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«Viewpoints» is the latest podcast and news magazine produced by the Community Radio Fund of Canada. It provides an overview of what’s happening across Canada, thanks to some 20 radio reporters posted across the country (British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, North West Territories, Québec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia) and working for the Local Journalism Initiative (LJI). The Local Journalism Initiative (LJI) supports the production of original civic journalism news content that covers the d ...
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In Sackville, New Brunswick, EOS Eco-Energy, an environmental organization, faces an uncertain funding future. To Nova Scotia, where a pilot project concludes with flying colors. The YourHealthNS app will be expanded to all Nova Scotians. In Ontario, a citizen committee urges Kitchener’s City Council to declare social isolation and loneliness, as a…
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On this week’s show, we’ll be mellowing down, taking it easy in the company of three Canadian musicians. We’ll talk with Jamie Muir, the owner of Supercool Pedals, a Peterborough-based guitar effects store who received international recognition. To Vancouver to meet Sam Tudor, who’s on a tour to promote his new EP. And Alderville First Nation music…
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In Quebec, the Premier’s comments, made last week, casts a shadow over Refugee Day celebrations. François Legault blamed immigrants for Quebec’s housing crisis. A pay-what-you-can food market collaborates with community gardens, for fresh produce. And it works! And women strike outside a Nanaimo Court House and across the country, to bring awarenes…
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Friday, June 21st, is National Indigenous People’s Day. A documentary on Indigenous astronomy expert, Wilfred Buck hits the screens in Kingston this week. Filmmaker, director and producer Lisa Jackson, will be with us. A UBC study probes managed retreat from Sumas Prairie to restore Sumas Lake. But the mayor calls it “ridiculous”. An art tour on th…
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We’ll first turn to the Province of Québec, where a vigil was held to mourn the deaths of Montrealers experiencing homelessness. Abram Benedict has been elected as the new Ontario Regional Chief. An American goshawk attacks Québec trekkers and prompts the temporary closure of the popular Kingsbury hiking trail. And in Sackville, New Brunswick, loca…
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In Ontario, some 200 students will have a brand new Catholic school. The Province invests $17 M in Drayton. In Montréal, Québec, the City is also investing this time, $21.4 M into four “affordable” student residences. Some 670 units up for grabs in a few years. Two women take advantage of the pandemic to gather old and recent stories about their co…
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On today’s 111th episode of Viewpoints, we’ll travel to Québec, Ontario, and British Columbia. Our first stop will be in Laval, Québec, where 200 Amazon employees are the first to join a union in the country. Amazon is fighting back. Then to Ontario, where the Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corp could soon become the largest Indigenous …
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The historic Bellevue House located in Kingston, Ontario, is reopening its doors to the public, after being closed for six years. The Québec town of Stanstead, seeks a new future for the historic Del Monty Hotel property. The Toronto Japanese Film Festival enters its 13th year, presenting more international premieres. And we’ll be visiting a Human …
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It’s Invasive Species Month across the country, and we’ll be closing in on efforts made in different provinces to eradicate those plants, animals, bugs and other organisms that shouldn’t be here… on land or underwater. Out west, environmental authorities are worried about the first invasive green crab being found in Cortes Island waters. Nanaimo, B…
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We’ll drop by Ontario, where the Russell Township forgoes a by-election by simply appointing its new mayor. The Eaton Centre will be home to the 4th Indigenous Fashion Arts Festival this May: Owen Thompson met up with the founder of the streetwear brand, Aaniin Retail. Centre Wellington’s Space Beans compete in national computer science challenge. …
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The city of Prince Rupert BC is embarking on its largest infrastructure investment in 100 years. Volunteers at Prince Edward County’s first Repair Cafe, in Picton, Ontario, help people fix things that might otherwise head to the landfill. A punk-rock music show promises to attract all ages. And it does! A new supportive housing building opens in Na…
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The Orford Express train used to be a moving restaurant and the star and studio of a TV show. But the scenic tourist train has been parked in Magog, Québec since 2019. However, it’s on track for a comeback by spring 2025. Internationally renowned singer-songwriter and musician Alex Cuba will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree, from the Unive…
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This week we’ll feel like nature lovers, and talk about the birds, the trees, and the recyclees… We’ll first turn to the sky again this week. Not for a total solar eclipse, though. Instead, we’ll be on the lookout for thousands of sandhill cranes returning to the Bulkley Valley in British Columbia. Summer is not far ahead! Then to Toronto, which is…
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On today’s show we will, of course, as many others recently did, turn to the sky. Some of us witnessed on April 8 the best of what astronomy can bring. Derek Bullard met up with people in Sherbrooke’s Jacques Cartier Park, where the Sun and the Moon drew big crowds. From Sherbrooke to Montréal to catch a glimpse of the last days of a popular childr…
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Québec’s $11 billion deficit is a result of its own fiscal choices say researchers and opposition parties. The Alberta government spends 5M$ to boost women’s shelters across the province. Ontario farmers are bracing for unpredictable weather as spring arrives. Dams in Nanaimo, British Columbia, are in bad shape and could kill hundreds if they fail,…
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Access to a life-saving intra-nasal Naloxone programme could end soon in New Brunswick. Community workers worry that the life-saving measure could be harder to get. The Cortes Island Food Bank off the BC coast released its annual report showing a 600% increase in need for food. In Kitchener, Ontario, the Irish Real Life Festival has some alternativ…
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In New Brunswick, self-serve community food banks, fall victim to abuse. In British Columbia, a local school principal looks at the realities of cell phone use, as the province legislates to ban cells in class next September. Alberta introduces a new program to prepare for floods and droughts. Health authorities are in high alert across the country…
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We will all be hoping for a clear sky on April 8th trying to catch a glimpse of the total eclipse of the sun. Saying whoosh to the clouds! A $250M revenue-sharing agreement is reached with BC’s northwest communities. In Ontario, the Elora Centre for the Arts gets an extra $1.2 M in government funding to help its expansion. Millinery artist Natalia …
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Communicating with the unhoused during extreme weather? What lessons were learned from the Jan 8th snowstorm in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver. Remembering the late Robbie Robertson—Jace Martin talks about the Lifetime Achievement Award that almost didn’t happen. Global warming is not happening and is based on junk science? Well, yes, according…
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Greater autonomy or devolution is granted to Nunavut. What does it mean and how it could be applied to Northern British Columbia? The VISTA Radio group absorbs 21 Interior B.C. radio stations from BCE. And the Haldimand Township crier is looking to retire. Anyone up for the job? Thanks to our journalists Jeff Gard and Ian Gregg. To our national edi…
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Ten thousand patients are in desperate need of a family doctor in Sault St. Marie, Ontario. In a 1996 interview with singer-songwriter Robbie Robertson brings back memories for Six Nations radio station and community. A new Nanaimo Art Gallery exhibition looks at “stories that animate us.” We celebrate Black History Month by remembering Green Hill,…
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February is Black History Month and we’ll have a great story for you. Canada Post honours Mary Ann Shadd, an activist, publisher, lawyer, teacher and journalist who was influential in the Underground Railroad movement. A new stamp was revealed in honour of her accomplishments. One of her descendants shares her excitement with us. Ottawa caps intern…
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In Montreal, Ravers rally to save nightlife group, Montreal 24/24. Out in BC, the former Green Party deputy leader was found guilty of contempt of court. Hundreds of Sackville area properties see assessment spikes of over 25%. Citizens wonder how to face the tax hikes that go with it. And to Nova Scotia, where city officials gamble to support peopl…
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Transportation advocates say passenger rail service in the Maritimes is doomed if no investments are made. Prince Edward County subsidizes a popular ride sharing company. Five thousand three hundred rides completed in 2022. In Québec, Loisir Sports Outaouais offers free skis and snowshoes to sports enthusiasts. In B.C., Paige Pierce, age 21, is app…
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Halifax is poised to provide more affordable housing. This as homeless encampment sweeps continue in Edmonton, despite community pushback. And as the city of Cobourg, Ontario, opens its first overnight warming centre. We then move to BC where a baker breaks bread to help civilians in Gaza and the occupied territories. And we go to Nanaimo where the…
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Indigenous youth, trains for radio production. OYA Black Arts Coalition celebrates five years of helping black creatives, in Toronto. Quebec confirms tuition hikes for out of province English University Students. And even adds French requirements on top. McGill University has decided it will foot the bill for the tuition hike. And the Calgary Ring …
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On today’s show: In B.C., NDP Federal M. P. Taylor Bachrach, wants parliament, to move faster on a Red Dress Alert system. The University of Northern British Columbia is all smiles as it lands $17M in Research Funding. Alberta residents hit by flooding and forest fires will get $68M. And after a record-setting fire season, SOPFEU, Quebec’s provinci…
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On today’s show: The College of New Caledonia has just welcomed its first female president, in 54 years. The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence culminates on December 10. We’ll travel to Smithers, BC, and to Knowlton, Québec, where women’s coalitions and organizations are working to break the cycle of physical, verbal and psychologic…
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On today’s show: Google will spend $100M to compensate Canadian media for lost revenues. What impact could Google’s millions have on the Canadian community radio sector if any? Will it get its share of the pie? Representatives from media outlets from across the country appeared in front of the CRTC to voice their ideas and concerns around the refor…
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On today’s show: We’ll be all about housing and go to Halifax where the Housing Minister wants to get construction projects rolling. And then to Montréal, where protesters met at the Olympic Stadium to disturb Housing Minister Elaine Duranceau’s speech at the East Summit. In Peterborough, 50 shipping containers will be transformed into a new housin…
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On today’s show, nature and literature will be our beat: We’ll first take a long walk through the Pickard Quarry: a “little pocket” of wilderness in the middle of residential Sackville. And then we’ll have a chat with environmental writer Katharine Fletcher of the Pontiac in Quebec, who has decided to retire from writing her column, after 34 years.…
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On today’s Viewpoints: A rare and ambitious one billion dollar conservation agreement is reached in British Columbia between First Nations, and federal and provincial governments. Scientists are releasing a beetle from the West Coast of BC into the wild in Nova Scotia. This, in an effort to save hemlock trees. In Ontario, the 59th Six Nations Elect…
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On today’s show: A recent survey finds that more Canadians are living beyond their means. Inflation and high interest rates are for many, becoming unbearable. In British Columbia, Premier David Eby is taking the bull by the horns with legislation to regulate short-term rentals. In Québec, students take to the streets to protest increases in tuition…
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On today’s show: Out of province university students wishing to study in Québec’s English universities could face a 100% tuition hike next year if the Québec government gets its way. Bishop’s University is fighting back. Selkirk College’s Nelson campus in BC will host its first Intercultural Day. The College is home to international students from a…
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On today’s show: The Québec government will impose major hikes in tuition fees for out-of-province and international students wishing to study at English universities. Some will pay more than double in 2024. Mustard Seed opens 40 new shelter spaces for Calgary women with the help of new government funding. In Newfoundland and Labrador, the governme…
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On today’s show: Foreign workers in Québec launch a class-action suit saying they are deceived and exploited by their employers. The Alberta government will spend 28 million dollars opening 22,500 new, licensed childcare spaces across the province. An interfaith gathering in Peterborough, Ontario, celebrates its 20th anniversary. Jews, Christians, …
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On today’s show: Hundreds of protesters took to the streets in Montréal to demand climate action. They are asking their governments to do more. In British Columbia, a boat builder shares his unique skills to stay in touch with his community. Fall is vaccination time. Updated COVID-19 and flu shots are now being deployed across Canada. And through o…
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On today’s Viewpoints: We’ll be grass hopping from city to province. We’ll tell you about Truth and Reconciliation Day. September 30th marks Truth and Reconciliation Day across the country. A time to reflect on the past but also to create a better future for Indigenous peoples. We’ll go to BC, and New Brunswick. The 1 Million March 4 Kids national …
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On today’s show: People in dozens of Canadian communities took to the streets in competing protests to voice their opposition or approval on how schools approach Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity education. A piece of history from rural New Brunswick resonates all across Canada and around the world. The book, “Len and Cub: A Queer History,” do…
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On today’s Viewpoints: A recent report shows the minimum wage in Nova Scotia is far below what the calculated livable wage should be. Justice for Workers Nova Scotia says employers should step in, and pay more than what is required by law. People on welfare in Québec say they feel imprisoned by a rule that forbids them to leave the province more th…
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On today’s Viewpoints: We’ll have five stories for you this week and most of them from out west. We won’t be talking about forest fires, but about Drug Overdose Awareness Day, and what community members are doing to try to combat the overdose epidemic in BC. We’ll talk with an ex-drug dealer about how he overcame his own addiction and with a woman …
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On today’s show: We’ll settle down and have a chat with a man with a purpose. Marcus Pukonen traveled for eight years across the globe without using a single motor. No planes, no motor boats, or motorcycles. You might have heard of him already on Viewpoints, as we did play an excerpt from an interview he granted to Owen Thompson. But today, we have…
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On today’s Viewpoints: Mobile home sales are down across British Columbia. Some mobile park owners are refusing to sign a controversial bank form, blocking transactions, mobile home owners caught in bureaucracy. A generous land donation helps to expand the Amlamgog First Nation conservation project near Sackville, New Brunswick. And an arbutus wood…
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On today’s show: We’ll talk literature with three Canadian writers. We’ll first stop in Russell, Ontario to meet up with writer Phil Gurski. He’s a local writer whose self-published book tells the story of over 150 men who left Russell to fight in the First World War. And then to Toronto’s City’s Book Awards that just unveiled this year’s long list…
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On today’s show: The City of Edmonton will be planting 2 million trees over the next eight years, investing more than $100M. Bill C-18 is blurring the media landscape across the country. Facebook started blocking content on its platforms. Local community radios and newspapers could be hit harder than others. Crime on Vancouver Island is on the rise…
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On today’s Viewpoints: Canadians celebrated Emancipation Day on August 1st all across the country. Many took part in the 10th Freedom Train Ride event at Union Station in Toronto, for example. And in Nova Scotia, the Dalhousie Art Gallery celebrated Emancipation Day with “The Secret Codes” quilt exhibit. We’ll dive into Bill C-18 which is creating …
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This episode is a rerun of a show previously aired on March 17, 2023.Today, three stories out of British Columbia: Nelson Public Library speaks out about the hate campaign and the threats that forced it to cancel a drag event. A couple living in their RV is having a difficult time finding a place to park during the winter months in Revelstoke. Abbo…
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On today’s show: We’re back in British Columbia with two stories from BC where authorities are still fighting more than 300 forest fires. Severe drought could now also become a serious problem. A new art exhibition opens in Fort McMurray, Alberta. It’s called Intersections and it features art pieces from both Indigenous and LGBTQ+ artists. A Canadi…
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On today’s show: Forest fires in British Columbia are keeping firefighters busy. No relief in sight. This could be the worst ever forest fire season in BC. Some Ontario farmers are also feeling the heat: in Wellington County, recent heatwaves have been keeping them busy. The province of Nova Scotia is training hundreds of doctors. Some 150,000 citi…
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On today’s Viewpoints: In British Columbia, Interior Health issues another drug alert for the Kootenays. An Environmental Racism Panel has been appointed in Nova Scotia. We’ll sit down to have some tea and biscuits at Toronto’s Public Library second Death Café. In rural Ontario, the Ride Well ridesharing program has become a victim of its success. …
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