Justice Minister Sean Fraser, the Central Nova MP, is apologizing for comments he made about the government’s duty to consult with Indigenous leaders on major projects.
Fraser said Tuesday that the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples requires consultation but does not amount to “a blanket veto power” over projects.
He says Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak called him to express her frustration with his comments and he has apologized.
Fraser says his comments caused hurt and eroded “a very precarious trust” with Indigenous people.
He says the UN declaration requires a process based on respect and partnership between Indigenous Peoples and the Crown. Fraser says talking about the declaration in terms of veto power makes an assumption that the government and Indigenous people are working against one another.
Police say the Colchester County District RCMP phone number has been spoofed and is being misused to contact people. The RCMP says that if people answer, they’re being asked for information or told that their credit card has been compromised. If people don’t answer, the number appears as a missed call. The RCMP warn you not to return the call.
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce says U-S President Donald Trump doubling his steel and aluminum tariffs doesn’t make any sense. President Candace Laing says hiking the duties from 25 to 50 per cent will strain the supply chains that keep both countries’ economies running. Canada is a major supplier of steel and aluminum to the United States. Prime Minister Mark Carney has said Canada will take “some time” to craft its response to the damaging duties.
The Bank of Canada is keeping its key interest rate on hold at 2.75 per cent.
Economists had expected that decision as the central bank needs more clarity on how the Canada-U-S trade dispute will impact the economy.
It says there was consensus among its governing council for a second consecutive rate pause after inflation data showed “unexpected firmness” in April and the economy topped expectations in the first quarter of the year.
Still, the Bank of Canada is expecting more weakness in the coming months.
The New Glasgow Public Library is undergoing major renovations beginning this summer and will be open to public at a temporary location until the renovation work is completed. The library will close at its current location on Saturday, June 14th at 5 p.m., and reopen at its temporary new home in the Aberdeen Business Centre at 610 East River Road in New Glasgow on Wednesday, July 2nd at 10 a.m.
