Indigenous Services Minister Addresses First Nations in Ottawa

Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty is addressing hundreds of chiefs in Ottawa today during a special session of the Assembly of First Nations. Her speech is expected to focus on proposed amendments to the Indian Act, following recent sweeping changes made by the Senate that could allow an unknown number of new individuals to gain status. The chiefs will also discuss pressing issues, including child welfare reforms and the impact of major projects on First Nations communities.

Prime Minister Mark Carney participated in the event on Tuesday, where he reaffirmed his commitment to meet with leaders from Coastal First Nations. This follows a unanimous vote by the chiefs to urge the government to maintain the ban on oil tankers in British Columbia and to withdraw an agreement with Alberta that facilitates a new oil pipeline.

Canada’s Continued Support for Ukraine

The Canadian government has announced an additional CAD $235 million in funding for Ukraine amidst ongoing conflict in the region. This latest commitment was detailed by National Defence Minister David McGuinty and Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand, who outlined Canada’s collaborative efforts with NATO allies to procure a package of essential military capabilities from the United States, valued at approximately USD $500 million. Of this, Canada will contribute CAD $200 million towards the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List package.

During a NATO foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels, Minister Anand further announced CAD $35 million in funding for NATO’s Comprehensive Assistance Package for Ukraine, reinforcing Canada’s role in the international response to the ongoing crisis.

Weather and Economic Updates Across Canada

As a winter storm approaches, parts of Atlantic Canada are bracing for significant snowfall and strong winds. The storm, classified as a nor’easter, has prompted Environment Canada to issue snowfall warnings across Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. Forecasts indicate that certain areas could receive between 20 to 30 centimetres of snow, while northern Cape Breton and central Newfoundland may experience up to 50 centimetres by the evening.

In the Greater Toronto Area, the local real estate market is witnessing a decrease in activity. The Toronto Regional Real Estate Board reported that home sales fell by 15.8 percent in November compared to the same month in the previous year. A total of 5,010 homes were sold, with the average selling price dropping to $1,039,458, marking a 6.4 percent decrease from last year.

Concerns over job security are influencing potential buyers, with many hesitant to enter the market despite lower borrowing costs and more favorable selling prices.

In legal news, actor Mike Smith, known for his role in the television series “Trailer Park Boys,” has a court hearing scheduled for today in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Smith faces charges related to an alleged sexual assault stemming from December 2017. His company, Trailer Park Boys Incorporated, has acknowledged the allegations and stated they take them seriously.

On a brighter note, winter sports enthusiasts are optimistically anticipating a strong season as ski resorts report excellent early conditions. Kendra Scurfield, vice-president of Banff Sunshine Village, described the resort as a “full-on winter wonderland,” noting an early seasonal opening on November 2, which is the earliest in over four decades. Other ski areas, including Whistler Blackcomb, Lake Louise, Mont Tremblant, and Saint Sauveur, have also opened their facilities, setting the stage for a vibrant winter sports season.

This report incorporates information from The Canadian Press and was originally published on December 3, 2025.