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‘We will not be poisoned again’: Environmental advocates protest proposed nuclear waste dump site

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A hundred protesters gathered in Winnipeg on World Water Day to oppose a proposed nuclear waste repository near Ignace, Ontario.

The planned site is located near critical watersheds that flow into Lake Winnipeg, prompting concerns about potential downstream contamination. Indigenous land defenders and environmental advocates warn that any risk to these systems could have lasting impacts on communities that rely on them.

Grassy Narrows land defender Judy Da Silva spoke at the rally, saying her community “will not be poisoned again,” referencing the long-term effects of mercury contamination they have already endured.

Opponents of the project argue that storing nuclear waste in the area poses serious long-term risks. They point out that radioactive materials can remain dangerous for thousands of years, and that leaks—if they occur—could be impossible to fully contain or reverse.

Indigenous leaders and environmental groups are calling for the project to be halted, emphasizing the need to protect water sources, Indigenous lands, and future generations from potential harm.

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Police Move To End Ottawa Protest

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More than one hundred people were arrested, and several vehicles were towed as police moved in Friday to end the protest in downtown Ottawa.

Ottawa Police, with support from provincial and federal authorities, began moving into the area earlier in the day after issuing repeated warnings to protesters to leave.

Police say some protesters were assaulting police and attempted to remove officers’ weapons.

A mounted patrol was also brought in.

Video on social media shows some people being knocked to the ground, including a person with a walker.

Police claimed on Twitter a bicycle had been thrown at the horses, and a person was arrested.

Protesters have been in Ottawa for the past three weeks to voice opposition to COVID mandates.

 

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Police arrest protest organizers, set up perimeter around downtown Ottawa

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Police are preparing to make their move in Ottawa as they arrest two protest organizers and set up a perimeter.

Local police have now bolstered their presence with help from their provincial and national counterparts to set up a barrier around the downtown core.

Their goal is to prevent demonstrators from joining the protest against COVID-19 health measures this weekend.

Protestors were warned on Thursday if they do not clear the streets they could face arrests and charges.


Two organizers, Tamara Lich and Chris Barber have been taken into custody. They’ve both been charged with counselling to commit mischief

Meantime, Parliament is debating the use of emergency powers to push protestors out with a vote set for Monday.

It’s expected to get approved with the Liberals and NDP supporting the plan.

It’s anticipated the Conservatives and Bloc Quebecois will oppose it.

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Ottawa Declares The Emergencies Act

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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is invoking the Emergencies Act.

The Act allows the Federal government to have additional powers that would assist with the handling of the protests have that have been happening across Canada.

Originally, the War Measures Act was in it’s place throughout the 1980’s.

It was defined to be used during a national emergency that was considered temporary.

The Prime Minister is able to use this act in scenarios where there is public welfare at risk such as natural disasters, disease, public order disturbances as well as international and war emergencies.

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Ontario in “State Of Emergency”

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A State of Emergency has been declared in Ontario by Premier of Ontario, Doug Ford.

Ford has called the protest in Ottawa “an illegal occupation”.

The Cabinet will convene on Feb 12 to “urgently enact orders that will make crystal clear it is illegal and punishable to block and impede the movement of goods, people and services along critical infrastructure”

Ford states that the declaration will include;

protecting international border crossings, 400-series highways, airports, ports, bridges and railways. It will also include protecting the safe and essential movement of ambulatory and medical services, public transit, municipal and provincial roadways, as well as pedestrian walkways,

During his statement, Ford called the protests a “siege.”

When speaking about the situation he said; “It’s an illegal occupation. This is no longer a protest” and he directed comments to to “…please, go home”

The Premier also discussed the repercussions for any violators;

“Fines for non-compliance will be severe, with a maximum penalty of $100,000 and up to a year imprisonment. We will also provide additional authority to consider taking away the personal and commercial licenses of anyone who doesn’t comply with these orders.”

Both OPP and RCMP have provided more officers on the streets and other aides.

During the press conference, Doug Ford also spoke about the Chief Medical Officer of Health’s future plans for mandates and restriction milestones.

He said that Dr. Kieran Moore is developing a plan that would end the use of vaccine passport, but no details or timelines were given. Ford also noted that the province is on track to with the next wave of eased restrictions (Feb. 21st), he didn’t indicate that anything would be moved ahead of schedule yet.

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State Of Emergency Declared In Ottawa

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The mayor of Ottawa declared a state of emergency in the nation’s capital over the weekend.

It comes as an ongoing demonstration against COVID-19 mandates enters its 11th day.

A news release from the city said the state of emergency reflects the “serious danger and threat to the safety and security of residents” from the ongoing demonstration.

It went on to say that the declaration “highlights the need for support from other jurisdictions and levels of government.”

“It also provides greater flexibility within the municipal administration to enable the City of Ottawa to manage business continuity for essential services for its residents and enables a more flexible procurement process, which could help purchase equipment required by frontline workers and first responders,” said the release.

Police said late Sunday that multiple vehicles and fuel have been seized, adding that anyone found bringing fuel to the demonstration trucks could be arrested and charged.

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Trucking Alliance Denounces Highway Protests

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The Canadian Trucking Alliance is condemning protests on public roads over Ottawa’s vaccine mandate for truckers.

It comes as convoys of truckers start to make their way to the nation’s capital in protest of the requirements.

In a statement, the alliance said it believes protests on public roads “are not how disagreements with public policies should be expressed.”

“What is not acceptable is disrupting the motoring public on highways and commerce at the border,” said the federation of provincial trucking associations.

“Members of the trucking industry who want to publicly express displeasure over government policies can choose to hold an organized, lawful event on Parliament Hill or contact their local MP.”

Truckers are planning to do just that, with a rally scheduled for Saturday in Ottawa.

The alliance noted that the “vast majority” of Canadian truck drivers are vaccinated, with the overall industry vaccination rate closely mirroring that of the general public.

President Stephen Laskowski said the trucking industry must “adapt and comply” with the vaccine mandate.

Canadian truck drivers crossing the border from the United States must now be vaccinated against COVID-19 to avoid quarantine, while all unvaccinated foreign drivers will be turned away.

All non-Americans looking to enter the U.S. at a land border, including truck drivers, must show proof of full vaccination.

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Hundreds Flood Emo For Pride Rally

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A couple hundred people converged on Emo Saturday to protest the decision from township leaders not to recognize June as Pride Month.

Borderland Pride co-chair Douglas Judson says they’re blown away by the support.

“The opposition we were experiencing from leaders in the community didn’t reflect the community itself,” says Judson, “I think that that was borne out by the numbers we saw and the enthusiasm of the participants.”

He tells us that they received lots of push back ahead of time to the ‘Emo Ambush’, but that anyone would be hard-pressed to say anything negative of what actually took place.

When it comes to the makeup of those who came out, Judson, who serves on Fort Frances Town Council, explains that they came from all over the northwest including Dryden, Kenora and Thunder Bay.

Borderland Pride co-chair Douglas Judson speaks to Acadia News following the group’s ‘Emo Ambush’ protest.

“They wanted to be part of sending a strong message that our communities in the northwest are places where LGBT people can have a home for themselves…can move and be accepted (for who they are).”

He says that in the end their protest may not sway political decision, but that they might have just help the community.

“I hope that for young people in the community they look at this and they feel emboldened and empowered and have identified that there are allies and organizations and labour unions and community leaders around them that want them to thrive and be successful and cared for.”

He adds that he hopes it reminds people that we don’t need to take things we find unacceptable lying down thanks to the democratic society that we live in.

With files from Colin Redston.

(Provided, Borderland Pride)

(Provided, Borderland Pride)

(Provided, Borderland Pride)

(Provided, Borderland Pride)

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Parents Demand New Autism Strategy

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Protesters will be taking to Queen’s Park on February 18th demanding action to help autistic children.

That’s when MPP’s begin in a new session in the Ontario Legislature.

Alina Cameron is a regional spokesperson for parents with autistic children and she stresses they are upset with the length of time it is taking to roll out a new autism program.

“We’re talking about time sensitive therapies that families need access to right away.”

Cameron notes families are exhausted and some are even in crisis.

She is calling on the government to release a northern strategy or an emergency plan despite promising action.

Cameron says there has been no movement on this file.

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Education Cut Protest Held During Doug Ford Visit

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The local President of the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario is speaking out against provincial cuts in the education system.

Dryden’s Kim Douglas says “Doug Ford has cut so much out of education right now and we are really suffering. It’s hurting children. It’s hurting classes and we really want to make a statement.”

Ontario’s Premier was greeted by roughly 50 protesters during an infrastructure announcement in Kenora on Wednesday.

The group consisted mainly of teachers, education assistants, and labour officials.

Douglas believes the cuts aren’t over yet.

She says teachers are worried about wages and long recesses.

Douglas adds they are taking all of the hits, while the rich get richer.

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