Here are five stories to know today, with the focus first on Cornwall, SDG&A and Akwesasne, then on Ottawa’s push to save steel jobs in Hamilton.
Councillor questions use of AI in Cornwall’s quarterly financial report
Councillor Denis Sabourin pressed staff at a recent Cornwall council meeting on how much artificial intelligence went into the City’s latest quarterly financial report, Cornwall Seaway News reports. Financial consultant Shamaim Ikram said roughly 20 per cent of the document involved AI, explaining that Microsoft Copilot enterprise software was used for grammar and formatting while the underlying figures came from department reports assembled by Financial Services. Sabourin called it “a difficult read, a challenging read compared to what we’ve had in other years,” and questioned whether AI should be used even for editing, while Councillor Dean Hollingsworth asked for clearer departmental explanations in future reports. The report itself shows that, by June 30, the City had spent $137.1 million of its $302.7-million balanced operating budget, about $14.25 million below budget, while revenues of $146.76 million were about $4.58 million short, leaving a favourable net position of $9.66 million. For taxpayers, the exchange raises a practical question about how clearly the City explains where their money goes. Source: Cornwall Seaway News.
City seeks comments by October 12 on urban boundary expansion for 196 homes
The City of Cornwall is proposing Official Plan Amendment No. 11, which would expand its urban boundary to make room for a residential development of 196 dwelling units, including single-detached homes, semi-detached homes and townhouses. The proposal also includes mixed residential and institutional uses on commercially zoned frontage along Vincent Massey Drive. The Planning Advisory Committee is scheduled to hold a public meeting on the amendment on Monday, October 19, at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall, where anyone may speak for or against it. The City is asking for written comments by October 12 so they can be considered ahead of the meeting. Materials are available at the Civic Complex, 100 Water Street East, or through [email protected], and residents with questions can reach Director of Development Services Ryan Windle at 613-932-2787 ext. 2312. Source: City of Cornwall.
Mohawk Council of Akwesasne calls for respect after border remarks
The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (MCA) issued a statement on October 6 responding to recent negative characterizations of Akwesasne that caused concern in the community, aligning itself with the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s call for mutual respect, understanding and partnership between neighbours. The statement follows a U.S. congressional campaign video in which Franklin County GOP chair Jason Ellis portrayed the Tribe’s lands as a border security weak point, remarks the Tribe condemned and for which Ellis apologized, according to NNY360. The MCA said Akwesasne is home to thousands of hardworking residents, families, professionals and business owners who contribute to the community and the surrounding region, and urged leaders and public figures to use their influence to promote unity rather than division. The council also noted that some neighbouring businesses and individuals had privately expressed support. It added that “the remarks of a few do not represent our neighbours as a whole,” a reminder of the close ties between Akwesasne, Cornwall and nearby communities. Sources: Mohawk Council of Akwesasne and NNY360.
Akwesasne consultation dinners on new Child Rights and Responsibilities Law begin October 14
The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne’s Working Task Group is hosting community consultation dinners on the proposed Akwesasne Child Rights and Responsibilities Law, known as Eniethihswanón:na. The first session is scheduled for the District of Kaná:takon on Wednesday, October 14, at 5 p.m. at the Kaná:takon Recreation Center, with meals served first-come, first-served. Sessions for the districts of Kawehnò:ke and Tsi Snaíhne have not yet been scheduled, and the MCA says those dates and locations will be announced with at least four weeks’ notice. Attendees can learn about and discuss the history, development and implementation of the law, and copies of the draft are available at the Akwesasne Justice Department, 45 Johnson Road, Kaná:takon. Families who want a say in a law focused on children’s rights can contact Legislative Services Manager Alyson Thompson at 613-575-5000. Source: Mohawk Council of Akwesasne.
Ottawa gives Stelco’s U.S. owner five days to present a job-saving plan
Industry Minister Mélanie Joly has given Cleveland-Cliffs, the U.S. owner of Hamilton-based Stelco, five business days to present a compliance plan after the company announced layoffs affecting up to 500 workers, The Canadian Press reports. In a letter to Stelco president Paul Simon, Joly said the conditions attached to Canada’s 2024 approval of the takeover, which included maintaining union and non-union jobs, remain binding despite changing circumstances. She also noted the company has blamed trade disruptions even though its CEO has publicly backed U.S. Section 232 tariffs. If the response falls short, Ottawa could go to superior court and seek penalties, compliance orders or even a forced sale of the business. For manufacturing workers across Ontario, the outcome will show how far Ottawa is prepared to go to enforce job commitments made when foreign companies buy Canadian firms. Source: The Canadian Press via National Newswatch.
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