At a Glance - June 27, 2023
Proposed Federal Legislation Would Grant Metis Self-Governing Status
The federal government introduced Bill C-53, legislation that would grant self-governing status to three provincial Metis groups. The three groups that will be affected by this legislation are: the Metis Nation of Alberta (MNA), Metis Nation of Ontario (MNO), and the Metis Nation-Saskatchewan. Bill C-53 will enshrine federal agreements struck with the three Metis bodies and acknowledge law-making authority in areas such as citizenship, leadership selection, and administration.
While Metis leaders in the three groups hail this achievement as a key milestone in their long-held battle for recognition, the bill has been met with dissent among Ontario First Nation groups. The Chiefs of Ontario (COO), an umbrella group of 133 First Nations in Ontario, dispute the authenticity of some communities the MNO represents. The COO argues that as some of the communities represented by the MNO did not exist historically, they cannot be holders of Section 35 rights. The Assembly of First Nations has lent it support to the COO’s protest, citing their belief that Canada failed to consult with First Nations in the development of the legislation.
Dr. Deena Hinshaw Removed from Position with AHS Indigenous Health Team Against Its Wishes
Dr. Deena Hinshaw, formerly Alberta’s chief medical officer of health, was recently announced to be starting a new job with the Indigenous Wellness Core (IWC). Following the announcement, outrage ensued – particularly from groups that opposed Hinshaw’s support of masking and vaccines during the pandemic. While Dr. Hinshaw was supposed to start her new position June 5, the resultant anger from the announcement led to her job offer being revoked, a decision made over the wishes of the IWC team that had hired her in May. A statement made by AHS announced that “Dr. Hinshaw is not employed by AHS.”
The medical lead of the IWC, Dr. Esther Tailfeathers, resigned in protest of the decision to revoke Hinshaw’s job offer. Tailfeathers, who is a celebrated and award-winning physician, expressed her consternation that having a doctor selected by the IWC team be vetoed from above was only the latest example of an old theme in Canadian politics. The IWC has expressed its disappointment in the decision as they followed all AHS protocols in the hiring process. Additionally, IWC made it clear that Dr. Hinshaw rose to the top of the applicant list by virtue of her experience and because of what multiple people described as her good rapport with Indigenous leaders.
Alberta Group Aims to Increase Cannabis Market
This October will mark the five-year anniversary of cannabis legalization in Canada. While cannabis usage and regulations are still a novelty to many, Instant Risk Coverage (IRC) is aiming to broaden the current cannabis market landscape in Alberta by offering the first-of-it’s-kind, in Canada, cannabis event insurance. The aim of the insurance is intended to allow people to buy cannabis “anywhere that alcohol can be served,” according to Nathan Mison, president of Diplomat Consulting.
Despite still having a long way to go before it can be implemented, the new insurance has raised excitement for some. Some supporters believe this will be an opportunity for Alberta to act as a “trend setter” as well as provide the opportunity to expand revenue and cannabis related tourism to Alberta.
However, it should be noted that for this insurance to be utilizable, provincial laws would need to be changed. While the proposed changes that would need to take place would allow consumers to buy cannabis at events or festivals, under current regulations, cannabis users are not able to purchase cannabis on-site – instead, designated consumption sites at these events allow users to smoke marijuana they bring themselves but not purchase it there.
Alberta Flooding
Rain that helped to bring the wildfires under control has now been the cause of renewed evacuations. Mere days after residents of Yellowhead County were allowed to return, an evacuation order was issued late Monday afternoon due to heavy rainfall.
Other communities likewise affected includes, the Town of Edson, which has declared a local state of emergency due to flooding. Residents of the community report that phone lines and internet are both down as a result of the heavy rain. Additionally, the fire south of Edson remains burning and is considered to be out of control.
Wildfire Update
Six weeks after the province of Alberta declared a state of emergency, the Canadian military is set to conclude their Alberta wildfire deployment.
Some communities still face active wildfire threats, but as recent rains continue to quell the present danger, the focus is anticipated to shift to addressing the destruction left behind by the fires.