Justine Stewart

A committee of Alberta chiefs is expressing concern over Canada’s commitment to First Nations’ water rights amid a $1.1 billion class-action lawsuit. They criticize the federal government’s defence in court, which claims it has no legal obligation to ensure access to clean water for First Nations, contradicting public statements from politicians. Chief Rupert Meneen of […]

Melanie Doucet, an adjunct professor at McGill University, shared insights from her study, “Finding Our Way Home,” at a youth homelessness forum in Saint John, New Brunswick. Drawing from her own experiences in the foster care system in the 1990s, she highlighted the urgent need for social support for youth aging out of care, many

Erland Missewace, a member of Eabametoong First Nation and currently unhoused, expressed hope for safety if Thunder Bay, Ontario, creates a temporary village for the city’s growing homeless population. The city council has approved a 10-step plan addressing homelessness, which may include up to 100 units with hygiene facilities and on-site support. Missewace, who has

First Nations leaders in Manitoba are criticizing the federal government for failing to adequately fund Jordan’s Principle, a policy aimed at ensuring that First Nations children can quickly access necessary health-care services. Despite a 2017 Canadian Human Rights Tribunal ruling mandating that requests be processed within 12 to 48 hours, leaders like War Lake First

The third annual Homelessness Challenge has commenced in Elliot Lake, organized by the Elliot Lake Women’s Group to raise awareness about homelessness in the community. The event, which encourages participants to camp outside for three nights and four days, aims to challenge misconceptions about homelessness and highlight the struggles faced by those in need. Executive

Vancouver’s park board has initiated the closure of a homeless encampment at CRAB Park, which has existed since 2021. Currently, seven residents remain, and the park board aims to transition the area back to public use by November 7. Although the park board claims these individuals have been offered shelter and housing options—some declined multiple

The Uquutaq Society is planning a potential five-storey, mixed-use building in Iqaluit’s core area to provide affordable housing and commercial space. The proposed site, located along Queen Elizabeth Way in the ATCO Loop, has not yet been opened for bidding by the City of Iqaluit. During a recent community information session, Kevin Eaton, Uquutaq’s incoming

Last winter, Edmonton experienced a significant increase in frostbite-related amputations, with 110 cases reported—the highest in over a decade. In contrast, Calgary recorded a decline for the second consecutive year, with amputations around one-third of Edmonton’s numbers. This divergence is attributed to differing city policies: Edmonton’s aggressive encampment eviction strategy and Calgary’s implementation of a

The Minoayawin Mobile Outreach Program, initiated by Keewatinohk Inniniw Minoayawin Inc. (KIM) in partnership with Manitoba, aims to build trust and provide essential health services to the unhoused community in Thompson. Launched recently, the program addresses barriers to care that many face due to institutionalized racism in traditional healthcare settings. Dr. Barry Lavallee, CEO of

The federal government, alongside the non-profit Edmonton 2 Spirit (E2S), announced $6.4 million in funding to support Indigenous 2SLGBTQI+ people escaping gender-based violence. The project will create two buildings with 24 supportive housing units, tailored to meet the specific needs of this vulnerable community, including trauma, violence, and marginalization. On-site programs will offer additional support