You can use your smart phone to browse stories in the comfort of your hand. Simply browse this site on your smart phone.

    Using an RSS Reader you can access most recent stories and other feeds posted on this network.

    SNetwork Recent Stories

Pride – A Celebration of Solidarity and Resilience

Pride – A Celebration of Solidarity and Resilience

Thunder Bay, ON – The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) is proudly celebrating Pride Month. Within Indigenous cultures Two-Spirit peoples are recognised as great sources of knowledge; they are keepers of traditions and tellers of Creation stories.

Elder Myra Laramee is credited with coining the term “Two-Spirit” during the Third Annual Inter-tribal Native American, First Nations, Gay, and Lesbian American Conference in Winnipeg in 1990. The term is a translation of the Anishinaabemowin expression “niizh manidoowag,” which directly translates to “two spirits”.

Pride began with the uprising of racialized transgender women in 1969 that addressed targeted harassment by police in New York. Protests inspired many in Turtle Island, and led to the Christopher Street Liberation March that now marks the beginning of annual Pride celebrations. Pride has inspired a movement of international change and activism.

“It was awful to be gay in those days. On the news I think I said: I love who I am. […] I am who I am, and I’m happy to be gay! And because I was proud of who I am, another Anishinaabe came out. There’s still a lot of work that has to be done. We’re not really accepted yet.” – Ojibwe-Cree Elder Ma-Nee Chacaby, who came out publicly as a Two-Spirit lesbian in 1988.

“I am honoured and privileged to say that working with ONWA, I have been able to reach out to Indigenous transgendered youth and young adults that are in remote communities that have no help, no support, and no understanding of what they’re going through. […] Not only are Indigenous transgender youth and young adults facing racism because of their culture, but they’re also facing racism on who they are themselves.” – Gia Provenzano, Gender Journey’s Fascinator. .

“Supporting the 2-Spirit transgender community strengthens the values that the 7 Grandfather Teachings have gifted us. Pride month is a time to honour and celebrate the 2- Spirit Community while at the same time raising awareness that Indigenous 2-Spirit peoples continue to face intersectional racism and systemic barriers” – Cora McGuire-Cyrette ONWA CEO

Pride unites Two-Spirit communities and allies celebrating continued resilience and recognising the authenticity of self. Pride represents solidarity and resistance against discrimination and violence.

ONWA walks with Two-Spirit peoples in honour of Pride. Two-Spirit peoples have walked a long path, and, together, we will continue to walk the path forward.

For more information and media inquiries, contact:

Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager

Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA)

Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca

-30-

NT5

Statement from Ministers Marc Miller, Patty Hajdu, Dan Vandal and Pablo Rodriguez on National Indigenous History Month

From: Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

Ottawa, Ontario (June 1, 2023) — The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations; the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services; the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister responsible for PrairiesCan and CanNor; and the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage, issued the following statement today:

“June is National Indigenous History Month, which is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the resilience, cultures and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis across Canada.

Indigenous histories are significant to Indigenous pride and cultures, and are fundamental to the identities of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. The knowledge passed down by Elders and Knowledge Keepers connects families, communities and generations. These histories and cultures have protected Indigenous identities against hundreds of years of colonial policies, and have played a key role in Canadian history and society. Each week in June will be dedicated to a different theme to highlight specific aspects of Indigenous histories, cultures and experiences, including traditional knowledge, language, and reconciliation. June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day, which also marks the summer solstice, the longest day of the year and a culturally significant day for many Indigenous communities across Canada.

While this is a time to celebrate, we also reflect on how Canada’s historic wrongs have impacted its current relationship with Indigenous Peoples and the ongoing work to advance reconciliation. Our colonial past and the harmful policies that were implemented are the direct cause of many systemic issues that Indigenous Peoples face today.

As communities across Canada continue to uncover the horrific truths of former residential schools, we are reminded that Indigenous Peoples have shared these stories for 150 years only to be ignored. And yet, as we move forward, there is a sense of optimism and hope for the generations to come, because Canada is working hand in hand with First Nations, Inuit and Métis partners to advance their priorities and renew these relationships. Together, we are building a more united and reconciled country.

We remain steadfast in our commitment to work alongside Survivors of residential schools and families, and collaborating with Indigenous communities, Indigenous governments and federal, provincial and territorial governments, as well as key local, regional, national, and grass-root Indigenous organizations throughout Canada to build prosperity, advance self-determination, and support the well-being of Indigenous Peoples and communities. In addition, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (the Act), which received Royal Assent in June 2021, will continue to guide all of our co-development work with First Nations partners.

There is still much more to do, and it requires effort across Canada, in all walks of life. All levels of government, the private sector, and civil society have a shared responsibility to take action and work in partnership with Indigenous Peoples towards systemic and lasting change. This starts with learning about and understanding our shared history.

This month, we encourage all Canadians to learn more about Indigenous knowledge and the unique histories, cultures and experiences of First Nations, Inuit and Métis across Canada, and how we are working together to build a  stronger country. For more information about how to participate and access learning resources, please visit the National Indigenous History Month website.”

Contacts

For more information, media may contact:

Aïssatou Diop
Press Secretary and Communications Advisor
Office of the Honourable Marc Miller
Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations
aissatou.diop@rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca

Zeus Eden
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Indigenous Services
zeus.eden@sac-isc.gc.ca

Kyle Allen
Press Secretary and Communications Advisor
Office of the Honourable Daniel Vandal
Minister of Northern Affairs, and the Minister responsible for PrairiesCan and CanNor
kyle.allen@rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca

Media Relations
Crown–Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
819-934-2302
RCAANC.Media.CIRNAC@sac-isc.gc.ca

Media Relations
Indigenous Services Canada
819-953-1160
media@sac-isc.gc.ca

Laura Scaffidi
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
laura.scaffidi@pch.gc.ca

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca

NT5

National Pride Month

IQALUIT, Nunavut (June 1, 2023) – June is National Pride Month. Please join Speaker Tony Akoak and the Members of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut in raising the Pride flag on June 2, 2023, at 11:30am, EST, at the Legislative building.

-30-

For more information:
John Quirke
Clerk of the Legislative Assembly
Tel: (867) 975-5100
Fax: (867) 975-5190

NT5

Celebrating Pride 2023

June 1, 2023

As summer begins, RCMP employees are excited to participate in Pride celebrations across the country. This month, the RCMP recognizes Pride month alongside members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and their allies in a celebration of inclusivity. While our commitment to inclusivity is year-round and unending, Pride is a special occasion.

While our relationship with 2SLGBTQIA+ communities within and outside the organization has at times been difficult, the RCMP is committed to change. Our goal is to create an inclusive workplace that embraces individual differences, is welcoming to all and fosters a sense of belonging. Our organization is proud to support concrete actions to encourage diversity and inclusive practices and a work environment where diverse communities feel welcomed. Read more about some of our efforts towards inclusion.

Everyone should feel appreciated and valued, not just for the work they do, but also for who they are as individuals. By building an inclusive workplace, we’re ensuring there’s a place for you in the RCMP. It could be in a remote detachment in Canada or on an international peacekeeping mission abroad, in a forensics lab or on the Musical Ride.

When we focus on diversity, we can more effectively represent the people we proudly serve and continue to foster trust and confidence. By acting with integrity, showing respect, and serving with excellence, and by supporting Pride month, we’re supporting our commitment to one another.

Have a happy Pride Month!

Mike Duheme
Commissioner

–30–

NT5

Making Advance Care Planning More Accessible to Persons with disabilities

From: Health Canada

June 1, 2023

Palliative care is a critical part of Canada’s health care system as it helps improve the quality of life for as long as possible. Advance Care Planning (ACP) is a process that focuses on thinking about your values and wishes and letting others know what kind of care you would want in the future. The Government of Canada is committed to raising awareness about ACP and removing barriers that many face in accessing the care they need.

As part of National AccessAbility Week, the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Health, announced over $1.4 million in funding over two years to the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA) to make ACP resources more universally accessible. This funding will specifically support the Making ACP More Accessible for Canadians with Disabilities project.

This project will identify accessibility gaps and information needs for persons with disabilities, their caregivers and the organizations that support them. It also aims to develop and disseminate accessible ACP tools and resources aimed at addressing barriers faced by disability communities and increase their awareness of ACP.

The Government of Canada is working with provinces and territories, people with serious illnesses and disabilities, caregivers, partners, and communities to improve the quality and availability of palliative care for everyone in Canada, including those who are most vulnerable. This work includes developing a Framework and implementing the Action Plan on Palliative Care. Key commitments of the Action Plan include:

  • raising awareness about palliative care and grief,
  • improving palliative care skills and supports for health care providers and others,
  • enhancing data and research;
  • improving access for underserved populations; and,
  • improving access to culturally sensitive palliative care for Indigenous communities.

As part of these efforts, Health Canada launched a public education campaign in March 2023 to raise awareness of palliative care and grief for providers who are not palliative specialists. Phase II will launch in Summer 2023 and will broaden the audience to reach people living with a serious illness and their families. Together, with all partners, we will keep working to ensure everyone gets the care they deserve.

Quotes

“People with serious illness or approaching the end of life deserve the best quality of care and support that we can offer. Our government understands the vital role that palliative and end-of-life care play in the lives of many across the country. Organizations like the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association are doing important work ensuring Canadians with disabilities can access advance care planning resources when preparing for their future health care. We will keep working to improve access to quality health care services, including palliative care, for everyone when and where they need them.”

The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos
Minister of Health

“I am glad to see work underway to make palliative care more accessible to, and inclusive of, persons with disabilities. It is critically important that persons with disabilities are able to have informed conversations with their loved ones about the kind of care they want and have access to high-quality, barrier-free palliative care if they require it.”

The Honourable Carla Qualtrough
Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion

‘’All seniors deserve high quality and safe care. Seniors living with disabilities and their caregivers have unique needs and concerns when it comes to advance care planning. Through this funding, the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association will play an important role in ensuring that seniors living with disabilities, and their caregivers have improved access to the resources and support they need to make informed decisions about their care. Our government will continue to empower seniors and their caregivers to make these critical decisions about their health and personal well-being.”

The Honourable Kamal Khera
Minister of Seniors

“This funding and project will enable the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association to provide accessible tools and information on advance care planning that meet the various needs of people with disabilities and their caregivers. By providing this vital information through accessible resources, we hope to empower more people with disabilities across Canada to have an active voice in shaping their future health and personal care.”

Laurel Gillespie
CEO, Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA)

Quick facts

  • The Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA), established in 1991, is a leader in Canada with respect to promoting and facilitating ACP as well as hospice palliative care (HPC). The CHPCA provides leadership to all provincial and territorial associations and over 600 HPC programs and services across Canada.
  • Budget 2021 provided $29.8 million to advance the Action Plan on Palliative Care and help build a better foundation for coordinated action on long-term and supportive care needs. Investment in the development and dissemination of ACP materials is part of the implementation of the Action Plan.
  • Recently, the Government of Canada announced $2 million in funding over four years to Healthcare Excellence Canada (HEC) to improve access to palliative care for persons who are experiencing homelessness or are vulnerably unhoused. This funding allows HEC to work with partner organizations such as the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer, to help improve the delivery of palliative care services so that everyone can receive safe, timely, appropriate care in the place of their choosing.

Associated links

Contacts

Guillaume Bertrand
Senior Communications Advisor and Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos
Minister of Health
613-957-0200

Tara Beauport
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Carla Qualtrough
Minister of Employment, Workforce
Development and Disability Inclusion
tara.beauport@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca

Alisson Lévesque
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Kamal Khera
Minister of Seniors
alisson.levesque@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca

Media Relations
Health Canada
613-957-2983
media@hc-sc.gc.ca

Public Enquiries:
613-957-2991
1-866-225-0709

NT5

Provincial Government Celebrates Beginning of Pride Season in Newfoundland and Labrador

June 1, 2023

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador hosted a flag raising event today to celebrate the beginning of Pride Season in Newfoundland and Labrador. Pride month is celebrated throughout Canada in June, with events in Newfoundland and Labrador held in various communities, towns and cities during the summer season.

Pride activities are an opportunity to celebrate diversity and the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community. This is a dedicated time to acknowledge the history and achievements of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community, while raising awareness of the importance of acceptance and inclusion.

During today’s ceremony, the Progress Pride flag was raised on the courtesy flagpole at Confederation Building. Attendees heard from Sarah Worthman, Executive Director of the Newfoundland and Labrador Queer Research Initiative, about the importance of recognizing and respecting the province’s queer history. Local singer Evelyn Jess helped to promote messages of inclusivity through a musical performance.

Tonight the Confederation Building will be lit in the colours of the rainbow as a visual reminder of the importance of Pride. Additionally, four rainbow crosswalks and rainbow benches are visible on the Confederation Building grounds year-round.

The Provincial Government is committed to working with the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community to ensure Newfoundland and Labrador is a safe, accessible and inclusive place for people of all gender identities and sexual orientations.

Quote
“Our government celebrates the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community and the diversity found throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. Each of us can help to create an inclusive province for all people during Pride Season and every month of the year. Kindness, acceptance, and respect are foundational to a vibrant and thriving province.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality

-30-

Learn more
Office of Women and Gender Equality

NT5

More than 45 Toronto Community Organizations Unite to Launch #ShowUpTO Campaign, Urging Mayoral Candidates to Address Poverty and Inequality

TORONTO, June 1, 2023 – YWCA Toronto, WomanACT, Social Planning Toronto, and City for All have joined forces with more than 45 community organizations to launch the Show Up for a Better Toronto – #ShowUpTO campaign. This initiative aims to rally Torontonians to show up for a better Toronto and urge mayoral candidates to take decisive action in addressing the escalating poverty and inequality afflicting the city.

Toronto is currently grappling with a housing crisis, the soaring cost of living, and an alarming rise in violence. These issues disproportionately affect women, Black, Indigenous, and racialized communities, newcomers, seniors, youth, gender diverse individuals, people with disabilities, and those on fixed incomes. The #ShowUpTO campaign seeks to shed light on the urgent need for change and demand that mayoral candidates prioritize the pressing concerns facing its residents.

A better Toronto is possible. This election offers an opportunity to shape the city’s direction for the next three years.

Toronto needs a mayor who will actively engage with and address the needs of its diverse communities, focusing on affordability, safety, and systemic equity across racial, gender, and neighbourhood lines. The campaign calls on all candidates to prioritize gender and racial equity and to invest in poverty and violence reduction.

The #ShowUpTO campaign urges mayoral candidates to show up by:

  • Increasing affordable, safe, green and accessible housing and shelter options in Toronto;
  • Ensuring the TTC is safe, accessible, and affordable, especially for women, gender-diverse people, people with disabilities, and low-income individuals;
  • Increasing core funding for non-profit organizations and creating a comprehensive workforce strategy for the child care sector;
  • Expanding and adequately resourcing trauma-informed approaches to community safety and,
  • Investing in free recreational programs, food programs, and green spaces across the city, particularly for girls and youth

To learn more about the #ShowUpTO campaign and take the pledge to show up for a better Toronto on June 26, visit www.ShowUpTO.ca.

For further information: MEDIA: Sami Pritchard, YWCA Toronto, M: 437-286-9627, spritchard@ywcatoronto.org; Devika Parsaud, WomanACT, M: 647-834-0536, dparsaud@womanact.ca; Melissa Wong, Social Planning Toronto, M: 416-728-2778, mwong@socialplanningtoronto.org

NT5

The Government of Canada Provides Update on Firefighter Training and Support for Canadians Through the 2023 Wildfire Season

From: Natural Resources Canada

June 1, 2023

As wildfires become more common and more extreme, the Government of Canada is focused on keeping people safe while strengthening Canada’s long-term response. Across Canada, several provinces and territories are experiencing a severe wildfire season, and the effects are already widespread. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting communities affected by wildfires.

Today, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources; the Honourable Bill Blair, President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Emergency Preparedness; the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services; the Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance; and the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, provided an update on the actions that the Government of Canada has taken so far to support communities impacted and threatened by wildfires and how it will continue to support Canadians through this year’s fire season and future seasons.

Current projections indicate that this may continue to be a challenging summer for wildfires in parts of the country. Forecasts for warm, dry weather indicate the potential for increased fire activity across much of Canada. Natural Resources Canada publicly shares forecasting for the fire season with full transparency regarding the uncertainty inherent in these projections.

The Government Operations Centre is working to coordinate the federal response to the wildfire situation across the country. Officials are working closely with federal and provincial partners to coordinate this assistance. Efforts are ongoing in Alberta to support the province’s Request for Federal Assistance, and additional federal support is available to all communities facing the threat and devastation of ongoing wildfires.

With federal and provincial contributions, the Government of Canada’s donation matching program with the Government of Alberta and the Canadian Red Cross has already raised approximately $20 million to support Canadians who have been impacted by wildfires in the province. The Government of Canada will be establishing similar matching programs with Nova Scotia through the Canadian Red Cross and with the Northwest Territories through United Way.

In addition to providing an update on the present situation, the Ministers also announced that through the Fighting and Managing Wildfires in a Changing Climate Program (FMWCC), the Government of Canada has signed nine agreements through the first phase of the Wildfire Training Fund, a $37.9-million fund designed to hire, train and retain firefighters in communities that need this support the most. These agreements amount to over 300 Indigenous firefighters and 125 Indigenous fire guardians being hired and trained this season.

In light of the urgent wildfire conditions in Canada, Natural Resources Canada is pleased to be working with the International Association of Fire Fighters to advance a pilot project that would increase Canada’s wildfire fire fighting capacity. This project would be focused on training structural firefighters to respond to fires in the wildland-urban interface due to the particular risks those fires pose to homes, communities, and infrastructure.

This project builds on the Government of Canada’s commitment of $256 million over five years to establish the FMWCC program wildfire Equipment Fund, a dedicated federal fund to support provinces and territories in procuring specialized firefighting equipment such as vehicles, mobile units, avionics upgrades, hoses, pumps and enhanced communications equipment. The federal funding has been contributed to six provinces and territories for equipment procured in 2022–2023, and it’s expected all provinces and territories will participate in the fund this year.

Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) continues to support First Nations through the Emergency Management Assistance Program (EMAP) to deal with this especially challenging time. Through EMAP, ISC keeps in close contact with affected First Nations and can advance funds or reimburse them for eligible expenses, as needs are identified during daily communications with leadership and other partners such as tribal councils as well as provinces and territories.

Through these investments and other ongoing actions, the Government of Canada is committed to supporting Canadians as all orders of government work together during the 2023 wildfire season.

Quotes

“Canadians from coast to coast to coast have felt the impact of intense wildfires. These fires threaten our communities, livelihoods and our environment. That is why the federal government is taking action — including training more firefighters, helping provinces and territories procure vital equipment, and developing cutting-edge monitoring technology — to better prepare for, adapt to and fight the effects of wildfires. We will continue to work across government and with Indigenous communities to keep people safe and secure through this wildfire season and seasons to come.”

The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson
Minister of Natural Resources

“In communities right across Canada, we have seen an incredibly difficult and dangerous start to the wildfire season. The Government of Canada will continue to work closely with all orders of government and Indigenous communities to support Canadians who have been impacted. Thank you to all the firefighters, Canadian Armed Forces members, first responders, search and rescue personnel and community volunteers on the frontlines for their incredible work keeping Canadians safe.”

The Honourable Bill Blair
President of the King’s Privy Council and Minister of Emergency Preparedness

“First Nations communities are often the first to be affected by climate change. As climate-related emergencies become more frequent, Indigenous Peoples are increasingly facing dangerous, destructive and life changing situations. The unprecedented wildfire season this year is incredibly stressful and emotionally devastating for the many affected communities. We are working with leadership to protect life and property. Indigenous Services Canada will continue to support affected First Nations through the Emergency Management Assistance Program (EMAP), and when the time comes, we will be there to help with the rebuilding effort.”

The Honourable Patty Hajdu
Minister of Indigenous Services

“Albertans and Canadians, including many Indigenous communities, have been devastated by the forest fires raging through northern and central Alberta. Our government continues to work closely with our provincial counterparts to send the resources and help needed to keep Albertans and Canadians safe and fight the wildfires. To all the firefighters and first responders across the country and from abroad who are helping to save lives you have my deepest thanks.”

The Honourable Randy Boissonnault
Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance

“The Government of Canada will be there for Nova Scotia and other communities being ravaged by wildfires. The first responders who are keeping us safe are amongst the very best in the world at what they do. Thank you for putting yourselves at risk to keep the rest of us safe. I am so pleased to welcome this investment in training to ensure that you have the resources you need to do this life-saving work.”

The Honourable Sean Fraser
Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

Quick facts

  • A Request for Federal Assistance is initiated when an emergency event overwhelms or threatens to overwhelm the resources of a province or territory and additional federal resources are needed to effectively support the impacted region.
  • Should a province or territory make an official Request for Federal Assistance, there is a well-established process in place for managing the request, through the Government Operations Centre, and includes provincial, territorial and interdepartmental consultation and coordination.
  • Provincial and territorial authorities are the first to respond when a major natural disaster occurs in their jurisdiction. If an emergency requires more resources than the affected province has available, it may ask the federal government for additional resources, which can include Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel and equipment. When the CAF responds to such a crisis, known as Operation LENTUS, assistance is provided to complement and enhance provincial and local resources by helping to stabilize the situation and reassure residents in affected areas.
  • Under Natural Resource Canada’s Fighting and Managing Wildfires in a Changing Climate program Training Fund, a two-year Training Pilot is being implemented with a focus on providing support to Indigenous communities and organizations to train firefighters and to better understand the needs and barriers in the sector. A fully launched fund in 2024–2025 will be informed by the learning obtained from the projects under the pilot. The following Indigenous communities and organizations are receiving funding for training now:
    • Yukon First Nations Wildfire, to train 130 wildland firefighters, including to the Type 1 firefighter standard, across the Yukon and Northern British Columbia;
    • Mushkegowuk Tribal Council Communities, for three of the Ontario First Nation communities they represent, to train 30 individuals in SP100 standard wildland firefighting;
    • Prince Albert Grand Council, for its Indigenous Wildfire Stewards Pilot Program, to train approximately 125 wildland firefighters as Indigenous Fire Stewards and hire Elder Advisors;
    • Independent First Nations Alliance, to train 45 community members in SP100 and SP103 standard wildland firefighting across five Ontario communities;
    • Manitoba Métis Federation, to train 12 community members to the Type 2 wildland firefighter standard to combat wildfires in Manitoba;
    • Miawpukek First Nation (MFN), to train 34 firefighters with Fire Smart training in the MFN territory in Newfoundland and Labrador;
    • Tŝilhqot’in National Government, to train 20 community members to the Type 2 Indigenous Initial Attack firefighter standard in six Tŝilhqot’in communities in British Columbia;
    • Innu Nation, to train 13 community members in wildland firefighting in Newfoundland and Labrador; and
    • Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre, to train 24 Indigenous firefighters to the Type 2 wildland firefighting standard in two communities in Nova Scotia.
  • Under Natural Resource Canada’s Fighting and Managing Wildfires in a Changing Climate program Equipment Fund, provinces and territories can cost-share investments for equipment, such as vehicles, mobile units, avionics upgrades (parts), hoses, pumps, enhanced communications equipment, repair of aging equipment and training. The following six provinces and territories have received funding to date:
    • Alberta, to purchase equipment including water delivery skid units, trailers, drones, personal protective equipment and chainsaws;
    • British Columbia, to purchase equipment including flight simulator computer components, water tanks, generators, pumps, forklifts and trailers;
    • Northwest Territories, to purchase equipment including aircraft, vehicles, dispatch consoles and dust suppressant;
    • Nova Scotia, to purchase equipment including radios, trailers, hoses and chainsaws and to provide Incident Management Team (IMT) training to additional staff;
    • Saskatchewan, to purchase equipment including radios, pumps, sprinklers and hoses; and
    • Yukon, to purchase additional wildfire equipment, hire additional wildland firefighting personnel and increase the capacity and frequency of wildland fire–based training throughout the year.
  • ISC’s EMAP reimburses First Nations, provinces and territories and third-party emergency management providers 100 percent of eligible response and recovery costs, including evacuation costs.
  • ISC has so far provided more than $40 million for the current 2023 wildfire season. As of May 31, advance payment funding has been provided to Alberta, Saskatchewan, Northwest Territories, Manitoba and Nova Scotia. These funds are intended to cover costs associated with evacuations including transportation, accommodations and meals. Funds also cover emergency response measures including establishing fire guards and putting in place Emergency Operation Centres where possible. In addition to advance payments, communities seeking reimbursement after an emergency are encouraged to submit estimates or invoices as quickly as possible to help ensure a timely community recovery.
  • As the wildfires are still active, ISC continues to support communities affected and is in daily contact with leadership to discuss the day-to-day plans and supports required, as well as the long-term actions needed to support the communities that have had a loss of infrastructure.
  • FPT partners are working together under the auspices of the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers to implement the Canadian Wildland Fire Strategy to enable national wildfire resilience.
  • Current information on national fire conditions is available publicly at all times through NRCan’s Canadian Wildland Fire Information System. Additionally, during the fire season, the Canadian Forest Service supports emergency and fire management agencies through the development of situation reports (fire weather forecasts, situational awareness) and the delivery of fire growth and behaviour models.
  • The Government of Canada, through Environment and Climate Change Canada, is committed to providing support to all our partners by supplying weather information including detailed precipitation and wind forecasts, smoke dispersion predictions and air quality forecasts. Access the latest weather information with weather.gc.ca.
  • Canada’s first National Adaptation Strategy, released in November 2022 for a final 90 days of engagement with provinces, territories, and National Indigenous Organizations, sets an overarching vision for climate resilience in Canada, including with respect to disaster resilience. The Government of Canada Adaptation Action Plan, released alongside the Strategy, announced new funding of up to $284 million over five years to reduce the risks of wildfire in our communities, including by enhancing community prevention and mitigation activities, supporting innovation in wildland fire knowledge and research, and establishing a Centre of Excellence for Wildland Fire Innovation and Resilience.

Related products

Associated links

Contacts

Natural Resources Canada
Media Relations
343-292-6100
media@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca

Keean Nembhard
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Natural Resources
613-323-7892
Keean.Nembhard@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca

Annie Cullinan
Director of Communications
Office of the President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Emergency Preparedness
annie.cullinan@kpc-cpr.gc.ca

Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657
media@ps-sp.gc.ca

Zeus Eden
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Indigenous Services
zeus.eden@sac-isc.gc.ca

Media Relations
Indigenous Services Canada
819-953-1160
media@sac-isc.gc.ca

NT5

It’s National Indigenous History Month – Milton Now

Jun 1, 2023

Thursday, June 1st kicks off the start of National Indigenous History Month!

It’s an important time of year to remember, reflect and celebrate the rich history, heritage, resilience and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis.

It’s being honoured by organizations in Milton and across Halton:

The Milton Public Library (MPL) is unveiling a new four-panel mural as part of National Indigenous History Month. The unveiling is Thursday, June 1st at 2:00 p.m. at the MPL’s Beaty Branch.

Read More: https://www.miltonnow.ca/2023/06/01/its-national-indigenous-history-month/

Minister’s statement for Pride 2023 in K-12 education

June 1, 2023

VICTORIA – Rachna Singh, Minister of Education and Child Care, has issued the following statement to mark Pride 2023 and celebrate the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in B.C.’s education system:

“The month of June is a time for all in K-12 education throughout B.C. to hear more about Pride month, recognize and celebrate the contributions of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and learn more about the significance and origins of events that started out of protest, like the Pride parade.

“We know that each child expresses themselves in their own unique way and that 2SLGBTQIA+ students, staff and families still face discrimination in our education system. Our hard work continues so we can ensure every school is a place where all students, staff and families feel safe and like they belong.

“In 2016, the B.C. Human Rights Code was amended to ensure that gender identity and expression are protected under the code. All schools must comply with the Human Rights Code and demonstrate they are creating safe, welcoming and inclusive environments for our students and staff.

“In B.C., all 60 school districts have sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) codes of conduct in place, and all districts and many independent and First Nations schools participate in the BC SOGI Educator Network. SOGI-inclusive education helps students understand and respect each other’s differences, value human rights and recognize how we can respond to discrimination when it happens.

“When students can see themselves reflected in the world around them through stories of same-gender parents or math problems that use ‘they/them’ pronouns in a school environment, it sends a strong message of acceptance. These are important messages for students to see, hear and feel as they grow and learn.

“As we strive to make B.C. a more welcoming place for everyone, we solidify our government’s continued support for more equitable and inclusive schools. This means a continued focus on valuing diversity in B.C. classrooms as we honour Pride celebrations and support our 2SLGBTQIA+ staff, students and their families with love and pride.”

Learn More:

If you or a friend are experiencing discrimination or harassment related to sexual orientation or gender identity, get help here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/erase/help

Contact:

Ministry of Education
Media Relations
250 356-5963

NT5

NationTalk Partners & Sponsors Learn More