The City of Timmins is advancing its Highway 101 reconstruction project with new provincial funding, though financial challenges persist. The project, initially estimated at $95.5 million, now requires $120 million to address deteriorated infrastructure. The Ministry of Transportation of Ontario has allocated $3 million through the Connecting Links program, but the funding cap limits progress. Mayor Steve Black is seeking additional funds from other government programs, including the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund and a recent federal-provincial bilateral agreement, to expedite the project.

The Canadian government's involvement in First Nations' financial affairs, through the Default Prevention and Management Policy (DPMP), has often worsened conditions in these communities. An investigation by National Observer reveals that the policy, which allows the government to control or co-manage First Nations' finances, has led to deteriorating housing and water quality in many cases. Despite plans to phase out the policy, First Nations leaders argue that reparations are necessary. The investigation underscores the systemic issues and calls for a more tailored approach to governance and financial management for the diverse First Nations communities.

The Pope's recent visit to Canada and formal apology to Indigenous Peoples for the Catholic Church's role in the residential school system marks a significant moment in the path to reconciliation. The apology, which came after years of pressure and a direct request from an Indigenous delegation to the Vatican, addresses the cultural destruction and forced assimilation experienced by over 150,000 Indigenous children. While the apology fulfills one of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's calls to action, reactions among Indigenous communities vary, with some welcoming the gesture and others feeling it falls short, particularly in acknowledging sexual abuse and the Church's institutional responsibility. The visit is seen as a first step, with further actions such as repatriating artifacts, releasing records, and rescinding the Doctrine of Discovery being called for by Indigenous Peoples. The Pope's visit is part of a larger journey towards healing, with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission outlining steps for the Church to take, emphasizing that the responsibility for reconciliation extends beyond Indigenous communities to all Canadians.

The United Nations climate summit COP26 is nearing its conclusion, but negotiations are expected to extend into the weekend due to unresolved issues in the final cover decision. Key topics include the role of cities and regions in addressing the climate crisis and the contentious issue of loss and damage, with developing countries demanding compensation from richer nations for climate-induced harm. The draft text's language on fossil fuels has been softened, now calling for the phaseout of 'unabated coal power' and 'inefficient subsidies for fossil fuels,' reflecting ongoing debates and compromises.

Young climate activists, led by Greta Thunberg, protested in Glasgow against the perceived inaction of global leaders at COP26. The demonstration highlighted the disproportionate impact of climate change on Indigenous communities and criticized the UN event as a 'Global North greenwash festival.' The protest included diverse voices from Indigenous activists, labor groups, socialists, and medical students, all calling for urgent and radical action to address the climate crisis.

Canada's National Observer will provide on-the-ground coverage of the COP26 climate conference in Glasgow, focusing on Canada's role in negotiations, climate finance, biodiversity, Indigenous rights, oceans, civil society, plastics, food systems, and the youth movement. The team acknowledges the carbon footprint of travel to the conference but emphasizes the importance of reporting on climate change and its implications for Canadians. The coverage will include insights from various reporters and multimedia content.

Seth Klein, a columnist for Canada's National Observer, discusses the obstruction of climate action by fossil fuel companies and suggests that the government should take a firmer stance against these delays.

Justice Graeme Mitchell unexpectedly attended the closing ceremony for Tristen Durocher's suicide prevention advocacy at Wascana Park in Regina on September 13, where he was presented with a Métis sash.

Métis suicide prevention advocate Tristen Durocher concluded his 44-day fast with a bagpipe procession to the Saskatchewan legislature in Regina, emphasizing the importance of suicide prevention. The event was documented by Michael Bramadat-Willcock, a Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for Canada's National Observer.

Linda Solomon Wood interviews Sandy Garossino and Bruce Livesey about the future of Canada's Conservative Party, the Meng trial, and current events in Trump's America.

Canada's roadbuilding and aggregate sectors face a mixed outlook in 2019, with steady growth in some regions and volatility in others. Federal infrastructure funding continues to experience delays, and the Canada Infrastructure Bank has been slow to invest. British Columbia expects steady business, though regulatory challenges and labor shortages are concerns. Alberta faces economic headwinds due to slumping oil prices and uncertain infrastructure spending. Saskatchewan and Manitoba anticipate reduced work and funding challenges. Ontario is optimistic about policy changes and infrastructure spending, while Quebec looks forward to continued growth but is wary of labor shortages. Atlantic Canada expects steady investment, though New Brunswick faces uncertainty due to budget cuts.

British Columbia's new Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) aims to provide fair wages, job opportunities, and training for construction and roadbuilding workers. Announced by Premier John Horgan, the CBA prioritizes hiring Indigenous people, women, and local workers. The agreement addresses skills gaps and labor shortages, with a goal of 25% apprenticeship hours per project. The new Crown corporation, BC Infrastructure Benefits, Inc., will manage employment logistics. While the B.C. Building Trades unions support the CBA, some business associations and non-affiliated unions criticize it for favoring certain unions and potentially increasing project costs. The CBA will be applied to upcoming projects like the Pattullo Bridge replacement and Trans Canada Highway expansion.

The article explores the history and current state of the Pasteur pigeon coop in Saigon, Vietnam. Le Van Au, a local furniture restorer, discusses the coop's past, dating back to the late 1910s or early 1920s, when it was built by the Hindu community and served as a place for people to feed pigeons. The coop, which is located near the Sri Thendayuttaphani Temple, has been unused for years, and the pigeons have long since disappeared. Despite the rapid urban development and the construction of a new skyscraper nearby, Au reflects philosophically on the inevitability of change and the importance of memory. The article captures the tension between Saigon's historical past and its modernizing present, as symbolized by the pigeon coop's survival amidst the city's transformation.

Vietnam's winter sports team is making its debut at the eighth annual Asian Winter Games in Japan's Hokkaido Prefecture. Six athletes from Saigon and Phan Thiet will compete in alpine and cross-country skiing, as well as snowboarding events. Despite the lack of snow in their tropical country, the athletes have trained on unconventional terrain, including Vietnam's streets and sand dunes. Team captain Nguyen Duc Manh and alpine skier Pham Tien Dat have some experience with snow from South Korea's Dream Program. The team is excited but nervous, and they aim to showcase their determination and the potential for winter sports development in Vietnam. Although the snowboarders had a challenging start, with Trinh Dinh Thoi finishing 18th and Nguyen Thai Binh not finishing, the team remains optimistic about the upcoming events.