Mark Blackburn

Ottawa

Producer at APTN National News

Producer @aptnnews - Dad - Husband - Telecaster player - The views expressed here are my own. #waydata

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Articles

Labrador communities receive first travelling health clinics

1 week ago | aptnnews.ca | Mark Blackburn

Health-care access in rural and remote areas can be limited at best. When it comes to specialized services, virtual appointments can be the only option, or there may be nothing available at all. For residents on the North coast of Labrador, they often have to travel to Happy Valley-Goose Bay or all the way to the island to receive the specialized care they need.
Governments using legislation to bypass Indigenous consultation: op-ed

1 week ago | aptnnews.ca | Veldon Coburn |Mark Blackburn

In 2025, the Crown remains no stranger to its old playbook by using legislation to simultaneously exclude Indigenous people while pretending to include us. Across Turtle Island—from Queen’s Park to Parliament Hill—new bills are being passed that protect profits, not people. Federal Bill C-5 and Ontario’s Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act (Bill 5) may seem focused on different sectors—energy versus development—but they are woven from the same colonial fabric.
Saskatchewan, Alberta remind Ottawa to repeal laws that impede projects

1 week ago | aptnnews.ca | Mark Blackburn

The premiers of Saskatchewan and Alberta met in Lloydminster to, once again, call on the federal government to end all “interference” in the development of provincial resources. In a joint statement, Scott Moe and Danielle Smith say laws that impede natural resource projects, which are mostly environmental laws and regulations, should be lifted by Ottawa.
Canada’s national climate strategy lacks ‘essential elements’

2 weeks ago | aptnnews.ca | Mark Blackburn

The federal government’s attempt to develop a national strategy to deal with ever-changing climate is falling short of its intended goals, according to a new report from the Commissioner of Environment and Sustainable Development. When introduced, Canada put $1.6 billion towards the National Adaptation Strategy that is supposed to serve as a road map for helping Canadians prepare for the impacts of the climate crisis, including dealing with wildfires and severe weather events.
Indigenous consultation promised in new bill to fast-track projects

3 weeks ago | aptnnews.ca | Mark Blackburn

The federal government has introduced legislation to speed up construction of “nation-building projects” on Friday with a promise to consult Indigenous communities and create an advisory council to help guide the project process.
Neskantaga chief says ISC minister ignoring letters asking for help

3 weeks ago | aptnnews.ca | Mark Blackburn

The chief of Neskantaga First Nation says the new minister of Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) is not responding to letters seeking answers about the closure of the only nursing station in his northern Ontario community. Gary Quisess says he has yet to hear from Mandy Gull-Masty and her staff.
Chief in Manitoba has warning for First Nations after throne speech

1 month ago | aptnnews.ca | Mark Blackburn

The federal government appears to be, again, promising Indigenous communities a say in how resource projects are approved. Free, prior and informed consent was one of the themes of the newly minted government of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s first throne speech Tuesday delivered by King Charles III. “The government will be a reliable partner to Indigenous Peoples, upholding its fundamental commitment to advancing reconciliation,” said Charles.
Nunavut housing agency needs to improve says auditor general

1 month ago | aptnnews.ca | Mark Blackburn

Oversight of the public housing stock by the Nunavut Housing Corporation (NHC) and monitoring of how properties are allocated to Nunavummiut is limited, claims a new report by the Auditor General of Canada. The NHC is responsible for managing the 6,000 public housing units in the territory’s 25 communities.
Anishinabek Nation sends warning to Ontario about passing Bill 5

1 month ago | aptnnews.ca | Mark Blackburn

Chiefs were back at Queen’s Park Monday to once again denounce legislation promising to speed up resource projects. Bill 5 – officially called the Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act – would create “special economic zones” where provincial and municipal laws, including environmental laws, could be suspended.
Caring Society says allegations launched by Canada not based in fact

1 month ago | aptnnews.ca | Mark Blackburn

The First Nations Child and Family Caring Society (Caring Society) says that Canada’s allegations that it caused a deal that would have reformed the First Nations child welfare system to fail is not based in fact.