Highland Council Trading Standards are warning residents to be on their guard following reports of an unsolicited text message claiming to be from the UK Government Living Allowance Office.
The text reads:
“UK Government Living Allowance Office Last Time Reminder: Due to the reduction of winter heating subsidy, you can no longer receive it, and the uk government has decided to advance the living subsidy to allow you to survive the winter.
We will reopen applications. Please apply for your living subsidy in the link as soon as possible after receiving the information. If you do not submit an application before 2024/10/15, we will cancel your qualification and reallocate the funds.”
Mark McGinty Trading Standards Team Leader states: “Please be careful when you receive a text message from a Government Body, it’s not usually something that Government Bodies do, and if you think the text means something to you please go to your original source and check things out that way” He also offered this advice to anyone receiving such a text message:
Never click on any links in the text
Be suspicious
Beware of pressure selling tactics. These can include being told time is of the essence
Always check with the Government Body in another way, the .gov website is a good starting point.
Do not rely on a number provided in the text
Do not provide any personal information
Report the text by using 7726
Mr McGinty adds, “Scam texts are designed to get your interest and mislead you into thinking you are doing the right thing by responding. Responding will only give the scammers what they need to exploit you, usually financially, by emptying your bank account. Please take a minute to think and if in doubt do not engage.”
If you have a complaint or wish to report a scam text you can contact Trading Standards partner agency Advice Direct Scotland on telephone 0808 164 6000 or at http://www.consumeradvice.scot
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Moolenaar (4th District of Michigan)
Headline: Moolenaar: Death of Hamas Leader is Justice for His Victims
Today, Hamas leader and architect of the October 7th attacks on Israel, Yahya Sinwar, was killed in a targeted military operation conducted by Israel, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed.
“The world is safer today thanks to the Israeli military operation that eliminated Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. American citizens have been killed by Sinwar and his terrorists, and his death today is justice for the families of his victims. I will continue to stand with Israel as it fights to free the remaining hostages and defeat Hamas,” said Congressman John Moolenaar.
Sinwar organized the attacks against Israeli civilians on October 7, 2023, where Hamas brutalized communities in southern Israel. Hamas killed more than 1,200 innocent civilians, and took 254 people, including 12 American citizens as hostage on October 7.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21)
Washington, DC –Earlier this week, Representative Lois Frankel (FL-22) announced the start of Medicare Open Enrollment for 2025. There are currently 67.5 million Medicare enrollees nationwide, including over 350,000 in Palm Beach County. Every year, Medicare enrollees have the opportunity to review their coverage and select a plan that best meets their needs. Recent changes to Medicare could save seniors thousands of dollars.
“This week we marked the start of an important time of year for the over 350,000 Medicare beneficiaries in Palm Beach County,” said Rep. Frankel. “Medicare plans change every year, so seniors should check all coverage options to select the best plan for them. If you are satisfied with your current plan, no action on your part is needed.”
Under the leadership of President Biden and Vice President Harris, as well as Democrats in Congress, we are lowering health care costs. The price of insulin is now capped at $35 per month, recommended vaccines—including the shingles vaccine—are available at no cost, and starting next year, there will be a $2,000 out-of-pocket cap for prescription drugs.
Open enrollment runs through December 7, 2024, for coverage beginning January 1, 2025. Enrollees can visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE to compare plans.
Schools are often the cornerstone of First Nations communities, providing students with a safe place to learn and grow and acting as a gathering place for community events and cultural activities.
October 17, 2024 – Calgary, Treaty 7 Territory, Alberta – Indigenous Services Canada (ISC)
Schools are often the cornerstone of First Nations communities, providing students with a safe place to learn and grow and acting as a gathering place for community events and cultural activities. Chief Troy Knowlton, Piikani Nation leadership, along with Indigenous Services Canada Minister, the Honourable Patty Hajdu and the Peigan Board of Education Society announced today the new and enhanced education facilities at Piikani Nation so that youth have the tools they need to learn.
Minister Hajdu and community leaders announced funding today for the new school to be built in the First Nation. This new school will be a place for 600 students from kindergarten to grade 12 to learn, grow and form connections.
The existing school was initially constructed over 60 years ago, and parts of the aging facility are no longer suitable for repair. This project reaffirms the ongoing work of the Government of Canada to support essential infrastructure in Indigenous communities and to ensure that all children on reserve have access to high-quality, culturally appropriate education.
With an investment from Indigenous Services Canada, the new school will allow students who attend school off reserve to access education that is culturally appropriate, with distinctly Blackfoot programs, and provides spaces that better meet the needs of the community and its youth.
Quotes
“This project represents the Piikani Nation’s commitment to their youth and future generations. Investing in education is investing in each child’s potential. I look forward to seeing the completion of the school and the student success to follow.”
The Honourable Patty Hajdu Minister of Indigenous Services
“Today is a monumental day in the history of our Piikani Nation. The announcement of our new school build is a result of the cumulative efforts by dedicated people who had a dream, and determination to make it a reality. I am honoured to have been able to play a part in this process. This project will stimulate the economy of the Peigan Nation, creating jobs and opportunities for all my peoples. This school will also create great learning opportunities for our students in a modern facility with all the amenities for a bright future ahead.”
Troy Knowlton Chief of Piikani Nation
“We, the Peigan Board of Education Society Board Trustees (PBOES), are elated for the future generations of Piikani Nation children and all students who attend Piikani Nation Schools on campus. Special acknowledgements to the PBOES technical working group for their hard work in making this dream possible. I also wish to extend the utmost gratitude to the community ff supporting this initiative, as well as past and present Peigan Board of Education Society trustees and Piikani Nation Chief and Council.
Dr. Beatrice Little Mustache Chair, Peigan Board of Education Society (PBOES)
“Education has always been important to the Piikani way of life, in the past and the present, as well as the future. This new school will provide opportunities to educate our children and our community. It will also provide opportunities for the people we serve, with short-term construction jobs and long-term employment positions in the field of education delivery, for those who wish to seek careers as educators and or support staff.
“We had a vision that started with a feasibility study being carried out many years ago, knowing our community wished for a new modern school. Through hard work, dedication and perseverance in both our educational and political efforts, this is a dream come true. It is an achievement we can celebrate together.
“The design and concept of the new school will be the focal point for both education and the community for years to come. It will also serve as a significant role in the foundation of the Piikani Nation. This is a win for the Piikani Nation, but most of all, a win for the children and future generations. We always say: Our children are our future.”
Wesley Crow Shoe Piikani Nation councillor and Peigan Board of Education Society trustee
Quick facts
Piikani Nation is located 60 KM west of the City of Lethbridge and a part of Treaty 7.
There are approximately 3,800 registered members with about 60% living on reserve.
Planning for the new school began in 2017.
Since 2016 and as of June 30, 2024, ISC has invested $2.18 billion of targeted funds to support 320 school-related infrastructure projects. These projects will result in the construction or renovation of 232 schools, benefitting approximately 38,000 students, 150 of which are complete.
Associated links
Contacts
For more information, media may contact:
Jennifer Kozelj Press Secretary Office of the Honourable Patty Hajdu Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor Jennifer.Kozelj@sac-isc.gc.ca
This week, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, Randy Boissonnault, convened businesses, non-profits, industry, labour and communities organizations from across the country, to build the 21st century Canadian workforce.
October 17, 2024 Montréal, Quebec Employment and Social Development Canada
Canadian workers are talented, driven and among the most highly educated in the world. As Canada’s economy continues to grow and change, the Government of Canada is focused on creating meaningful and rewarding jobs that provide a good quality of life.
This week, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, Randy Boissonnault, convened businesses, non-profits, industry, labour and communities organizations from across the country, to build the 21st century Canadian workforce.
Nearly 200 leaders from various sectors of the labour market came together to discuss fresh ideas and innovative approaches to tackle pressing labour market issues and put forward a vision to support the needs of a modern Canadian economy and Canadian workers.
At the Summit, Minister Boissonnault delivered a keynote address identifying some of the challenges facing the Canadian economy including critical labour shortages in key sectors, an aging population set to retire, and more frequent economic disruptions felt around the world.
The Minister highlighted the need to offer the right supports to help the untapped pool of Canadians from under-represented groups including Indigenous people, women, and persons with disabilities, find good jobs. He stressed the importance of attracting more young people to rewarding careers in the skilled trades as well as finding new ways to provide training, retraining and upskilling to meet the needs of workers no matter what point they are at in their working lives.
The Minister noted the important role that provinces and territories play in education and skills training and was disappointed that they chose not to participate in this year’s Workforce Summit.
The Minister also announced the launch of a new call for proposals for $30 million over two years for the Canada Retraining and Opportunities Initiative that will fund community-based workforce retraining projects in situations of mass layoffs.
To support the Summit, an online engagement to collect Canadians’ views on the most pressing issues impacting Canada’s labour market is open until October 31, 2024. An update on findings will be accessible and will inform priorities and future directions for workforce development in Canada and further engagement with employers, unions as well as provinces, territories and Indigenous partners.
Canada is home to the smartest minds, the most talented workers, and a strong education, training, and employment system. By working together, we can better equip the workforce of today and tomorrow, and build a more innovative, productive, and competitive labour force for generations to come.”
–Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, Randy Boissonnault
Alice Hansen Director of Communications Office of the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages alice.hansen@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:
TOKYO, Japan, October 17, 2024/APO Group/ —
The African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have signed a landmark 51.67 billion Japanese yen (US$421 million) concessional donor loan (CDL) agreement towards the African Development Fund.
The loan, pledged by the Japanese government at the 16th general replenishment of the resources of the African Development Fund in December 2022, will support much-needed development in Africa’s least developed and fragile countries. The country is a top donor to the African Development Fund, having contributed the largest loans to the 14th, 15th and 16th replenishments of the Fund.
Present at the signing ceremony on Tuesday 15 October, Deputy Vice Minister Daiho Fujii of the Finance Ministry expressed optimism that Japan’s concessional donor loan, together with grant contributions, would support African countries to address various challenges relating to climate change, lack of infrastructure, fragility, regional integration, private sector development, and debt management and transparency.
“Through fruitful discussions, we reaffirmed that the African Development Fund has been playing a significant role in supporting low-income countries in Africa through its concessional loans and grants. We commit to working together toward a successful ADF-17 replenishment discussion next year,” Fujii said.
Japan and other donor countries met in Cotonou last week to review the progress made against operational priorities and policy commitments at the midpoint of the ADF-16 period that ran from 2023 to 2025. Fujii congratulated the African Development Bank Group on the successful mid-term review of the 16th cycle of ADF.
African Development Bank Group President Dr Akinwumi Adesina, who is marking his fifth visit to the Asian nation, commended Japan’s government for its unwavering support. He expressed the Bank Group’s appreciation for Japan’s broader partnership, particularly through JICA’s Enhanced Private Sector Assistance for Africa initiative – an innovative multi-component framework for resource mobilisation and development.
Adesina said: “We wouldn’t have had a successful ADF-16 replenishment without Japan’s continued support for concessional donor lending. It is important to sign these agreements, but it is the lives we touch that matter. We deliver what we promise. We keep our word”.
He highlighted the significant impact of projects completed under the African Development Fund. “This year alone, 500,000 people have been connected to electricity, one million provided with water and sanitation, 2.5 million to improved transport, and 2.7 million to health services.”
In her speech, JICA Executive Senior Vice President Katsura Miyazaki described the signing ceremony as symbolic.
She said: “African countries are facing multiple crises. Rising energy and food prices, supply chain disruptions, and worsening debt sustainability are having a serious impact on African countries. The African Development Fund is critical to addressing these challenges.
Japan’s journey with the African Development Fund
The African Development Fund (ADF), the concessional lending window of the Bank Group was established in 1972 and became operational in 1974.
Japan joined the Fund in June 1973 and has contributed to all its replenishments, significantly increasing its contributions over time.
Over the past 50 years, the ADF has played a pivotal role in providing concessional resources and knowledge services to low-income African countries, consistently demonstrating clear value for money. The ADF delivers transformative ideas and catalytic financing to these countries, including those in fragile situations. As a major source of financing, the ADF’s operations are efficient and deliver a strong development impact, cementing its reputation as a trusted and strategic partner for its stakeholders.
Japan’s critical role in supporting the ADF was underscored by its extension of the largest concessional donor loan contributions to both ADF-15 and ADF-16, as well as the largest bridge loan provided to ADF-14. The Mid-Term Review (MTR) of ADF-16, successfully concluded in Cotonou in October 2024, highlighted several key achievements.
Today, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, announced the launch of public consultations on potential new measures to strengthen the enforcement, under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) and in alignment with the United States and Mexico, of Canada’s ban on the import of goods produced by forced labour.
October 16, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada
Today, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, announced the launch of public consultations on potential new measures to strengthen the enforcement, under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) and in alignment with the United States and Mexico, of Canada’s ban on the import of goods produced by forced labour.
These consultations will complement the public consultations held in October 2023 on the eradication of forced labour from the country’s supply chains.
Canadians can begin sharing their views on the potential new measures on October 16, 2024.
Quotes
“Our government is committed to eliminating forced labour from, and tackling exploitation in, global supply chains. These consultations will help inform us on how to shape the effective enforcement of Canada’s ban on the import of goods produced by forced labour. They will also help us work in collaboration with our CUSMA partners and strengthen the protection of workers’ labour rights around the globe.”
– Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development
Quick facts
In July 2020, Canada implemented an import ban under the Customs Tariff, making it illegal to import goods wholly or in part produced by forced labour. This ban implemented Canada’s commitments under CUSMA.
The government introduced further amendments to Canadian law in January 2024, expanding this prohibition to include goods made using child labour.
Related products
Associated links
Contacts
Huzaif Qaisar Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development 343-575-8816 Huzaif.Qaisar@international.gc.ca
Early this morning, Israeli authorities informed my national security team that a mission they conducted in Gaza likely killed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. DNA tests have now confirmed that Sinwar is dead. This is a good day for Israel, for the United States, and for the world.
As the leader of the terrorist group Hamas, Sinwar was responsible for the deaths of thousands of Israelis, Palestinians, Americans, and citizens from over 30 countries. He was the mastermind of the October 7th massacres, rapes, and kidnappings. It was on his orders that Hamas terrorists invaded Israel to intentionally – and with unspeakable savagery – kill and massacre civilians, a Holocaust survivor, children in front of their parents, and parents in front of their children.
Over 1,200 people were killed on that day, the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust, including 46 Americans. More than 250 were taken hostage, with 101 still missing. That number includes seven Americans, four of whom are believed to still be alive and held by Hamas terrorists. Sinwar is the man most responsible for this, and for so much of what followed.
Shortly after the October 7 massacres, I directed Special Operations personnel and our intelligence professionals to work side-by-side with their Israeli counterparts to help locate and track Sinwar and other Hamas leaders hiding in Gaza.
With our intelligence help, the IDF relentlessly pursued Hamas’s leaders, flushing them out of their hiding places and forcing them onto the run. There has rarely been a military campaign like this, with Hamas leaders living and moving through hundreds of miles of tunnels, organized in multiple stories underground, determined to protect themselves with no care for the civilians suffering above ground. Today, however, proves once again that no terrorists anywhere in the world can escape justice, no matter how long it takes.
To my Israeli friends, this is no doubt a day of relief and reminiscence, similar to the scenes witnessed throughout the United States after President Obama ordered the raid to kill Osama Bin Laden in 2011.
Israel has had every right to eliminate the leadership and military structure of Hamas. Hamas is no longer capable of carrying out another October 7.
I will be speaking soon with Prime Minister Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders to congratulate them, to discuss the pathway for bringing the hostages home to their families, and for ending this war once and for all, which has caused so much devastation to innocent people.
There is now the opportunity for a “day after” in Gaza without Hamas in power, and for a political settlement that provides a better future for Israelis and Palestinians alike. Yahya Sinwar was an insurmountable obstacle to achieving all of those goals. That obstacle no longer exists. But much work remains before us.
Headline: Every announcement and trailer from Xbox partners at Oct. 17 event
We got our first look at gameplay from The Lake House, the second expansion coming for Alan Wake 2 – and it looks like the Remedy Connected Universe is getting more connected than ever. Putting us in the shoes of an agent from the Federal Bureau of Control, we’ll be exploring an Overlap in the titular Lake House, filled with mysteries, a mysterious living painting, and the horrors it’s birthing. It’ll be fascinating to see how this bridges the gaps between Alan’s story and the events of Control.
The doors of the Lake House will open on Xbox Series X|S from October 22 – and you can find out more about how this expansion takes us in an even darker direction than the main game on Xbox Wire.
Animal Well Reveals Its Mysteries on Xbox Today
Xbox Series X|S
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This gorgeous mystery-platformer is rightfully seen as one of the biggest surprises of the year, blending pixel-perfect traversal with a gorgeous, inscrutable world packed with secrets. Taking elements from classic Metroidvanias and blowing them out into a world packed with unique puzzles, Animal Well gets deeper the closer you look. We’re delighted to say that it arrives on Xbox today.
Blindfire Is a First-Person Shooter Set Entirely in the Dark – and It’s Available in Game Preview Today
Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC (through Xbox Game Preview)
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The most important tool in an FPS isn’t your gun – it’s your eyes. So what happens in an FPS set entirely in inky-black arenas? Blindfire is here to answer that question. This fascinating new idea from Double Eleven got a world premiere and shadow drop during Partner Preview, showing off how you’ll need to use tools, traps, and echolocation to seek out your targets in this fast-paced shooter.
You don’t need to wait to find out how it all works – Blindfire is available today on Xbox Series X|S and PC through the Xbox Game Preview program. Find out how the team came up with such a unique idea, exclusively on Xbox Wire.
Cronos: The New Dawn Is a Mind-Bending Survival Horror from Bloober Team
Xbox Series X|S
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Bloober Team (The Medium, Blair Witch, Layers of Fear) brought us this world premiere of a fascinating new game that takes us in a new direction for the studio. A third-person survival horror set across two distinct time periods, Cronos: The New Dawn introduced itself with an enticingly strange trailer involving a game of chess, a very big spacesuit, and some horrifying creatures.
The game itself will place us in both 1980s Communist Poland, and a futuristic wasteland following a pandemic known only as The Change. A glimpse of gameplay showed us quite how spooky this is going to get – we can’t wait to see more before it arrives in 2025.
Edens Zero Brings Anime Action to Xbox in 2025
Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC
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Based on the Hiro Mashima manga and the anime series of the same name, Edens Zero is a third-person action game that saw its world premiere during the show. Set in the unique sci-fi universe of the manga, you’ll take hero Shiki Granbell across the universe in search of the cosmic entity, Mother – gathering new characters, each with their own abilities, as you go. Edens Zero will be released in 2025.
Eternal Strands Casts Its Unique Magic on Game Pass
Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, or play it day one with Game Pass
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This systemic action-RPG from a team of developers who’ve worked on Dragon Age, Assassin’s Creed and more already had our attention. With a unique magic system that allows you to combine spells (freezing a flying dragon’s wings so it falls to the ground, anyone?), in-depth crafting systems, and titanic, climbable bosses, it’s a beautiful combination already. But add to that mix that it’s coming to Game Pass on day one? It just makes the wait for its release in early 2025 so much harder.
FBC: Firebreak – the Co-op Control Spin-off – Gets a Gameplay Reveal
Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, or play it day one with Game Pass
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Remedy is known for its single-player masterpieces, but it’s going in a different direction with FBC: Firebreak. We brought you a world-first look at this spin-off from the beloved Control – a first-person, multiplayer, PvE game, placing you in the ranks of the Federal Bureau of Control’s agents. Take on the horrors of the Oldest House, using a variety of appropriately weird weaponry, in this exciting co-op experience. FBC: Firebreak arrives in 2025, and it’s coming day one to Game Pass. Find out more about how Remedy made its first ever multiplayer game on Xbox Wire.
The Legend of Baboo Is a Brutal Action-Adventure (With an Adorable Dog)
Xbox Series X|S
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In a world premiere, we were introduced to The Legend of Baboo, an action-adventure set across a magical island, sending a child hero,Sepehr into the fray with only their wits, weapons, and an absolutely gorgeous dog called Baboo to protect them. And yes, you did see the dog being used as a mount.
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii Shows Off Its Naval Battles, and Gets a New Release Date
Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC
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Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii was an unexpected surprise from Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio – and we’re delighted to say it’s arriving even earlier than expected, on February 21, 2025. Featuring ex-yakuza Goro Majima getting wrapped up in an adventure on the high seas, it’s a truly over-the-top follow-up to this year’s Infinite Wealth.
In a new trailer, we got to see the game’s exhilarating naval battles for the first time, with you taking the helm of a ship in pirate-ridden waters, before boarding to take on treasure-seeking rivals in all-out brawls. We even got a glimpse of battles in the Pirate Coliseum of a secret island hideout, Madlantis. Learn more about the naval battles, exclusively on Xbox Wire.
Mistfall Hunter Mixes Soulslikes and Extraction Games
Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC
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A fascinating mixture of Soulslike combat and extraction-action mechanics, Mistfall Hunter got a world premiere in today’s show. Showing off a wealth of approaches – from beefy warriors to spell-packed mages, this will pit you against monsters and men in a mysterious new fantasy world. Coming to Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC, you can apply for an upcoming closed beta now – and you can find out more about this unique proposition in an exclusive article on Xbox Wire.
Mouse: P.I. For Hire Brings Cartoon Chaos to Xbox
Xbox Series X|S
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Blending old-school FPS gameplay with even older-school cartoon looks, Mouse: P.I. For Hire is a truly unique proposition. You’ll be investigating crimes in a world of cartoon animals, and taking down criminals with a variety of adorable-but-deadly weaponry, all set amid a noir-inspired, jazz-infused world. We’re delighted to say that Mouse: P.I. For Hire is coming in 2025.
Phasmophobia Introduces Co-op Terror to Xbox This Month
Xbox Series X|S
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Regarded as one of the scariest games of recent years, we’re excited to announce that Phasmophobia makes its Xbox debut on October 29. Casting you and a group of friends as ghost hunters, you’ll set off on missions to haunted locations to investigate, draw out, and survive ghostly encounters. Use a variety of tools to discover exactly what it is you’re dealing with, then get out alive. But be warned, not only can your team hear you over comms, so can the ghosts…
Subnautica 2 Enters Early Access in 2025 – Explore the Deep in Optional Co-Op
Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC (through Xbox Game Preview), or play it day one with Game Pass
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The acclaimed underwater survival-crafting game Subnautica taught us to love, fear, and explore the deep oceans of an alien world, and its sequel will get an -Early Access release on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC through the Game Preview program. This world premiere trailer gave us a sense of how beautiful and terrifying this will be – and also confirmed that a much-requested co-op mode is coming in the sequel. Subnautica 2 will launch into Xbox Game Preview on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC in 2025. Find out more, exclusively on Xbox Wire.
Wheel World Is Pedalling Onto Game Pass
Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, or play it day one with Game Pass
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Previously known as Ghost Bike, we got a new trailer and a new name for this beautiful, relaxing, bike-loving exploration-racing game. Wheel World sees you retrieving and fixing the last of the Ghost Bikes, which can travel between the worlds of the living and the dead. Mixing open world exploration as you repair and upgrade your bike with the treasures you find, and races set across the map, it’s a game designed to be taken at your own pace – all set to an original soundtrack from artists on the Italians Do It Better music label. Wheel World will arrive day one on Game Pass when it launches in early 2025.
Wuchang: Fallen Feathers Offers a Fresh Look at Its Story and Bosses
Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, or play it day one with Game Pass
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After a reveal at Xbox Games Showcase earlier this year, we got a new look at Wuchang: Fallen Feathers. Offering new hints to its dark fantasy storyline set in the late Ming Dynasty, the new trailer showed us a lot of action, including against multiple bosses – from a horrifying, centipede-like monster, to a woman who can transform into what appears to be a living scarf made from the skin of an arctic fox. It’s shaping up to be quite the journey. Wuchang: Fallen Feathers arrives in 2025.
Earlier this week, I had the privilege of speaking with representatives of your countries here in New York.
Today I want to speak to you directly.
I want to say to you what I said to them:
I am full of admiration and gratitude to the men and women of UNIFIL.
I am so proud of you — and I know your countries are proud of you, too.
You should know that here in New York, we are all very aware of your bravery during some of the most challenging moments in the history of UNIFIL.
I have been crystal clear: the safety of United Nations personnel is our highest priority.
And all parties have an obligation to ensure the safety of our personnel.
The inviolability of UN premises must be respected, at all times.
Attacks against UN peacekeepers are completely unacceptable.
They are in breach of international law, against international humanitarian law and may constitute a war crime.
Despite all the challenges, UNIFIL remains in its positions.
Every day you keep the blue flag flying — and ensure the primacy of international law.
I am in constant contact with General Lázaro – assessing the latest developments.
Our path forward is clear.
We need an immediate ceasefire and the full implementation of resolution 1701.
The men and women of UNIFIL are tirelessly working to give our diplomatic efforts a fighting chance.
You are not just on the Blue Line in Lebanon, you are literally on the front line of peace.
Thank you for your service.
*****
Chères et chers collègues de la FINUL,
En début de semaine, j’ai eu le privilège de m’entretenir avec des représentants de vos pays respectifs ici, à New York.
Aujourd’hui, je tiens à m’adresser directement à vous.
Je tiens à vous dire ce que je leur ai dit :
Je suis empli d’admiration et de gratitude pour les femmes et les hommes qui composent la FINUL.
Je suis fier de vous – et je sais que vos pays le sont également.
Sachez qu’ici, à New York, nous sommes tous très conscients de la bravoure dont vous faites preuve dans l’un des moments les plus difficiles de l’histoire de la FINUL.
J’ai été très clair à ce sujet : la sécurité du personnel de l’ONU est notre priorité absolue.
Toutes les parties ont l’obligation de garantir la sécurité de notre personnel.
L’inviolabilité des locaux des Nations Unies doit être respectée à tout moment.
Les attaques visant les Casques bleus sont totalement inacceptables.
Elles sont contraires au droit international et au droit international humanitaire et peuvent constituer un crime de guerre.
Malgré toutes ces difficultés, la FINUL tient ses positions.
Chaque jour, vous faites flotter le drapeau bleu – et garantissez la primauté du droit international.
Je suis en contact permanent avec le général Lázaro pour suivre l’évolution de la situation.
Notre voie à suivre est claire.
Nous avons besoin d’un cessez-le-feu immédiat et d’une mise en œuvre intégrale de la résolution 1701.
Les hommes et les femmes de la FINUL travaillent sans relâche pour donner à nos efforts diplomatiques une chance d’aboutir.
Vous n’êtes pas seulement sur la ligne bleue au Liban, vous êtes littéralement sur la ligne de front de la paix.
Merci pour votre service.
*****
Estimadas y estimados colegas de la FPNUL:
A principios de esta semana, tuve el privilegio de hablar con representantes de sus países, aquí en Nueva York.
Hoy quiero hablar con ustedes directamente.
Quiero decirles lo mismo que les dije a ellos:
Siento gran admiración y gratitud hacia los hombres y mujeres de la FPNUL.
Estoy muy orgulloso de ustedes, y sé que sus países también lo están.
Deben saber que aquí, en Nueva York, todos somos muy conscientes del valor que han tenido durante algunos de los momentos más complicados de la historia de la FPNUL.
Me he expresado con total claridad: la seguridad del personal de las Naciones Unidas es nuestra prioridad máxima.
Y todas las partes tienen la obligación de garantizar la seguridad de nuestro personal.
La inviolabilidad de los locales de las Naciones Unidas debe respetarse, en todo momento.
Los ataques contra el personal de mantenimiento de la paz de las Naciones Unidas son completamente inaceptables.
Infringen el derecho internacional y el derecho internacional humanitario y pueden constituir un crimen de guerra.
A pesar de todas las dificultades, la FPNUL permanece en sus posiciones.
Cada día, ustedes mantienen la bandera azul ondeando y garantizan la primacía del derecho internacional.
Estoy en contacto constante con el general Lázaro, evaluando los últimos acontecimientos.
Nuestro camino para avanzar está claro.
Necesitamos un alto el fuego inmediato y la aplicación plena de la resolución 1701.
Los hombres y las mujeres de la FPNUL trabajan incansablemente para dar una oportunidad a nuestros esfuerzos diplomáticos.
Ustedes no están solamente en la línea azul del Líbano; están literalmente en primera línea de la paz.
Headline: Study: Microsoft 365 Copilot drove up to 353% ROI for small and medium businesses
As a small or medium-sized business (SMB) leader, you’ve likely heard a lot about generative AI and how it’s transforming businesses of all sizes. To better understand how AI is helping businesses grow and compete, Microsoft commissioned Forrester Consulting to study the potential return on investment (ROI) of Microsoft 365 Copilot for SMBs.
The results of the study are eye-opening. Forrester’s New Technology: Projected Total Economic Impact Of Microsoft 365 Copilot for SMB1 projects that over a three-year period, businesses can experience a return on investment (ROI) ranging from 132% to 353%.2
Moreover, the study reports that businesses are already experiencing the transformational impact of AI for their organizations in the following areas:
Faster time to market
Increased productivity
Improved employee satisfaction
Let’s take a closer look at how early adopters of Copilot have used the power of AI to transform their businesses, while keeping their data secure with enterprise data protection.
Microsoft 365 Copilot
Focus on what matters most with Microsoft 365 Copilot and the power of AI.
Investing in Copilot delivers substantial returns for SMBs
The Forrester study demonstrates the transformative results that AI can help bring to businesses—making Copilot not just a productivity tool but a strategic investment for long-term growth:
6% increase in net revenue
20% reduction in operating costs
25% acceleration in new-hire onboarding
“Upskilling on AI now is absolutely critical to being prepared for its capabilities in a few years. In five years, running a business without Copilot would be like trying to run a company today using typewriters instead of computers.”
—Forrester Study: Head Vice President of Technology Services, IT Services and Business Consulting
Turning innovation into action with faster time to market
Bringing new products to market faster and promptly meeting customer demands are critical for business success. Forrester’s study highlights how Copilot can help accelerate revenue growth and open doors to additional business opportunities.
The study found that 24% of businesses experienced a 16% to20% reduction in time to market for new products, and 27% of businesses saw improvements in time to market ranging from 11% to 15%. These improvements can help you enhance your agility and increase competitiveness in the market.
“With Copilot, we have faster turnarounds…with the ability to turn things around more quickly, clients can come to us with more work. It can be 15% more business.”
—Forrester Study: Head Vice President of Technology Services, Managed Technology Solutions
You can optimize your business processes by working with Copilot to map out your workflow and ask Copilot for recommendations to eliminate inefficiencies. Then you can share the list of recommendations with your team for feedback before deciding how to move forward. Copilot can help ensure projects move forward without delays—ask Copilot to provide updates on your team’s progress to quickly identify where support is needed.
Increasing productivity across your business
Employees at small and medium-sized businesses often wear multiple hats, doing jobs across different departments, and sometimes having less time to spend on their own projects. Copilot can help address this challenge by taking on routine, repetitive tasks, helping teams to focus on more strategic work.
Forrester’s study shows that 51% of businesses using Copilot reported a 1% to10% reduction in supply chain costs, while 59% saw operating costs decrease by 1% to 20%. This can help you to shift resources toward growth-focused initiatives without overwhelming your team.
“In terms of getting the information to the various departments and having my legal assistants then redo it, so they can enter that data and answer questions from other departments more easily. My guess is on contract review we’ll save at least 50% of time in the coming years.”
—Forrester study: General Counsel, Chief Diversity Officer at the Staffing, IT, and Business Solutions Firm
With Copilot, your team can quickly find critical details from client contracts or vendor agreements and have emails from key clients prioritized, helping to ensure that the most urgent emails are addressed first. Copilot can also gather data from spreadsheets and text documents, analyze it, and create easy-to-understand charts and tables for faster decision-making.
Enhancing employee satisfaction and retention
The study also highlights Copilot’s impact on employee satisfaction. By freeing up time for employees to collaborate more effectively and take on more fulfilling tasks, SMBs have experienced or anticipated, on average, an 18%increase in employee satisfaction, with a corresponding 11% to 20% reduction in employee churn.
“People have a lot of anxiety [about going] on vacation because of what they’re going to miss. Well, the ability to ramp up fast with summarization on a lot of those key meetings doesn’t just save the person the time, but it also is going to save the other leaders in the organization the time to have to ramp them up.” —Forrester study: President, Staffing, IT, and Business Solutions
Use Copilot to help pull together training materials and build presentations so you quickly bring new team members up to speed. Copilot’s meeting and email summaries also allow your employees to stay on top of work, even when they miss a meeting. This can help reduce stress and help create smoother transitions between projects, fostering a more inclusive and productive work environment.
Now is the right time to invest in AI. We are here to help.
With potential benefits like increased revenue, faster time to market, and significant ROI, Microsoft 365 Copilot can be a valuable investment for SMBs looking to thrive in a competitive market.
To find out more about the Forrester findings and learn how you can best implement Copilot for your business, please join our webinar on October 31, 2024, 9 AM PST to 10 AM PST.
To use Copilot across all your Microsoft 365 apps and work data, you can purchase Microsoft 365 Copilot as an add-on to your Microsoft 365 Business Basic, Microsoft 365 Standard, or Microsoft 365 Business Premium subscriptions. If you do not already have these core productivity offerings, you can purchase them now.
Find out more about Microsoft 365 Copilot or reach out to a Microsoft Cloud Solution Partner to learn more.
You can also learn how to make Copilot part of your everyday business activities by exploring the new Copilot Success Kit for Small and Medium-Sized Business, which provides resources on licensing, technical requirements, and AI capabilities.
Sources:
“New Technology: The Projected Total Economic Impact : Of Microsoft 365 Copilot for SMB,” a commissioned study conducted by Forrester Consulting on behalf of Microsoft. Results are based on Microsoft 365 Copilot customer interviews and surveys of over 200 companies with up to 300 employees across various industries, from retail to financial services.
Forrester modeled a range of projected low-, medium-, and high-impact outcomes based on evaluated risk. This financial analysis projects that the composite organization accrues the following three-year net present value (NPV) for each scenario by enabling Microsoft 365 Copilot:
Projected high impact of a $955,000 NPV and projected ROI of 353%.
Projected medium impact of a $658,000 NPV and projected ROI of 243%.
Projected low impact of a $358,000 NPV and projected ROI of 132%.
BOSTON, Oct. 17, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Duck Creek Technologies, a leading and innovative provider of solutions in the SaaS P&C insurance core platforms market, today announced Duck Creek Technologies has been positioned by Gartner as a Leader in the 2024 Gartner® “Magic Quadrant™ for SaaS P&C Core Platforms, North America”. The evaluation was based on specific criteria that analyzed the company’s overall Completeness of Vision and Ability to Execute.
Magic Quadrant reports are a culmination of rigorous, fact-based research in specific markets, providing a wide-angle view of the relative positions of providers in markets where growth is high, and provider differentiation is distinct. Providers are positioned into four quadrants: Leaders, Challengers, Visionaries and Niche Players. The research enables you to get the most from market analysis in alignment with your unique business and technology needs.
“Our low-code, configurable SaaS platform helps insurance carriers stand out in today’s competitive market. We continue to enhance our platform through AI, machine learning and by bringing new solutions to carriers, including Payments Facilitator, to grow their business with speed, efficiency and an excellent customer experience,” said Michael Jackowski, CEO of Duck Creek Technologies. “We are proud to be recognized again this year by Gartner as a Leader in the P&C insurance technology space. As we look ahead, we will continue to enrich our platform by providing more for carriers to stay ahead of their competition including eliminating upgrades through Active Delivery and increasing efficiency and scalability with multi-tenancy.”
View a complimentary copy of the Magic Quadrant report to learn more about Duck Creek’s strengths and cautions, among other provider offerings, here
Source: Gartner Reports: Gartner, Magic Quadrant for SaaS P&C Insurance Core Platforms, North America, Sham Gill, James Ingham October 2024
Gartner Disclaimer: Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.
GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved. Magic Quadrant is a registered trademark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved.
About Duck Creek Technologies
Duck Creek Technologies is the intelligent solutions provider defining the future of the property and casualty (P&C) and general insurance industry. We are the platform upon which modern insurance systems are built, enabling the industry to capitalize on the power of the cloud to run agile, intelligent, and evergreen operations. Authenticity, purpose, and transparency are core to Duck Creek, and we believe insurance should be there for individuals and businesses when, where, and how they need it most. Our market-leading solutions are available on a standalone basis or as a full suite, and all are available via Duck Creek OnDemand. Visit http://www.duckcreek.com to learn more. Follow Duck Creek on our social channels for the latest information – LinkedIn and X.
TORONTO, Oct. 17, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ninepoint Partners LP (“Ninepoint”) is pleased to announce that the Ninepoint 2024 Short Duration Flow-Through Limited Partnership II (the “Partnership”) has completed the second and final closing in connection with its offering of Class A and Class F limited partnership units (the “Units”) pursuant to a prospectus dated September 18, 2024. The Partnership raised $12,290,500 on the sale of an additional 491,620 Units for aggregate gross proceeds of $24,997,900. The Units are being offered at a price per Unit of $25.00 with a minimum subscription of 100 Units ($2,500).
Ninepoint is a leading manager of Flow-Through Funds in Canada. Since its inception in 2017, Ninepoint has successfully raised more Flow-Through Fund capital than any other asset manager in Canada.
The Partnership intends to provide liquidity to limited partners through a roll-over to the Ninepoint Resource Fund Class in the period between January 15, 2026 to February 28, 2026.
InvestmentObjectiveofthePartnership The Partnership’s investment objective is to achieve capital appreciation and significant tax benefits for limited partners by investing in a diversified portfolio of Flow-Through Shares (as defined in the Prospectus) and other securities, if any, of Resource Issuers (as defined in the Prospectus).
AttractiveTax-ReductionBenefits Flow-through partnerships are one of the most effective tax reduction strategies available to Canadians. Ninepoint anticipates that investors participating in the Partnership will be eligible to receive a tax deduction of approximately 100% of the amount invested.
ResourceExpertise The Partnership will be sub-advised by Sprott Asset Management LP (“Sprott”), one of Canada’s leading investment advisors in small and mid-cap resource companies. Over its long history of investing in the resource sector, Sprott has developed relationships with hundreds of companies. Its experienced team of portfolio managers is supported by a team of technical experts with extensive backgrounds in mining and geology.
Portfolio manager Jason Mayer will manage the portfolio of the Partnership and will be supported by Sprott’s broader team of experienced resource investment professionals.
Agents The offering is being made through a syndicate of agents led by RBC Dominion Securities Inc. which includes CIBC World Markets Inc., TD Securities Inc., National Bank Financial Inc., Scotia Capital Inc., BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc., Manulife Wealth Inc., iA Private Wealth Inc., Raymond James Ltd., Richardson Wealth Limited, Canaccord Genuity Corp., Desjardins Securities Inc., Ventum Financial Corp. and Wellington-Altus Private Wealth Inc.
About Ninepoint Partners LP Based in Toronto, Ninepoint Partners LP is one of Canada’s leading alternative investment management firms overseeing approximately $7 billion in assets under management and institutional contracts. Committed to helping investors explore innovative investment solutions that have the potential to enhance returns and manage portfolio risk, Ninepoint offers a diverse set of alternative strategies spanning Equities, Fixed Income, Alternative Income, Real Assets, F/X and Digital Assets.
For more information on Ninepoint Partners LP, please visit http://www.ninepoint.com or for inquiries regarding the offering, please contact us at (416) 943-6707 or (866) 299-9906 or invest@ninepoint.com.
Certain statements included in this news release constitute forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, those identified by the expressions “expects”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “will” and similar expressions to the extent that they relate to the Partnership. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts but reflect the Partnership’s, Ninepoint’s and Sprott’s current expectations regarding future results or events. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations. Although the Partnership, Ninepoint and Sprott believe the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and, accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein. Neither the Partnership, nor Ninepoint or Sprott undertake any obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statement or information whether as a result of new information, future events or other such factors which affect this information, except as required by law.
This offering is only made by prospectus. The Partnership’s prospectus contains important detailed information about the securities being offered. Copies of the prospectus may be obtained from one of the dealers noted above. Investors should read the prospectus before making an investment decision.
EDMONTON, Alberta, Oct. 17, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — IronSight (Pack Energy Services Ltd.), a leader in real-time field service management solutions, is excited to announce that it is receiving advisory services and up to $2.64 million in funding from the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP). This vital support will accelerate IronSight’s research and development (R&D) initiatives, helping the company introduce new technologies, expand its workforce, and further position itself as a global leader in field operations software.
The advisory services and funding from NRC IRAP will enable IronSight to create new job opportunities in R&D and product development, contributing to the growth of the local economy. As IronSight expands, it is poised to add skilled professionals to its team, driving innovation and supporting the growing need for enhanced efficiency and sustainability in sectors such as energy production, utilities, and logistics.
In addition to job creation, IronSight will integrate advanced Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and machine learning capabilities into its platform. These technologies will provide real-time predictive analytics, resource optimization, and compliance automation, enabling clients to achieve unprecedented efficiency and safety in field operations. These innovations will help companies meet sustainability targets, reduce operational downtime, and minimize their environmental footprint.
“The support from NRC IRAP is instrumental not only in helping us accelerate technological advancements but also in creating new jobs and contributing to the economic growth of Alberta and Canada,” said Shawn Martens, President and Co-Founder of IronSight. “This support will allow us to accelerate the development of cutting-edge solutions, helping industries streamline operations, improve safety, and enhance profitability. We are excited to push the boundaries of what’s possible in field operations.”
IronSight’s enhanced platform, already equipped with real-time tracking, mobile access, and digital documentation, will now incorporate predictive maintenance, automated compliance tracking, and AI-powered operational insights. These advancements are expected to create a significant impact for clients, reducing energy consumption, optimizing resource use, and driving operational excellence across critical industries.
“This support helps us advance our development of innovative technologies in industrial field services, driving digital transformation and operational excellence,” Martens added. “We’re committed to driving innovation that improves operational efficiency while helping our clients achieve their sustainability goals. Our solutions empower industries to perform better, safer, and more sustainably.”
About IronSight
IronSight is a real-time field operations platform designed to enhance operational performance, streamline workflows, and improve collaboration for industrial service providers, energy producers, and mining operations.
Founded by Shawn Martens and Adam Jessome, IronSight connects people, processes, and technology to create more efficient, intelligent workflows. By leveraging advanced technology and real-time data, IronSight empowers organizations to achieve operational excellence while promoting safety, sustainability, and productivity.
TORONTO, Oct. 17, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — (TSX: PFIA, PFSS, PFCB, PFAA) Picton Mahoney Asset Management announced today that it has declared the October 2024 monthly cash distribution of $0.0367 per unit for the ETF units (“ETF Units”) of the Picton Mahoney Fortified Income Alternative Fund.
Picton Mahoney Asset Management announced today that it has declared the October 2024 monthly cash distribution of $0.0341 per unit for the ETF Units of the Picton Mahoney Fortified Special Situations Alternative Fund.
Picton Mahoney Asset Management announced today that it has declared the October 2024 monthly cash distribution of $0.0333 per unit for the ETF Units of the Picton Mahoney Fortified Core Bond Fund.
Picton Mahoney Asset Management announced today that it has declared the October 2024 monthly cash distribution of $0.0001 per unit for the ETF Units of the Picton Mahoney Fortified Alpha Alternative Fund.
Unitholders of record of the ETF Units, at the close of business on October 24, 2024, will receive a per-unit cash distribution payable on October 31, 2024.
About Picton Mahoney Asset Management
Picton Mahoney Asset Management specializes in differentiated investment solutions and rules-based volatility management. Picton Mahoney helps its clients fortify their portfolios based on experience honed over the years through different market cycles and investing environments.
Founded in 2004 and 100% employee-owned, Picton Mahoney is a portfolio management boutique entrusted with over $11.3 billion (as at September 30, 2024) in assets under management. Pioneers of Authentic Hedge® investment principles and practices in Canada, the firm offers a full suite of investment solutions, including mutual and alternative funds, to institutional and retail investors across the country.
Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees, performance fees and expenses all may be associated with mutual fund investments. Please read the prospectus before investing. Mutual funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently, and past performance may not be repeated. Alternative funds can only be purchased through a registered dealer and are available only in those jurisdictions where they may be lawfully offered for sale.
Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)
October 17, 2024
October 17, 2024
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) issued the following statement commenting on the apparent death of Hamas terrorist leader Yahya Sinwar:
“Yahya Sinwar was one of the world’s most wanted terrorists. He directed Hamas’ October 7th terror attack that murdered 1,195 innocent people – including 46 Americans. As head of Hamas’ secret police force, Sinwar was dubbed the ‘Butcher of Khan Younis’ for torturing and killing those who deviated from Hamas’ tyrannical codes. He also sacrificed countless Palestinian lives in pursuit of his desire to wipe Israel off the map. Today, Israel brought him to justice and the world is a safer place as a result.”
More than 1000 participants from nearly 100 countries are set to attend the first IAEA International Conference on Small Modular Reactors and their Applications, from 21 to 25 October at the Agency’s headquarters in Vienna. The conference comes at a crucial time amid a new global consensus on the need to expand nuclear power to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are designed to produce typically no more than 300 MW(e), with their size making them a good option for deployment in remote areas and regions with smaller electric grids. The modularity of their design allows for their various components to be assembled in factories before transportation to deployment sites for installation, potentially reducing the time needed for construction. And with a growing number of prospective end users considering nuclear power to meet their needs, such as energy-intensive data centres, as well as the urgency to decarbonize a wide range of non-electric applications, SMRs may be in line to play a major role alongside their larger counterparts. Nuclear power generation is expected to expand significantly by mid-century, with versatile SMRs figuring to comprise a large share of the reactor fleet of the future, according to the IAEA.
“The high case scenario of the IAEA’s latest projections sees nuclear electrical generating capacity in 2050 being two and a half times bigger than today. A quarter of that new capacity is projected to come from SMRs,” said IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi. “To meet the low carbon energy needs of countries and industries, we need to ensure the timely demonstration and deployment of safe and secure SMRs. For that, international cooperation and collaboration are essential.”
The conference will feature panel discussions and poster sessions covering areas within four primary topics: SMR design, technology and the fuel cycle; legislative and regulatory frameworks; safety, security and safeguards; and considerations to facilitate deployment of SMRs.
“There are around 70 active SMR designs at various stages of development worldwide, and many newcomer countries and industries are interested in SMRs,” said Aline des Cloizeaux, Director of the IAEA’s Division of Nuclear Power. “This event will bring together key stakeholders to discuss the latest developments in SMRs and ways to advance their deployment.”
In parallel with the conference, the Nuclear Harmonization and Standardization Initiative (NHSI) will hold a plenary meeting prior to the conference opening. NHSI was launched in 2022 to facilitate the deployment of safe and secure SMRs and other advanced reactors by harmonizing regulatory approaches and standardizing industrial approaches. The initiative supports countries on two tracks. Through NHSI’s regulatory track, three technical documents have been drafted, focused on approaches for cooperation on regulatory reviews, including a multinational pre-licensing joint review process. NHSI’s industry track has produced several working papers on topics including how the production of long-lead items, such as pressure vessels, can be streamlined and how serial manufacturing of SMR components could facilitate quicker deployments. NHSI members will review work done and plan activities for the coming year.
“The broad participation in the conference highlights countries growing interest in SMRs and their applications,” said Anna Bradford, Director of the IAEA’s Division on Nuclear Installation Safety. “The IAEA remains fully committed to enabling the deployment of safe and secure advanced and innovative nuclear reactors, including SMRs.”
An ‘Industry Night’, co-organized with the World Nuclear Association (WNA), will be held on Tuesday, 22 October, and feature vendors from around the world presenting the latest reactor technology across four panel sessions. On Wednesday, a young generation event co-organized by the International Youth Nuclear Congress (IYNC) and the IAEA will facilitate a discussion on how SMRs and microreactors can contribute to a sustainable and equitable future.
IAEA assistance through the SMR Platform
The IAEA supports countries in deploying SMRs through activities including technical assistance, capacity building, information sharing and coordination of research and development efforts. The IAEA Platform on Small Modular Reactors and their Applications serves as the focal point for the IAEA’s work in this area, providing coordinated support and expertise from across the Agency in all aspects relevant to the development, early deployment and oversight of SMRs. The SMR Platform is designed to facilitate cooperation and collaboration among Member States and other stakeholders, supporting the safe and secure deployment of SMRs worldwide.
On Thursday (17 October 2024), NATO launched five initiatives designed to address some of the most critical areas for Allied deterrence and defence. These new multinational High Visibility Projects will involve a total of 26 Allies and will help deliver critical capabilities that will enhance interoperability among NATO forces.
Contributing Allies took part in a signing ceremony during a meeting of NATO Defence Ministers at NATO Headquarters. NATO’s Acting Deputy Secretary General Boris Ruge welcomed “the beginning of more meaningful work in new areas, but also important milestones for existing projects,” adding that “it’s a great example of how our Alliance delivers”.
The first project aims to accelerate the delivery of new generation Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) – such as NATO’s Alliance Ground Surveillance (AGS) – through multinational cooperation. Thirteen Allies kicked off the project: Czechia, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Türkiye and the United Kingdom. RPAS fleets are essential to a range of roles and missions including joint intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and electromagnetic warfare.
The second initiative seeks to increase the interchangeability and interoperability of key Allied artillery munitions. With initial contributions from 15 Allies – Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Türkiye, the United Kingdom and the United States – the project will contribute to harmonizing national fire testing and certification mechanisms. It will also help keep relevant standards up-to-date and support their adoption.
The Distributed Synthetic Training Environment project aims to respond to the ever-growing demand for virtual training at the multinational level. It establishes a network of advanced and immersive multinational training opportunities for militaries. Eighteen NATO nations have joined the project: Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Latvia, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Türkiye, United Kingdom and the United States. By leveraging national simulated training capabilities for multinational purposes, the project will bring immense operational benefits and economies of scale.
NATO is further stepping up its efforts to support Allied delivery of space technologies with two new projects. Through NORTHLINK, 13 Allies – Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the United States – will explore the development of a secure, resilient and reliable multinational Arctic satellite communications capability. Through the STARLIFT initiative, 14 nations – Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Türkiye, United Kingdom, United States – will investigate ways to strengthen NATO’s access to and use of space to deal with a range of challenges coming from operating from space. STARLIFT may help Allies to launch assets on short notice, manoeuvre a pre-positioned spare spacecraft or buy data from commercial partners during crisis or conflict
Further steps were also taken to advance work on two projects already underway: the Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) and NATO’s cross-border airspace cooperation. Launched in 2020 and managed by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA), the NGRC initiative aims to replace medium multi-role capabilities ending their life cycle in 2035 and beyond. On Thursday, five of the participating Allies – France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom – committed to identify a single preferred solution for the replacement of these capabilities by the end of 2027, thereby enabling the development of this solution in 2030.
NATO’s cross-border airspace initiative also grew to 20 member countries with the addition of Denmark, Germany, Iceland and Portugal. First launched in October 2023, the project aims to foster civil-military cooperation on the use of airspace for NATO training and exercises, and other air activities in several regions of Europe.
The President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Transport, the Honourable Anita Anand, will announce investments under the National Trade Corridors Fund at Sorel-Tracy, Québec. She will be joined by Robert Bellisle, President and CEO of QSL, Patrick Péloquin, Mayor of Sorel-Tracy, and Vincent Deguise, Mayor of Saint-Joseph-de-Sorel.
Sorel-Tracy, Quebec – The President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Transport, the Honourable Anita Anand, will announce investments under the National Trade Corridors Fund at Sorel-Tracy, Québec. She will be joined by Robert Bellisle, President and CEO of QSL, Patrick Péloquin, Mayor of Sorel-Tracy, and Vincent Deguise, Mayor of Saint-Joseph-de-Sorel.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17)
PENN HILLS, PA— Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) announced he secured a $800,000 federal investment to repair a partially collapsed section of Old William Penn Highway in Penn Hills and stave off further collapse and structural failure. The federal funds will support a safer road and easier traffic flow for residents, commuters, and worshippers at the nearby Sri Venkateswara Hindu Temple.
“Whether it’s people getting on the Parkway for their work commute, kids taking buses to school, or worshippers heading to the Sri Venkateswara Temple, the good folks in Penn Hills depend on Old William Penn Highway,” said Congressman Deluzio, “I’m proud to announce I secured $800,000 in federal funding to repair Old William Penn Highway, fix up the structural issues caused by the landslide, and make it a safer and better road for all of us.”
The section of Old William Penn that is currently failing is due to a landslide that is slowly eroding the roadway. Municipal estimations project one more functional winter before the unsafe conditions would force the road to close. The federal funds Deluzio announced today will keep the road functional while the construction takes place. Work has already begun at the site, with workers this week performing geotechnical services in coordination with PennDOT engineers. Photos of the worksite and today’s event can be found here. Livestreamed video of the event is available here.
Old William Penn Highway serves as a main artery in the region, connecting Penn Hills to the Parkway East as well as to the Sri Venkateswara Temple, a major Hindu temple in the region with thousands of members. Residents, local businesses, and commuters support this construction.
This project in Penn Hills is one of fifteen community projects that Congressman Chris Deluzio successfully got funded for Pennsylvania’s 17th Congressional District through the annual congressional funding bills. His funded projects also included local police departments, fire stations, downtown revitalization, street and water system repairs, and more.
State Senator Jay Costa, Penn Hills Mayor Pauline Calabrese, Councilperson Joanne Fascio, and Municipal Manager Scott Andrejchak joined Congressman Deluzio today to highlight these funds, visit the site on Old William Penn Highway, and accept a large check for the project.
Source: United States Department of Defense (video statements)
Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder briefs the news media at the Pentagon. The briefing will also be livestreamed on Defense.gov.
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Your military is an all-volunteer force that serves to protect our security and way of life, but Service members are more than a fighting force. They are leaders, humanitarians and your fellow Americans. Get to know more about the men and women who serve, who they are, what they do, and why they do it.
For more on the Department of Defense, visit: http://www.defense.gov
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Keep up with the Department of Defense on social media!
Ms. Basima Abdulrahman is the founder and CEO of KESK, the first Iraqi greentech company which synergizes green power and cloud computing technologies to build alternative energy projects in the country.
Ms. Abdulrahman was a participant of the panel “Women, Peace, and Security: How to Promote Stability in Conflict-affected Countries by Funding Female Entrepreneurs” at the 5th World Entrepreneurs Investment Forum in Bahrain on 16 May 2024.
Noon briefing by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
Highlights:
-Briefings tomorrow
-IPC report
-Occupied Palestinian Territory
-Lebanon
-Lebanon/Humanitarian
-Syria/Lebanon
-Chad
-Women/Peacekeeping
-Poverty Index
-Eradication of poverty
IPC REPORT
The Secretary-General said that he is alarmed by today’s IPC report findings that high displacement and restrictions on humanitarian aid flows mean that the people of Gaza are facing catastrophic levels of hunger. One year into the conflict, famine looms. This is intolerable, the Secretary-General said.
Mr. Guterres said that crossing points must open immediately, bureaucratic impediments must be removed, and law and order must be restored so that UN agencies can deliver lifesaving humanitarian assistance.
Earlier today, the World Food Programme and the Food and Agriculture Organization said that the latest findings of the Integrated Phase Classification (IPC) report, collecting the work of 16 UN agencies and NGOs, make clear that the risk of famine persists across the whole Gaza Strip. Given the recent surge in hostilities, there are growing concerns that this worst-case scenario may materialize.
Between September and October 2024, the whole territory is classified in IPC Phase 4 – Emergency. About 1.84 million people across the Gaza Strip are experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity, classified in IPC Phase 3 – Crisis – or above, including nearly 133,000 people facing catastrophic food insecurity, which is IPC Phase 5. Acute Malnutrition is ten times higher than before the escalation of the hostilities.
The report adds that nearly the entire population has been displaced multiple times, risking injuries or death from shelling and aerial bombardments, while many vulnerable groups are unable to relocate or find safe shelter. The majority are living in temporary makeshift camps with an alarming density of almost 40,000 people per square kilometre.
OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY
Our colleagues from Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs warn that the ongoing Israeli military operations in northern Gaza are putting tens of thousands of civilians in grave danger. OCHA stresses once again that civilians in the north and across Gaza must be protected. Moreover, the military offensive in northern Gaza is also choking off people’s access to the essentials for their survival, including water.
Intense hostilities, evacuation orders, and loss of access to numerous water, sanitation and hygiene facilities in northern Gaza have rendered a number of systems for water production and wastewater collection inoperable. In Jabalya and Beit Lahya, water production from municipal wells is currently at zero. That’s according to our partners, who are also doing everything possible to provide access to water for people throughout Gaza. As of a week ago, they reported that 638 cubic metres of water were being distributed in northern Gaza on a daily basis through water trucking. For your reference, daily water distribution throughout all of Gaza prior to October 2023 was 380,000 cubic metres.
Meanwhile, in central Gaza, we and our humanitarian partners working to support water, sanitation and hygiene services there are preparing for winter and taking urgent steps to mitigate the risk of flooding. These include rehabilitating wastewater pumping stations in Deir al Balah and removing solid waste and cleaning stormwater channels in An Nuseirat refugee camp. Partners are also rehabilitating drainage systems and working to procure dewatering pumps.
Also in central Gaza, the World Health Organization reports that the second round of the polio vaccination campaign there concluded yesterday, with more than 181,000 children receiving the vaccine and over 148,000 children getting vitamin A supplements. Eight health facilities in central Gaza will continue to provide polio vaccines for families who were unable to bring their children to be vaccinated over the past three days.
The second round of the polio vaccination campaign is expected to start in southern Gaza tomorrow.
Meanwhile, in the West Bank, OCHA warns that Israeli settler violence in the context of the ongoing olive harvest season is threatening people’s safety and livelihoods. Since the beginning of the month, OCHA has documented 32 attacks by Israeli settlers, during which 39 Palestinians harvesting olives were injured and about 600 trees and saplings were vandalized, sawn off, or stolen.
Source: International Monetary Fund – IMF (video statements)
In mid-2023, Pakistan faced significant economic challenges, including due the devastating floods of the previous year. Since then, economic stability has been restored through careful policy-making. However, challenges remain, such as a narrow tax base, elevated spending pressures for social and development needs and building climate resilience, as well as low productivity and weak growth. MCD Director Jihad Azour will be joined by Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb to discuss the government’s ambitious policy and reform agenda and the path to sustainable growth.
DENVER – Today, Governor Polis delivered the keynote address at the Colorado Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting to highlight Colorado’s economic success.
“Colorado has one of the best economies in the country and we continue working to ensure it remains the best place to launch and grow a business. Since taking office, we have brought thousands of new jobs to Colorado. From cutting taxes, to addressing housing costs, expanding access to quality education and more, ours is a great place for individuals, families, and businesses to plant their roots,” said Governor Jared Polis.
At the meeting, the Chamber announced the “Coolest Thing Made in Colorado” award, which was voted on by members of the Chamber. Freedom Trax was announced as the winner. Freedom Trax is a motorized off-road attachment designed for manual wheelchairs that helps navigate difficult terrain, breaking down barriers to access for Coloradans using wheelchairs in Colorado’s great outdoors.
“Small, innovative businesses and products like Freedom Trax are driving our economy forward and helping Coloradans of all abilities access our great outdoors. Congratulations on being named the coolest thing made in Colorado! I am proud to celebrate this innovation and your impact on our great state,” said Governor Polis.
In the last year, Governor Polis has signed laws cutting property, sales, and income taxes, breaking down barriers to housing Coloradans can afford, investing in Colorado workforce and connecting Coloradans to needed skills to fill available jobs, expanding access to low-cost education and more. All critical to a strong economy and a strong workforce.
The designated candidates of the von der Leyen Commission will be heard by the EP committees dealing with their respective portfolios from 04/11/2024 until 12/11/2024. During each confirmation hearing, the commissioner-designate will give an opening speech and then answer questions by committee members. More detailed information, including the candidates’ portfolios, the procedure, the schedule, the latest news and a live webstreaming during and record after the hearing, can be found on the dedicated webpage.
Speaking to leaders, Parliament President Metsola reiterated Parliament’s unwavering support for Ukraine. She called for a coordinated European approach to ensure the integrity of Schengen.
On Ukraine
It has been almost 1,000 days of aggression in Ukraine. We will, and we must, keep standing with Ukraine – and equally we need to reinforce our efforts for peace. A peace that is rooted in freedom; that is anchored in dignity and that is built on justice. A peace that is not a capitulation. A peace that protects our values. Anything less than that is no real peace at all.
When we talk about Ukraine’s future and putting an end to this terrible war, we need to be clear: only a strong, sovereign Ukraine can achieve that. The European Parliament stands firm in its conviction: nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine.
Next week the European Parliament will take a final vote in plenary to support Ukraine with an exceptional Macro-Financial Assistance loan of up to 35 billion Euros. Politically and technically, we are proud to have done our work.
On Middle East
Alongside the recent escalation in Lebanon, including now involving the United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon, it is more critical than ever to find a sustainable solution and to do so urgently. Europe has a role to play here and we cannot be found wanting.
The European Parliament’s position is clear. Our calls for the immediate release of the remaining hostages will remain steadfast. Our calls for a ceasefire will remain resolute. Our efforts towards de-escalation will remain strong. And our work for a real, dignified, sustainable, long-term peace in the region, based on two States that gives real perspective to Palestinians and security to Israel, will remain unwavering.
We cannot ignore the ripple effects of instability. What happens in Eastern Europe, in the Middle East, in Northern Africa or anywhere else near our borders, does not just stay isolated – it has consequences for Europe. Nowhere is this more visible than in the area of migration.
On Migration
The EU Migration and Asylum Pact, which we adopted earlier this year after a decade of political impasse, offers a pathway forward. But it will not work if, in moments of pressure, we undermine what we have built together. That is why it is important that we scale-up efforts to swiftly implement the Pact.
Our commonly agreed-to framework that protects our borders, but that is also fair with those eligible for protection, that is firm with those not eligible and who must be safely and swiftly returned, and that – critically – is harsh against the trafficking networks, including malign States like Russia and Belarus using hybrid threats, preying on the vulnerable and weaponising migration.
The nature of these hybrid threats [coming from Russia and Belarus] require us to think outside the box. We must respond to those actors who seek to abuse the systems we built for the betterment of man, against the very humanity they are meant to protect. And we can do so within the parameters of our values and legal frameworks.
The key here is cooperation. The real solution is a European solution – one that is broad, that is holistic, and that is sustainable. Because only a coordinated European approach can ensure the integrity of our Schengen area.
New findings using data from NASA’s IXPE (Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer) mission offer unprecedented insight into the shape and nature of a structure important to black holes called a corona. A corona is a shifting plasma region that is part of the flow of matter onto a black hole, about which scientists have only a theoretical understanding. The new results reveal the corona’s shape for the first time, and may aid scientists’ understanding of the corona’s role in feeding and sustaining black holes.
Many black holes, so named because not even light can escape their titanic gravity, are surrounded by accretion disks, debris-cluttered whirlpools of gas. Some black holes also have relativistic jets – ultra-powerful outbursts of matter hurled into space at high speed by black holes that are actively eating material in their surroundings. Less well known, perhaps, is that snacking black holes, much like Earth’s Sun and other stars, also possess a superheated corona. While the Sun’s corona, which is the star’s outermost atmosphere, burns at roughly 1.8 million degrees Fahrenheit, the temperature of a black hole corona is estimated at billions of degrees. Astrophysicists previously identified coronae among stellar-mass black holes – those formed by a star’s collapse – and supermassive black holes such as the one at the heart of the Milky Way galaxy. “Scientists have long speculated on the makeup and geometry of the corona,” said Lynne Saade, a postdoctoral researcher at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, and lead author of the new findings. “Is it a sphere above and below the black hole, or an atmosphere generated by the accretion disk, or perhaps plasma located at the base of the jets?” Enter IXPE, which specializes in X-ray polarization, the characteristic of light that helps map the shape and structure of even the most powerful energy sources, illuminating their inner workings even when the objects are too small, bright, or distant to see directly. Just as we can safely observe the Sun’s corona during a total solar eclipse, IXPE provides the means to clearly study the black hole’s accretion geometry, or the shape and structure of its accretion disk and related structures, including the corona. “X-ray polarization provides a new way to examine black hole accretion geometry,” Saade said. “If the accretion geometry of black holes is similar regardless of mass, we expect the same to be true of their polarization properties.” IXPE demonstrated that, among all black holes for which coronal properties could be directly measured via polarization, the corona was found to be extended in the same direction as the accretion disk – providing, for the first time, clues to the corona’s shape and clear evidence of its relationship to the accretion disk. The results rule out the possibility that the corona is shaped like a lamppost hovering over the disk. The research team studied data from IXPE’s observations of 12 black holes, among them Cygnus X-1 and Cygnus X-3, stellar-mass binary black hole systems about 7,000 and 37,000 light-years from Earth, respectively, and LMC X-1 and LMC X-3, stellar-mass black holes in the Large Magellanic Cloud more than 165,000 light-years away. IXPE also observed a number of supermassive black holes, including the one at the center of the Circinus galaxy, 13 million light-years from Earth, and those in galaxies NGC 1068 and NGC 4151, 47 million light-years away and nearly 62 million light-years away, respectively. Stellar mass black holes typically have a mass roughly 10 to 30 times that of Earth’s Sun, whereas supermassive black holes may have a mass that is millions to tens of billions of times larger. Despite these vast differences in scale, IXPE data suggests both types of black holes create accretion disks of similar geometry. That’s surprising, said Marshall astrophysicist Philip Kaaret, principal investigator for the IXPE mission, because the way the two types are fed is completely different. “Stellar-mass black holes rip mass from their companion stars, whereas supermassive black holes devour everything around them,” he said. “Yet the accretion mechanism functions much the same way.” That’s an exciting prospect, Saade said, because it suggests that studies of stellar-mass black holes – typically much closer to Earth than their much more massive cousins – can help shed new light on properties of supermassive black holes as well. The team next hopes to make additional examinations of both types. Saade anticipates there’s much more to glean from X-ray studies of these behemoths. “IXPE has provided the first opportunity in a long time for X-ray astronomy to reveal the underlying processes of accretion and unlock new findings about black holes,” she said. The complete findings are available in the latest issue of The Astrophysical Journal. More about IXPE IXPE, which continues to provide unprecedented data enabling groundbreaking discoveries about celestial objects across the universe, is a joint NASA and Italian Space Agency mission with partners and science collaborators in 12 countries. IXPE is led by Marshall. Ball Aerospace, headquartered in Broomfield, Colorado, manages spacecraft operations together with the University of Colorado’s Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics in Boulder. Learn more about IXPE’s ongoing mission here: https://www.nasa.gov/ixpe Elizabeth LandauNASA Headquarterselizabeth.r.landau@nasa.gov202-358-0845 Lane FigueroaNASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center256-544-0034lane.e.figueroa@nasa.gov
As a key part of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, Team Canada Trade Missions help Canadian businesses open doors in dynamic markets, unlock new opportunities and connect with government and industry leaders. Diversity is Canada’s strength, and Team Canada supports and advances inclusive trade, which contributes to more competitive, innovative and successful businesses.
October 17, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada
Since the Team Canada Trade Mission to Japan nearly a year ago, these large-scale missions have visited Malaysia, Vietnam and the Republic of Korea and will soon visit Indonesia and the Philippines. Today, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, announced that she will lead a Team Canada Trade Mission to Australia from February 16 to 21, 2025. These trade missions have allowed more than 650 representatives from over 440 Canadian organizations from more than 15 sectors gain market exposure and pursue commercial opportunities and partnerships. The Team Canada model has proven to be effective at generating economic impact for Canada: for example, the trade mission to Japan led to at least 70 new contracts with an overall value estimated at close to $30 million CAD.
As a key part of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, Team Canada Trade Missions help Canadian businesses open doors in dynamic markets, unlock new opportunities and connect with government and industry leaders. Diversity is Canada’s strength, and Team Canada supports and advances inclusive trade, which contributes to more competitive, innovative and successful businesses.
During the Team Canada Trade Mission to Australia, Canadian companies will learn about opportunities in key sectors of focus:
agri-food and agritech
clean technologies and clean energy
mining equipment technology and services
information and communications technologies (with a focus on digital infrastructure and smart cities)
Following this trade mission, Minister Ng will lead the Team Canada Trade Mission to Thailand and Cambodia in May 2025. Canada will also send business delegations to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and Brunei Darussalam in 2025.
Register nowto join Minister Ng in Australia to help grow your Canadian business in a global market. Stay tuned for more details on other trade missions in 2025.
The Indo-Pacific is Canada’s second-largest regional export market, after the United States, with yearly 2-way merchandise trade valued at $257 billion in 2023.
Launched in November 2022, Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy is creating opportunities to expand trade and investment, grow good jobs and build supply chain resilience.
The Indo-Pacific region is rapidly becoming an increasingly important global centre of economic dynamism and strategic challenge, offering Canadian companies unparalleled opportunities for expansion, market exploration, and strategic partnerships. It accounts for over one-third of the world’s economic activity. By 2030, the region is expected to become home to two-thirds of global middle class. By 2040 it is projected to make up over half of the global economy.
Team Canada Trade Missions help Canadian exporters and innovators expand and diversify their international business portfolios and reach in the region, strengthening their supply chains and facilitating long-term trade and investment opportunities that contribute to the growth of the Canadian economy.
Canadian participants gain direct benefits from Team Canada Trade Missions, such as getting market intelligence, access to key local interlocutors, and increased visibility and profile in the market. Canadian businesses have yielded a number of immediate successes and promising outcomes, including, for example, the signature of Memoranda of Understanding (MOU), as well as securing sales contracts, new strategic partnerships, or local representation.
Huzaif Qaisar Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development 343-575-8816 Huzaif.Qaisar@international.gc.ca