Canadian Press

Ontario creates two new northern ridings

Create: 10/25/2017 - 00:54
Author: 
Canadian Press

Ontario will have two new northern seats in next year's provincial election to boost Indigenous representation, though First Nation communities say one of the riding's names takes reconciliation a step backward.

Legislation passed Tuesday to create two new ridings called Kiiwetinoong and Mushkegowuk-James Bay. Kiiwetinoong is a majority Indigenous riding, while Mushkegowuk-James Bay has a population that's about one-third Indigenous and 60 per cent francophone.

Indigenous Affairs split into two departments

Create: 08/29/2017 - 02:36
Author: 
Canadian Press

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the Indigenous Affairs file is being restructured and will be led by two ministers instead of one as the government works to dissolve its department all together.

Carolyn Bennett, who has been in charge of the Indigenous Affairs Department since the fall of 2015, will now work alongside former health minister Jane Philpott.

Bennett has been charged with focusing on the Crown's relationship with Indigenous Peoples, a key priority for Trudeau's government since coming to power.

Philpott will deal with Indigenous services.

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