Saskatchewan nations settle on unpaid annuities
A Saskatchewan First Nation has settled a dispute with the federal government for $4.5 million dollars in compensation.
The Specific Claims Tribunal says Ottawa breached its obligation to the Beardy and Okemasis First Nations to pay treaty annuities to its members because it believed the bands were involved in a rebellion.
The resistance resulted in the holding of government annuities for thirteen nations for three years in the late 1800’s.
Ottawa has 30 days to appeal the decision.

Province reducing costs on payday loan services
Ontario is lowering the maximum total cost of borrowing for a payday loan to $18 per $100 borrowed as of January 1st.
The change will ensure consumers who use payday loan services are better protected and able to benefit from lower costs.
Ontario has also introduced legislation to strengthen protections for consumers who use rent-to-own and cheque-cashing services, as well as for consumers who have debts in collection.
If passed, the Putting Consumers First Act, would increase protections for consumers including grace periods for repayment on rent-to-own services and restrictions on high-frequency borrowing.

Guelph investigation arrests man on child porn charges
A 33-year-old man is facing child pornography charges after an investigation in Guelph.
Police aren’t revealing the man’s name or any more details about the investigation.
He was arrested Tuesday and charged with accessing and posessing child pornography and making it available for distribution.
He will appear in court February 7th.