Government of Canada provides funding to facilitate Indigenous and Northerners’ participation in major project impact assessments in the North

Dec 20, 2018

Ottawa, ON - The Government of Canada is committed to supporting the meaningful participation of Indigenous peoples and Northerners in impact assessment and regulatory decision-making processes for major projects.

The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade, announced the creation of the Northern Participant Funding Program. This program will help Indigenous peoples and Northerners access the resources and expertise needed to participate effectively in impact assessments of major resource or infrastructure development projects in Canada’s North.

The Government of Canada is investing $10.3 million over five years, beginning in 2018-2019, as a part of its ongoing commitment to renewing Canada’s relationship with Indigenous peoples. The investment also supports the implementation of the Government of Canada’s proposed new impact assessment system that would recognize and respect the rights, culture and interests of Indigenous peoples.

Source : Government of Canada

Video: California Farm Bureau 2025 Farm Dog of the Year Contest Winner - Willy - CAFB 107th Annual Meeting

Meet Willy: California Farm Bureau’s 2025 Farm Dog of the Year!

We’re excited to introduce Willy, a miniature long-haired dachshund with a big heart and even bigger courage, and the Grand Prize winner of this year’s Farm Dog of the Year Contest!

Willy may be small, but he’s become an indispensable partner on owner Marshal Hagedorn’s forestry and cattle operations in Shasta, Tehama, and Siskiyou counties. Adopted in 2023, he quickly found his place on the ranch, helping manage critters, tagging along for long days in the woods, and offering unwavering companionship during demanding logging work.

Willy has even taken naturally to moving cattle, surprising calves (and more than a few full-grown cows!) with his burst of energy from the tall grass. As Marshal put it: “He goes with me everywhere every single day.”

Congratulations to Willy and his family, a perfect example of how every good farm dog, no matter the size, helps keep California agriculture running strong.