Bill 5 passed: What it means for First Nations and Ontario’s economy
Release Date: 06/06/2025
Shawn Lamb’s release and Ivan Zinger’s resignation
Truth & Politics
From the statutory release of convicted killer Shawn Lamb to the early departure of Canada’s prison watchdog Ivan Zinger, the federal correctional system is under scrutiny. That’s the focus of this week’s Truth and Politics panel. Joining host Dennis Ward are Niigaan Sinclair, columnist with the Winnipeg Free Press, and Mi’kmaw lawyer and professor Pam Palmater. • • • APTN National News, our stories told our way. Visit our website for more: Hear more APTN News podcasts:
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Why Indigenous leaders say Carney’s budget falls short
Truth & Politics
Reaction to Prime Minister Mark Carney’s first federal budget is mixed. Many Indigenous leaders say the budget fails to live up to expectations. They’re especially disappointed in the lack of new funding, even though proposed cuts to Indigenous Services Canada and Crown-Indigenous Relations turned out to be smaller than expected. That’s the focus of this week’s Truth and Politics panel. Also on the agenda: Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew’s response to a Supreme Court of Canada ruling that struck down mandatory minimum sentences for some child pornography offences. Joining host Dennis Ward...
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Manitoba Premier accuses opposition MLA of mocking speech
Truth & Politics
Manitoba’s premier says a member of the opposition mocked him as he prepared to speak about his father and the history of First Nations being denied the right to vote. Wab Kinew says the Progressive Conservative MLA made a crying sound and gesture during a speech about protecting the rights of vulnerable groups. Jeff Wharton, the MLA in question, denies the allegation. That’s one of the topics up for discussion on this week’s Truth and Politics panel. The panel also weighs in on the Canadian Armed Forces' apology to Indigenous soldiers, Ontario’s push for Ring of Fire development and...
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Why Indigenous Services is falling short despite a funding boost
Truth & Politics
Canada’s auditor general says Indigenous Services is falling short. Karen Hogan says despite an 84 per cent increase in funding, the department has failed to act on more than half of the recommendations made over the past decade to improve services and programs. Access to clean drinking water and emergency management are among the top concerns. That’s the focus for this week’s Truth and Politics panel. Joining host Dennis Ward to discuss are Jennifer Laewetz, CEO of Paskwâw Strategies and Niigaan Sinclair, columnist with the Winnipeg Free Press. • • • APTN National News, our...
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Cows, plows and changing the Indian Act
Truth & Politics
Mi’kmaw Member of Parliament Jaime Battiste is calling for a study that could lead to major changes to the Indian Act. The Liberal MP recently tabled a motion to examine the impacts of sections of the Act known as the second-generation cut-off. Also on the agenda for this week’s Truth and Politics panel - cows and plows. Why does this historic agreement remain so controversial? Plus, the University of Manitoba marks a milestone anniversary. Joining host Dennis Ward to break it all down are Jennifer Laewetz, CEO of Paskwâw Strategies, and Niigaan Sinclair, columnist with the Winnipeg Free...
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‘Circle of favour’: Leaked report alleges mismanagement at First Nations University
Truth & Politics
First Nations University of Canada in Saskatchewan is facing scrutiny after an internal investigation into its president was leaked. The report, obtained by APTN News, looks into allegations against FNU president Jacqueline Ottmann involving nepotism and mismanagement. Prepared by Deloitte Legal Canada, the report substantiated many of the claims and found the president created what it called a ‘circle of favour’ around her office. In a statement, the chair of the board of governors said the board reviewed the reports and voted to retain Ottmann. Joining host Dennis Ward to break it all...
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FSIN breaks silence on forensic audit findings – but does it address concerns?
Truth & Politics
The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations in Saskatchewan has broken its silence on the forensic audit of its finances. Indigenous Services Canada and auditing firm KPMG found $34 million in questionable spending. A statement from the organization, which represents more than 70 First Nations in Saskatchewan, says it has faced unwarranted attacks in relation to the audit. For more, our Truth & Politics panel is here. Joining host Dennis Ward on the Truth and Politics panel are Jennifer Laewetz, CEO of Paskwâw Strategies and Niigaan Sinclair, columnist with the Winnipeg Free Press. •...
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The ongoing saga to reform the child welfare system
Truth & Politics
It’s been a busy week with no end in sight as we head into the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. With that in mind, our Truth and Politics panel will weigh in on a range of stories this week, including child welfare reform, Orange Shirt Day, the FSIN audit and vandalism at the constituency offices of two Manitoba cabinet ministers. Joining host Dennis Ward on the Truth and Politics panel are Jennifer Laewetz, CEO of Paskwâw Strategies and Niigaan Sinclair, columnist with the Winnipeg Free Press. • • • APTN National News, our stories told our way. Visit our website for more:...
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Questions grow over FSIN audit and Jordan’s Principle spending
Truth & Politics
Details are beginning to emerge about a forensic audit of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations, the political advocacy group that represents more than 70 First Nations in Saskatchewan. Indigenous Services Canada says it presented the findings to the FSIN on Sept. 11, with a public summary expected before the end of the month. So far, FSIN has declined to comment. Also on this week’s episode, a look at the internal confusion and fallout at Indigenous Services as the cost of Jordan’s Principle tops $2 billion and services face a crackdown. Joining host Dennis Ward on the Truth and...
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Indigenous Advisory Council: Who’s in, who’s out and the major projects unveiled
Truth & Politics
After months of speculation, the Carney government has unveiled a list of major projects deemed to be in the national interest. An Indigenous advisory council has also been announced to guide the work of the new Major Projects Office and ensure equity ownership and meaningful participation for Indigenous Peoples. Joining guest host Tiar Wheatle on this on this week’s Truth and Politics panel is Jennifer Laewetz of Paskwâw Strategies and Winnipeg Free Press columnist Niigaan Sinclair. • • • APTN National News, our stories told our way. Visit our website for more: https://aptnnews.ca...
info_outlineThe Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act – or Bill 5 – has now passed, despite concerns raised by First Nations.
It's the latest in a wave of legislation provincial governments are pushing forward as jurisdictions across the country look to launch development projects in part, in response to the Trump-era tariffs.
Our Truth and Politics panel joins host Dennis Ward to weigh in.
Jennifer Laewetz is CEO of Paskwâw Strategies, and Niigaan Sinclair is a columnist with the Winnipeg Free Press.
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APTN National News, our stories told our way.
Visit our website for more: https://aptnnews.ca
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