A large-scale cocaine-smuggling ring was dismantled by authorities in Italy, Albania, Poland and Switzerland, coordinated by Eurojust. During an action day, a total of 45 suspects were arrested, most of them in Italy. Prior to the action day, 21 suspects involved in the sale of cocaine in and around the city of Brescia were arrested. In total, 66 arrests were made. The Albanian-led organised crime group (OCG) had been selling cocaine from Latin America for at least four years, mainly in the north of Italy.
Eurojust set up a coordination centre this week to support and coordinate the actions of all authorities involved. During the investigations and the action day, for an estimated amount of EUR 4 million in cash was seized, as well as 360 kilograms of cocaine, luxury vehicles and watches, telecommunications equipment, arms and ammunition.
Investigations into the drug-smuggling network started in 2020 at the request of the Public Prosecutor’s Office (PPO) of Brescia. The OCG used five warehouses and storage centres in and around Brescia to distribute the cocaine.
Credits: Guardia di Finanza di Brecia
The suspects laundered their illegal profits via an extensive network of enterprises run by an Italian-Chinese organisation set up for this purpose, which supplied fake invoices with a total value of around EUR 375 million. The OCG members will be charged with the trafficking of illicit drugs, money laundering and investment fraud.
During this week’s action day, over 400 officers were deployed across Italy. To assist the authorities on the ground, Eurojust set up a coordination centre at its premises in The Hague and supported the execution of European Arrest Warrants and requests for Mutual Legal Assistance towards Albania and Switzerland. Europol facilitated the exchange of information between the involved countries and provided operational coordination as well as analytical support. On the action day, a Europol analyst with a mobile office was deployed to cross-check information on the spot in Italy.
The operations were carried out at the request of the PPO of Brescia via the following authorities:
Italy: PPO Brescia; Anti-Mafia District Directorate of the Guardia di Finanza – Provincial Command of Brescia; Central Investigation Service for Organised Crime (SCICO), Rome; International Police Cooperation Service Liaison Bureau, Tirana
Poland: PPO Warsaw; Central Police Bureau of Investigations
Albania: Special Prosecution Office against Corruption and Organised Crime (SPAK); Albanian State Police
Switzerland: Office of Attorney-General; Federal Police (Fedpol)
As a result of continued investigation, Saskatchewan RCMP’s Warrant Enforcement and Suppression Team (WEST) and Pelican Narrows Detachment determined Solomon Custer was in a residence in Pelican Narrows on September 24.
They contained the area, and with the assistance of Critical Incident Response Team officers, arrested Custer without incident.
Details of his court appearance are pending.
Investigators thank the media and members of the public for their assistance in this investigation.
–30–
Backgrounder
Saskatchewan RCMP CRT: male wanted after pointing firearm at officers
2024-09-18
On September 14, 2024, Saskatchewan RCMP Crime Reduction Teams (CRT) from Meadow Lake and La Ronge were attempting to arrest an adult male at a residence in- Pelican Narrows. During the execution of the arrest warrant, the adult male exited the residence and stood on a covered deck, where officers saw him holding a firearm. The adult male then pointed the firearm at officers multiple times.
The male jumped through an opening in the deck and ran into a nearby forested area. Officers searched the area with their Remotely Piloted Aircraft System(RPAS), but were unable to locate him.
As a result, 26-year-old Solomon Custer from Pelican Narrows is charged with:
1 count, pointing a firearm, section 87(1) of the Criminal Code
1 count, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, section 88(1) of the Criminal Code
1 count, resist arrest, section 129(a) of the Criminal Code
1 count, assault on a police officer with a weapon, section 270.01(1)(a) of the Criminal Code
A warrant has been issued for his arrest.
RCMP asks the public to report all sightings and information about Solomon Custer’s whereabouts.
Solomon Custer is described as approximately 5’9″ tall and 155 pounds. He has brown eyes and black hair. He may be in the Pelican Narrows area.
If you see Solomon Custer, do not approach him. Report all sightings and information about the whereabouts of Solomon Custer to RCMP by calling 310-RCMP (7267). Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or http://www.saskcrimestoppers.com.
Saskatchewan RCMP Warrant Enforcement Suppression Team (WEST) is assisting in this investigation.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Projects from 4 UK organisations will share £2m in the inaugural AUKUS Pillar 2 Electronic Warfare (EW) Innovation Challenge.
Through AUKUS Pillar 2, Australia, the UK and the US are pooling the talents of their defence sectors to develop at pace the delivery of advanced capabilities. Four UK companies have been selected by the UK’s Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) to receive a share of the funding to develop solutions in electromagnetic targeting and protection.
The competition was run to find low cost, disposable, high volume and highly autonomous electromagnetic technology that can detect enemy actions or protect against them.
The four successful UK organisations to receive research funding are:
Amiosec Ltd
Autonomous Devices Ltd
Roke Manor Research Ltd
University of Liverpool
The trilateral AUKUS EW Challenge was run as 3 individual competitions by DASA in the UK; the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA), in Australia; and the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) in the US. The EW competition was the first in what will be a series of AUKUS Innovation Challenges, setting the template for future advanced defence technology competitions run by the 3 partners.
National winners of the 3 EW Challenge competitions were announced at the AUKUS Defence Ministers’ Meeting on 26 September in London by UK Secretary of State for Defence, the Right Honourable John Healey MP; Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Honourable Richard Marles MP; and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III. The three Defence Ministers together emphasised the value of the collaboration to a free and open Indo-Pacific, with the potential to enhance joint defence capabilities, ensuring national, regional and global stability.
The 3 innovation competitions called for proposals to identify electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) technology solutions to help give the AUKUS nations a strategic edge in targeting and to provide protection against adversarial electromagnetic-targeting capabilities. EMS is a heavily congested, contested, complex and competitive environment and there is an increasing need for low cost, disposable, high volume and highly autonomous capabilities to achieve advantage.
In total, across all 3 national innovation challenges, 173 qualified suppliers applied, in a show of strength of the AUKUS nations’ defence innovation capabilities.
The winning UK supplier organisations:
Amiosec Ltd: This project is seeking to create fake radio activity, masking the true location of friendly military forces to support missions. The research will focus on extending previous work on AI-generated traffic to boost realism to defeat adversary EW systems. It will be delivered by Amiosec in conjunction with its Australian defence technology partner, Penten.
Autonomous Devices Ltd: Is developing and flight-demonstrating the novel combination of a radar Electronic Counter Measure and a small Uncrewed Air System platform.
Roke Manor Research Ltd: The ability to transmit and receive on identical frequencies simultaneously has been an operational and technical challenge for decades. The Smart STAR Jammer project sets out to combine a Simultaneous Transmit and Receive (STAR) Transceiver jointly developed by Roke and the University of Bristol.
University of Liverpool: This project aims to improve the ability to detect multiple individual faint signals in close geometric proximity to one another. This will be achieved using a combination of machine learning and statistics.
AUKUS is a landmark security and defence partnership to support a free and open Indo-Pacific by strengthening regional global security. A major part of the partnership, named Pillar 1, is helping Australia to acquire its first conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine fleet.
Through AUKUS Pillar 2 which includes advanced capabilities such as Artificial Intelligence, autonomy, quantum technologies and electronic warfare – the 3 national partners seek to strengthen trilateral capabilities in cutting-edge military technologies, increase interoperability, and drive knowledge-sharing and innovation. One of the aims of Pillar 2 is to “foster deeper integration of security and defence-related science, technology, industrial bases, and supply chains”.
The Government of Canada is investing more than $5 million over five years to fund five Indigenous projects aimed at preventing child abuse and youth dating violence. These projects will support more than 1,270 Indigenous children, youth and families, as well as service providers, across Canada by providing them with the tools they need to build safe and positive relationships.
September 2024
The Government of Canada is investing more than $5 million over five years to fund five Indigenous projects aimed at preventing child abuse and youth dating violence. These projects will support more than 1,270 Indigenous children, youth and families, as well as service providers, across Canada by providing them with the tools they need to build safe and positive relationships.
This funding will support a variety of initiatives across Canada, each focusing on cultural identity, healing and promoting healthier relationships in Indigenous communities. Projects are designed to meet the unique needs of Indigenous youth and their families, while addressing intergenerational trauma and cycles of violence caused by colonization, racism and the residential school system.
To prevent and combat violence in youth dating:
Infinity Women Secretariat Inc. is receiving $601,959 to explore and promote the use of Red River Métis culture in building healthy relationships among youth. This project will reach 210 Métis youth in Manitoba, helping them feel a sense of belonging and improving their self-confidence. Legacy of Hope Foundation is receiving $555,015 to develop an online toolkit to prevent dating violence. The toolkit will include Indigenous voices and perspectives and will provide online workshops to 300 Indigenous youth across Canada, creating safe spaces for conversations about healthy relationships. Nunavut Disabilities Makinnasuaqtiit Society is receiving $1.35 million to develop a dating violence prevention program for 320 Inuit youth with disabilities in Nunavut. The project will focus on teaching these youth about healthy relationships and how to prevent dating violence in a way that is culturally and developmentally appropriate.
To prevent and combat child abuse:
ILITAQSINIQ is receiving more than $1.6 million to deliver two family strengthening programs in six Nunavut communities. These programs will provide knowledge and skills on topics such as parenting, communication and managing family dynamics, with the goal of helping 192 children and their caregivers. The Martin Family Initiative is receiving nearly $1 million to adapt, deliver and evaluate its family health and wellness resources across Canada to better support more than 250 early childhood professionals to promote positive parenting behaviour and contribute to the reduction of child maltreatment in the Indigenous communities they serve.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.
German and Italian authorities worked together with Eurojust and Europol to stop a fraudulent scheme. The suspects targeted public institutions, cities, and municipalities, and were able to cause damages of several million euros. On 24 September, an operation took place where technology and assets were seized and search warrants against five suspects were executed.
For over a year, suspects ran a fraudulent scheme in Germany that made them millions. Several public institutions, companies, cities, and municipalities were affected by the scheme. By using phishing techniques, the suspects gained access to real invoices that were addressed to public institutions and companies. The fraudsters manipulated them with their own financial information. The manipulated invoices were then sent to victims, who paid them to the fraudsters instead of their business partners.
Investigations into the scheme identified five suspects with Italian and German citizenship. As authorities needed to search properties in Germany and Italy, a cross-border case was opened at Eurojust. Coordination through Eurojust defined the strategy of the investigation between the German and Italian authorities. Authorities decided to execute simultaneous searches in the two countries to gather evidence of the fraud and seize assets that were gained through the fraudulent scheme. Europol provided continuous intelligence development to map out the different targets and their criminal activity.
On 24 September, search warrants against five suspects were executed in Germany and Italy and ten propereties were searched. During the operation, Europol activated a Virtual Command Post to provide support from its headquarters to the investigators on the field as they carried out their enforcement actions. Assets were provisionally secured, and cell phones, computers, and data storage devices were seized. Special Forces will now investigate the seized technology as the investigation continues.
The following authorities were involved in the actions:
Germany: Public Prosecution Office Leipzig – Central Cybercrime Office, Leipzig Criminal Investigation Department – Commissariat 33 (Cybercrime)
Italy: Public Prosecutor’s Office Naples; Economic and Financial Police Units of the Guardia di Finanza Naples, Verona, Treviso and Bolzano
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Headline: NCDHHS Livestream Fireside Chat and Tele-Town Hall: Understanding Seasonal Vaccines and Respiratory Health In North Carolina
NCDHHS Livestream Fireside Chat and Tele-Town Hall: Understanding Seasonal Vaccines and Respiratory Health In North Carolina rmbeck
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will host a live fireside chat and tele-town hall on Thursday, Oct. 3, from 6 to 7 p.m., to discuss how seasonal vaccines, including flu, COVID-19 and RSV, help protect communities against severe illness, hospitalization and long-term health complications. The event will be moderated by Elizabeth Cuervo Tilson, M.D., NCDHHS’ State Health Director and Chief Medical Officer.
The 2024-2025 respiratory virus season is here and everyone ages 6 months and up is due for their flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine. Seasonal vaccines are the best to way to prevent people from experiencing severe cases of flu and COVID-19, especially for those who are at a higher risk of complications from the viruses. This includes people who are under 5, 65 and older, pregnant and/or living with chronic medical conditions. Last year, 95% of people in the United States hospitalized due to COVID-19 had not had the most recent COVID vaccine , and people who skipped their flu shot were twice as likely to need medical help for the flu.
Fireside chat and tele-town hall panelists will discuss the following:
How to get your seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccines
What to know about RSV protection, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines
Ways to find a health provider near you and access care
Steps to protect yourself and your household against seasonal illness
How to access free vaccines for children
During the 2023-2024 respiratory season, North Carolina experienced its highest number of pediatric flu deaths (16) since public health reporting began in 2004, with 81% of the flu deaths occurring in children who did not get a flu shot last year.
In addition to flu and COVID-19 vaccines, RSV vaccines are also now available for older adults and those who are pregnant. Some babies and children under two may also need to receive an immunization to help build protection against RSV. It’s important for individuals of all ages to be up to date on all recommended vaccines before enjoying seasonal activities, sporting events or celebrations with loved ones.
Everyone should test for COVID-19 right away if they feel sick or have symptoms to help prevent the virus from spreading to others around them. Free, at-home COVID-19 tests are available at more than 300 local organizations statewide. To find free tests near you visit MySpot.nc.gov/tests.
The fireside chat will stream live from the NCDHHS Facebook and YouTube accounts, where viewers can submit questions. The event also includes a tele-town hall, which invites people by phone to listen in and submit questions. People can dial into the event by calling 855-756-7520 Ext. 111990#.
Visit MySpot.nc.gov for information, guidance and resources on seasonal vaccines and how they support respiratory health.
El Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte (NCDHHS) presentará un “Fireside Chat”, una conversación virtual y telefónica en vivo el jueves 3 de octubre, de 6 a 7 p.m., para hablar sobre cómo las vacunas estacionales, incluidas las de la gripe (influenza), el COVID-19 y el virus respiratorio sincitial (VRS), ayudan a proteger a las comunidades contra enfermedades graves, hospitalizaciones y complicaciones de salud a largo plazo. El evento será moderado por la Dra. Elizabeth Cuervo Tilson, directora de Salud del Estado y jefa médica del NCDHHS.
La temporada de virus respiratorios de 2024 a 2025 ha comenzado, y todas las personas de6 meses en adelante deben vacunarsecontra la gripe y el COVID-19. Las vacunas estacionales son la mejor manera de prevenir casos graves de gripe y COVID-19, especialmente para quienes tienen mayor riesgo de complicaciones por los virus. Esto incluye a personas menores de 5 años, mayores de 65 años, personas embarazadas y/o con condiciones médicas crónicas. El año pasado, el 95% de las personas hospitalizadas en los Estados Unidos debido al COVID-19 no habían recibido la vacuna más reciente contra el COVID-19, y las personas que no se vacunaron contra la gripe tuvieron el doble de probabilidades de necesitar atención médica por la gripe.
Los panelistas del evento virtual y telefónico hablarán sobre los siguientes temas:
• Cómo recibir las vacunas estacionales contra la gripe (influenza) y el COVID-19 • Lo que necesitas saber sobre la protección contra el VRS, incluidas las vacunas • Maneras de encontrar un proveedor de salud cercano y acceder a atención médica • Pasos para protegerse y proteger a sus familiares contra las enfermedades estacionales • Cómo acceder a vacunas gratuitas para niños
Durante la temporada de virus respiratoria de 2023-2024, Carolina del Norte experimentó el mayor número de muertes pediátricas por gripe (16) desde que se comenzó a reportar públicamente en 2004, con el 81 % de las muertes ocurridas en niños que no recibieron la vacuna contra la gripe el año pasado.
Además de las vacunas contra la gripe y el COVID-19, las vacunas contra el VRS también están disponibles ahora para adultos mayores y personas embarazadas. Algunos bebés y niños menores de dos años también pueden necesitar recibir una inmunización para ayudar a desarrollar protección contra el VRS. Es importante que personas de todas las edades estén al día con todas las vacunas recomendadas antes de disfrutar de actividades estacionales, eventos deportivos o celebraciones con seres queridos.
Todos deben hacerse la prueba de COVID-19 de inmediato si se sienten enfermos o tienen síntomas, para ayudar a prevenir la propagación del virus a otras personas. Pruebas caseras gratuitas de COVID-19 están disponibles en más de 300 organizaciones locales en todo el estado. Para encontrar pruebas gratuitas cerca de usted, visiteVacunate.nc.gov/pruebas.
El evento virtual será transmitido en vivo desde las cuentas deFacebookyYouTubedel NCDHHS, donde los espectadores pueden enviar preguntas. El evento incluirá una opción de telecomunicación, que invita a las personas a escuchar y enviar preguntas por teléfono. Los participantes también pueden llamar al evento al 855-756-7520 Ext. 111990#.
Visite Vacunate.nc.gov para obtener información, orientación y recursos sobre las vacunas estacionales y cómo apoyan la salud respiratoria.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-22)
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today announced that she was added to the National Shooting Sports Foundation Dean’s List for her dedication to defending the Second Amendment in the 118th Congress.
The NSSF Congressional Report Card evaluates how elected officials defend Second Amendment rights and support law-abiding firearm owners in the 118th Congress. Grades are determined by key factors such as voting records, co-sponsorships, committee involvement, floor speeches, and other official actions. Tenney has earned a spot on the Dean’s List, reflecting her 100% voting alignment with NSSF priorities and full co-sponsorship of all scored bills.
“As a Constitutional Conservative, safeguarding the Second Amendment has always been one of my top priorities in Congress,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “I remain steadfast in opposing any efforts to strip law-abiding Americans of their constitutional freedoms. I am honored to receive this prestigious ranking from the NSSF, and I am committed to continuing my work to defend the Second Amendment for all law-abiding Americans.”
“The 2024 NSSF Congressional Report Card is a comprehensive analysis of our elected representatives’ positions on firearm and ammunition industry priorities in the 118th Congress. The Report Card’s grades are based on key votes, co-sponsorships, committee activity, floor speeches, and other official actions by Senators and Members of the U.S. House of Representatives. Members of our industry are grateful to have so many strong allies in the Halls of Congress,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President for Government & Public Affairs and General Counsel. “NSSF is proud to especially recognize Representative Tenney as a member of the new NSSF Congressional Dean’s List for her exemplary leadership in supporting the firearm and ammunition industry and the nearly 400,000 hard working Americans employed in the industry. Making the Dean’s List is special recognition that Rep. Tenney has gone above and beyond to protect and preserve the Second Amendment rights of her constituents and the industry that makes the exercise of those rights possible. We applaud Rep. Tenney for her exemplary level of support.”
Earlier this year, Tenney released her Second Amendment plan, highlighting her legislative accomplishments and how she plans to build upon these existing wins to safeguard our Second Amendment rights. View Tenney’s Second Amendment Plan Here.
Harvest was delayed across much of the province over the past week due to rainfall. Currently, producers are 79 per cent complete. This is still ahead of the five-year average of 75 per cent and the 10-year average of 69 per cent. Although moisture has helped replenish topsoil moisture conditions and green up pastures for fall grazing, it has also caused concerns for downgrading of crop quality in areas yet to be harvested. Producers in many regions are hopeful for drier conditions in the upcoming weeks to help with harvest progression.
The southwest region is nearing harvest completion with 96 per cent of crops harvested. The southeast region currently sits at 83 per cent, with the east-central and west-central regions sit at 75 per cent and 70 per cent completed, respectively. Both northeast and northwest regions sit at 65 per cent complete.
Harvest is complete for winter wheat, triticale and field peas with harvest nearly complete for fall rye and lentils. Durum leads in harvest progress for spring-seeded cereal at 95 per cent complete, followed by barley at 91 per cent and spring wheat at 85 per cent. Oats currently sit at 75 per cent and canary seed is 68 per cent. Harvest is nearing completion for chickpeas at 93 per cent. For oilseed crops, mustard is 93 per cent harvested followed by canola at 56 per cent. Flax and soybeans are the furthest behind in harvest completion at 42 per cent and 32 per cent complete, respectively.
Rain fell throughout much of the province over the past week at varying amounts. The highest amounts were mainly recorded in the southwest region. The Gouldtown area recorded the highest amount of precipitation over the past week at 100 mm which was followed by the Richmound and Eston areas at 82 mm and 81 mm, respectively. Additionally, the Neidpath area received 78 mm and the Admiral area received 75 mm.
Although the recent moisture slowed harvest progress, it was welcome in areas struggling with topsoil moisture shortages. This rainfall helped alleviate some producer concerns relating to fall pasture conditions. Currently, cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 64 per cent adequate, 32 per cent short and four per cent very short. Hayland is rated as 60 per cent adequate, 33 per cent short and seven per cent very short. Pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 53 per cent adequate, 37 per cent short and 10 per cent very short. Producers are hopeful for additional moisture following harvest to assist with replenishing topsoil moisture supplies for next year.
As producers evaluate livestock water supplies moving into the fall, 59 per cent indicate there are no shortages occurring or anticipated with 31 per cent indicating they have moderate shortages. Additionally, 85 per cent of producers reported no concerns about water quality for their livestock. Producers in the southwest and west-central regions of the province are expressing higher concerns about livestock water shortages and reduced water quality.
Crop damage over the past week was mainly due to wind, wildlife and waterfowl. As producers continue with harvest, they are also busy baling, hauling bales, fencing, cleaning corrals, harrowing combined fields and spraying for fall weed control. Additionally, some winter cereal seeding operations have commenced across the province.
As producers continue with harvest and fall field work, they are reminded to take safety precautions in all the work they do. The public is also reminded to take extra caution, time and space when encountering machinery on the road.
A complete, printable version of the Crop Report is available online: Download Crop Report.
Follow the 2024 Crop Report on Twitter at @SKAgriculture.
September 26, 2024 – Winnipeg, Manitoba – The Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister responsible for PrairiesCan and Member of Parliament for Saint Boniface – Saint Vital, will announce federal investments for revitalization in downtown Winnipeg.
Date: September 27, 2024
Time: 11:00 a.m. CDT / 12:00 a.m. EDT
Location: Portage Place Mall 3rd Floor Centre Court 393 Portage Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba
Manitoba Government Lifting the Pause on Canada-Manitoba Housing Benefit Rent Subsidy Program
Increased Funding will Help 550 Families: Smith
The Manitoba government is adding $1.2 million in benefits to help Manitobans who need support with rent, lifting the pause on the Canada-Manitoba Housing Benefit (CMHB), Housing, Addictions and Homelessness Minister Bernadette Smith announced today.
“Our government is committed to ending chronic homelessness and we know that there is so much more to do,” said Smith. “We are providing these funds immediately to ensure this program can be accessible to those struggling and who need support with the rising cost of living.”
The increased funding will help bring this year’s total to $10.8 million in benefits, said Smith.
From October 2023 to June 2024, the Manitoba government supported 1,600 families and individuals with their rental costs, doubling the number of recipients from last year. The province approved an additional 282 recipients in August and steps to support those applicants are currently underway.
With this funding, the temporary pause has concluded and application intake has resumed. Applications received to date will be addressed first and additional families will benefit from this increase in funds until allocations of the new funds are exhausted, noted the minister.
Today, the Honourable Ya’ara Saks, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, announced an investment of over $5 million in funding over five years for five Indigenous focused projects aimed at promoting child development and preventing, recognizing and responding safely to child maltreatment and youth dating violence. These projects will serve over 1,270 Indigenous children, youth and their families across Canada.
September 26, 2024 | Ottawa, Ontario | Public Health Agency of Canada
As part of the Government of Canada’s ongoing commitment to reconciliation and the well-being of Indigenous Peoples, the Government of Canada is investing in initiatives that promote cultural identity, values, and healing.
Today, the Honourable Ya’ara Saks, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, announced an investment of over $5 million in funding over five years for five Indigenous focused projects aimed at promoting child development and preventing, recognizing and responding safely to child maltreatment and youth dating violence. These projects will serve over 1,270 Indigenous children, youth and their families across Canada.
Colonization, racism, and the impacts of the Indian Residential School system have devastating effects on First Nations, Inuit, and Métis in Canada. As a result, Indigenous communities face multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination and high rates of violence. There is a need to build the evidence-base of effective, culturally appropriate resources and support systems to address these challenges, to help heal and prevent ongoing cycles of violence and trauma.
This funding will support the development, delivery, and testing of health promotion interventions that promote resilience, healthy relationships, and cultural connection. The funded projects will provide Indigenous children, youth, and their families, as well as service providers, with the tools and knowledge to build safe, supportive relationships and reduce the prevalence of violence in their lives. This investment aligns with Canada’s broader efforts to advance reconciliation and promote the health and well-being of Indigenous Peoples.
Quotes
“We are committed to supporting Indigenous Peoples to address violence and promote healing. By investing in these projects, we are helping ensure that Indigenous children, youth, and their families are empowered with culturally appropriate supports to foster healthy relationships and help prevent violence. This is part of our broader commitment to reconciliation.”
The Honourable Ya’ara Saks Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health
“Projects like this saves lives. It is no secret by now that Indigenous Peoples have faced disproportionate rates of violence. When people are in crisis, they need a safe place and safe people to turn to. This funding will help support the many groups that provide these services day in and day out.”
The Honourable Patty Hajdu Minister of Indigenous Services
Quick Facts
As part of the federal Gender-based Violence Strategy, the Government of Canada has invested over $800 million, with $44 million per year ongoing in preventing gender-based violence (including family violence), supporting survivors, and promoting responsive legal and justice systems.
Specifically, the Public Health Agency of Canada is investing up to $18 million per year until 2026, and over $9 million ongoing to support projects that promote safe relationships, prevent youth dating violence, family violence and child maltreatment, and equip health professionals and service providers to recognize and respond safely to gender-based violence.
In addition, Budget 2022 committed $539.3 million over five years (2022 to 2027), to support provinces and territories in their efforts to implement the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence.
Yuval Daniel Director of Communications Office of the Honourable Ya’ara Saks Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health 819-360-6927
Castiel, played by Misha Collins, and Dean Winchester, played by Jensen Ackles, in an episode of ‘Supernatural.’ Destiel is the slash ship between the two characters.(Apple TV)
Although the practice of pairing two characters together had existed in fandom for a while, this is recognized as the first use of the term. By the late 1990s, “relationshipper” had been shortened to “shipper” and was being used in other major media fandoms as well.
A ship refers to a romantic pairing between two or more characters, and is often a pairing that doesn’t actively exist in the original story. To “ship” a pairing is to support and enjoy the idea of that specific relationship.
Top 11 Smulder moments from the X-Files YouTube channel.
In the early 2000s, ships were often assigned nautical names, but now they are commonly portmanteaus of the two characters being paired — like Drarry, for Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy, or Spuffy for Buffy Summers and Spike.
Many people can relate to seeing two characters interact and thinking, “they’d make a great couple!” But why do we become so invested in these relationships? And what makes some characters more shippable than others?
No one’s 20s and 30s look the same. You might be saving for a mortgage or just struggling to pay rent. You could be swiping dating apps, or trying to understand childcare. No matter your current challenges, our Quarter Life series has articles to share in the group chat, or just to remind you that you’re not alone.
Shipping has become a massive part of fan culture. Even when writers and media producers don’t explicitly pair up characters, fans will fill the gaps, creating their own versions and interpretations.
Fans often become deeply invested in fictional couples because they empathize with and feel connected to the characters.
Well-developed characters evoke emotional responses in audiences, similar to the connections we forge with others in real life, especially when we’ve spent a lot of time engaging with the media. The characters become like friends on the screen or page — we become invested in their relationships and growth.
This connection grows even more when characters are placed in relatable situations, such as navigating a breakup or unrequited love. When we can put ourselves in the shoes of the character, we become more invested in their story. Fans connect with characters, and then yearn for their happiness because it feels connected to their own happiness.
It becomes more than just a story; instead, shipping the characters becomes a way for fans to explore their own emotions.
The slow burn effect
In recent decades, media producers and writers have leaned heavily into “will they or won’t they” relationships. These situations, much like a cliffhanger, keep audiences emotionally invested and engaged with the relationship.
The anticipation keeps viewers coming back for more, waiting for the romantic payoff, even in cases when they know it will never happen. The tension built between characters and the feeling of an unresolved romantic narrative — whether intentional or not — heightens fan interest and engagement in shipping.
Shipping also allows fans to project their own desires and fantasies onto a character. We all have our ideal meet-cutes and daydreams about meeting “our person” and what that connection would be like.
Aziraphale, played by Michael Sheen, and Crowley, played by David Tennant, in an episode of ‘Good Omens.’ Ineffable Husbands is the ship name of these two characters. (Amazon Prime)
So, when we encounter a character who feels relatable, or who feels like “our person,” shipping allows us to explore those daydreams without any of the actual risks of complications involved in real life relationships. In many ways, the act of shipping is an exercise in emotional fulfillment for the fan.
Some characters naturally have a spark that draw fans to them — whether it’s through witty banter, emotional vulnerability, opposites-attract tension or the fact that there’s only one bed. When characters have great chemistry, fans can’t help but see the potential for something deeper.
This is especially true when a character’s arc involves personal or emotional growth, as we are eager to imagine a happy ending for characters who are evolving. Combine this growth with the tension of a “will they or won’t they” relationship — a classic of the 90s and 2000s sitcom, think Rachel and Ross from Friends, or Ted and Robin from How I Met Your Mother — and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a beloved ship.
In fact, a common shipping trope is the slow burn where the romance builds excruciatingly slowly. These types of relationships keep fans hooked because the development is gradual, and subtle. On-screen couples like Jess and Nick from New Girl and Jake Peralta and Amy Santiago from Brooklyn Nine-Nine are prime examples of this.
Jake Proposes to Amy on Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
Fans experience the full gamut of the emotional journey with these characters and, should then tension break and romance bloom, the pay-off is incredibly satisfying.
If the relationships don’t come to pass, fans often turn to fanfiction — stories written by and for fans — to explore the potential of that ship more fully, with platforms like Archive of Our Own providing a space for these creative explorations.
Pushing for diversity in media
Fans are often drawn to relationships and characters that challenge the dominant ideologies and norms seen in media. Some of the most popular ships involve queer pairings — a trend that dates back, at least, to early days of media fandom with Spirk (Spock/Kirk) fanfiction.
Some of today’s most popular queer ships include Aziraphale/Crowley from Good Omens, Dean Winchester/Castiel from Supernatural, Villanelle/Eve from Killing Eve and Hannibal Lecter and Will Graham from Hannibal.
Such relationships can provide a sense of representation that’s often lacking in mainstream media, allowing fans to see themselves in the stories they love. In this way, shipping can serve as a form of advocacy, pushing for greater diversity and inclusivity in media.
Shipping is about more than wanting characters to kiss — it’s an emotionally charged experience that culminates from empathy, narrative tension, personal fantasies and desires. For fans, these fictional relationships can feel as real as any in our own lives, and that’s why we keep coming back for more.
Effie Sapuridis does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
The Government of Canada is investing more than $5 million over five years to fund five Indigenous focused projects aimed at preventing child maltreatment and youth dating violence. These projects will help over 1,270 Indigenous children, youth, and families, as well as service providers, across Canada by providing them with the tools to build safe, supportive relationships.
September 2024
The Government of Canada is investing more than $5 million over five years to fund five Indigenous focused projects aimed at preventing child maltreatment and youth dating violence. These projects will help over 1,270 Indigenous children, youth, and families, as well as service providers, across Canada by providing them with the tools to build safe, supportive relationships.
This funding will support a variety of initiatives across Canada, each focusing on cultural identity, healing, and promoting healthier relationships in Indigenous communities. The projects are designed to meet the unique needs of Indigenous youth and their families, while also addressing the intergenerational trauma and cycles of violence caused by colonization, racism, and the Residential School System.
To prevent and address youth dating violence:
Infinity Women Secretariat Inc. is receiving $601,959 to explore and promote the use of Red River Métis culture in building healthy relationships among youth. This project will reach 210 Métis youth in Manitoba, helping them feel a sense of belonging and improving their confidence.
Legacy of Hope Foundation is receiving $555,015 to develop an online toolkit aimed at preventing dating violence. The toolkit will include Indigenous voices and perspectives and will feature online workshops for 300 Indigenous youth across Canada, creating safe spaces for conversations about healthy relationships.
Nunavut Disabilities Makinnasuaqtiit Society is receiving $1.35 million to develop a dating violence prevention program for 320 Inuit youth with disabilities across Nunavut. The project will focus on teaching these youth about healthy relationships and how to prevent dating violence in a way that is culturally and developmentally appropriate.
To prevent and address child maltreatment:
ILITAQSINIQ is receiving over $1.6 million to deliver two family strengthening programs in six communities across Nunavut. These programs will provide knowledge and skills on topics such as parenting, communication, and handling family dynamics, with the goal of helping 192 children and their caregivers.
Martin Family Initiative is receiving close to $1 million to adapt, deliver and evaluate their health and family well-being resources across Canada to better support over 250 early childhood professionals aimed at promoting positive parenting and contributing to the reduction of child maltreatment in the Indigenous communities they serve.
Following the end of the progressive wave of the 2000s and 2010s in Latin America, the right has reinvented itself and regained political space.
There is the self-styled libertarianism of Javier Milei in Argentina, the protests against leftist president Gustavo Petro in Colombia and the increasingly authoritarian government of Nayib Bukele in El Salvador.
Whereas the traditional right often showed no interest in democracy and was more concerned with economic issues and fighting communism, the new right uses the tools of democracy to obtain power and govern, and focuses more on cultural issues.
Chief among these issues is the control of sexuality and gender, which differentiates the new Latin American right from its western counterparts, which are prioritizing the issue of migration.
Researchers have observed the focus on sexuality in the new Latin American right. While conducting field work last year in Colombia with right-wing activists, it became clear to me that groups as diverse as economic libertarians, evangelical anti-abortionists and security hardliners with military backgrounds shared a desire to control the sexuality of others.
Earlier this year, El Salvador’s Bukele ordered gender-related content removed from the public education system. Argentina’s Milei routinely attacks women’s reproductive rights, and the Peruvian government defined transgender identities as a “mental health problem.”
These varied efforts seek to maintain heterosexual and binary gender models at the top of the social hierarchy, while people with diverse identities are marginalized. These authoritarian tendencies are aligned with another of the new right’s favourite issues: a tough-on-crime approach to security.
Likewise, politicians in different countries market themselves as the local Bukele to win votes.
Sexuality, crime
Except for a few countries, migration is not a particularly relevant issue for adherents of the New Right in Latin America.
This is not due to a lack of migration. More than six million Venezuelans have migrated to other countries in the region as of 2023; several Latin American countries are transit points for migrants trying to reach the United States; internal migration and forced displacement are an ongoing issue for some countries.
Nevertheless, anti-migrant and nativist views are not commonplace. There is, however, an effort by the New Right to preserve white and white/mixed-race populations as well as western Christian values at the top of the social hierarchy — to the detriment of Latin America’s Indigenous and Black communities.
New Right figures now become leaders by winning elections. But once in office, they often try to concentrate power in the executive branch by undermining the separation of powers.
The New Right has also become adept at using judicial activism to advance its agenda and curtail the rights of marginalized citizens.
Grassroots organizing and social activism — tactics traditionally associated with the left — are now part of the New Right’s playbook in Latin America. Social movements were instrumental in the fall of Brazil’s Dilma Roussef and the subsequent 2018 victory of Bolsonaro.
Evangelical churches have also taken on a more visible role within the New Right, disputing the traditional leadership of the Catholic Church among conservatives. While evangelicals have long been an important electoral force in places like Brazil, they have had more mixed results in other countries.
Future implications
The New Right continues to influence the public debate and society at large in Latin America through street and social media activism, as well as institutional politics.
In 2025, the New Right could make further electoral gains in countries like Chile and Ecuador.
Because many existing New Right governments regularly undermine democracy and the rights of marginalized communities, it’s important to better understand their strategies and priorities — particularly in a region marred by exclusion and inequality.
Juan Manuel Morales does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
This October sees Oxford’s Ice Rink hit the big 4-0, as it celebrates four decades of skating fun by hosting a Back to the 80s Gala on Saturday 5th October.
Ice skating fans will get two chances to see this retro fun-fest, with shows at 2.30pm and 6pm, featuring the cream of the city’s skating talent from the Oxford School of Skating and Oxford Ice Academy.
The Back to the 80s Gala will see skaters dressed in retro fashions, dancing to songs that were big hits in the year the rink opened, 1984. People attending the show are guaranteed to feel like they’ve stepped back into the 80s!
The gala coincides with a Big Open Weekend at the ice rink, with free public skating sessions and taster lessons on Saturday and Sunday, and even a Saturday night disco.
“We are really excited to celebrate this major milestone for the Ice Rink! In August, we completed an extensive renovation, including a brand-new ice pad with updated logos and hockey lines, and a roof replacement. So, we are looking forward to showing it off.
To book a ticket to the skating show, please visit our website. We are excited to have you celebrate the Ice Rink’s birthday with us!” “
Jane De Lange, Skate School Co-ordinator at Oxford Ice Rink
“For 40 years, Oxford Ice Rink has been at the heart of our community, offering fun, fitness, and a space where people of all ages can come together. With its recent upgrades, the rink is now better than ever, ensuring it continues to provide a fantastic experience for everyone from first-time skaters to seasoned pros. We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone to the Back to the 80s Gala and the Big Open Weekend to celebrate this exciting milestone.”
Cllr Chewe Munkonge, Cabinet Member for a Healthy Oxford, Oxford City Council
In partnership with Serco Leisure, More Community Leisure Trust manage five Oxford facilities, including the ice rink, Ferry Leisure Centre and Hinksey Outdoor Pool on behalf of Oxford City Council.
Cohort of new students start England’s first new BEd course for 30 years
Almost 100 local students have embarked on England’s first new Batchelor of Education (BEd) course in 30 years as they begin their training to become the region’s next primary school teachers.
Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) is the newest provider of Initial Teacher Training in the country, and teaching got underway for the BEd Primary Education with Qualified Teacher Status course in Chelmsford, Cambridge and Peterborough this week.
Interested in becoming a teacher?
Find out more about our BEd Primary Education degree at an Open Day. Book your place for 5 October or 23 November 2024.
It is estimated that around 200 people leave the region every year to seek undergraduate teacher training opportunities at universities elsewhere in the country. It is hoped that the new, innovative course delivered by ARU will increase the number of teachers who train locally and stay in the region’s schools after graduation.
The course combines three years of academic study with three high-quality assessed placements with primary schools across the East of England and London.
Designed and taught by primary teachers who took the Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) route in to teaching, the new course is regulated by Ofsted.
Jenny Fogarty, Director of Initial Teacher Training at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), said:
“We were thrilled to welcome our first cohort onto our campuses this week and we look forward to working with them over the next three years, nurturing them and developing them into primary school teachers fit for 21st Century classrooms.
“As the only new accredited provider of Initial Teacher Training in England, this is a landmark moment for education in the East of England and we hope it will put an end to people feeling they need to move away in order to become a teacher.”
Anyone interested in finding out more, and potentially applying to be part of the 2025 cohort in Cambridge, Chelmsford, or Peterborough, is encouraged to attend one of ARU’s next undergraduate open days on Saturday, 5 October or Saturday, 23 November 2024.
The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning affecting Wolverhampton today (Thursday) running into tomorrow morning (Friday) with an amber warning in place for nearby areas.
It follows heavy downpours last weekend which caused disruption across the city with council teams working through the night to address them; from clearing blocked drains to removing fallen trees and dealing with collapsed walls.
Hard-working council staff are once again braced for another busy time and are at the ready to deal with calls on a priority basis.
Councillor Qaiser Azeem, City of Wolverhampton Council cabinet member for transport and green city, said: “With further heavy rain expected we are planning ahead with crews carrying out precautionary cleansing of drains and gullies and on standby to respond to any incidents as and when they occur.
“Teams are monitoring the situation and working collaboratively to coordinate a response.
“There are more than 34,000 gullies across the city. While our dedicated staff will do everything they can to respond to the hundreds of calls we receive on a priority basis, we are asking the public – wherever possible – to help prevent further flooding by sweeping any leaves that they may find blocking drains and gullies near their properties. This will enable rainwater to drain away more quickly.”
Do not email in an emergency, for anything urgent ring one of the numbers below:
01902 55 5511 between 9am and 5pm weekdays
01902 44 2999 out of hours
Forecasts are being regularly updated so please visit Met Office for the most up-to-date information on weather warnings – the Wolverhampton forecast is available here. Please also visit GOV.UK to view the latest on any Environment Agency flood alerts or warnings (there is also an option on this page to sign up directly for the free flood warning notification service).
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Lord Lancaster’s appointment as the HMG Defence and Security Advocate extended by the Business and Trade Secretary.
Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds extends Lord Lancaster’s contract as Defence and Security Advocate for a further three months.
Lord Lancaster will continue to engage with industry leaders, ministers and other key players both in the UK and overseas to build export relationships with the UK’s partners.
Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has reappointed Lord Mark Lancaster as the Government’s Defence and Security Advocate, to drive the UK’s defence and security export success for a further three months until 20 December 2024.
Lord Lancaster will report directly to the Business and Trade Secretary and will continue his programme of visits both overseas and at home to promote UK defence and security exports.
Lord Lancaster was initially appointed in January 2023 and has brought a wealth of specialist defence experience to the role. Major-General, Lord Lancaster, is Director of the Army Reserves and was a Defence Minister between 2015-2019. He was also previously a Major in the Territorial Army, having served as part of NATO peacekeeping forces in Kosovo and Bosnia.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
The Government Actuary’s Department (GAD) announces the reappointment of Les Philpott as non-executive director and Management Board chair.
Les is an experienced Non-Executive Director, having held a diverse range of non-executive roles in the public, private and charity sectors, including at Chair level. He has a background in public management at senior executive levels. Spanning a combined total of eleven years, Les formerly held the role of Chief Executive at the Office for Nuclear Regulation and previously held senior positions in the Health and Safety Executive.
Commenting on the reappointment Fiona Dunsire, Government Actuary, said:
With his business understanding, non-executive director experience at chair level, Les has been an insightful and inspirational presence in the Board of GAD. I look forward to working further with him during his second term.
Les also commented and said:
I am proud to have been reappointed to this role and to continue to be a part of GAD’s work and the next steps in its overall strategy.
Notes:
Les will continue to support GAD’s Management Board as the Non-Executive Chair, for a further three years, ending in September 2027.
This reappointment has been made in accordance with the process and principles outlined in the Governance Code on Public Appointments. All appointments to the GAD are made on merit.
He confirmed that he has not undertaken any political activity within the previous five years.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
The Falkland Islands Government and the British Embassies in Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay announce the winners of the Regional Student Competition.
The Falkland Islands Government and the British Embassies in Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay are delighted to announce the winners of this year’s regional student competition. Participants from the four countries were asked to submit a short video in English, in which they answered the question: “Why would I like to meet my neighbours in the Falkland Islands?”.
126 students entered the competition. All entries were reviewed and representatives from the Falkland Islands Government and British Embassies of the four countries selected the winners:
Celeste Giardinelli – Argentina
Shai Woldarsky – Chile
Valentina Brum – Uruguay
Elias Arce Soskin – Paraguay
The winners will travel to the Falkland Islands in January, where they will spend a week experiencing the unique character of the Islands including its food and culture, nature and environment and meeting members of the community.
The Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, on behalf of the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of PrairiesCan, will announce federal support for businesses, communities and organizations to develop their local tourism products and share them with visitors from across Canada and around the world.
Minister Boissonault will be joined by Shae Bird, Executive Director, Indigenous Tourism Alberta; Traci Bednard, Executive Director, Explore Edmonton; Juanita Marois, Executive Director, Métis Crossing; and Allen Jacobson, Cultural Director, La Cité Francophone.
Following the address, speakers will be available to answer questions from the media.
Date: Friday, September 27, 2024
Time: 9:30 a.m. (MT)
Location: Room 107Edmonton Expo Centre7515 118 Ave NWEdmonton, Alberta
Please use entrance 5.
Free parking is available: please register your license plate by scanning a QR code at the entrance to the Edmonton EXPO Centre.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.
Heath MacDonald, Member of Parliament for Malpeque, on behalf of the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA, will join the Honourable Cory Deagle, PEI Minister of Fisheries, Tourism, Sport and Culture, to make an announcement regarding support for tourism in Prince Edward Island.
North Rustico, Prince Edward Island September 26, 2024 Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) Heath MacDonald, Member of Parliament for Malpeque, on behalf of the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA, will join the Honourable Cory Deagle, PEI Minister of Fisheries, Tourism, Sport and Culture, to make an announcement regarding support for tourism in Prince Edward Island.
Date: September 27, 2024
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: Eliayhu Wellness Center 20 Recreation Street North Rustico, PEI.
Contact persons
Connor BurtonPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities AgencyConnor.Burton@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Mylène Paradis (BA [communications], Université Laval, 1991; MA [journalism], Université Laval, 1993) joined the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in 2002.
Mylène Paradis (BA [communications], Université Laval, 1991; MA [journalism], Université Laval, 1993) joined the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in 2002. At headquarters, she held positions with the Stabilization and Reconstruction Task Force and the Central America and Caribbean Bureau. She was Chief of Staff to the Deputy Minister of International Development and Director of the Global Health and Nutrition Branch. Abroad, she was posted to Madrid from 2005 to 2008. Throughout her career, she has held secondments to various departments, including the Privy Council Office, Citizenship and Immigration Canada and Health Canada. Most recently, she was Director General of Canadian Partnerships for Health and Social Development at Global Affairs Canada.
Marianick Tremblay (BBA [civil and international law], Université de Sherbrooke, 1989; LL.B. Université de Sherbrooke, 1990) was called to the Quebec Bar in 1990 and joined External Affairs and International Trade Canada in 1993. At headquarters, she served as senior counsel in the Environmental Law Division, coordinator of the Human Security Program, and senior counsel for small arms. Ms. Tremblay also served as deputy director of the Brazil and Southern Cone Section, and then as director of Hemispheric Affairs, which included relations with the Organization of American States and coordination of the Canadian delegation’s participation in the Summit of the Americas. From 2018 to 2021, she served as director general of the Mobilization of Canadians in the Partnerships for Development Innovation Sector. She has served in various overseas postings, including Mexico (1995–1998), Morocco (2001–2005), Chile (2007–2010), and as Ambassador to El Salvador (2010–2012), Ecuador (2015–2018), and Colombia (2021–2024).
Craig Weichel (BA Honours [History], Wilfrid Laurier University, 1994; MA [History], McMaster University, 1996) joined the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in 1998. At headquarters, he worked in the U.S. General Relations, Northern Europe, Non-Proliferation and Disarmament (Nuclear), and United Nations divisions. He also headed the Natural Disaster Response and Civilian Security Policy Division and the North Korea Task Force. From 2007 to 2009, he was President of the Professional Association of Foreign Service Officers. Abroad, he served in New York with the Permanent Mission of Canada to the United Nations; in Vienna with the Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe; in Rome and, more recently, in Washington, where he directed the embassy’s environment and energy program.
Brenda Wills (Hons BComm, University of Manitoba, 2003; MSc [Sustainable Development], University of Sussex, 2021) is a Métis from Red River, Manitoba who joined the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in 2004. Her first posting abroad was in Washington, D.C. as Second Secretary (Trade Policy). She subsequently served as First Secretary (Trade) in Chile, Senior Trade Commissioner and Counsellor (Trade) in Colombia, and Counsellor (Trade Policy) in Mexico City. At Headquarters, she worked in the Trade Policy and Negotiations Branch, first on negotiations with the European Union and the European Free Trade Association, and then on the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations as Deputy Director of Communications and Stakeholder Engagement. She also served as Chief of Staff to the Assistant Deputy Minister of International Business Development and Canada’s Chief Trade Commissioner. Most recently, she served as Senior Trade Commissioner and Counsellor (Commercial Affairs) in Singapore.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.
MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –
Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in French
Defense Group
Bern, 26.09.2024 – Instructional and training flights with the Air Force’s F/A-18 fleet were suspended as a precaution on Thursday, 26 September 2024. This decision is due to the oxygen supply of the combat aircraft. However, air policing and operational readiness remain assured.
Pilots have noticed anomalies in the oxygen supply of the F/A-18 fighter jet in recent days. Since safety is the top priority, this irregularity is being thoroughly investigated with the help of specialists.
A decision will then be made on the resumption of training and instruction flights. Air policing and operational availability are guaranteed.
The CRTC has selected a new project that will receive funding under its Broadband Fund.
The CRTC has selected a new project that will receive funding under its Broadband Fund.
The CRTC has committed $79.4 million to the Kativik Regional Government to build a 933-kilometre fibre optic link that will connect the communities of Kangiqsualujjuaq, Aupaluk, Tasiujaq, Quaqtaq and Kangirsuk to high-speed Internet services. This project will provide high-speed Internet to more than 40 key institutions, including schools and health care centres. This initiative will have significant social, educational and economic benefits for these communities. It will also support future projects to connect businesses and more than 700 households.
This project will build on previous Nunavik Region Broadband Fund projects and will provide all Kativik communities with access to high-speed Internet services.
The CRTC continues to assess applications and will announce additional funding in the coming months.
The selected project is as follows:
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that theCenter for Digital Governmenthas given Connecticut national recognition for its ongoing digital government efforts, awarding the state with its second-consecutive grade of “A-” and ranking it first in the nation in digital services related to transportation and motor vehicles. The recognition was included as part of the organization’s2024 Digital States Survey, which was released this morning.
Governor Lamont has made it a priority during his administration to build an all-digital state government that provides Connecticut’s residents and businesses with the tools necessary to digitally connect with services administered by the state. In recent years, that work has included the launch of thebusiness.ct.gov,health.ct.gov, andjobs.ct.govportals, to give residents and businesses easy access to state services from across agencies in one location.
“Innovation is Connecticut’s biggest asset,” Governor Lamont said. “This well-deserved recognition is a testament to the cross-agency work across state government to make our digital government services more accessible, easier to navigate, and more user friendly. The first-in-the-nation ranking for the use of technology in transportation and motor vehicles is thanks in large part to innovative programs – the wrong-way driver system on the state’s highways and the online appointment system that has dramatically reshaped the public’s ability to interact with the Department of Motor Vehicles.”
Connecticut’s digital services program is primarily based out of the Bureau of Information Technology Solutions (BITS) within the Department of Administrative Services (DAS). Improving the digital experience for our residents deeply involves all agencies
“Connecticut is fortunate to have a top-notch team dedicated to streamlining digital government services,” DAS Commissioner Michelle Gilman said. “But the state’s digital journey is a total team effort, and we are proud to collaborate with partners from across state government. Congratulations to all involved in this meaningful work.”
The grade of “A-” reflects a state whose technology leaders are using “very strong innovation, high performing solutions, and have applied excellent practices in all aspects of operations, governance, and administration,” according to Teri Takai, senior vice president of the Center for Digital Government.
“I could not be more proud of the progress Connecticut continues to make in technology,” Connecticut Chief Information Officer and DAS Deputy Commissioner Mark Raymond said. “Our people, our partners, our agencies and our approach bring the best that technology has to offer to the residents and businesses of our state.”
A listing of all 50 states and their grades is published on the Center for Digital Government’s website athttp://www.centerdigitalgov.com.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Justice upheld in District Court’s sentencing in a case of “conspiracy to publish seditious publication” Justice upheld in District Court’s sentencing in a case of “conspiracy to publish seditious publication” ******************************************************************************************
Following the conviction of three defendants on August 29 in a case of “conspiracy to publish and/or reproduce seditious publication”, the District Court handed down its sentence today (September 26). The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government spokesman said: “The court has held earlier that Chung Pui-kuen and Lam Shiu-tung, while holding chief editorial positions at Stand News, had knowledge and approved of the seditious intent of the articles, providing Stand News as a publishing platform for inciting hatred against the Central Authorities and the HKSAR Government, as well as hatred against the administration of justice.” The spokesman said, “The reasons for verdict by the Court have pointed out clearly that the ideology of Stand News was localism which excluded China, and that it even became a tool to smear and vilify the Central Authorities and the HKSAR Government during the movement of opposition to the proposed legislative amendments. The court found that the relevant articles, without any objective basis, attacked the relevant law and procedures; and relevant law enforcement and prosecutorial process; spread hatred and anti-government sentiment with disinformation; attacked law enforcement by the Police and glorified the behaviour of rioters – in other words, they were not based on facts. To distort acts of inciting hatred as “journalism” is a complete reversal of right and wrong.” “According to Schedule 3 of the Implementation Rules of Article 43 of the Hong Kong National Security Law, the Department of Justice (DoJ) has made an application to court for a confiscation order to confiscate the proceeds of the relevant crime. DoJ will continue to handle subsequent procedures in accordance with the law.” “The court stated in its reasons for sentence that at the time of the offence, the three defendants were not engaging themselves in genuine journalistic work but were participating in the so-called protest at the time. From the editorial of Stand News and News Stand, it is evident that they sided with the protesters against the Government. The crimes committed by the three defendants are very serious.” “The reasons for sentence also pointed out that, given Stand News had approximately 1,600,000 followers, the seditious articles involved have undoubtedly caused significant harm to both the Central Government and HKSAR Government as well as the residents, although it is difficult to quantify.” The spokesperson stated: “The reasons for sentence also indicated that, due to the severity of the offences, imprisonment is the only appropriate sentencing option. Regarding the length of the sentence, the maximum penalty is two years’ imprisonment. This maximum penalty is completely disproportionate to the severity of the offences. According to the existing Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, the maximum penalty for the crime of sedition is seven years’ imprisonment. Based on the culpability of the second defendant, Chung Pui-kuen, a starting point of 23 months’ imprisonment was adopted, and a sentence of 21 months was passed. For the third defendant, Lam Siu-tung, a starting point of 14 months’ imprisonment was adopted but due to the potential risk to his life if sent to prison, a sentence was imposed that allows for his immediate release.” The spokesman says, “Following the verdict in this case, some have expressed concerns about freedom of the press and speech in Hong Kong. Some foreign media or other people with ulterior motives, as well as anti-China organisations and anti-China politicians, made untruthful and purely political remarks smearing the HKSAR. We have made clarifications and rebuttals many times to set the record straight. As demonstrated in the court’s reasons for its verdict, Stand News completely disregarded objective facts and contravened the “special duties and responsibilities” which journalists must observe under international human rights conventions.” The spokesman pointed out that, “The Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights guarantee fundamental rights such as the freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, procession and demonstration. Members of the public (including journalists) in Hong Kong are, as always, free to make comments or criticisms that are based on facts, and to enjoy and exercise freedoms of the press and of speech in accordance with the law, without fear of unwittingly violating the law.” “It is the constitutional duty of the HKSAR to safeguard national security. In this regard, the HKSAR Government will ensure that laws are observed and continue to enforce the law resolutely, decisively and rigorously with a view to effectively preventing, suppressing and imposing punishment for acts and activities endangering national security with all-out efforts.”
Ends/Thursday, September 26, 2024Issued at HKT 23:57