National
Laws needed for a First Nations education system
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- Category: National News
- Created on Monday, 30 January 2012 19:34
Schools on reserves, such as this kindergarten to grade seven school on the Tootinaowaziibeeng reserve in Manitoba, are in need of the type of supports the provincial ministries of education provide public schools. Photo by Robin Booker.
by Robin Booker
Almost 40 years after the federal government promised Indian Control of Indian Education, aboriginal students on reserves continue to suffer.
In 1974 the federal government started to fund band operated schools as it moved away from the residential school system. But this policy change was not accompanied by legislative changes.
Aboriginal students struggle to access post-secondary education
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- Category: National News
- Created on Saturday, 28 January 2012 00:44
Matt Pasqua studies for his class at the University of Regina. Photo by Tiffany Cassidy.
by Tiffany Cassidy
Figuring out how to pay for her post-secondary education last semester was a major stress for First Nations student Daphne Kay. Her application for funding was lost when her reserve flooded. Then she applied for provincial and federal student loans and was denied for both. Kay was unsuccessful in scholarship applications. She finally decided to take a bank loan.
Read more: Aboriginal students struggle to access post-secondary education
Regina man concerned about sanctions on Iran
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- Category: National News
- Created on Wednesday, 23 November 2011 22:02
U of Regina instructor Bahman Ahmadi sits next to an image of the Milad Tower, the symbol of Tehran, Iran. Photo by Nathan Liewicki.
by Nathan Liewicki
Bahman Ahmadi hasn’t been to Iran since November 2010, but the University of Regina mathematics PhD candidate always keeps a close eye on his native Iran and in touch with his family there. That is especially true now.
On Nov. 21, the Canadian government announced Canada will join the United States and Britain in placing more sanctions on the Middle Eastern country. The sanctions are targeted at Iran’s oil and petrochemical industries, and its banking system. They have been imposed in an attempt to dissuade Iran from continuing what western countries believe is an attempt to build nuclear weapons.
Since hearing that Stephen Harper’s Tories had imposed further sanctions on Iran, Ahmadi has been wondering about the reason behind Canada’s decision.
Saskatchewan unlikely to gain seats in Ottawa
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- Category: National News
- Created on Wednesday, 19 October 2011 22:10
Graph reflecting the current and proposed seat structures of the House of Commons. Graph created by Nathan Liewicki.
by Nathan Liewicki
Before the last federal election, Stephen Harper’s then-minority Conservative government vowed to add seats in the House of Commons to Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia. Now that the Conservatives have a majority, they’re planning to introduce legislation that would add 26 seats to the House of Commons. Saskatchewan, however, doesn’t stand to add to its current total of 14 seats.
Thirteen of the proposed new seats would be given to Ontario, with Alberta standing to gain six seats. British Columbia would send five more representatives to Parliament and Quebec two more.
Saskatchewan’s growth rate of 1.53 per cent was the highest in Canada in 2010, yet University of Regina political science professor Howard Leeson doesn’t believe the province deserves more seats in the House of Commons. In fact, he feels Saskatchewan, like Prince Edward Island, is over represented in Ottawa. Prince Edward Island is represented by four seats, yet according to representation by population they should only have one seat.
CRTC says no to usage-based billing
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- Category: National News
- Created on Wednesday, 23 November 2011 22:09
Tara Osipoff works online in the U of R Library. She isn't using much bandwidth, but streaming movies and music have created a problem. Photo by Lisa Schick.
by Lisa Schick
After almost a full year, free internet crusaders have something to celebrate. On Nov. 15, the Canadian Radio and Television Commission released their decision which would allow many small Internet service providers to continue billing their customers on their terms.
RCMP claims limited knowledge of abuse
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- Category: National News
- Created on Thursday, 10 November 2011 20:52
by Drew Fossum
The RCMP had limited knowledge of the abuses at residential schools, according to a recent report.
The report, released on Oct. 29 at a Truth and Reconciliation Commission event in Halifax, describes the RCMP’s role as that of “responsive truant officer.” Officers were not directly involved with school activities but acted on the request of Indian Agents to enforce compliance with the Indian Act, the report stated.
Proposed Keystone XL pipeline has advocates, detractors
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- Category: National News
- Created on Wednesday, 28 September 2011 21:34
A load of pipes makes its way toward a proposed Keystone XL pipeline site in Kansas. Photo by Steve Meirowsky.
by Nathan Liewicki
Imagine 40 to 50 double pipeline tractor trailers flying through a small prairie town on a day-to-day basis. For the town of Shaunavon, Sask., it's a reality.
The unusually high truck traffic in the area stems from preparation for construction of the proposed Keystone XL pipeline project. If approved, a portion of the 2,673-km line, would transport oil from Hardisty, Alta. to a pair of sites in southern Texas, passing near Shaunavon.
Located about an hour southwest of Swift Current, the town has experienced tremendous growth in recent months. According to Mayor Sharon Dickie, it’s directly linked to the constant truck traffic that continues to pass through.
Read more: Proposed Keystone XL pipeline has advocates, detractors