of Indigenous protest has been too powerful for most commentators to pass up. It […]
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Welcome movement on progressive trade agenda in USMCA – Policy Options
The final text of the USMCA made important strides forward in areas such as Indigenous and labour rights, less so on gender and the environment. October 12, 2018 The Trudeau government entered NAFTA negotiations last August with an ambitious progressive trade agenda. Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland used her testimony to the House of Commons […]
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OHRC releases new policy guidance on human rights and cannabis
October 11, 2018 Toronto – Today, the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) released a new policy statement on cannabis and Ontario’s Human Rights Code. “The legalization of cannabis is a new reality in Ontario,” said OHRC Chief Commissioner Renu Mandhane. “But while cannabis laws are changing, this policy statement reminds us that human rights protections […]
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Federal policies undermine Indigenous dental health – Policy Options
October 5, 2018 The government’s Indigenous dental health program is ignoring the role its policies played in causing Indigenous-non-Indigenous dental health disparities. Starting in 2016, a Cree child’s struggle to get braces became national news. Thirteen-year-old Josey Willier from the Sucker Creek First Nation suffered from chronic pain from her crooked teeth. Her dentist said […]
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Creating the conditions for a dynamic, growing, and inclusive economy: Crowley and Speer for Inside Policy
Rather than a “high-tax, high-transfer agenda,” governments should focus instead on expanding work and opportunity for all Canadians, write Brian Lee Crowley and Sean Speer. By Brian Lee Crowley and Sean Speer, October 3, 2018 A series of MLI studies, commentaries, op-eds, speeches, and presentationshave long warned about the limits of an over-emphasis on income redistribution and an inattention to […]
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A work and opportunity agenda for Canada: MLI study by Brian Lee Crowley and Sean Speer
OTTAWA, ON (September 27, 2018): Fears surrounding economic, social, and political disruption loom large in the minds of policy-makers throughout the West. In response, many governments – including governments in Canada – have renewed their focus on income redistribution, hoping that tackling income disparities will help restore political tranquility. One such policy has been the previous […]
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Legal and systemic issues left unexamined in Stanley trial – Policy Options
The trial about Colten Boushie’s death exposed flaws in the criminal trial process and the justice system, including a reluctance to consider racism. In many ways, I am inherently made and professionally paid to witness what the Stanley trial verdict in February 2018 revealed about the justice system, criminal trials and the place of Indigenous […]
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Canadian federal and provincial governments have treated Indigenous consultation and rights as a burden, always seeking to do the least possible. – Policy Options
September 20, 2018 Canadian federal and provincial governments have treated Indigenous consultation and rights as a burden, always seeking to do the least possible. The Federal Court of Appeal (FCA) decision that quashed the federal approval of the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion and tanker project on August 30 was big news across the world, because […]
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IISD: Damage and Costs Caused by Flooding in Manitoba Could Be Reduced by Investing in Natural Infrastructure
WINNIPEG, September 19, 2018—The damage caused by the frequent flooding that Manitoba endures annually could be significantly mitigated if more were invested to maintain its natural infrastructure, such as wetlands and riverbeds. This is according to a new report from the Insurance Bureau of Canada, the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation and the Winnipeg-based International […]
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Build the Indigenous economy to address poverty – Policy Options
September 19, 2018 In its past three budgets, the government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has made important investments to help address the critical needs facing Indigenous communities and families. These investments are laudable and long overdue, and they will go a significant way toward ensuring that Indigenous people have better housing, child and family […]
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A Canadian food policy moves closer to becoming a reality – CP
Source: The Canadian Press Sep 13, 2018 By Evan Fraser, Director of the Arrell Food Institute at the University of Guelph; Professor; Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Global Food Security, University of Guelph THE CANADIAN PRESS This article was originally published on The Conversation, an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic […]
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MLI: Ep. 14 – Pursuing Indigenous and Northern Prosperity with Ken Coates and Dr. Greg Finnegan
In this episode, Ken Coates is joined by Dr. Greg Finnegan to discuss his role as Chief Executive Officer at Na-cho Nyak Dun Development Corporation. Na-cho Nyak Dun is a vibrant and unique northern Yukon community with natural resource mining at its backbone. Coates and Finnegan elaborate its long history of Indigenous entrepreneurship as well […]
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How to get First Nations onside with resource-related projects – Troy Media
The support of B.C. Indigenous communities for LNG projects provides a working model for agreements The division and acrimony among First Nation communities over the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project can mask the many examples of Indigenous communities that have reached agreements with resource companies. For example, how many Canadians know that the experience of […]
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Assembly of First Nations to Convene National Policy Forum on Affirming First Nations Rights, Title and Jurisdiction September 11-12, 2018
Assembly of First Nations to Convene National Policy Forum on Affirming First Nations Rights, Title and Jurisdiction September 11-12, 2018 September 10, 2018 (Ottawa, ON): The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is convening a national policy forum on Affirming First Nations Rights, Title and Jurisdiction in Gatineau, Quebec September 11 and 12. The purpose of […]
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Everyone needs to take a deep breath after the Trans Mountain ruling: Ken Coates in The Conversation – MLI
September 4, 2018 The Federal Court of Appeal decision that halted construction on the Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion has thrown Canada into a tizzy. While British Columbia First Nations and environmentalists are celebrating a rare court victory on this project, industry representatives, trade unions and many other First Nations who supported the expansion feel the […]
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MLI Impact Report, Q2, 2018
In the second quarter of 2018, MLI’s impact was felt particularly on national security, Indigenous relations, natural resources, and economic and tax policy. Aecon deal MLI has been at the forefront of arguing that CCCI’s takeover bid for Canadian construction giant Aecon posed a national security risk and needed to be rejected. In April 2018, […]
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Government of Canada takes important step towards a Social Innovation and Social Finance Strategy to address Canada’s most persistent social issues
From: Employment and Social Development Canada August 31, 2018 Gatineau, Quebec Employment and Social Development Canada The Government of Canada is committed to supporting innovative solutions that find new ways to help communities tackle their most complex and persistent social issues. By breaking down the barriers that prevent Canada’s most vulnerable populations from finding employment […]
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Trans Mountain: another decision that will scare off investors
Montreal, August 30, 2018 – The decision by the Federal Court of Appeal to block the project to expand the Trans Mountain pipeline under the pretext that Ottawa has not consulted the indigenous population adequately shows yet again that the project approval process in Canada is not working and is sending investments fleeing to our competitors. […]
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This is not a ‘bad NAFTA deal’: Brian Lee Crowley and Sean Speer for Inside Policy – MLI
August 30, 2018 Prime Minister Trudeau’s recent observation that “no NAFTA deal is better than a bad NAFTA deal” is true in theory but the government isn’t debating theoretical questions in a university classroom. It’s making a determination about whether the terms of the US-Mexico agreement on free trade are acceptable to Canada – a […]
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Economic forces may be killing Indigenous communities—but they’re hardly neutral – Macleans
Opinion: The colonial state has much to do with the conditions by which First Nations, Inuit hamlets, and Métis settlements have been impoverished in Canada Veldon Coburn teaches Indigenous Studies at Carleton University and is a PhD candidate in the department of political studies at Queen’s University. His research and writing focuses on Indigenous politics […]
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Cannabis as a catalyst for Indigenous governance – Policy Options
Legalization could prove to be a key moment for First Nations that have been seeking to tax and regulate not just cannabis, but also tobacco. August 22, 2018 As Indigenous communities grapple with options for alleviating poverty and spurring job creation, the economic potential of legalized cannabis is a compelling topic. How can our people […]
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Tearing down statues is not reconciliation: Brian Lee Crowley in the Telegraph-Journal – MLI
August 16, 2018 Unsurprisingly for the head of an organization called the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, I believe the current campaign of vilification and erasure being carried out against Sir John A. Macdonald, architect of Confederation and our first prime minister, is both wrong and unjustified. On the other hand, I warmly welcome the desire for reconciliation […]
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The Past, Present, and Future of Ottawa’s Role in Health Care: New MLI Report
OTTAWA, ON (August 16, 2018): Although most Canadians tend to think of health care as being a responsibility of the provinces and territories, the federal government has slowly yet steadily intruded on provincial jurisdiction when it comes to health. With the federal Department of Health centenary in 2019, now is the time to re-examine the […]
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Fighting historic wildfires amid bad ideas and no funding – CP
Source: The Canadian Press Aug 9, 2018 By Edward Struzik, Fellow, Queen’s Institute for Energy and Environmental Policy, School of Policy Studies, Queen’s University, Ontario THE CANADIAN PRESS This article was originally published on The Conversation, an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts. Disclosure information is available on the original site. […]
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Indian Cities – FCPP
August 7, 2018 In 2013, the small outport community of Little Bay Islands, Newfoundland, had to make a very emotional decision. The local economy had completely dried up. The crab processing plant had closed, and the community was far away from government public services. Looking at its bleak prospects, the small community applied for provincial […]
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Opinion: Canada’s resource sector under legislative assault – Edmonton Journal
July 30, 2018 The Trudeau government has proposed well-intentioned policies to “rebuild public trust and advance Indigenous reconciliation” while advancing “good projects” to ensure energy resources “get to markets responsibly.” Regrettably, such high-sounding ideals have led to intense controversies over regulatory policies that initially centred on the National Energy Board (NEB) but which have spiralled […]
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Will BC embrace meaningful Indigenous consent? – Policy Options
July 26, 2018 or years, the ‘Namgis and Musgamagw Dzawada’enuxw have been fighting controversial open-net fish farms in their territorial waters, in the Broughton archipelago near the northern end of Vancouver Island. They argue that farmed salmon pass on illnesses to their wild cousins and have contributed to the collapse of BC’s wild salmon runs. […]
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MLI Recognized as Top Social Policy Think Tank in North America
OTTAWA, ON (July 18, 2018): Last night, the Macdonald-Laurier Institute’s work on criminal justice reform was recognized for its impact in shaping the public discourse, influencing public policy, and producing high-quality thought leadership on this crucial issue. MLI is humbled and honoured to have received the 2018 Prospect Magazine Think Tank Award for Best North […]
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Ecofiscal Commission urges governments to make environmental disasters less likely by closing gaps in policy
Ottawa, July 11, 2018—Canada’s Ecofiscal Commission today released a new report, Responsible Risk: How putting a price on environmental risk makes disasters less likely. Environmental disasters — for example, train derailments, tailings pond failures, or oil spills — are infrequent, but also potentially costly. The economic activity that drives our prosperity comes with risk to the environment. […]
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Promoting the use of Inuktut, a founding language – Policy Options
The federal government and the private sector, including social media companies, can play a key role in ensuring the survival and growth of Inuktut. July 9, 2018 Comparatively speaking, Inuktut is a strong Indigenous language. In Nunavut, 65 percent of the population identify Inuktut as their mother tongue. This means that Nunavut is the only […]
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MLI impact report, Q1, 2018
At MLI, our goal is always to influence sound federal public policy by ensuring decision makers are informed of the best policy options. Measuring our impact is crucial to measuring our success. In the first quarter of 2018, MLI’s impact was felt particularly on justice issues, security, economic development for Indigenous communities, and Canada-US relations. […]
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Get to know Canada’s new Indigenous think tank – TVO.org
Ryerson University’s Yellowhead Institute launches this week. We speak to Indigenous education adviser Hayden King about the complex process of reconciliation in post-secondary institutions Jun 05, 2018 Ever since it was voted into federal government in 2015, the Liberal Party has produced a consistent stream of new policy changes and funding announcements for First Nations, […]
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Now Ottawa can finally stop playing along with BC’s Trans Mountain gong show: Dwight Newman in The Financial Post – MLI
May 22, 2018 The end-of-May deadline imposed by Kinder Morgan to get clarity on its proposed Trans Mountain pipeline expansion is looming. Quite understandably, people have begun asking what has happened to the planned combination of legislative steps and negotiated financial support first proposed by the federal government in early April. Is this plan still […]
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Feds must allow First Nations to tax, regulate cannabis – Policy Options
There was little surprise when the Assembly of First Nations, at its Special Chiefs Assembly in early May, called on the government of Canada to amend Bill C-45, the Cannabis Act. The chiefs sought to prevent provincial regulations from applying on reserves and to allow First Nations to share in the revenue that will be […]
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Should the MMIWG Inquiry be given more time? – Policy Options
There are good reasons to extend the Inquiry, but commissioners should explain precisely what they intend to accomplish and why it justifies extra costs. Commissioner Marion Buller of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls recently published an essay in the Globe and Mail making the case for a two-year extension […]
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Canada to share its vision on policies that benefit the middle class and those working hard to join it as it hosts the first OECD Social Policy Forum held outside Paris
May 12, 2018 Gatineau, Quebec The Canadian Government is committed to creating a growing economy that leaves no one behind. Canada’s effort to advance innovative social policies that help the middle class and those working hard to join it, including the Canada Child Benefit and the National Housing Strategy, is attracting international attention. […]
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Loose Fiscal Controls Lead to Blown Budgets – C.D. Howe Institute
May 10, 2018 – Over the past 15 years, Canada’s federal, provincial, and territorial governments have regularly missed budget spending and revenue targets, with spending overshoots of $69 billion combined. The new report from the C.D. Howe Institute, “Blown Budgets: Canada’s Senior Governments Need Better Fiscal Controls,” reveals a consistent lack of fiscal accountability by […]
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The (in)justice system and Indigenous people – Policy Options
April 30, 2018 The recent acquittal by a jury of Gerald Stanley, a white farmer, in the shooting death of Colten Boushie, an Indigenous man from the Red Pheasant First Nation in Saskatchewan, has again raised issues about the way the criminal justice system deals with Indigenous people. The concerns the case raised focused not […]
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Abandoning Trans Mountain harms economic prosperity and climate action: Arthur Hoole for Inside Policy – MLI
The Trudeau government must act deliberately and quickly now to build the Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion. The full force of Canada’s constitutional mandate should be brought to bear to make this happen. The project’s support and approval is a key element in advancing Alberta’s Climate Leadership Plan, Canada’s contribution to reduce global greenhouse […]
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