A minor Indigenous dispute has stalled a major mining project in British Columbia, while Frank Stronach has been found guilty on two counts in a sexual assault trial. These are among the top stories being followed today.
Indigenous Dispute Halts Major B.C. Gold Mine
A judge has cancelled the approval for construction of a gold mine in northern British Columbia, despite 15 years of planning and consultations, support from two major Indigenous groups, and $1.2 billion already spent on the project. The decision came after a group of 58 Indigenous people, described as “calling itself a First Nation,” projected an Aboriginal title claim onto the area. Columnist Jamie Sarkonak highlights the implications of this ruling for major projects in Canada.
Frank Stronach Convicted of Sexual Assault
Auto parts billionaire Frank Stronach has been found guilty of one count of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault in a Toronto trial. The charges relate to historical claims involving two women at a nightclub he owned in the 1980s. Stronach’s lawyer described the offences as “minor.”
Human Rights Museum Faces Controversy Over Nakba Exhibit
Columnist Kevin Klein reports that the Canadian Museum for Human Rights’ planned “Nakba” exhibit should be paused. A prominent Israeli legal centre plans to file a court injunction to stop the exhibit, following emails that revealed coordination between museum officials and a representative of the Palestinian Authority on the exhibit’s content.
Most Canadians Favour Return of Death Penalty
A new poll has found that 60 per cent of Canadians support reinstating the death penalty for murder. However, when given the option of life imprisonment without parole as an alternative, support drops to 49 per cent.
Maya Gebala Makes Remarkable Progress
Maya Gebala, a survivor of the Tumbler Ridge shooting, has begun communicating using a tablet. Her mother describes “incredible strides,” noting that Maya is using a ‘yes/no’ button and operating the sling that lowers her into a wheelchair.
