nationalobserver--2020-06-19--Multimillion-dollar Indigenous wellness centre breaks ground

A groundbreaking ceremony took place at the future site of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band ’ s new wellness , healing and recovery centre Wednesday .
“ This was a dream that has become a reality and it ’ s something that we have been working towards for years , ” Chief Tammy Cook-Searson told those in attendance .
Chief Tammy Cook-Searson broke ground at the site of a new treatment facility near La Ronge .
Photograph by Brandon White/Local Journalism Initiative reporter/MBC .
The treatment facility is part of a multimillion-dollar project to help northerners dealing with mental @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expected to be complete in October 2021 .
The wellness centre project includes the main facility near La Ronge , as well as wellness lodges providing post-treatment care and after-care for families in each of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band ’ s five other communities .
• 'Thought it was a panda : ' Second rare grizzly bear sighting in Banff National Park • Bloc leader tries to define systemic racism on his own “ We will have a beautiful facility here that will provide inpatient and outpatient care for youth and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new centre will be on the band ’ s Fairchild reserve near the existing Jeannie Bird Clinic , south of La Ronge .
Architectural rendering of the new facility now under construction .
Graphic courtesy of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band .
Cook-Searson was joined by the local project management group , as well as elders , councillors , and representatives from stakeholder communities .
Prince Albert Grand Council Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte , Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Vice-Chief David Pratt and La Ronge Mayor Ron Woytowich spoke at the event @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Miles Ratt and Senator Harry Cook .
Pratt said the new facilities will serve to help northerners heal from the legacies of colonialism .
“ This was a dream that has become a reality and it ’ s something that we have been working towards for years , ” Chief Tammy Cook-Searson .
FSIN Vice-Chief David Pratt emphasized the role that the new treatment centre will play in healing from colonialism and the residential school system .
Photograph by Brandon White/Local Journalism Initiative Reporter/MBC .
“ These grounds are going to serve a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the people of La Ronge and the area , but to all the people in the north when it comes to healing and wellness , ” Pratt said .
“ Many of us are familiar with the issues we ’ re facing and the challenges around addictions and childhood trauma , and all of those things that we ’ ve been through because of colonialism and residential schools.
” Miles Ratt and Senator Harry Cook participated in the groundbreaking ceremony .
Photograph by Michael Bramadat-Willcock/Local Journalism Initiative Reporter/Canada 's National Observer .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on existing services .
Original plans called for 10 beds , but the design has been expanded to allow for up to 24 patients living on-site for six to eight weeks .
It will incorporate both western therapies and Woodland Cree programming .
“ It ’ s something that we really need , ( but ) it 's not about replacing what we have , it 's about making what we have even better , ” Cook-Searson said .
“ We want to make sure that we are working with our addiction workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are already working hard in our communities , and enhancing what they have so that they can better do their work within our communities.
” Hardlotte called the event a big accomplishment , “ not only for Lac La Ronge Indian Band , but all surrounding nations.
” “ This facility is going to help our people , the surrounding people , ” Hardlotte said .
Prince Albert Grand Council Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte said the new facility will help many First Nations , Métis and non-Indigenous communities in the region .
Photograph @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mayor Woytowich thanked the band for providing an important service to the region .
He also lauded Cook-Searson for building a skilled local workforce to staff the facilities .
“ We ’ re all tired of having to have a family member go to Prince Albert or Saskatoon for any kind of treatment and this is something that ’ s going to happen in our own community … It ’ s such a good thing , ” Woytowich said .
The project is jointly funded by Indigenous Services Canada ( $ 11.6 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 2.5 million ) , and the Lac La Ronge Indian Band ( $ 2 million ) .
The project contract for the wellness centre was awarded to March Consulting Associates Inc. , an engineering company that is part-owned by the band 's development branch , Kitsaki Management Limited Partnership , through an equity agreement .
Project manager Kyle Krushelniski said he is proud of what the wellness centre will offer in terms of access to treatment – not only because it is closer to home for many northerners than the province ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pre-admission and post-treatment services .
Project manager Kyle Krushelniski with LLRIB Chief Tammy Cook-Searson and Executive Director Gladys Christiansen .
Photograph by Michael Bramadat-Willcock/Local Journalism Initiative Reporter/Canada 's National Observer .
“ It ’ s hard to tell someone ( with mental health or addiction issues ) , ‘ OK , yes , we know you have a problem , but in six months time , we ’ ll get you in , ’ ” Krushelniski said .
He said the program offers a bridge between identifying the problem and actually getting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the project team and all the community members – from the youth to the elders – for providing input into our community vision , ” Cook-Searson said .
“ We all look forward to the new opportunities that our wellness centre will provide , for all northerners … This community-driven major project is a result of working together and supporting each other .
”

A groundbreaking ceremony took place at the future site of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band’s new wellness, healing and recovery centre Wednesday. “This was a dream that has become a reality and it’s something that we have been working towards for years,” Chief Tammy Cook-Searson told those in attendance. Chief Tammy Cook-Searson broke ground at the site of a new treatment facility near La Ronge. Photograph by Brandon White/Local Journalism Initiative reporter/MBC. The treatment facility is part of a multimillion-dollar project to help northerners dealing with mental health and addiction issues. Construction is expected to be complete in October 2021. The wellness centre project includes the main facility near La Ronge, as well as wellness lodges providing post-treatment care and after-care for families in each of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band’s five other communities.
“We will have a beautiful facility here that will provide inpatient and outpatient care for youth and adults,” Cook-Searson said. The new centre will be on the band’s Fairchild reserve near the existing Jeannie Bird Clinic, south of La Ronge. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions Architectural rendering of the new facility now under construction. Graphic courtesy of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band.
Cook-Searson was joined by the local project management group, as well as elders, councillors, and representatives from stakeholder communities. “This was a dream that has become a reality and it’s something that we have been working towards for years,” Chief Tammy Cook-Searson. Prince Albert Grand Council Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte, Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Vice-Chief David Pratt and La Ronge Mayor Ron Woytowich spoke at the event. Elders present at the ceremony included Miles Ratt and Senator Harry Cook. Pratt said the new facilities will serve to help northerners heal from the legacies of colonialism. FSIN Vice-Chief David Pratt emphasized the role that the new treatment centre will play in healing from colonialism and the residential school system. Photograph by Brandon White/Local Journalism Initiative Reporter/MBC. “These grounds are going to serve a valuable, vital service, not only to the people of La Ronge and the area, but to all the people in the north when it comes to healing and wellness,” Pratt said.
“Many of us are familiar with the issues we’re facing and the challenges around addictions and childhood trauma, and all of those things that we’ve been through because of colonialism and residential schools.” Miles Ratt and Senator Harry Cook participated in the groundbreaking ceremony. Photograph by Michael Bramadat-Willcock/Local Journalism Initiative Reporter/Canada's National Observer. Cook-Searson said the much-needed project will build on existing services. Original plans called for 10 beds, but the design has been expanded to allow for up to 24 patients living on-site for six to eight weeks. It will incorporate both western therapies and Woodland Cree programming.


nationalobserver--2020-06-19--Sask. legislature votes down suicide prevention bill

Cumberland MLA Doyle Vermette is “ at a loss ” after Bill No .
618 — the Saskatchewan Strategy for Suicide Prevention Act — was voted down on Friday .
The proposed act was introduced in November by Vermette , who is also the NDP critic for northern affairs .
“ So many lives in our province , particularly in the North , have been devastated by the death of a loved one because of suicide.
” Vermette said .
“ Many of those people joined us here in the legislature to call on the government to act .
How @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this government ’ s unwillingness to do what is so badly needed right now ?
” Rural and Remote Health Minister Warren Kaeding released Pillars for Life : The Saskatchewan Suicide Prevention Plan in May .
The province ’ s plan outlines a collaborative approach to suicide prevention .
• Bloc leader tries to define systemic racism on his own • 'Thought it was a panda : ' Second rare grizzly bear sighting in Banff National Park Pillars for Life : The Saskatchewan Suicide Prevention Plan , takes a collaborative approach to suicide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ province .
The Opposition says that it does n't go far enough .
Graphic source : Saskatchewan Government .
The province ’ s suicide-prevention plan states it will co-ordinate activities to promote life and reduce risk factors related to suicide in Saskatchewan .
The NDP said in a statement to the press that no additional funding is attached and called it , “ wholly inadequate to save lives.
” “ With this cynical , partisan move , the Saskatchewan Party has truly let down the families who have pushed for real action on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ryan Meili said .
Doyle Vermette , NDP MLA for Cumberland , with Ryan Meili , leader of the Saskatchewan NDP and MLA for for Saskatoon Meewasin .
Photograph courtesy of the Saskatchewan New Democratic Party .
Saskatchewan Party members voted unanimously against the measure in another blow to an initiative Vermette has brought forward twice in the past .
“ Many of those people joined us here in the legislature to call on the government to act .
How am I to explain to those families this government ’ s unwillingness to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now ?
” Doyle Vermette .
Vermette has already introduced two bills calling for the government to implement a suicide strategy , but this was the first time the NDP was able to bring the measure to a vote .
Suicide is the leading cause of death for people aged 10 to 49 in northern Saskatchewan .
“ We ’ ve had so many suicides , so many young people , so many attempts .
We introduced a bill two years back and then we reintroduced it as Bill 618 recently , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the order paper , ” Vermette told Canada ’ s National Observer in May .
Hospitalization rates associated with self-inflicted injury per 100,000 population in 2017-2018 ( by age and sex in Canada ) .
Graphic source : Statistics Canada data .
Around 4,000 people die by suicide yearly in Canada .
Suicide remains the second leading cause of death for people aged 10 to 29 in Canada .
In Saskatchewan , an average of 144 people die by suicide each year and between 2005 and 2019 , more than 2,200 people in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the Saskatchewan Coroners Service .
Kaeding said the government 's action plan released in May would address those issues .
“ Mental health continues to be a high priority for our government , our health system and our communities , ” Kaeding said in a statement at the time .
“ This plan will guide activities specific to suicide prevention based on Saskatchewan ’ s context .
It was informed by careful consideration of approaches across the country and international best practice.
” A 27-year-old member of Lac La Ronge Indian Band @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Penitentiary in Prince Albert .
Photograph from social media .
In March , Curtis McKenzie , a 27-year-old member of Lac La Ronge Indian Band , took his own life while at Saskatchewan Penitentiary in Prince Albert .
According to the most recent national data available from the annual report of the Office of the Correctional Investigator ( 2018-19 ) , Indigenous offenders are “ over-represented ” in the number of incidents of attempted suicide in correctional facilities , accounting for 39 per cent of all such incidents in the past 10 years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increased 1.2 per cent since 2010 , while the Indigenous inmate population increased by 52.1 per cent .
The Northern Saskatchewan Administration District ( NSAD ) is the legal delineation between southern Saskatchewan and northern Saskatchewan .
Northern Saskatchewan has higher suicide rates than the rest of the province and the numbers in the northwest are especially dire .
Photograph courtesy of the Saskatchewan Government .
Northwest Saskatchewan has especially high rates of death by suicide .
In 2018 , the average suicide rate ( per 100,000 ) was 27.9 in northwest Saskatchewan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 18.7 .
The new provincial plan includes public-awareness efforts aimed at northern Indigenous youth , and is intended to complement “ broader activities ” laid out in Saskatchewan ’ s Mental Health and Addictions Action Plan .
“ We want to make sure people know help is available for those who may be thinking about suicide , ” Kaeding said .
“ The Saskatchewan Health Authority and many community partners are contributing to this work .
We all recognize the need to do more.
” The rejection by legislature happened on the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inquest into the death of Samwel Uko whose body was found in Wascana Lake last month .
Uko 's family said he was turned away from the hospital where he went to seek mental health treatment .
Premier Scott Moe announced an inquest into the death of recent death of Samwel Uko near Regina on the same day that the suicide prevention bill was unanimously rejected by Saskatchewan Party members in the legislature .
Photograph courtesy of the Saskatchewan Government .
Meili said that in light of the ongoing crisis , compounded by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the time to act and promised to continue pushing for a bill .
“ There ’ s no excuse for foot-dragging and inaction — it ’ s time for a government committed to improving mental-health supports for Saskatchewan families , ” Meili said .
Death rates of suicide per 100,000 population in 2016 ( by age and sex in Canada ) .
Graphic source : Statistics Canada data .
 Vermette told Canada 's National Observer after the province announced its plan , that it does n't go far enough .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by provincewide , binding legislation as proposed in his bill .
“ There is definitely a difference between a bill and a plan .
Unfortunately , they ’ ve announced that they ’ ve got a plan , instead of a bill with some law and with some legislation that ’ s given some teeth , ” Vermette said .
If you are or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts , help is available at all hours .
Support can be found at the Canada Suicide Prevention Service website .
If you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ call 911 .

Cumberland MLA Doyle Vermette is “at a loss” after Bill No. 618 — the Saskatchewan Strategy for Suicide Prevention Act — was voted down on Friday. The proposed act was introduced in November by Vermette, who is also the NDP critic for northern affairs. “So many lives in our province, particularly in the North, have been devastated by the death of a loved one because of suicide.” Vermette said. “Many of those people joined us here in the legislature to call on the government to act. How am I to explain to those families this government’s unwillingness to do what is so badly needed right now?” Rural and Remote Health Minister Warren Kaeding released Pillars for Life: The Saskatchewan Suicide Prevention Plan in May. The province’s plan outlines a collaborative approach to suicide prevention.
Pillars for Life: The Saskatchewan Suicide Prevention Plan, takes a collaborative approach to suicide prevention to reduce risk factors in the province. The Opposition says that it doesn't go far enough. Graphic source: Saskatchewan Government. The province’s suicide-prevention plan states it will co-ordinate activities to promote life and reduce risk factors related to suicide in Saskatchewan. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions The NDP said in a statement to the press that no additional funding is attached and called it, “wholly inadequate to save lives.”
“With this cynical, partisan move, the Saskatchewan Party has truly let down the families who have pushed for real action on this issue,” provincial NDP Leader Ryan Meili said. “Many of those people joined us here in the legislature to call on the government to act. How am I to explain to those families this government’s unwillingness to do what is so badly needed right now?” Doyle Vermette. Doyle Vermette, NDP MLA for Cumberland, with Ryan Meili, leader of the Saskatchewan NDP and MLA for for Saskatoon Meewasin. Photograph courtesy of the Saskatchewan New Democratic Party. Saskatchewan Party members voted unanimously against the measure in another blow to an initiative Vermette has brought forward twice in the past. Vermette has already introduced two bills calling for the government to implement a suicide strategy, but this was the first time the NDP was able to bring the measure to a vote. Suicide is the leading cause of death for people aged 10 to 49 in northern Saskatchewan.
“We’ve had so many suicides, so many young people, so many attempts. We introduced a bill two years back and then we reintroduced it as Bill 618 recently, in 2019, after the original died on the order paper,” Vermette told Canada’s National Observer in May. Hospitalization rates associated with self-inflicted injury per 100,000 population in 2017-2018 (by age and sex in Canada). Graphic source: Statistics Canada data. Around 4,000 people die by suicide yearly in Canada. Suicide remains the second leading cause of death for people aged 10 to 29 in Canada.


nationalobserver--2020-06-19--B.C. First Nations call on province for immediate closure of salmon farm

Two First Nations are calling for the closure of a fish farm off the east coast of Vancouver Island following the escape of 1,000 Atlantic salmon into their territorial waters in May .
The We Wai Kai and Wei Wai Kum nations want the immediate cancellation of Mowi Inc. tenure for its Shaw Point aquaculture operation , according to a statement issued by the Laich-Kwil-Tach Treaty Society on Thursday .
“ That site no longer has our consent to operate within our core territory , ” We Wai Kai Chief Brian Assu said in the statement .
“ We have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cancellation of the tenure and the remediation of the site to commence.
” Assu and Wei Wai Kum Chief Chris Roberts advised the provincial government in a June 9 letter of the request around the Mowi operation , which they say is operating on a month-to-month basis since the expiry of its tenure .
• Bloc leader tries to define systemic racism on his own • 'Thought it was a panda : ' Second rare grizzly bear sighting in Banff National Park The chiefs also want the B.C .
government to work to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ farms in their territories , saying the province has failed to engage substantively with the two nations on the issue .
Wei Wai Kum Chief Chris Roberts says the B.C .
government must work to establish a collaborative agreement around aquaculture with the nations for operations in their territories .
File photo .
“ We have tried to build on the work done by nations in the Broughton Archipelago and negotiate a decision-making agreement that is based on the best science , the best data and the knowledge that our communities have , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need B.C .
to be a partner in this.
” B.C .
announced an agreement with three First Nations to chart a path for aquaculture in the Broughton Archipelago in December 2018 .
The province and the ’ Namgis First Nation , the Kwikwasut ’ inuxw Haxwa ’ mis First Nations and Mamalilikulla First Nation crafted an agreement regarding the future of finfish aquaculture in the archipelago .
It scheduled the removal from 2019 to 2023 of 17 fish farms , operated by Marine Harvest Canada and Cermaq Canada , from the Broughton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Island .
Ten of the farms were expected to cease operation by the end of 2022 .
“ The system is broken .
Our Nations have a right to wild salmon and the right to make decisions about how our territory is used , '' We Wai Kai Chief Brian Assu calling for BC government to immediately close a salmon farm in Laichkwiltach territory .
The goal was to create a “ farm-free ” migration corridor to reduce harm to wild salmon stock .
It also promised to develop a First Nations-led monitoring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ transition .
The agreement followed a previous B.C .
government announcement that fish farms would require First Nations approval starting in 2022 .
Agriculture Minister Lana Popham stated the new approach would advance reconciliation with First Nations , protect wild salmon and provide good jobs in June 2018 .
B.C .
will only grant tenures to aquaculture operators with negotiated agreements with the First Nations with territories in which they want to operate starting June of next year .
The aquaculture operations also have to demonstrate to Fisheries and Oceans Canada ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adversely impact wild salmon stocks .
Assu and Roberts said the Atlantic salmon escape , the delay in notification about the incident and ongoing concerns about the impacts of sea lice on juvenile migrating salmon spurred their action .
Mowi has confirmed 1,000 Atlantic salmon escaped its Shaw Point fish farm on May 24 .
Photo : 2018 marine finfish aquaculture facilities in B.C.
, courtesy of Fisheries and Oceans Canada Mowi confirmed a hole was discovered in a net at its Shaw Point farm on May 24 , which resulted in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an email to Canada 's National Observer on Friday .
The net was repaired and the incident was reported to DFO and local First Nations , the company said .
Divers have inspected all netting at the site to confirm there are no additional issues , Mowi added .
“ We regret that this incident has occurred .
Mowi takes our responsibility to prevent escapes seriously , ” the email stated .
“ Mowi values our strong relationship with the Laich-Kwil-Tach people , ” the company stated , adding it has reached out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the incident and move forward in a collaborative manner .
However , the company didn ’ t outline when it alerted DFO and the nations to the salmon escape .
The company also declined to comment about whether it would cease operation at the Shaw Point site as requested by the nations .
“ The system is broken , ” Assu said .
“ Our nations have a right to wild salmon and the right to make decisions about how our territory is used.
” Roberts agreed , saying their people have cared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for countless generations .
“ We are ready to exercise our right as decision-makers and stewards over our lands and waters , ” Roberts said .
“ We hope that government will partner with us in a meaningful way to achieve real progress.
” National Observer reached out to Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Minister Scott Fraser ; Forests , Lands , Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development Minister Doug Donaldson ; and Agriculture Minister Lana Popham for comment .
National Observer received an email from the Agriculture Ministry saying officials with the Ministry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Operations and Rural Development have reached out to the Chiefs of the We Wai Kai and Wei Wai Kum First Nations to express their concerns about the incident .
And that the B.C .
government is committed to an ongoing dialogue with First Nations on the issues and that Ministry officials have also spoken with the fish farm company Mowi , as well as the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans , as they are the primary regulatory of fin fish aquaculture in British Columbia .

Two First Nations are calling for the closure of a fish farm off the east coast of Vancouver Island following the escape of 1,000 Atlantic salmon into their territorial waters in May. The We Wai Kai and Wei Wai Kum nations want the immediate cancellation of Mowi Inc. tenure for its Shaw Point aquaculture operation, according to a statement issued by the Laich-Kwil-Tach Treaty Society on Thursday. “That site no longer has our consent to operate within our core territory,” We Wai Kai Chief Brian Assu said in the statement. “We have advised the government that we expect the cancellation of the tenure and the remediation of the site to commence.” Assu and Wei Wai Kum Chief Chris Roberts advised the provincial government in a June 9 letter of the request around the Mowi operation, which they say is operating on a month-to-month basis since the expiry of its tenure.
The chiefs also want the B.C. government to work to establish a collaborative governance model for fish farms in their territories, saying the province has failed to engage substantively with the two nations on the issue. Wei Wai Kum Chief Chris Roberts says the B.C. government must work to establish a collaborative agreement around aquaculture with the nations for operations in their territories. File photo. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions “We have tried to build on the work done by nations in the Broughton Archipelago and negotiate a decision-making agreement that is based on the best science, the best data and the knowledge that our communities have,” Roberts said. “But we need B.C. to be a partner in this.”
B.C. announced an agreement with three First Nations to chart a path for aquaculture in the Broughton Archipelago in December 2018. “The system is broken. Our Nations have a right to wild salmon and the right to make decisions about how our territory is used," We Wai Kai Chief Brian Assu calling for BC government to immediately close a salmon farm in Laichkwiltach territory. The province and the ’Namgis First Nation, the Kwikwasut’inuxw Haxwa’mis First Nations and Mamalilikulla First Nation crafted an agreement regarding the future of finfish aquaculture in the archipelago. It scheduled the removal from 2019 to 2023 of 17 fish farms, operated by Marine Harvest Canada and Cermaq Canada, from the Broughton area on the northeast coast of Vancouver Island. Ten of the farms were expected to cease operation by the end of 2022. The goal was to create a “farm-free” migration corridor to reduce harm to wild salmon stock. It also promised to develop a First Nations-led monitoring and inspection program to oversee the farms’ transition.
The agreement followed a previous B.C. government announcement that fish farms would require First Nations approval starting in 2022. Agriculture Minister Lana Popham stated the new approach would advance reconciliation with First Nations, protect wild salmon and provide good jobs in June 2018. B.C. will only grant tenures to aquaculture operators with negotiated agreements with the First Nations with territories in which they want to operate starting June of next year.


nationalobserver--2020-06-20--Information commissioner, experts call for better disclosure of government pandemic files

Canada ’ s information commissioner wants to see the government make the access-to-information regime an essential service , while a group of experts is asking for better legal protections for whistleblowers who expose pandemic-related wrongdoing .
Caroline Maynard reminded the House of Commons government operations committee Friday that Canadians ’ right of access has not been suspended during the pandemic .
The government ’ s push for public servants to work remotely as a result of COVID-19 , however , has introduced a range of new obstacles to transparency , she said .
Nevertheless , Canadians deserve to know how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the crisis — many with big budgetary implications — are being managed .
“ I believe that every department should have their ATIP ( access to information and privacy ) units be part of their essential services , especially when they ’ re dealing with information related to a crisis like this , ” Maynard said .
“ It should be either through ATIP , or it should be proactively disclosed.
” Meanwhile , the Canadian COVID-19 Accountability Group of transparency experts wants Ottawa to legally require the proactive disclosure of certain types @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them being prepared , such as health and safety inspection reports and government contracts .
• Bloc leader tries to define systemic racism on his own • 'Thought it was a panda : ' Second rare grizzly bear sighting in Banff National Park The group also wants to see whistleblowers who “ witness pandemic-related wrongdoing ” in the public service be afforded better legal protections , including through the creation of federal and provincial COVID-19 ombudspersons .
Sean Holman , an associate professor of journalism at Mount Royal University who is part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ committee Friday , said “ the need for information accelerates ” during an emergency because Canadians “ want to make the best possible decisions to keep themselves safe ” and make sure governments and corporations are doing the same .
“ We recognize that such reforms , which should include financial protection for whistleblowers , will take time , and that ’ s why we ’ re calling on the government to publicly declare that it will protect anyone who reports public- or private-sector wrongdoing related to the crisis , ” Holman said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most public servants have been working from home since March — “ not always by choice ” — many don ’ t have access to the secure networks or restricted tools that they would normally be using at the office .
“ If you ’ re dealing with highly secret or protected information and you ’ re working from home , often , our network is not secure enough for them to do that , ” Maynard said .
Canada ’ s information commissioner wants to see the government make the access to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a group of experts is asking for better legal protections for whistleblowers who expose pandemic-related wrongdoing .
As well , she said , she has seen the government use COVID-19 as a reason not to respond to some of her office ’ s investigations into complaints of federal institutions ’ handling of access-to-information requests , or as a reason for a delayed response .
The commissioner also said some access-to-information offices in government have suspended operations entirely , while others are still in a transition phase , limiting their effectiveness .
Patrick Weiler @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coast-Sea to Sky Country , asked Holman what factors made it difficult for teleworking employees to complete access-to-information requests .
Holman said the government needs better record-keeping practices , and also echoed Maynard ’ s assessment .
“ The very fact that employees are working from home , and perhaps do not have ready access to some records or documents — or perhaps networks that they ’ re accessing those records or documents through are not secure — all impact the ability of public employees to actually fulfil their obligations under the Access @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Weiler also asked how the government should amend the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act .
Holman suggested broadening the definition of what constitutes a reportable wrongdoing , as well as expanding the definition of whistleblower .

Canada’s information commissioner wants to see the government make the access-to-information regime an essential service, while a group of experts is asking for better legal protections for whistleblowers who expose pandemic-related wrongdoing. Caroline Maynard reminded the House of Commons government operations committee Friday that Canadians’ right of access has not been suspended during the pandemic. The government’s push for public servants to work remotely as a result of COVID-19, however, has introduced a range of new obstacles to transparency, she said. Nevertheless, Canadians deserve to know how the programs and policies that came from the crisis — many with big budgetary implications — are being managed. “I believe that every department should have their ATIP (access to information and privacy) units be part of their essential services, especially when they’re dealing with information related to a crisis like this,” Maynard said. “It should be either through ATIP, or it should be proactively disclosed.” Meanwhile, the Canadian COVID-19 Accountability Group of transparency experts wants Ottawa to legally require the proactive disclosure of certain types of federal records within 15 days of them being prepared, such as health and safety inspection reports and government contracts.
The group also wants to see whistleblowers who “witness pandemic-related wrongdoing” in the public service be afforded better legal protections, including through the creation of federal and provincial COVID-19 ombudspersons. Feds should 'publicly declare' they'd protect COVID-19 whistleblowers Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions Sean Holman, an associate professor of journalism at Mount Royal University who is part of the accountability group and appeared at the committee Friday, said “the need for information accelerates” during an emergency because Canadians “want to make the best possible decisions to keep themselves safe” and make sure governments and corporations are doing the same.
“We recognize that such reforms, which should include financial protection for whistleblowers, will take time, and that’s why we’re calling on the government to publicly declare that it will protect anyone who reports public- or private-sector wrongdoing related to the crisis,” Holman said. Canada’s information commissioner wants to see the government make the access to information regime an essential service, while a group of experts is asking for better legal protections for whistleblowers who expose pandemic-related wrongdoing. Maynard told the committee that while most public servants have been working from home since March — “not always by choice” — many don’t have access to the secure networks or restricted tools that they would normally be using at the office. “If you’re dealing with highly secret or protected information and you’re working from home, often, our network is not secure enough for them to do that,” Maynard said. As well, she said, she has seen the government use COVID-19 as a reason not to respond to some of her office’s investigations into complaints of federal institutions’ handling of access-to-information requests, or as a reason for a delayed response. The commissioner also said some access-to-information offices in government have suspended operations entirely, while others are still in a transition phase, limiting their effectiveness.
Patrick Weiler, the Liberal MP for West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country, asked Holman what factors made it difficult for teleworking employees to complete access-to-information requests. Holman said the government needs better record-keeping practices, and also echoed Maynard’s assessment. “The very fact that employees are working from home, and perhaps do not have ready access to some records or documents — or perhaps networks that they’re accessing those records or documents through are not secure — all impact the ability of public employees to actually fulfil their obligations under the Access to Information Act,” Holman said. Weiler also asked how the government should amend the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act. Holman suggested broadening the definition of what constitutes a reportable wrongdoing, as well as expanding the definition of whistleblower.


nationalobserver--2020-06-19--Future Majority pushes to influence post-pandemic policy

Paola Floro was working on Future Majority ’ s next campaign — ensuring climate action turned up in the federal budget in March — when the pandemic cancelled everything , including that budget .
The group sprung up ahead of last year ’ s federal election , targeting 15 competitive ridings with a concerted effort to get out the youth vote and let candidates know young people wanted more climate action , among other things .
But Floro and the rest of the Future Majority team have shifted , like everyone else , to dealing with COVID-19 and its fallout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ series of virtual town halls where young people can engage directly with politicians who represent them ( or will soon ) on how they want to rebuild .
With its budget shelved , the first official federal reckoning with COVID-19 ’ s cost will come via a fiscal snapshot on July 8 , Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said this week .
( Parliamentary budgetary officer Yves Giroux said on Thursday the federal deficit could hit $ 256 billion . )
“ We ’ re not a passive generation .
We ’ re going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Floro , a Sheridan College post-grad who is in charge of getting politicians to attend an event in Oakville .
• Bloc leader tries to define systemic racism on his own • 'Thought it was a panda : ' Second rare grizzly bear sighting in Banff National Park As Canada emerges from the COVID-19 shutdown , Future Majority wants to make sure those in power know that young people want better provision of mental health services and income security in the form of a universal basic income , the non-partisan advocacy group says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ education and more focus on racial justice , the campaign said after two months of surveying its 52,000 members and other youth groups .
And climate action remains a key demand .
“ COVID has shined a lot of light on vulnerable populations within Canada , youth being one of those , ” said Madeleine Barberian , the group ’ s hub leader in Peterborough .
“ And so issues that we were championing before COVID have only become increasingly important during COVID.
” Madeleine Barberian says the pandemic highlights need for better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Photo supplied by Madeleine Barberian Some 40 municipal , provincial and federal politicians plan to attend one of Future Majority ’ s events , which are concentrated mostly in the Greater Toronto Area and elsewhere in Ontario , but are also taking place in Regina and Saskatoon in Saskatchewan and in Fredericton , N.B .
So far , Floro said the Oakville event has confirmations from federal Liberal MPs Pam Damoff and Anita Anand ( who is also minister of public services and procurement ) , as well as Oakville Mayor Rob Burton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on June 23 .
Talks are ongoing with provincial Progressive Conservative MPP Stephen Crawford .
As Canada recovers from COVID-19 , Future Majority wants those in power know young people want better mental health services , income security in the form of a universal basic income , climate action , racial justice and affordable education .
“ We , together as a collective , have been able to have a lot of conversations with high-profile politicians and people with power , ” Floro said .
“ The next step for Future Majority will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that action comes from all these conversations we ’ re able to have.
” Aaron Myran , Future Majority ’ s executive director , said more than 250 volunteers have worked on the Canada 2.0 campaign and more than 1,000 young people have RSVP 'd so far to attend the online interactive video sessions .

Paola Floro was working on Future Majority’s next campaign — ensuring climate action turned up in the federal budget in March — when the pandemic cancelled everything, including that budget.
The group sprung up ahead of last year’s federal election, targeting 15 competitive ridings with a concerted effort to get out the youth vote and let candidates know young people wanted more climate action, among other things.
But Floro and the rest of the Future Majority team have shifted, like everyone else, to dealing with COVID-19 and its fallout, and will next week host a series of virtual town halls where young people can engage directly with politicians who represent them (or will soon) on how they want to rebuild.
With its budget shelved, the first official federal reckoning with COVID-19’s cost will come via a fiscal snapshot on July 8, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said this week. (Parliamentary budgetary officer Yves Giroux said on Thursday the federal deficit could hit $256 billion.)
“We’re not a passive generation. We’re going to be very vocal,” said Floro, a Sheridan College post-grad who is in charge of getting politicians to attend an event in Oakville.


nationalobserver--2020-06-20--BDC ready now with $60 million in loans for cash-strapped mid-sized companies

Mid-sized Canadian businesses that are strapped for cash because of COVID-19 can now apply through their own banks to get loans of up to $ 60 million from the federal government .
The loans , to be administered by the Business Development Bank of Canada , are part of a package of federal credit programs Finance Minister Bill Morneau promised in late March .
The federal government had initially planned programs specific to oil and gas , which were facing particularly tough times as global demand for oil plummeted during the pandemic-induced economic slowdown at the same time as Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ production war that sent oil prices into a tailspin .
However , the Business Development Bank of Canada has now merged the oil and gas program with one for other companies , to create a single mid-sized business loan program for any company , in any sector , that meets the qualifying terms .
That includes companies with revenues between $ 100 million and $ 500 million that were financially viable before the pandemic , but saw their operations negatively affected by the economic shutdown or falling oil and gas prices .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on his own • B.C .
First Nations call on province for immediate closure of salmon farm Loan amounts will fall between $ 12.5 million and $ 60 million , with the Business Development Bank of Canada covering 90 per cent and a company 's own financial institution the rest .
The BDC advises companies interested in the program to reach out directly to their main financial lender , and work with them to determine if the program is a good fit and how to proceed .
Applications will be open until the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the vice-president of fiscal and economic policy for the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers , said this week the loan programs had the potential to help struggling companies but that there was frustration and anxiety in the oil sector at how long it was taking to begin .
Oil prices fell to never-before-seen lows in April , briefly trading in negative territory , meaning oil producers were paying others to take their oil away .
Natural Resources Minister Seamus O'Regan said in an interview with The Canadian Press this week that the day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a technical glitch on the app he uses on his phone to monitor the markets .
`` A lot of us will never forget where we were when the barrel hit negative , '' he said .
`` It was something that you never thought you 'd see . ''
Mid-sized Canadian businesses that are strapped for cash because of COVID-19 can now apply through their own banks to get loans of up to $ 60 million from the federal government .
Prices have rebounded a lot as the production war between Saudi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and global demand is slowly rising as countries reopen their economies .
Western Canadian Select is back above $ 34 a barrel now , but a year ago , it was trading for nearly $ 60 .
Brunnen said there remains a ton of uncertainty for the industry because nobody knows what might happen if a second wave of the novel coronavirus arrives .
Even in a best-case scenario , he does n't anticipate more normal production until well into next year , and many companies do not have the reserves to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
O'Regan said the government 's `` eyes are wide open '' to that fact so the loan programs are being designed to help .
A separate program for big companies with revenues over $ 300 million , is being administered by the Canada Development Investment Corporation .
But the terms of those loans are so strict there has been no uptake so far .
Brunnen said that program , the Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility , or LEEFF , will be the route of last resort for the big oil producers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They include government officials observing on the board , limits on executive pay , dividends and shareholder withdrawals .
There are some similar conditions being placed on the loans for mid-sized companies as well , including not allowing shareholder withdrawals , no increases to salaries or other benefits for management , and no increase to dividends .

Mid-sized Canadian businesses that are strapped for cash because of COVID-19 can now apply through their own banks to get loans of up to $60 million from the federal government. The loans, to be administered by the Business Development Bank of Canada, are part of a package of federal credit programs Finance Minister Bill Morneau promised in late March. The federal government had initially planned programs specific to oil and gas, which were facing particularly tough times as global demand for oil plummeted during the pandemic-induced economic slowdown at the same time as Russia and Saudi Arabia faced off in a production war that sent oil prices into a tailspin. However, the Business Development Bank of Canada has now merged the oil and gas program with one for other companies, to create a single mid-sized business loan program for any company, in any sector, that meets the qualifying terms. That includes companies with revenues between $100 million and $500 million that were financially viable before the pandemic, but saw their operations negatively affected by the economic shutdown or falling oil and gas prices.
Loan amounts will fall between $12.5 million and $60 million, with the Business Development Bank of Canada covering 90 per cent and a company's own financial institution the rest. The BDC advises companies interested in the program to reach out directly to their main financial lender, and work with them to determine if the program is a good fit and how to proceed. Applications will be open until the end of September. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions Ben Brunnen, the vice-president of fiscal and economic policy for the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, said this week the loan programs had the potential to help struggling companies but that there was frustration and anxiety in the oil sector at how long it was taking to begin.
Oil prices fell to never-before-seen lows in April, briefly trading in negative territory, meaning oil producers were paying others to take their oil away. Mid-sized Canadian businesses that are strapped for cash because of COVID-19 can now apply through their own banks to get loans of up to $60 million from the federal government. Natural Resources Minister Seamus O'Regan said in an interview with The Canadian Press this week that the day that happened, he thought there was a technical glitch on the app he uses on his phone to monitor the markets. "A lot of us will never forget where we were when the barrel hit negative," he said. "It was something that you never thought you'd see." Prices have rebounded a lot as the production war between Saudi Arabia and Russia appears to have eased, and global demand is slowly rising as countries reopen their economies. Western Canadian Select is back above $34 a barrel now, but a year ago, it was trading for nearly $60. Brunnen said there remains a ton of uncertainty for the industry because nobody knows what might happen if a second wave of the novel coronavirus arrives. Even in a best-case scenario, he doesn't anticipate more normal production until well into next year, and many companies do not have the reserves to keep going for that long without help.
O'Regan said the government's "eyes are wide open" to that fact so the loan programs are being designed to help. A separate program for big companies with revenues over $300 million, is being administered by the Canada Development Investment Corporation. But the terms of those loans are so strict there has been no uptake so far. Brunnen said that program, the Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility, or LEEFF, will be the route of last resort for the big oil producers, because the terms are so strict. They include government officials observing on the board, limits on executive pay, dividends and shareholder withdrawals.


nationalobserver--2020-06-22--Enbridge reopens underwater section of pipeline after inspection

Alberta-based Enbridge says it has reopened a branch of pipeline beneath the water separating two Great Lakes after an inspection revealed no damage , but another parallel branch of the line remains closed due to shifting observed in its anchor assembly .
The company has also responded to Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer 's call for proof that the damage to the anchor assembly on one of the dual pipelines under the Straits of Mackinac will not pose a threat to the area .
In a letter to Whitmer on Saturday , Enbridge president and CEO Al Monaco says the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to keeping the Great Lakes safe '' and is forwarding information about the incident on Line 5 with U.S. pipeline regulators and the state .
Enbridge closed Line 5 on Thursday after discovering that an anchor support on the eastern branch , which runs parallel to the western branch under the strait that connects Lake Michigan and Lake Huron , had shifted from its original position .
The pipeline carries oil and natural gas liquids used in propane from Superior , Wisconsin , to Sarnia , Ontario .
• Bloc leader tries to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BDC ready now with $ 60 million in loans for cash-strapped mid-sized companies Enbridge says in a statement that it has reopened the western branch after a remote operated vehicle inspection revealed no issues or damage to the anchor structures or pipeline on that section .
`` As we have verified that the west leg is not affected , we resumed normal operations on that line today at approximately 2 p.m. Eastern Time , '' the company 's statement on Saturday said .
`` The east leg will remain shut down .
Our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Materials Safety Administration ) , has no objections to this plan . ''
Enbridge says that while doing seasonal maintenance , it discovered a screw anchor support on the eastern leg shifted from its original position , which it said affected that anchor support and not the pipeline itself .
It said it reported the damage to the State of Michigan and the PHMSA on Thursday , the same day it says it discovered the damage to the anchor support assembly .
Whitmer said Friday that the damage lies approximately 46 metres from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the pipeline coating was discovered on or around May 26 .
Enbridge closed Line 5 on Thursday after discovering that an anchor support on the eastern branch , which runs parallel to the western branch under the strait that connects Lake Michigan and Lake Huron , had shifted from its original position .
She said the damage and how it occurred called into question the viability of the pipeline .
Monaco said in his letter to Whitmer that Enbridge is continuing to `` assess the fitness for service of the dual pipelines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We are committed to keep the State of Michigan and PHMSA informed of new information as it develops , '' he wrote .
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 20 , 2020 .

Alberta-based Enbridge says it has reopened a branch of pipeline beneath the water separating two Great Lakes after an inspection revealed no damage, but another parallel branch of the line remains closed due to shifting observed in its anchor assembly.
The company has also responded to Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's call for proof that the damage to the anchor assembly on one of the dual pipelines under the Straits of Mackinac will not pose a threat to the area.
In a letter to Whitmer on Saturday, Enbridge president and CEO Al Monaco says the company shares the governor's "commitment to keeping the Great Lakes safe" and is forwarding information about the incident on Line 5 with U.S. pipeline regulators and the state.
Enbridge closed Line 5 on Thursday after discovering that an anchor support on the eastern branch, which runs parallel to the western branch under the strait that connects Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, had shifted from its original position.
The pipeline carries oil and natural gas liquids used in propane from Superior, Wisconsin, to Sarnia, Ontario.


nationalobserver--2020-06-22--Military deployed to Toronto-area long-term care homes to start heading home

Ontario drivers are being told to stay on the lookout for military vehicles on the roads this week as hundreds of Canadian Armed Forces members deployed to long-term care facilities in the Greater Toronto Area begin to pack up and head home .
Around 500 military members and their associated equipment were gathered at Canadian Forces Base Borden north of Toronto in early April to support the federal government 's response to COVID-19 as the pandemic spread across the country .
Many of those troops ended up being deployed to seven long-term care homes in the GTA hit hard by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abuse and negligence as well as bug infestations , bleeding infections and residents being left crying for help for hours .
The Armed Forces were first put on high alert because of COVID-19 in late March as military commanders prepared to respond to requests for assistance from federal and provincial authorities in relation to the pandemic as well as floods and wildfires .
While those natural disasters have not materialized in any significant way , the military did end up mobilizing Ranger units in several northern communities before deploying into the long-term care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deployment involved most of the Armed Forces ' medical personnel .
Quebec Premier Francois Legault had indicated he wanted to the military to stay in the homes until September , but military officials subsequently warned that was not sustainable .
Ontario drivers are being told to stay on the lookout for military vehicles on the roads this week as hundreds of Canadian Armed Forces members deployed to long-term care facilities in the Greater Toronto Area begin to pack up and head home .
The military did indicate that the returning troops will remain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assistance .
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 21 , 2020 .

Ontario drivers are being told to stay on the lookout for military vehicles on the roads this week as hundreds of Canadian Armed Forces members deployed to long-term care facilities in the Greater Toronto Area begin to pack up and head home. Around 500 military members and their associated equipment were gathered at Canadian Forces Base Borden north of Toronto in early April to support the federal government's response to COVID-19 as the pandemic spread across the country. Many of those troops ended up being deployed to seven long-term care homes in the GTA hit hard by COVID-19, where they found cases of abuse and negligence as well as bug infestations, bleeding infections and residents being left crying for help for hours. Their observations were compiled into a damning report released last month that has sparked several lawsuits as well as calls for an overhaul of how Ontario's long-term care homes are managed. Troops remained in two long-term care homes on Sunday and won't formally wrap up their mission until Friday, but the military says hundreds of others who have completed their mission will hit the roads and return home on Monday and Thursday.
"Despite very challenging circumstances, CAF personnel and civilian staff have made an important impact and set the conditions for success in these facilities," the Department of National Defence said in a statement to The Canadian Press. "The overall number of new cases is decreasing, and conditions — including hygiene, staffing, and access to personal protective equipment — are improving for residents and staff." Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions It was not immediately clear whether similar moves would be made in Quebec this week, where the military has deployed more than 1,000 troops to help in 47 long-term care facilities since April. Like in Ontario, their mission is set to end on Friday.


nationalobserver--2020-06-22--Mexico to resume sending workers after promise of improved COVID-19 protections

The Mexican government says it will resume sending farm workers to Canada after securing promises for more inspections and oversight to curb outbreaks of COVID-19 .
At least two Mexican men have died and hundreds more have fallen ill with COVID-19 in recent weeks on farms across the country .
The situation led Mexico to temporarily stop allowing workers to leave for Canada , sending shock waves through the agricultural sector , which is highly dependent on foreign labour .
It lays out some of the detailed options under consideration by the federal government , including assessments of farms where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instructions need to be improved , as well as increased inspections on farms where new clusters of COVID-19 infection emerge .
The federal government also promises to reach out to employers to make sure they are following all the rules that have been put in place to slow the spread of COVID-19 on farms .
`` In cases of significant non-compliance by employers of temporary foreign workers , strict sanctions will be applied , '' the letter says .
The Mexican government says it will resume sending farm workers to Canada after securing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ curb outbreaks of COVID-19 .
A spokesperson for Qualtrough said the government had no further comment and would let the letter speak for itself .
There are no timelines attached to the Liberal government 's commitments , but the letter describes them as `` short-term measures , '' and promises the government is exploring other options .
In their press release , the Mexican government said they appreciate that Canada was willing to work with them to find solutions , and the deal is evidence of the strong bilateral relationship between the two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Press was first published June 21 , 2020 .

The Mexican government says it will resume sending farm workers to Canada after securing promises for more inspections and oversight to curb outbreaks of COVID-19.
At least two Mexican men have died and hundreds more have fallen ill with COVID-19 in recent weeks on farms across the country.
The situation led Mexico to temporarily stop allowing workers to leave for Canada, sending shock waves through the agricultural sector, which is highly dependent on foreign labour.
But the Mexican government says it has now struck a deal with the federal Liberal government that will lead to improvements in the temporary foreign worker program.
In a press release late Sunday, Mexico says Canada has committed to increased inspections, as well as more support for Mexican officials and workers to identify and report unsafe working conditions.


nationalobserver--2020-06-22--Military police investigating reports of service member spreading racist meme

Military police are investigating reports of a service member spreading racist pictures even as top defence officials apologize for their slow response to questions about systemic racism in the Department of National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces .
Canada 's top military and civilian defence leaders revealed the investigation in a letter to the troops Friday that promised to root out all racism while acknowledging `` the social structures that formed our nation disproportionately privileged white people . ''
`` We reaffirm our commitment that no defence team members should feel unwelcome in a room , workshop , drill hall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Defence Department deputy minister Jody Thomas and chief of defence staff Gen. Jonathan Vance .
`` We must continue to work together to ensure that our defence team is a place where all are welcome , safe and treated with the same human dignity and respect that we defend and protect each and every day in our service to Canada . ''
Thomas and Vance did not provide specifics about the allegation that a member of the Armed Forces had distributed racist pictures except to say that it was reported to have occurred @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• Bloc leader tries to define systemic racism on his own • BDC ready now with $ 60 million in loans for cash-strapped mid-sized companies `` We understand that the meme is additionally harmful as it discounts and dismisses the outrage felt by many Black members in our military family who have witnessed the events unfolding in the United States and Canada , '' the letter read .
`` This alleged incident is being investigated by the military police and this matter will be addressed by the independent actors in the military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meme was raised during a roundtable Thursday between Thomas , Vance and representatives from several advisory groups set up by the Defence Department to look at the role of women , visible minorities , Indigenous Peoples and others in the military .
Richard Sharpe , a long-time public servant and co-founder of the Federal Black Employees ' Caucus , which advocates on behalf of Black civil servants , who attended the roundtable said he raised it as a matter of accountability for the military .
`` I found that out through the community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a copy of which he provided to The Canadian Press on Sunday .
`` That is a tip of the iceberg in terms of some of the racist and white supremacist elements that exist in the military that they need to get a handle on and root out if they want the military to be a viable in an increasingly more diverse Canada . ''
Military police are investigating reports of a service member spreading racist pictures even as top defence officials apologize for their slow response to questions about systemic racism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Canadian Armed Forces The meme was only one topic of discussion during the roundtable , which coincided with a wave of demonstrations in the U.S. and Canada following the killing of an unarmed Black man , George Floyd , in the U.S. by white police officers last month .
The main purpose was to discuss the problem of systemic racism within the Defence Department and military , with the latter even now working to increase the number of racialized people in uniform to better reflect Canada and improve its missions overseas .
About @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visible minorities in January , an increase of almost two per cent from three years earlier .
The Forces ' target is 11.8 per cent of those in uniform .
It also has targets for female and Indigenous representation .
In their letter to the troops , Thomas and Vance acknowledged the `` deep hurt , frustration and distress '' many Black and Indigenous members of Defence Department and military have felt in recent weeks — and apologized for not saying so sooner .
`` We would like to apologize that you have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ directly from us on the global response to the killing of George Floyd on May 25 and the matter of systemic racism within the defence team , '' they wrote .
`` Our public statements on Twitter are not a substitute for direct internal communications with our own people .
We acknowledge that many of you have been hurt and disillusioned by this delay and we commit to doing better in the future . ''
Thomas and Vance went on to say that they heard firsthand during the roundtable that anti-Black and anti-Indigenous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ military occurs on a daily basis — and that previous efforts to stop it have been ineffective .
To that end , they announced a series of short-term measures — including better reporting mechanisms , better communication , the creation of safe spaces for Black employees and military personnel and more roundtables — while looking at longer term solutions .
Sharpe said he was impressed by the leadership being shown by the Defence Department and military 's top officials , which he contrasted with the RCMP 's response to allegations of systemic racism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me in to have this conversation partly because they wanted to do it right , '' Sharpe said of attending the roundtable , adding that the military is the largest employer of Black Canadians in the federal government .
`` Suffice it to say there 's an owning up and there 's a desire on the part of the leadership from the chief of defence staff — who we 've met with and had these difficult conversations with — and the deputy minister . ''
The Armed Forces has been stung by reports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years of links between some personnel and white supremacists and neo-Nazis , raising questions — and criticism — about its handling of such members .
Sharpe was more conciliatory as he took stock of what he hopes is a historic moment for not only the Defence Department and military , but all of Canadian society .
`` Across the board , one would hope these institutions did a better job much earlier in recognizing and believing the voices of Black and racialized people when they are raising these concerns , '' he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ territory for them .
They are — for want of a better word — allowing themselves to be vulnerable to this kind of space . ''
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 22 , 2020 .

Military police are investigating reports of a service member spreading racist pictures even as top defence officials apologize for their slow response to questions about systemic racism in the Department of National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces. Canada's top military and civilian defence leaders revealed the investigation in a letter to the troops Friday that promised to root out all racism while acknowledging "the social structures that formed our nation disproportionately privileged white people." "We reaffirm our commitment that no defence team members should feel unwelcome in a room, workshop, drill hall, ship or airfield," added Defence Department deputy minister Jody Thomas and chief of defence staff Gen. Jonathan Vance. "We must continue to work together to ensure that our defence team is a place where all are welcome, safe and treated with the same human dignity and respect that we defend and protect each and every day in our service to Canada." Thomas and Vance did not provide specifics about the allegation that a member of the Armed Forces had distributed racist pictures except to say that it was reported to have occurred in Quebec and specifically targeted Black people.
"We understand that the meme is additionally harmful as it discounts and dismisses the outrage felt by many Black members in our military family who have witnessed the events unfolding in the United States and Canada," the letter read. "This alleged incident is being investigated by the military police and this matter will be addressed by the independent actors in the military or civilian justice system." Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions The meme was raised during a roundtable Thursday between Thomas, Vance and representatives from several advisory groups set up by the Defence Department to look at the role of women, visible minorities, Indigenous Peoples and others in the military.
Richard Sharpe, a long-time public servant and co-founder of the Federal Black Employees' Caucus, which advocates on behalf of Black civil servants, who attended the roundtable said he raised it as a matter of accountability for the military. Military police are investigating reports of a service member spreading racist pictures even as top defence officials apologize for their slow response to questions about systemic racism in the Department of National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces "I found that out through the community," Sharpe said of the meme, a copy of which he provided to The Canadian Press on Sunday. "That is a tip of the iceberg in terms of some of the racist and white supremacist elements that exist in the military that they need to get a handle on and root out if they want the military to be a viable in an increasingly more diverse Canada." The meme was only one topic of discussion during the roundtable, which coincided with a wave of demonstrations in the U.S. and Canada following the killing of an unarmed Black man, George Floyd, in the U.S. by white police officers last month. The main purpose was to discuss the problem of systemic racism within the Defence Department and military, with the latter even now working to increase the number of racialized people in uniform to better reflect Canada and improve its missions overseas.
About 9.2 per cent of service members were visible minorities in January, an increase of almost two per cent from three years earlier. The Forces' target is 11.8 per cent of those in uniform. It also has targets for female and Indigenous representation. In their letter to the troops, Thomas and Vance acknowledged the "deep hurt, frustration and distress" many Black and Indigenous members of Defence Department and military have felt in recent weeks — and apologized for not saying so sooner. "We would like to apologize that you have had to wait to hear formally and directly from us on the global response to the killing of George Floyd on May 25 and the matter of systemic racism within the defence team," they wrote.


nationalobserver--2020-06-22--Family of 62-year-old man who died after police shooting calls for inquiry

The family of a 62-year-old man who died after being shot by police west of Toronto over the weekend called for a public inquiry into the death , citing a lack of faith in the province 's police watchdog to conduct a fair investigation .
Hasim Choudry , the man 's nephew , argued police in Mississauga , Ont.
, used excessive force in shooting his uncle , who he said was suffering from a schizophrenic episode and had threatened to hurt himself .
`` We do n't want an investigation with the police and the ( Special Investigations Unit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said on Sunday .
`` We want a public inquiry with politicians involved to help bring this to justice .
This is cruel and injustice to the limit . ''
The incident began at 5 p.m. on Saturday , Peel Regional Police said , when officers were called to the man 's home because he was in crisis due to a medical condition for which he reportedly was not taking his medication .
Police said officers believed the man had access to weapons and entered the home after he stopped communicating , leading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fired a stun gun , plastic bullets and a gun .
• Bloc leader tries to define systemic racism on his own • BDC ready now with $ 60 million in loans for cash-strapped mid-sized companies The SIU has launched an investigation , and has already indentified one officer as its subject , with nine others who witnessed the shooting .
Nine investigators have been assigned to Saturday 's incident , and the SIU said a police-issued firearm , a stun gun , an anti-riot gun and a knife were found at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which spoke alongside the family at a Sunday press conference , identified the deceased as Ejaz Choudry .
Family members said they asked police to allow them to try to calm their uncle down , but were told by officers to be patient .
The family also said that officers were shouting at Ejaz Choudry in English , which he did n't understand .
`` Anyone in distress knows that ... when anyone you know that really cares about you comes and tells you 'hey its going to be OK , ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hassan Choudry , another of his nephews .
`` None of us were able to go up there and say , 'uncle , you 're going to be OK. ' '' The family of a 62-year-old man who died after being shot by police west of Toronto over the weekend called for a public inquiry into the death , citing a lack of faith in the province 's police watchdog to conduct a fair investigation .
Family members said officers were shouting to Ejaz from the front door when they saw more officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around 8:30 p.m .
They said they heard multiple shots ring out shortly after .
Ibrahim Hindy , president of the Muslim Council of Peel , told the press conference that police did n't do enough to de-escalate the situation .
`` It 's clear from everything that the family has already shared , from the eyewitness reports , from the video evidence that we have , that the senseless acts of Peel police yesterday was wildly excessive , '' Hindy said .
`` It 's Father 's Day and he 's been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Hindy said he had no faith in an investigation by the SIU and called on political leaders to get involved .
Later on Sunday , crowds of people marched through the streets of Mississauga to protest the police 's actions .
Eventually , Peel police said , they occupied an intersection near where Choudry lived , setting up tents and chairs in the street .
Choudry 's death comes a month after the high-profile police-involved death of Regis Korchinski-Paquet , a Black woman who fell from her balcony and died after Toronto @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The death prompted thousands of people to protest against racism and use of force by police in Toronto and across Canada .
The SIU continues to investigate both incidents .
Elsewhere in Canada , the police watchdog in Quebec is investigating after a 51-year-old man died during a police intervention in Montreal on Saturday .

The family of a 62-year-old man who died after being shot by police west of Toronto over the weekend called for a public inquiry into the death, citing a lack of faith in the province's police watchdog to conduct a fair investigation. Hasim Choudry, the man's nephew, argued police in Mississauga, Ont., used excessive force in shooting his uncle, who he said was suffering from a schizophrenic episode and had threatened to hurt himself. "We don't want an investigation with the police and the (Special Investigations Unit)," a visibly emotional Choudry said on Sunday. "We want a public inquiry with politicians involved to help bring this to justice. This is cruel and injustice to the limit." The incident began at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Peel Regional Police said, when officers were called to the man's home because he was in crisis due to a medical condition for which he reportedly was not taking his medication. Police said officers believed the man had access to weapons and entered the home after he stopped communicating, leading to an "interaction" where police fired a stun gun, plastic bullets and a gun.
The SIU has launched an investigation, and has already indentified one officer as its subject, with nine others who witnessed the shooting. Nine investigators have been assigned to Saturday's incident, and the SIU said a police-issued firearm, a stun gun, an anti-riot gun and a knife were found at the scene. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions The Muslim Council of Peel, which spoke alongside the family at a Sunday press conference, identified the deceased as Ejaz Choudry.
Family members said they asked police to allow them to try to calm their uncle down, but were told by officers to be patient. The family of a 62-year-old man who died after being shot by police west of Toronto over the weekend called for a public inquiry into the death, citing a lack of faith in the province's police watchdog to conduct a fair investigation. The family also said that officers were shouting at Ejaz Choudry in English, which he didn't understand. "Anyone in distress knows that ... when anyone you know that really cares about you comes and tells you 'hey its going to be OK,' it makes a difference," said Hassan Choudry, another of his nephews. "None of us were able to go up there and say, 'uncle, you're going to be OK.'" Family members said officers were shouting to Ejaz from the front door when they saw more officers enter the apartment from the back at around 8:30 p.m. They said they heard multiple shots ring out shortly after. Ibrahim Hindy, president of the Muslim Council of Peel, told the press conference that police didn't do enough to de-escalate the situation.
"It's clear from everything that the family has already shared, from the eyewitness reports, from the video evidence that we have, that the senseless acts of Peel police yesterday was wildly excessive," Hindy said. "It's Father's Day and he's been robbed from being with his children." Hindy said he had no faith in an investigation by the SIU and called on political leaders to get involved. Later on Sunday, crowds of people marched through the streets of Mississauga to protest the police's actions. Eventually, Peel police said, they occupied an intersection near where Choudry lived, setting up tents and chairs in the street.


nationalobserver--2020-06-22--Toronto will enter stage 2 of reopening on Wednesday, Ford says

Toronto will be allowed to enter the second stage of Ontario 's reopen plan Wednesday , Premier Doug Ford announced Monday .
Most of the province began stage two earlier this month , reopening restaurant and bar patios , along with personal care services like hair salons , which were shuttered in mid-March as the COVID-19 pandemic took hold .
Toronto , the Peel region and Windsor-Essex were left out , however , and have remained in the first stage .
Starting Friday , Toronto and Peel can ease a long list of restrictions , though Ford said residents must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re winning the fight , but it ’ s not over , '' Ford said at his daily COVID-19 update .
Transmission of COVID-19 in Toronto and Peel appears to be dropping , Ford added , and those regions have managed to keep testing numbers high while leaving hospital capacity open .
• How Nova Scotia naturalists forced the province to uphold its Endangered Species Act • Bloc leader tries to define systemic racism on his own Meanwhile , new cases in Ontario have been on the decline for several weeks , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — the lowest number seen since late March — even as testing numbers remain above the target of 20,000 per day .
Joe Cressy , a Toronto city councillor and chair of the city 's board of health , said he was optimistic about the reopening but cautioned that `` we are not out of the woods yet . ''
Until there 's a vaccine , he said in a statement , risk remains .
`` We will experience new outbreaks , and we will , sadly , see deaths , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Windsor-Essex is now the only region to remain at stage one .
Health Minister Christine Elliott has previously said the area had to wait longer because it 's close to the Canada-United States border , where workers transporting essential goods continue to go back and forth .
And in recent days , the region has struggled to manage a spike in cases among foreign workers , who often live in close quarters that allow the virus to spread easily .
`` The threat of this virus in Windsor-Essex is still too great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Peel are entering stage two of Ontario 's COVID-19 reopening on Wednesday .
# onpoli The province and the federal government will begin joint inspections of farms with temporary foreign workers , Labour Minister Monte McNaughton said .
Ford blamed the jump in cases on farmers , who he said `` are n't cooperating . ''
`` They are n't sending out the people to get tested , '' he said .
`` It is not fair to the people of Windsor . ''
Editor 's Note : This story was updated at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the announcement .

Toronto will be allowed to enter the second stage of Ontario's reopen plan Wednesday, Premier Doug Ford announced Monday. Most of the province began stage two earlier this month, reopening restaurant and bar patios, along with personal care services like hair salons, which were shuttered in mid-March as the COVID-19 pandemic took hold. Toronto, the Peel region and Windsor-Essex were left out, however, and have remained in the first stage. Starting Friday, Toronto and Peel can ease a long list of restrictions, though Ford said residents must still practice physical distancing. "We’re winning the fight, but it’s not over," Ford said at his daily COVID-19 update. Transmission of COVID-19 in Toronto and Peel appears to be dropping, Ford added, and those regions have managed to keep testing numbers high while leaving hospital capacity open.
Meanwhile, new cases in Ontario have been on the decline for several weeks, with the province reporting 161 new cases — the lowest number seen since late March — even as testing numbers remain above the target of 20,000 per day. Joe Cressy, a Toronto city councillor and chair of the city's board of health, said he was optimistic about the reopening but cautioned that "we are not out of the woods yet." Until there's a vaccine, he said in a statement, risk remains. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions "We will experience new outbreaks, and we will, sadly, see deaths," he said. "This is inevitable."
Windsor-Essex is now the only region to remain at stage one. Toronto and Peel are entering stage two of Ontario's COVID-19 reopening on Wednesday. #onpoli Health Minister Christine Elliott has previously said the area had to wait longer because it's close to the Canada-United States border, where workers transporting essential goods continue to go back and forth. And in recent days, the region has struggled to manage a spike in cases among foreign workers, who often live in close quarters that allow the virus to spread easily. "The threat of this virus in Windsor-Essex is still too great," Ford said. The province and the federal government will begin joint inspections of farms with temporary foreign workers, Labour Minister Monte McNaughton said. Ford blamed the jump in cases on farmers, who he said "aren't cooperating." "They aren't sending out the people to get tested," he said. "It is not fair to the people of Windsor."


nationalobserver--2020-06-23--Traditional July 1 Order of Canada celebration cancelled

The COVID-19 pandemic has put the kibosh on the annual Canada Day celebration of recipients of the country 's second @ @ @ @ @ Julie Payette would normally announce a list of new Order of Canada nominees on July @ @ @ @ @ says that is impossible this year because the spring meeting of the advisory council that @ @ @ @ @ to the pandemic .

The COVID-19 pandemic has put the kibosh on the annual Canada Day celebration of recipients of the country's second highest award.
Governor General Julie Payette would normally announce a list of new Order of Canada nominees on July 1.
But her office says that is impossible this year because the spring meeting of the advisory council that recommends nominees was cancelled due to the pandemic.
The council, which meets twice a year in person to discuss nominations, is not scheduled to meet again until November.
In the meantime, Julie Rocheleau, a spokeswoman for Payette, says the team responsible for the administration of Canadian honours has taken advantage of the delay to develop new evaluation tools for the advisory council and to identify technology that will help process more nominations per year starting in 2021.


nationalobserver--2020-06-23--Trudeau says China 'made clear' arrest of Michaels related to Meng

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Chinese officials made clear in the days following the arrests of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor that their imprisonments were linked with Canada 's having detained high-tech scion Meng Wanzhou days earlier .
Trudeau was rebutting a spokesman for China 's foreign ministry who said earlier Monday that his country does not arbitrarily detain people , and that Trudeau 's earlier remarks linking the cases were `` irresponsible . ''
Trudeau doubled down , saying Chinese officials highlighted an `` obvious link '' between the arrests of the two Canadians and the RCMP 's arrest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response to an extradition request from the United States .
Meng was arrested on Dec. 1 , 2018 and Kovrig and Spavor were taken into custody nine days later .
`` They made those links from the very beginning , and continue to put political pressure on Canada through that detention , '' Trudeau said Monday .
`` It has been obvious from the beginning that this was a political decision made by the Chinese government , and we deplore it , and have from the very beginning . ''
• How Nova @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its Endangered Species Act • Americans en route to Alaska via Canada ticketed for breaking health rules • Toronto will enter stage 2 of reopening on Wednesday , Ford says Trudeau thanked allies , including the United States , that have criticized China for `` using arbitrary detentions as a means to political ends . ''
He said Canada and its allies `` around the world '' remain united against this Chinese practice .
Earlier Monday , U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called on China to release the Canadians , saying they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The European Union said its leadership also raised its concerns over `` the continued arbitrary detention '' of Kovrig and Spavor during a virtual bilateral summit with China Monday .
Trudeau also had a call with Ursula von der Leyen , president of the European Commission on Monday .
A summary of their conversation provided by the Prime Minister 's Office said Trudeau thanked her for the EU 's `` expressions of concern '' for the two Canadians .
Chinese authorities announced the charges against Kovrig and Spavor on Friday , after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days in prison without access to lawyers or family .
Since January , China has prevented Canadian diplomats from visiting Kovrig and Spavor , citing COVID-19 restrictions .
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Chinese officials made clear in the days following the arrests of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor that their imprisonments were linked with Canada 's having detained high-tech scion Meng Wanzhou days earlier .
Trudeau rejected suggestions that Canada should intervene to resolve the Meng case in an attempt to free Kovrig and Spavor .
`` We continue to stand up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system and Canadian interests and values , '' the prime minister said .
`` We work behind the scenes and in public to ensure that everyone understands we will continue to work extremely hard to get these Canadians home . ''
Garnett Genuis , the Conservative critic on Canada-China Relations , was critical of former Liberal cabinet minister John Manley and Eddie Goldenberg , a former aide to ex-prime minister Jean Chretien , for advocating for a prisoner exchange to free Kovrig and Spavor .
`` Conservatives continue to call on Justin Trudeau @ @ @ @ @ @ @ judicial system and reject this position by senior Liberal insiders , '' said Genuis .
Pompeo said the U.S. is deeply concerned by China 's decision to formally charge Kovrig and Spavor .
`` These charges are politically motivated and completely groundless .
The United States stands with Canada in calling on Beijing for the immediate release of the two men and rejects the use of these unjustified detentions to coerce Canada , '' Pompeo said in a statement on Monday .
`` Additionally , we echo Canada 's call for immediate consular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accordance with the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations , as China has prohibited such access for almost six months , and the world has no knowledge of the two Canadians ' condition . ''
Meng , the chief financial officer of Huawei Technologies , is living in a luxury Vancouver home while her extradition case wends its way through a British Columbia court .
The United States wants to prosecute Meng for fraud , alleging she lied to banks about her company 's connections with Iran , which could possibly violate U.S. sanctions @

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Chinese officials made clear in the days following the arrests of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor that their imprisonments were linked with Canada's having detained high-tech scion Meng Wanzhou days earlier. Trudeau was rebutting a spokesman for China's foreign ministry who said earlier Monday that his country does not arbitrarily detain people, and that Trudeau's earlier remarks linking the cases were "irresponsible." Trudeau doubled down, saying Chinese officials highlighted an "obvious link" between the arrests of the two Canadians and the RCMP's arrest of Meng at the Vancouver airport in response to an extradition request from the United States. Meng was arrested on Dec. 1, 2018 and Kovrig and Spavor were taken into custody nine days later. "They made those links from the very beginning, and continue to put political pressure on Canada through that detention," Trudeau said Monday. "It has been obvious from the beginning that this was a political decision made by the Chinese government, and we deplore it, and have from the very beginning."
Trudeau thanked allies, including the United States, that have criticized China for "using arbitrary detentions as a means to political ends." He said Canada and its allies "around the world" remain united against this Chinese practice. Earlier Monday, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called on China to release the Canadians, saying they face "groundless" charges of spying. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions The European Union said its leadership also raised its concerns over "the continued arbitrary detention" of Kovrig and Spavor during a virtual bilateral summit with China Monday.
Trudeau also had a call with Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission on Monday. A summary of their conversation provided by the Prime Minister's Office said Trudeau thanked her for the EU's "expressions of concern" for the two Canadians. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Chinese officials made clear in the days following the arrests of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor that their imprisonments were linked with Canada's having detained high-tech scion Meng Wanzhou days earlier. Chinese authorities announced the charges against Kovrig and Spavor on Friday, after the two had spent more than 550 days in prison without access to lawyers or family. Since January, China has prevented Canadian diplomats from visiting Kovrig and Spavor, citing COVID-19 restrictions. Trudeau rejected suggestions that Canada should intervene to resolve the Meng case in an attempt to free Kovrig and Spavor. "We continue to stand up both for the independence of our judicial system and Canadian interests and values," the prime minister said. "We work behind the scenes and in public to ensure that everyone understands we will continue to work extremely hard to get these Canadians home."
Garnett Genuis, the Conservative critic on Canada-China Relations, was critical of former Liberal cabinet minister John Manley and Eddie Goldenberg, a former aide to ex-prime minister Jean Chretien, for advocating for a prisoner exchange to free Kovrig and Spavor. "Conservatives continue to call on Justin Trudeau to respect the independence of Canada's judicial system and reject this position by senior Liberal insiders," said Genuis. Pompeo said the U.S. is deeply concerned by China's decision to formally charge Kovrig and Spavor.


nationalobserver--2020-06-23--Hundreds march to protest 62 year old man killed by police

Hundreds of people marched through the streets of Mississauga , Ont.
, on Monday to protest the police shooting of a 62-year-old man suffering from mental illness .
Joined by the man 's family , the crowd chanted `` no justice , no peace , abolish the police '' as they walked along a major thoroughfare with little police presence .
Ejaz Choudry was in the middle of a mental health crisis when the family said they called the non-emergency line for help around 5 p.m. on Saturday .
Three hours later , Peel Regional Police officers stormed Choudry 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him .
Choudry 's family has demanded that the officer who shot him be fired .
They have also called for a public inquiry into the man 's death , as well as changes in the response to people in crisis .
`` We want to create a system that is meant to be there for us , '' said Choudry 's nephew , Hassan Choudhary .
• How Nova Scotia naturalists forced the province to uphold its Endangered Species Act • Americans en route to Alaska via Canada ticketed for breaking health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of reopening on Wednesday , Ford says `` This system is not meant to be there for us .
You 're in a mental health crisis and you 're faced by people with guns , people with body armour , people with authority over you , people demanding you , telling you what to do , instead of listening and trying to understand what 's wrong . ''
At one point , the emotional crowd surrounded two police officers and screamed at them for change .
Other protesters got between the officers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Special Investigations Unit , the province 's police watchdog , is probing the death .
Choudry 's family had previously expressed its lack of faith in the SIU to conduct a thorough investigation , a position they reiterated on Monday .
`` I need justice , '' said Rafaqat Ali Choudry , the man 's younger brother .
`` Police is to protect us , not kill us .
How I trust again ? ''
The family 's calls for a public inquiry were supported by the Opposition New Democrats , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confidence in the SIU .
Hundreds of people marched through the streets of Mississauga , Ont.
, on Monday , June 22 , 2020 , to protest the police shooting of a 62-year-old man suffering from mental illness .
`` My heart and prayers go out to the family that lost a loved one , no matter what happened , '' Ford said Monday at a news conference .
`` This is a terrible situation , unfortunate , but let 's see what the report says because I do n't believe in pointing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , until we get the details because the details will tell the story . ''
The man 's family has said that responding officers were shouting at Choudry in English , a language he did n't understand .
The family said Choudry had periodically held a kitchen knife on Saturday .
They said they pleaded with police to allow them to talk to Choudry .
Police had taken everyone outside the home except for Choudry , the family said .
`` My uncle was a harmless man , he had no power to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at times , '' Choudhary said .
The crowd condemned other fatal encounters between police and people in crisis , including the recent death of a 29-year-old woman in Toronto who fell from her balcony while officers were inside her home .
The family of Regis Korchinski-Paquet has questioned the role of police in her death , which is also being investigated by the SIU .
They were also chanting the name of D'Andre Campbell , a 26-year-old man suffering from mental illness who was shot inside his home by Peel police responding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Police Services Board said in a statement Monday that it was saddened by the deaths of Choudry and Campbell , noting it 's asking the SIU to expedite the investigation and provide frequent updates .
The statement said the board is working with Chief Nishan Duraiappah and the municipality on a new plan that it says `` will ensure mental health calls , public health and safety , and community relations are considered in a more holistic way when it comes to community policing . ''

Hundreds of people marched through the streets of Mississauga, Ont., on Monday to protest the police shooting of a 62-year-old man suffering from mental illness. Joined by the man's family, the crowd chanted "no justice, no peace, abolish the police" as they walked along a major thoroughfare with little police presence. Ejaz Choudry was in the middle of a mental health crisis when the family said they called the non-emergency line for help around 5 p.m. on Saturday. Three hours later, Peel Regional Police officers stormed Choudry's home, fired multiple shots and killed him. Choudry's family has demanded that the officer who shot him be fired. They have also called for a public inquiry into the man's death, as well as changes in the response to people in crisis. "We want to create a system that is meant to be there for us," said Choudry's nephew, Hassan Choudhary.
"This system is not meant to be there for us. You're in a mental health crisis and you're faced by people with guns, people with body armour, people with authority over you, people demanding you, telling you what to do, instead of listening and trying to understand what's wrong." At one point, the emotional crowd surrounded two police officers and screamed at them for change. Other protesters got between the officers and the crowd, which eventually marched on. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions The Special Investigations Unit, the province's police watchdog, is probing the death.
Choudry's family had previously expressed its lack of faith in the SIU to conduct a thorough investigation, a position they reiterated on Monday. Hundreds of people marched through the streets of Mississauga, Ont., on Monday, June 22, 2020, to protest the police shooting of a 62-year-old man suffering from mental illness. "I need justice," said Rafaqat Ali Choudry, the man's younger brother. "Police is to protect us, not kill us. How I trust again?" The family's calls for a public inquiry were supported by the Opposition New Democrats, but Premier Doug Ford has expressed his confidence in the SIU. "My heart and prayers go out to the family that lost a loved one, no matter what happened," Ford said Monday at a news conference. "This is a terrible situation, unfortunate, but let's see what the report says because I don't believe in pointing fingers at any group, any organization, until we get the details because the details will tell the story."
The man's family has said that responding officers were shouting at Choudry in English, a language he didn't understand. The family said Choudry had periodically held a kitchen knife on Saturday. They said they pleaded with police to allow them to talk to Choudry. Police had taken everyone outside the home except for Choudry, the family said. "My uncle was a harmless man, he had no power to hurt anyone, he could barely breathe at times," Choudhary said.