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Salmon swimming against river current. Norway. Europe. Stavanger region, Rogaland, Ryfylke scenic route. Salmon in these rivers is a very significant part of the worldwide stock of Atlantic salmon.

N.B. Salmon Council says funding welcomed, missed mark on priorities

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Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the $81.7 million in funding, which would pay out over the following five years, to stabilize and rebuild Atlantic salmon populations.

The news further progresses Canada’s National Strategy to Ensure the Future of Atlantic Salmon, which is part of the Prime Minister’s broader A Force of Nature plan.

The funding – the largest investment in wild Atlantic salmon conservation in Canadian history – triggered an additional $25 million contribution from the Atlantic Salmon Federation (ASF). These funds were raised from foundations and contributions.

The New Brunswick Salmon Council, an affiliate of the ASF, represents 21 organizations across New Brunswick, including one in Maine that shares a drainage with the province.

John Bagnall, Vice President of the N.B. Salmon Council, believes the funding will mean something to their affiliates.

“There’s about $2 million for this year [available for grants], so there’s quite a bit of money for the next four years coming up, and they will be able to apply for funding,” said Bagnall.

The tens of millions will go towards habitat, research and monitoring, improving fish passage at culverts, and making possible collaborations between Indigenous groups and other affiliates.

Bagnall says that although the funding will help groups in the area, he thinks the federal government is missing key priorities.

“The $82 million could, if it was spent right, do a lot. I do not want to be greedy, it could do a lot for salmon, but I think they’re missing priorities,” he said.

The VP sees two issues that should be priorities surrounding the future of Atlantic salmon: striped bass and hatcheries.

“Striped bass are overwhelming the Miramichi River and other rivers in the Gulf region that flow into the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The priority should be to control the striped bass so they’re not predating the smolts as they go out into the high seas and allow returns from the ocean so that we can get rebuilding of the Miramichi salmon stock, and they’re also affecting the Restigouche now,” said Bagnall.

He says controlling striped bass would not require funding and could be done by increasing the number of fish that can be caught annually by First Nation fisheries, which currently sits around 200,000, according to Bagnall.

“Striped bass is a wonderful commercial species and First Nations have the right to catch those fish, they’ve just got to be given the opportunity to get them every year, 300 to 350,000 would be better, so we can get striped bass down to 100,000 which would allow for the rebuilding of the Miramichi salmon stock and would keep the fish from going up into the Restigouche where they’re eating juvenile fish.”

Hatchery support, or smolt-to-adult supplementation, is when wild smolts are grown out of the hatchery (in this case, salmon) into adults and released into the wild, which allows for further spawning in waters. Bagnall says there are ways to do this without creating genetic problems and could rapidly rebuild the stocks as long as bass are controlled.

The Miramichi represents over half of the juvenile production habitat out of all the salmon rivers in the Gulf region. If striped bass are not contained, the salmon population will continue to dwindle and could reach a point of depressed population phenomena, which, according to Bagnall, could result in losing salmon in the entire region.

“It’s getting very serious, and we’d like the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to establish a new reference point way below the 547,000 bass that presently exist, like 50,000 or similar, and have a target of 100,000 spawning bass that is compatible with the sustainability of the Miramichi, and will protect other rivers too,” said Bagnall. “We’re in serious difficulty, and there’s a lot of denial out there.”

He says that fisheries could be curtailed if the number of spawning bass drops below 547,000. The spawn target is currently 730,000 striped bass, which Bagnall believes is unreasonable.

“In 2024, it was a disaster, 5,500 salmon came back to the whole Miramichi. There used to be 80,000 in the past, and there’s been over 100,000. Last year was a little better, 7000 according to my calculations,” said Bagnall. “Trouble is last year, a vast majority were grills, or males. The big game in salmon management is to get egg deposition into the gravel so you can get fry, parr and smolts. Maybe this year there’ll be more multi-sea winter fish, in other words, the big female salmon, hopefully.”

Bagnall says the region is in trouble and needs hatcheries. Groups have an application into DFO to conduct a 4,500 smolt-to-adult supplementation program and are waiting for approval, according to the VP.

“These hatcheries are important tools and [the DFO] doesn’t seem to realize the importance of them,” he said.

retiree farmer

New Brunswick among top provinces for farmland growth

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Farm Credit Canada (FCC) reports that Canadian farmland values rose by 9.3% on average in 2025, extending a more than 30-year trend of annual increases.

New Brunswick was among four provinces—along with Alberta, Manitoba, and Prince Edward Island—that recorded faster growth than in 2024.

FCC’s executive vice president of agriculture production, J.P. Gervais, pointed to strong demand for farmland, driven by long-term confidence in Canadian agriculture, lower borrowing costs, strong livestock prices, and limited land supply.

While rising farmland values continue to benefit existing landowners, FCC cautions that they also create challenges for new entrants. To address this, the organization offers Transition Loans aimed at helping young farmers get established.

Mount Allison University Sackville

NB university receiving $3M in funding for community multi-sport complex

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Mount Allison University is set to receive $3 million from the provincial government to support construction of a new multi-sport complex, expected to open in 2030.

The fully accessible facility will feature a 26,000-square-foot playing surface, a walking track, multiple courts, and a multi-purpose space. It is designed to serve the university’s more than 2,000 students as well as nearly 15,000 residents of the Tantramar area.

University president Ian Sutherland says the project represents an investment in the health, well-being, and future of students.

Sutherland says the complex “will create a dynamic, accessible space that supports varsity and recreational athletics, strengthens community connections, and serves the region for generations to come.”

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$6M announced for Indigenous tourism in Canada, includes Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre

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The federal government announced $6 million in new funding for Indigenous tourism across Canada through the Indigenous Tourism Fund’s Signature Indigenous Tourism Experiences Stream (SITES) program.

Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism) Rechie Valdez says, “Indigenous Peoples are the original storytellers of this land, and Indigenous tourism gives visitors the chance to experience those stories, cultures, and traditions first-hand.”

Officials say funding will support the construction of the new Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre (MDCC) near Millbrook First Nation, Nova Scotia where the announcement took place. 

MDCC Executive Director Tim Bernard says, “Our Elders have created a place where people can come together, spend time on the land, and learn about Mi’kmaw history and culture directly from Mi’kmaw voices.”

Funding also reaches areas of Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, and British Columbia. According to a release, the investment will create over 100 jobs, draw 500,000+ annual visitors, and boost Indigenous economies by expanding cultural tourism, infrastructure, and growth.

Bernard adds, “In the years ahead, Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre will be a place where we will welcome visitors to deepen their understanding of Mi’kmaw history, culture, and understand our 13,000 years of connection to this land.”

Legislature

Province releases list of restored program funding

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What specific funding is being restored by the Nova Scotia government?

Premier Tim Houston announced Tuesday they’re walking back $53 million in planned cuts in the upcoming budget, after protests and public outcry.

The restoration is focused on seniors, disabilities and youth programs.

The biggest chunk coming back is $16 million for the seniors meal delivery program.

As well as over $6.6 million in operating grants for long-term care facilities

Over $3.5 million is back for the youth day program pilot, and $3.3 million toward grants for disability support locations.

There’s also $1.8 million for Autism Nova Scotia, and $1.4 million restored for various scholarships for African Nova Scotian students.

For a full list, click here.

Confederation College Thunder Bay campus

Confederation College welcomes funding increase

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The president of Confederation College is offering her appreciation to the provincial funding increase announced last week.

Ontario’s colleges are to get increases starting this fall.

The exact amount of money Confederation College will receive is not immediately known.

Michelle Salo says it should help avoid budget deficits that have been projected for this year and next.

“This fiscal year will end in a deficit, and next year was going to be a large deficit, which would be almost impossible to try and balance based on our current cost structure and all the efficiencies that we’ve already implemented as a college,” says Salo.

“So this additional funding really helps us to be able to manage a budget that’s a potential deficit that’s much more reasonable and something that we can work towards.”

Confederation College President Michelle Salo speaks to community members during a visit to Kenora, June 2025. Image: Tim Davidson

Last year, the college cut several programs.

Salo says the new funding would not have saved those programs because the moves were done in response to the federal government’s cap on foreign students.

“Unfortunately, the current funding won’t reverse any of those changes that we made, but it will help to continue to support the existing programming that we have,” says Salo.

Colleges will also benefit from a 2% increase in tuition fees.

This ends a tuition freeze that was put in place in 2018 after the province reduced them by 10%.

Salo says the increase will not address all of the revenue lost to colleges since.

“If you consider there was a 10% reduction in 2018 and it’s frozen since, the cumulative impact on the revenue is significant,” says Salo.

“It’s well over 30 % on the tuition side if we hadn’t had the drop in the freeze. So 2% is really a drop in the bucket, but it definitely helps to support, again, the future sustainability. And I think it’s a reasonable amount for students.”

The College is currently planning its budget for the next year.

The number of international students is expected to decline further as the federal cap continues to take hold.

Domestic student enrollment is expected to remain about the same for 2026-27 as it is now.

Salo says they are hoping to soon hear from the province on the exact amount of money they will receive, so they can finalize the budget and present it to the Board of Directors for approval in March.

Greg Rickford visits Fort Frances pool Aug 2024 (5)

Fort Frances council delays decision on new grant writer

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It could be a first in northwestern Ontario.

The town of Fort Frances is considering the hiring of a grant writer to source out funding and oversee its use.

It is now done by existing staff.

Chief Administrative Officer Marcel Michaels says the new position would alleviate their workload.

“I look at the wage we pay, like our manager and the administrative roles that are tied to grant writing,” says Michaels.

“And to me, I would rather pay somebody and try to extrapolate all of the administrative duties away from our high-level thinking administrator and make them focus on growth and development in this community.”

Operations and Facilities Manager Travis Rob notes that he worked on about 20 grants last year, and has 13 open files that will occupy much of his time over the next month to complete the required reporting.

Major Ontario cities, including Toronto, Ottawa, Mississauga, London, Kingston, and St. Thomas, have dedicated grant writers or utilize contract services.

Councillor Wendy Brunetta says she spoke to seven municipalities and found that only one was considering a similar position.

She says she is not opposed to the idea but notes there has been some discussion about a regional service being created for northwestern Ontario communities.

“In fact, during some discussions that I had with other mayors, we’ve talked about possibly looking at NOMA (Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association) having some ability to provide a service to municipalities in the form of final edits and things like that,” says Brunetta.

Council has agreed to delay making a final decision until next month while Brunetta gathers more information from the regional municipal lobby group.

Administration has included the position in the 2026 operating budget that is also scheduled for council approval next month.

Lisa Thompson Jan 19 2026

$20 million made available to rural Ontario

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Rural municipalities have access to another $20 million.

The provincial government is now accepting applications from eligible communities for funding through the province’s Rural Ontario Development Program.

It was established to support economic development and infrastructure projects in small, rural and northern communities.

Rural Affairs Minister Lisa Thompson says the money is double what was previously committed.

“And through rural economic development projects, it’s been proven that for every dollar invested into our communities, into our municipalities, there is a return of four to one. . .for every dollar invested in rural Ontario,” says Thompson

Almost 500 projects have been assisted with the fund since 2019.

Thompson also announced that a series of rural summits will take place this year.

She says they will travel across the province to gather views on the issues impacting rural areas and the opportunities that exist.

“Because the realities in Niagara are not the same as the realities in Red Lake,” says Thompson.

“These summits will help shape a path forward throughout small towns and rural Ontario.”

No dates have been announced for the summits.

man in yellow shirt and blue denim jeans jumping on brown wooden railings under blue and

Sioux Lookout Community Improvement Plan launches for 2026

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The Municipality of Sioux Lookout has opened applications for the 2026 Community Improvement Plan (CIP), continuing a program that has played a major role in revitalizing the community’s downtown and supporting new housing growth over the past two years.

The CIP provides financial incentives to eligible businesses and property owners to help fund projects in designated improvement areas.

These can include facade upgrades, accessibility improvements, residential intensification, building renovations, and property rehabilitation.

The program is designed to support three key municipal priorities: downtown revitalization, economic development, and housing development.

Since its launch in 2024, Sioux Lookout’s CIP has supported 23 projects, contributing to refreshed storefronts, new housing initiatives, and improvements to public spaces. Local leaders say the program has already had a meaningful impact.

“The Community Improvement Plan has been an avenue for the Municipality to work with business owners and private developers to grow businesses and bring a range of housing options to residents,” said Mayor Doug Lawrance. “The CIP has attracted significant interest since we began, and we look forward to receiving new applications this year.”

CAO and Municipal Clerk Brian MacKinnon noted that the program’s flexibility allows the municipality to support a wide range of projects.

“The CIP program allows us to work with private developers and business owners on building upgrades, housing projects, façade improvements, and accessibility enhancements. Supporting these projects is instrumental in creating a vibrant and welcoming community,” he said.

The application intake period is open now and runs until February 28, 2026. Funding decisions will be based on how well proposals align with the program’s goals and the amount of available funding.

Eligibility details, forms, and additional program information are available at siouxlookout.ca under the Community Improvement Plan section.

person using MacBook Pro

Funding opens up more internet access at First Nations Libraries

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More First Nations libraries in Ontario will soon be able to provide free internet access to the public.

The Ontario government announced it is making a $78,000 increase to the Internet Connectivity Grant program, which helps reimburse rural, northern and First Nations Public Libraries for their connectivity costs.

The province says that additional amount of funds will allow 30 public libraries in Ontario the ability to join the program.

“Accessible and reliable internet elevates education, economic opportunities, and community connection,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation in a news release.

“In expanding the Internet Connectivity Grant, we are ensuring that all First Nation public libraries can continue providing this critical service at no cost to their communities.”

Since 2018, the Internet Connectivity Grant program has provided the province’s public libraries with more than $4.3 million to ensure communities have reliable internet access.

According to a recent report, nearly one in three northern Ontarians without home internet rely on public libraries for online access to remote education, job searches and other services.

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