Cabinet should adopt as a principle the validity of “Indigenous laws,” says a Canadian Human Rights Commission report. “Indigenous ways of life and Indigenous laws are not seen as valid as Canadian law,” wrote the Commission. READ MORE
Schools Fail Another Audit
First Nations schools operated by Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty’s department have failed an audit for the second time in five years. Records show the federal system spends 29 percent more per capita than the national average yet has the highest dropout rate in Canada: "There has not been measurable improvement over time." READ MORE
Silent Over StatsCan Tweeter
Statistics Canada yesterday declined comment regarding profane, anti-Israel Twitter posts by a Vancouver employee. “We do not comment on specific cases including internal investigations,” a spokesperson said. READ MORE
Fraser Warns Copper Thieves
Courts must make quick use of new penalties against copper thieves who sabotage telecom lines for scrap metal, Attorney General Sean Fraser said yesterday. Utilities lobbied for steeper sanctions for over a decade: "We expect by mid-July these measures will be in force." READ MORE
Hero’s Flag For FIFA Squad
Canada’s FIFA World Cup squad yesterday joined a long list of celebrities, military heroes and everyday Canadians to receive a Peace Tower flag. “These flags are hugely popular,” one former MP earlier explained: "They should go to people who have made a significant contribution to the nation’s well-being." READ MORE
Found Fraud In Student Aid
Complaints of fraud prompted changes to the multi-million dollar Canada Student Loan program, says an internal federal memo. No schools were named: "There have been growing concerns around certain educational institutions related to fraud, integrity and growing financial risk." READ MORE
Count 67 Cannabis Inspectors
The Department of Health has a total 67 federal inspectors to monitor diversion of legal marijuana into the black market nationwide, says a report. The disclosure followed allegations that tonnes of cannabis have been diverted since Parliament legalized recreational marijuana eight years ago: "That is illicit cannabis." READ MORE
Guest Commentary
Canadians would first treat me as a kind of fanatic, as though I ate babies for breakfast, but then acknowledge I was always respectful of the Canadian people. I never denounced Canada, I was for Québec. Canada is a great country, but it is not my country. I respect Canadians, and sense we share more similarities than differences. We will make good neighbours one day, and would like to know you as friends. In a democracy you face realities. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. Nobody is happy in defeat, but we always respect the verdict of the people. I remain convinced I will see a sovereign Québec in my lifetime.
