Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)
WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) penned this column for the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association (LOGA) Industry Report explaining how Congressional Republicans are working with the Trump administration to clear red tape to help unleash America’s energy dominance.
Key excerpts of the op-ed are below:
“President Biden let TikTok teens, climate change zealots, and other members of the Democratic Party dictate American energy policy for four years. The results were not good.
“The Biden administration left the American people with 29% higher electricity bills, a depleted strategic national fuel reserve, and a mountain of bureaucratic red tape that made it difficult for energy producers to produce energy and create good-paying jobs. In 2024 alone, Louisiana families had to pay nearly $1,000 more to keep their lights on and gas tanks full.
“Fortunately, the American people voted to restore common sense in Washington. President Trump and my conservative colleagues in Congress are working to restore America’s global energy dominance. To do this, we must first clean up the mess left by the Biden administration — and President Trump and his team are off to a great start.”
. . .
“As common sense makes a comeback in Washington, energy dominance is on the horizon. I’m proud that Louisiana will continue to be a leader in oil and gas production as America enters a new era of prosperity and security.”
Read Kennedy’s column here.
Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, issued the following statement after the Department of Defense announced that approximately 700 Marines with the 2nd Battalion will be deployed to the Los Angeles area over the objections of state and local leaders:
“Our warfighters are not political tools meant to patrol the streets of our own cities or to suppress the political views of their fellow Americans. Men and women put on the uniform of the United States to defend Americans and American values. Today, they’re being called on to police American citizens on American soil.
“I trust local law enforcement, Mayor Bass, and Governor Newsom when they say that violence won’t be tolerated and that they are able to handle these protests without the military. What President Trump is doing is not only unneeded, it has made the situation much worse.
“President Trump is working to change the subject from his unpopular tax bill which will take away healthcare and food assistance from millions of American families while exploding the deficit. His attempt to do so, however, is an unconstitutional power grab that is putting American civilians and servicemembers in danger. Secretary Hegseth is scheduled to testify before our subcommittee tomorrow, and I expect him to have answers for the American people about this weaponization of our troops.”
Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
June 10, 2025
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) released new data estimating over 300,000 total Massachusetts residents could lose access to their health care as a result of President Trump and Congressional Republicans’ proposed cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act.
“Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans want to rip health care away from millions of Americans and raise costs for families — all to fund giant tax handouts for billionaires. Here in Massachusetts, that means hundreds of thousands of people would lose their care and our community hospitals and health centers could be forced to shut down,” said Senator Warren. “The “Big Beautiful Bill” is a lose-lose for Massachusetts families, and I’ll keep fighting to stop it.”
The new data follows an updated analysis by the independent, nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) confirming that the bill would kick 16 million Americans off of their health insurance in order to fund trillions in tax cuts to the wealthiest Americans. The Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT) took the data a step further and broke down the disastrous impact of the proposed cuts by state.
State
Estimated # of People LosingAffordable Care ActCoverage
Estimated # of PeopleLosing MedicaidCoverage
Estimated Total # ofPeople Losing HealthInsurance
Massachusetts
136,700
168,911
305,611
Senator Warren has led the resistance to these unprecedented cuts to Americans’ health care, pressing nominees to justify the cuts, mobilizing the public to fight back, and sharing stories of constituents set to be impacted by the cuts. The Senate is set to consider the budget bill this month.
ADVISORY – DAUPHIN COUNTY – Lt. Governor Austin Davis and Governor’s Advisory Commissions Open Art Exhibit for Gun Violence Awareness Month
Lt. Governor Austin Davis and the six Governor’s Advisory Commissions will be joined by surviving family members, artists, and policy makers to open the Souls Shot Portrait Project exhibit in Harrisburg to help commemorate Gun Violence Awareness Month.
After peaking during the COVID-19 pandemic, gun violence and crime rates are beginning to decline in many states across the country, and they fell significantly in Pennsylvania last year. The Shapiro-Davis Administration has focused on driving down gun violence rates by providing resources to help recruit and train nearly 1,500 state and local law enforcement officers, as well as increasing investments in community-based programs proven to reduce violence and standing up and staffing a state Office of Gun Violence Preventione.
WHO: Lt. Governor Austin Davis Ashley Walkowiak, Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women Aubrey Fink, Souls Shot Portrait Project
WHEN: Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 4:00 PM
WHERE: The State Library, 607 South Drive, Harrisburg PA 17120
RSVP: Press who are interested in attending must RSVP to ra-gvgovpress@pa.gov.
The bans will prevent Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir from travelling to New Zealand.
“Our action today is not against the Israeli people, who suffered immeasurably on October 7 and who have continued to suffer through Hamas’ ongoing refusal to release all hostages. Nor is it designed to sanction the wider Israeli government.
“Rather, the travel bans are targeted at two individuals who are using their leadership positions to actively undermine peace and security and remove prospects for a two-state solution.
“New Zealand is a long-standing supporter of the two-state solution. Ministers Smotrich and Ben-Gvir have severely and deliberately undermined that by personally advocating for the annexation of Palestinian land and the expansion of illegal settlements, while inciting violence and forced displacement.
“New Zealand’s consistent and historic position has been that Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories are a violation of international law. Settlements and associated violence undermine the prospects for a viable two-state solution.”
Today’s targeted sanctions are consistent with New Zealand’s approach to other foreign policy issues, Mr Peters says.
“New Zealand has also targeted travel bans on politicians and military leaders advocating violence or undermining democracy in other countries in the past, including Russia, Belarus and Myanmar.”
The international community is overwhelmingly in favour of a future Palestinian state as part of a negotiated two-state solution, Mr Peters says.
“The crisis in Gaza has made returning to a meaningful political process all the more urgent. New Zealand will continue to advocate for an end to the current conflict and an urgent restart of the Middle East Peace Process.”
June 10, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
Following the tabling of the Auditor General of Canada’s (AG) report on Canada’s fighter force, the Minister of National Defence, The Honourable David McGuinty, issued the following statement:
“I welcome the AG’s report on the administration of the fighter project. It lays out the tireless efforts by the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and the Government of Canada to implement the fighter capability on time.
“As articulated in Canada’s 2017 defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, and reaffirmed in our 2024 defence policy update, Our North, Strong and Free, the Government of Canada is investing in a modern fleet of fighter jets to support RCAF operations now and into the future.
“The aim is to provide the RCAF with a fighter fleet that will be capable, lethal, survivable, upgradeable, resilient, and interoperable with our allies’ and partners’ fleets. This will enable Canada to continue to meet its North American Aerospace Defense (NORAD) and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) commitments, and execute any other missions assigned to Canada.
“The Government of Canada takes these findings seriously, and is taking several steps to address the AG’s recommendations:
We have put in place an approved and updated risk management plan to formally and regularly identify all known Future Fighter Capability Project (FFCP) risks ensuring there are appropriate mitigation strategies in place.
We will update and refine a master implementation plan to manage project activities in accordance with the Integrated Master Schedule. As with all major projects, the plans for the FFCP are evergreen, and will continue to be monitored and updated when required.
We will review the FFCP cost estimates on an annual basis, or more frequently should significant issues be identified.
Additionally, we will communicate on milestones achieved on discrete projects in order to be transparent in public reporting.
“The Future Fighter Capability Project value— which includes the costs for 88 fighter aircraft, associated equipment, sustainment set-up and services, training and information services, as well as construction of Fighter Squadron Facilities—has increased since initial estimates.
“The increased cost to the FFCP is the result of external economic conditions driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, including global supply chain disruptions, workforce shortages, and increased inflation and foreign exchange rates. In combination with increased global tensions and related impacts on the availability and demand for materials, we would not have been able to deliver the full scope of this project under our previous budget. This increase included additional contingency funding to enable our ability to better mitigate potential economic risks and uncertainty in the future.
“We will continue to work closely with our partners to actively manage costs throughout the duration of this project to ensure that the best value is being provided to Canadians. The FFCP represents the greatest investment in the RCAF since the Second World War. This project will provide Canada with an invaluable air defence capability that will continue to support the RCAF well into the future.
“It is critical to note that Canada needs fighter aircraft to protect the sovereignty of Canadian airspace and ensure the safety and security of Canadians. Through the NORAD alliance, the RCAF makes substantial contributions to continental defence, generating the vital capabilities required to detect, deter, and defeat threats to Canada and, by extension, North America. Abroad, fighter aircraft are a critical contribution to NATO operations or other Coalition operations, where they operate to deter aggression or conducting air campaigns.
“Additionally, I would like to highlight that the Government of Canada is currently reviewing the defence procurement system, including examining internal processes used by the Department of National Defence to define requirements and approve projects, and looking at the broader set of rules, regulations, and policies that govern military procurement. This effort will clarify mechanisms to facilitate the timely delivery of military equipment and look at how best to leverage existing programs to strategically invest in the domestic capacity building.
“I will ensure that the AG’s recommendations are fully integrated and that the best value continues to be provided to Canadians.”
Today, the Auditor General of Canada presented her report on the performance audit of real property management, which examined the management of the government’s office space portfolio, as well as the management of the Federal Lands Initiative.
I welcome the findings of the Auditor General’s report and thank her for her important work on this file. Our government remains fully committed to fairness, openness and transparency in the management of federal real property.
In general, the report found that the government has encountered delays in achieving the target of reducing its office space portfolio by 50%, and that a lack of information from some federal tenants is impeding this work.
The report also found that the Federal Lands Initiative, under the leadership of Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), is on target to meet its housing affordability, energy efficiency and accessibility targets.
The Auditor General makes recommendations for Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC), the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS) and Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC). Our government accepts all of the recommendations.
In particular, I welcome the recommendation that PSPC improve its public reporting on progress toward achieving the 50% reduction of its office portfolio by 2034. The department recently shared an update on its website and will provide updates on results annually going forward.
My department also remains committed to working with federal departments and agencies to improve data collection so that we can better achieve our office space portfolio targets.
The report recommends that TBS assess its capacity to resume the work of the former Centre of Expertise for Real Property. While the funding for this centre has concluded, TBS will continue to support departments in the management of real property and, based on available capacity, will seek opportunities to address outstanding priorities from the Horizontal Fixed Asset Review.
Finally, the report recommends that HICC improve its reporting mechanisms and review its current tools and measures to ensure alignment with the goals of the Federal Lands Initiative. HICC will continue to work in collaboration with CMHC to report results on a quarterly basis through the National Housing Strategy Progress Report. HICC and CMHC will also work together to explore measures to ensure projects support housing that is affordable in communities that need it.
I am committed to working closely with TBS and HICC to implement the Auditor General’s recommendations in an open and transparent way and will provide updates on our government’s progress toward reducing the federal office footprint.
Today, the Auditor General of Canada released her report on the Performance Audit of Professional Services Contracts, which included all professional services contracts awarded, and payments made by federal organizations to GC Strategies and other companies incorporated by its co-founders.
I welcome the findings of the Auditor General, and the Government of Canada remains committed to maintaining fairness, openness and transparency in federal procurement.
In March 2024, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) suspended the security status of GC Strategies Inc., which precluded it from participating in all federal procurements with security requirements. In addition, PSPC also suspended the company from all professional services contracts and contract vehicles administered by the department. Last week, GC Strategies was determined to be ineligible from entering into contracts or real property agreements with the Government of Canada for 7 years under the Ineligibility and Suspension Policy.
The results of this report are in line with previous internal and external audits and reviews relating to professional services contracts and other procurements. While the report did not make any new recommendations, the Government of Canada has taken significant actions on past recommendations and continues to take strong steps to improve oversight and management of federal procurement.
PSPC is transforming and modernizing how the department procures professional services by simplifying existing mandatory procurement tools, while addressing the audits and reviews completed between 2023 and 2025. This includes measures to mitigate procurement risks, improve contract management practices and encourage the use of business approaches that focus on comprehensive solutions to achieve best value from the private sector.
To date, the department has taken the following actions on previous recommendations from the Auditor General, including:
improving evaluation requirements to ensure resources are appropriately qualified
requiring increased transparency from suppliers around their pricing and use of subcontractors
improving documentation when awarding contracts and issuing task authorizations
clarifying work requirements and activities, and specifying which initiatives and projects are being worked on by contractors
Our new government remains committed to strengthening federal procurement practices. We also expect public servants and departments to operate with the highest standards of integrity when procuring professional services to support their program delivery.
June 10, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada
Today, the Foreign Ministers of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway and the United Kingdom have announced sanctions and other measures targeting Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich for inciting violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.
Settler violence is incited by extremist rhetoric which calls for Palestinians to be driven from their homes, encourages violence and human rights abuses and fundamentally rejects the two-state solution. Settler violence has led to the deaths of Palestinian civilians and the displacement of whole communities.
We are steadfastly committed to the two-state solution which is the only way to guarantee security and dignity for Israelis and Palestinians and ensure long term stability in the region, but it is imperilled by extremist settler violence and settlement expansion.
Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich have incited extremist violence and serious abuses of Palestinian human rights. Extremist rhetoric advocating the forced displacement of Palestinians and the creation of new Israeli settlements is appalling and dangerous. These actions are not acceptable. We have engaged the Israeli Government on this issue extensively, yet violent perpetrators continue to act with encouragement and impunity. This is why we have taken this action now – to hold those responsible to account. The Israeli Government must uphold its obligations under international law and we call on it to take meaningful action to end extremist, violent and expansionist rhetoric.
The measures announced today do not deviate from our unwavering support for Israel’s security and we continue to condemn the horrific terror attacks of 7 October by Hamas. Today’s measures are targeted towards individuals who in our view undermine Israel’s own security and its standing in the world. We continue to want a strong friendship with the people of Israel based on our shared ties, values and commitment to their security and future.
Today’s measures focus on the West Bank, but of course this cannot be seen in isolation from the catastrophe in Gaza. We continue to be appalled by the immense suffering of civilians, including the denial of essential aid. There must be no unlawful transfer of Palestinians from Gaza or within the West Bank, nor any reduction in the territory of the Gaza Strip. We will continue to work with the Israeli Government and a range of partners. We will strive to ensure an immediate ceasefire, the release now of the remaining hostages and for the unhindered flow of humanitarian aid including food. We want to see a reconstructed Gaza no longer run by Hamas and a political pathway to a two-state solution.
A graduating class of 33 sheriffs is preparing to start their careers, helping keep people safe as they access court services throughout B.C.
Niki Sharma, Attorney General, welcomed the graduates from the Justice Institute of British Columbia’s spring class at a ceremony on Monday, June 9, 2025. They will be assigned to work in provincial courthouses, including Fort St. John, Nelson, Terrace and the Lower Mainland.
“Sheriffs play a critical role in our justice system, ensuring access to justice is preserved and keeping the people who use our courts safe and protected,” said Niki Sharma, Attorney General. “We recognize and appreciate the dedication shown by each graduate. The sheriff-recruit training program is challenging and rigorous, and we celebrate their achievements and commitment to serving and protecting our communities.”
Sheriffs maintain a safe environment for everyone, delivering justice services in 90 Provincial Court locations. They are highly trained peace officers who provide protective services for the judiciary, the Crown, defence, court staff, the public and all participants in the justice system. Sheriffs also protect court users, transport accused and convicted people to and from correctional institutions, and perform other duties. Without sheriffs, court matters cannot proceed.
The spring class will continue training until July 8, 2025. Their first day on duty will be July 9, 2025. The next sheriff-recruit training class will start training on July 14, 2025.
“We are proud to welcome 33 new deputy sheriffs to the BC Sheriff Service,” said Roger Phillips, acting chief sheriff, and executive director, BC Sheriff Service. “I know they will contribute to the safety of B.C.’s justice system by applying the skills and knowledge gained during the rigorous recruit training.”
The BC Sheriff Service (BCSS) is recognized as an international leader in providing protective and enforcement services for the justice system. The BCSS is the oldest law-enforcement agency in B.C.
The Province is collaborating with BCSS to enhance recruitment, retention and training. BCSS is focusing on deployment and growth opportunities, and implementing a more competitive pay and benefits framework for sheriffs.
The Province is highlighting key investments this week that strengthen B.C.’s court system and improve access to timely justice. From appointing new judges to training and graduating more sheriffs and opening new court services, these efforts ensure B.C.’s courts are safer, more efficient and better equipped to serve people in the province.
Learn More:
To watch a video about working as a B.C. sheriff, visit: https://youtu.be/rdhf8trOoSM
To explore career opportunities with the B.C. Sheriff Service, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/careers-myhr/job-seekers/featured-careers/deputy-sheriff
June 10, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada
The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Canada is imposing new sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Extremist Settler Violence) Regulations.
This round of sanctions lists two individuals for their crucial role in facilitating the significant expansion of settlements and outposts in the West Bank, offering political cover to perpetrators of settler violence, and actively contributing to a more permissive environment for higher levels of harassment and violence by Israeli extremist settlers against Palestinian civilians.
Extremist settler violence is leading to greater destabilization in the West Bank, resulting in the forced displacement of Palestinian communities, and increasingly threatening the viability of a two-state solution, as well as regional peace and security.
Today’s sanctions are in coordination with the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Norway, and are in response to the recent escalation of violence by Israeli extremist settlers and affiliates against Palestinian civilians and their property in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, contributing to insecurity for both Palestinians and Israelis.
The two individuals are the following:
Itamar Ben-Gvir
Bezalel Smotrich
The measures announced today do not deviate from our unwavering support for Israel’s security and we continue to condemn the horrific terror attacks of 7 October by Hamas. Canada continues to oppose the expansion of settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem and is committed to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East.
These measures focus on the West Bank, but of course this cannot be seen in isolation from the catastrophe in Gaza. Canada continues to be appalled by the immense suffering of civilians, including the denial of essential aid. There must be no unlawful transfer of Palestinians from Gaza or within the West Bank, nor any reduction in the territory of the Gaza Strip. Canada will continue to work with the Israeli Government and a range of partners. Canada will strive to ensure an immediate ceasefire, the release now of the remaining hostages and for the unhindered flow of humanitarian aid including food. Canada wants to see a reconstructed Gaza, where Hamas can play no part, and ultimately a political pathway to a two-state solution.
June 10, 2025 – GATINEAU (Québec), Competition Bureau
Algorithmic pricing is on the rise worldwide. In sectors ranging from hospitality to concert tickets to ridesharing, businesses are using algorithms to guide pricing strategies for their products or services.
The purpose of the consultation is to strengthen the Bureau’s understanding of algorithmic pricing so it can respond swiftly and effectively to this emerging trend.
The discussion paper highlights key questions on algorithmic pricing, including:
how it is used in Canada, and how prevalent it is
where the data for pricing algorithms comes from
how it could impact markets and consumers
what challenges it presents for competition authorities
Those with experience with algorithmic pricing and its potential impacts on competition are invited to provide feedback on these issues or to bring other related issues to the Bureau’s attention.
Each submission received by the Bureau will be published on its website unless the provider requests that it be kept confidential.
Feedback can be submitted until July 22:
Competition Promotion Branch Competition Bureau 50 Victoria Street Gatineau, Quebec K1A 0C9
Government is expanding its health authority review to include regional health authorities as it focuses on minimizing unnecessary administrative spending and ensuring resources support front-line patient care.
“I would like to thank the thousands of front-line workers who have already brought forward valuable feedback and ideas as we work through the health authority review,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “Next we are expanding more broadly to engage a wider range of stakeholders, partners and people working at regional health authorities to ensure we are focusing resources on patient care as much as possible.”
The regional health authority review will be led by Cynthia Johansen, deputy minister of health, and follows the March 31 launch of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) review led by Dr. Penny Ballem, interim president and CEO, PHSA.
As part of the PHSA review, more than 6,200 staff attended a series of town halls and large group meetings and submitted more than 1,000 questions and comments. More than 3,900 PHSA staff have also shared ideas for efficiencies through a digital engagement process. Engagements with staff at the regional health authorities will occur throughout the summer of 2025.
The reviews will aim to find efficiencies and cost savings by examining and considering changes in four main areas:
consolidating administrative and corporate functions through a shared-services model;
optimizing existing shared services, such as procurement and IT services;
reducing duplicative processes identified through the review; and
improving and streamlining governance structures.
Interim expenditure management measures are in place to control administrative costs while the review is underway, including a hiring freeze on managerial and non-union positions unrelated to delivering critical patient services.
While findings from the review will shape recommendations and changes throughout the health system, the regional health authority model is essential to health-care delivery that is connected and responsive to the needs and priorities of local communities and the populations receiving services. Collapsing or merging the regional health authorities is not under consideration as part of the review.
According to the Canadian Institute of Health Information (CIHI), B.C.’s health-care system has among the lowest levels of administrative spending in Canada and its corporate services expense ratio has remained relatively stable in the past five years, at around 3.5%. This is the second lowest in Canada and below the national average of 4.4%.
The health authority review aims to further lower B.C.’s corporate services expense ratio, because every 0.1% reduction in administrative costs represents approximately $35 million more funding available for front-line patient care.
The Province anticipates that the health authority review, both for the PHSA and the regional health authorities, will continue into the fall of 2025 and be complete in early 2026. Its findings and recommended changes will be released publicly.
Learn More:
To learn more about the health authority review, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025HLTH0024-000279
To celebrate National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day, the Royal Saskatchewan Museum (RSM) is featuring several events to recognize the unique cultures and contributions of the Indigenous people of Saskatchewan.
“National Indigenous History Month is an important opportunity to learn about, share in and appreciate Indigenous culture, traditions and experiences,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Alana Ross said. “The Royal Saskatchewan Museum will celebrate with special programming and events in addition to their world-class exhibits and dynamic and culturally appropriate programing for visitors of all ages.”
National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration – Friday, June 20 (1 to 4 p.m.)
Visitors can pick up a scavenger hunt and take a self-guided tour through the First Nations Gallery. There will be additional drop-in activity stations in and around the Museum, including:
Beading and adornment station, where visitors can make a friendship bracelet.
Bison hunting activity, including atlatl throwing.
Touch table exploring bison artifacts in the Learning Lab.
Several partner organizations will also take part, including:
The Saskatchewan Archaeological Society will have a Flint knapping demonstration showing how stone tools were made and will have their ArchaeoCaravan onsite.
Tourism Saskatchewan will provide a guide to Indigenous landmarks and Indigenous led tourism activities.
The RSM Curator of Indigenous Cultural Heritage will hold drop-in sessions in the afternoon to learn more about the museum collections, shared stewardship and more.
Visitors can also check out the Indigenous Cultural Heritage Collection website.
Traditional Knowledge Keepers Workshops
Colour Stories from the Land – Saturday, June 14 (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
Join artist and visual storyteller Melanie Monique Rose for an introduction to make a one-of-a-kind wearable artwork. Participants will learn bundle dye and eco-printing techniques to create their own bandana or scarf.
No experience necessary, open to ages (13+). Beginner to intermediate participants welcome. Registration is $32 per person.
Floral Dot Art Acrylic Painting – Saturday, June 28 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Join Sadi-Rose Vaxvick for this workshop on acrylic on canvas painting of Néhiyaw (Cree) and Métis florals and dot-art.
Explore the process of creating florals with a short presentation and a tour of the Indigenous Gallery with the RSM’s Indigenous Program Specialist Jadav Cyr.
No experience necessary, open to ages (13+). Beginner to intermediate participants welcome. Materials will be provided. Registration is $25 per person.
Note: both workshops are limited to 12 participants. Visit: the RSM website to register.
These workshops are part of the Friends of the RSM Traditional Knowledge Keepers Program sponsored by Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation.
Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe signed Senate Bill (SB) 81 into law in a significant move to strengthen public safety across Missouri.
“Public safety remains one of our top priorities, and with this bill, we are reinforcing that with real action,” said Governor Mike Kehoe. “From improving oversight and licensing to supporting law enforcement and victims of childhood abuse, this legislation gives the state the tools it needs to strengthen public safety measures.”
SB 81 is a comprehensive public safety package that includes a variety of provisions aimed at reinforcing criminal background checks, modernizing fireworks regulations, supporting families of law enforcement officers, continuing funding for emergency response preparedness, and strengthening protections for victims of childhood sexual abuse. SB 81, sponsored by Senator Kurtis Gregory and Representative Tim Taylor, includes the following provisions:
License Reciprocity for Law Enforcement Spouses: Adds spouses of law enforcement officers to the list of individuals who receive expedited reciprocity for their occupational licenses.
Line of Duty Compensation Sunset Extension: Extends the sunset of the Line of Duty Compensation Act to December 31, 2031. The Line of Duty Compensation Act is for public safety officers who have tragically died in the line of duty. This extension continues to award the family of the fallen safety officer with $25,000, which could be used for any number of financial needs.
Expanding Criminal Background Checks: In response to a 2021 FBI policy change, SB 81 gives statutory authority to numerous state board and agencies to allow fingerprint-based criminal background checks. This permits Missouri to continue processing background checks as usual, ensuring that individuals are properly vetted to serve the public.
Missouri Emergency Response Commission (MERC) Fee Extension: Reauthorizes vital fee collections to ensure Missouri remains prepared for hazardous material-related emergencies.
Modernizing Fireworks Regulations: Updates Missouri’s fireworks laws to match current national safety standards and gives the State Fire Marshal oversight to inspect facilities, enforce compliance, and ensure safe public displays.
Trey’s Law: Authorizes that NDAs signed after August 28, 2025, shall no longer be enforceable for childhood sexual abuse actions brought and broadens the list of criminal acts that qualify as “childhood sexual abuse” under civil law.
For more information on SB 81, click here. To view photos from the bill signing, click this link.
When the need for high-quality dental care for patients with special health care needs meets a learning opportunity for dental residents, a thriving community partnership is born.
The partnership between the School of Dental Medicine and the Hospital for Special Care (HFSC) epitomizes the benefits of a fruitful community partnership—UConn dental residents get exposure to caring for patients with special health care needs, while hospital patients get access to high-quality dental care.
Located in New Britain, the Hospital for Special Care is the fourth largest, free-standing long-term acute care hospital in the United States and one of only two in the nation serving both adults and children.
Identifying a need for onsite dental care for their medically complex patients, the HFSC contacted the School of Dental Medicine in 2022 to re-establish regular and on-going onsite dental care after discontinuing their clinic. Previously, the hospital and dental school had an arrangement that included a pediatric dentistry faculty member from UConn providing on-site dental care for half day per week.
Nearly two years later, the partnership is thriving. The new arrangement allows HFSC patients to receive timely, and more efficient dental care. It is also more cost-effective, as it has largely eliminated the need for costly medical transportation between New Britain and UConn Health in Farmington for patients in need of dental care.
Dr. Sadaf Salehi and Dr. Basma Essawy in the onsite dental suite at the Hospital for Special Care.
“The ability to provide on-site dental care is more patient-friendly, less costly, and more responsive to the needs of a very medically complex patient population,” said Dr. Steven Lepowsky, dean of the School of Dental Medicine.
“The UConn dental team is truly dedicated to the patients of Hospital for Special Care,” said Jennifer Farley, Chief Quality Officer and Vice President of Organizational Excellence at the Hospital for Special Care. “Since the beginning, the dentists have been aligned with the mission of Hospital for Special Care and are engaged in fulfilling the needs of our patients. We love providing a place for the dental students to develop skills in dentistry for special needs populations. This relationship has been mutually beneficial, and we couldn’t have asked for a better partner.”
Twice a month, a second-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) resident, accompanied by Dr. Basma Essawy, clinical assistant professor of general dentistry, staff the dental suite at the Hospital for Special Care.
On a typical day, Essawy and the resident treat patients in the dental suite. At the end of the day, they go bedside to evaluate patients and create a plan of action to care for patients in need of dental care the next time they staff the suite.
These patients have a large range of medically complex conditions, ranging from traumatic brain injuries, to autism, to heart disease.
“I feel really grateful at the end of the day to be able to care for special needs patients,” said Essawy.
Sometimes, situations are emergent. When dental emergencies occur, the presence of the UConn dental on HFSC’s campus is convenient.
Artwork from a grateful patient on display in the dental suite.
“One day, we had an emergency towards the end of the day. They called us we were immediately able to go upstairs and handle that situation,” Essawy recalled. “The patient’s mom was there, and you could see how relieved she was that her son was helped immediately.”
More complex cases, including ones that require oral surgery and sedation, get a referral to the UConn Health Farmington campus.
To date, there have been over 200 patient encounters since the start of the program.
For the UConn residents, the learning experience is invaluable. Dr. Natalie Pesun, a second-year AEGD resident, describes her days at the Hospital For Special Care as a “one day long intensive” for caring for patients with special health care needs.
“There are so many more considerations for special needs patients,” said Pesun. “They are often on more medications, their mouth can’t open as wide, they may have involuntary movements, or it can be harder to explain the treatment. Also, dealing with paperwork side of things, including communicating with conservators and power of attorneys.”
Pesun continues, “I had done a few hospital rotations in dental school, but this is nothing like it. The need for dental care for special needs patients is huge, and if I hadn’t gone through the AEGD residency program at UConn, I don’t know if I’d be comfortable seeing special needs patients. The Hospital for Special Care rotation compliments my residency really well.”
With the partnership being relatively new, Essawy largely credits the success of the program to the teamwork between the Hospital for Special Care and UConn. The HSFC staff, Essawy notes, helps iron out all the challenges to make sure everything is working smoothly. The UConn team gets everything that they need—from an updated dental suite that mimics the one in Farmington, to advice from the Chief Medical Officer to patient coordinators and occupational therapists helping with patient oral desensitization prior to treatment. The support from the hospital staff is crucial.
“As we grow, we will face challenges, but for now we have a great team that allow us to overcome challenges in a short amount of time,” said Essawy. “Everyone is working to make this program successful.”
After a strong recovery in 2024, growth is expected to moderate in 2025, amid global and election-related uncertainty, and thereafter to remain close to potential. Inflation is expected to remain close to the midpoint of the target band. The financial system is sound. Risks are tilted to the downside given elevated external uncertainty, but Peru has ample buffers to cope with shocks.
Meeting the 2025 fiscal deficit target would require additional efforts in a pre-election year. In the medium term, further fiscal consolidation measures should be identified to comply with the fiscal rule deficit targets and debt ceiling. Introducing both spending and revenue measures would make the consolidation more balanced and credible.
Structural reforms are urgently required to lift potential growth, including updating the fiscal decentralization framework to help boost investments in the critical mineral sector. Enhanced efforts are needed to curb the low but rising level of insecurity, reform labor and tax regulations that impose excessive costs for formalizing or growing a business, enhance the independence and integrity of judicial bodies and tools to combat corruption impunity, build resilience to natural disasters, and embrace the opportunities of digital technologies and artificial intelligence.
Washington, DC: On June 5, 2025, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the 2025 Article IV consultation[1] with Peru and endorsed the staff appraisal without a meeting on a lapse-of-time basis.[2]
The economy has recovered from consecutive natural disaster shocks and social turmoil. Inflation is firmly within the target band, owing to the central bank’s early and decisive monetary tightening followed by cautious easing. The financial sector remained sound and profitable. The current account surplus further improved, underpinned by strong terms of trade. However, the fiscal position weakened. A relative political stability persists but pre-election tensions are rising. Lingering political uncertainty weighs on economic prospects and dents the appetite for structural reforms to boost potential growth.
Growth is expected to moderate to 2.8 percent in 2025. A favorable momentum in private consumption and elevated public investment would support continued growth, but pre-election tensions would weigh on the private investment recovery while the impact of the first-round effects of the tariffs and global growth slowdown would be negative, although relatively moderate. Inflation is expected to remain within the target band of 1-3 percent. The current account balance is envisaged to remain in a surplus of 1.7 percent of GDP in 2025, with low external financing and debt rollover risks.
Evolving risks are dominated by the potential for larger adverse impacts on global growth and commodity prices, due to prolonged trade policy uncertainty and financial market volatility, but Peru has ample buffers to cope with shocks. In the short term, key domestic risks include an intensification of political uncertainty, social unrest over security concerns, and weather-related shocks. Key external risks include trade policy uncertainty, tighter financial conditions, and commodity price volatility. Recent government initiatives to accelerate private sector involvement in public investment projects and streamline burdensome regulations could help revive private investment. Peru’s macroeconomic resilience is reinforced by very strong buffers including low public debt, abundant international reserves, and access to international capital markets on favorable terms.
Executive Board Assessment
After a strong recovery, growth is expected to moderate, amid global policy uncertainty and pre-election tensions, and thereafter to remain close to potential. With a closed output gap and firmly anchored inflation expectations, headline inflation would remain within the target band. The current account balance is envisaged to remain in a surplus, only gradually returning to a deficit in the medium term—stabilizing at its norm, of about 1.5 percent of GDP—as private investment recovers and terms of trade normalize. The external position in 2024 was stronger than the level implied by medium-term fundamentals and desirable policies, due to strong terms of trade and a recovery in traditional exports. Risks are tilted to the downside given elevated external uncertainty, but Peru has ample buffers to cope with shocks. Very strong macroeconomic policies and institutional policy frameworks remain in place.
A broadly neutral monetary policy stance is appropriate. Inflation expectations are approaching 2 percent, and the output gap is closed. However, given heightened external uncertainty, monetary policy should remain data dependent. Continued exchange rate flexibility should be allowed to help cushion the impact of external shocks.
Meeting the 2025 fiscal deficit target will require additional efforts in a pre-election year. The 2025 budget envisages a deficit of 2.2 percent of GDP, consistent with the revised fiscal rule target. A tax revenue rebound from the economic recovery and one-off factors will help reduce the deficit in 2025, but additional efforts of about 0.4 percent of GDP will be needed to secure fiscal rule compliance. Additional spending control measures would make this year’s consolidation plans more credible and balanced. In May 2025, the authorities announced initiatives to improve spending efficiency, but further efforts will be needed to comply with this year’s target.
A combination of spending restraint and revenue-raising measures would be needed to comply with the medium-term fiscal targets. To comply with the fiscal rule deficit target of 1 percent of GDP by 2028 and the debt ceiling of 30 percent of GDP by 2035, the authorities’ medium-term consolidation plan envisages a reduction of current spending by about 0.4 percent of GDP per year between 2026 and 2028. Identifying both revenue and spending measures—including efforts to streamline tax expenditures; strengthen tax administration; and control wages, discretionary transfers, and inefficient public investment—would secure a balanced and gradual consolidation. In the absence of measures, public debt would gradually rise over the medium term, while remaining relatively low compared to peers. Legislative initiatives bearing fiscal costs, proposals that erode the tax base, and excessive reliance on private participation schemes would complicate the attainment of fiscal targets. Reforms to significantly reduce Petroperú’s costs and enhance its transparency and governance are also needed to safeguard fiscal credibility.
Systemic risks are limited, but authorities should continue to proactively contain financial vulnerabilities. Banks are profitable, with ample liquidity and capital buffers. While elevated for small- and medium-sized firms, NPLs are expected to continue improving and would support the growth of credit. The authorities should continue to be vigilant of pockets of vulnerability, particularly in corporate loans.
Focused macroprudential policies could reduce financial vulnerabilities from remaining dollarized credit. While the aggregate value of unhedged dollar credit is low, unhedged dollar credit tends to be riskier and concentrated in large- and medium-sized companies in the construction, commerce, and manufacturing sectors. The authorities’ regulation to introduce higher risk weighting in 2026 will help alleviate vulnerabilities from unhedged dollar credit. To ensure the stability of dollar funding for financial institutions, the authorities could consider introducing currency-specific NSFR requirements to complement the existing currency-specific LCR limits.
Policy efforts are needed to revive the domestic capital market. It is critical to maintain the prohibition of future pension withdrawals, as approved in the recent pension reform, to protect the functioning of the domestic capital market, decrease financing costs, and lower the risks of old-age poverty. Measures to broaden the investor base through retail investment products could play a significant role in attracting funds back into the securities market.
Financial resilience would be strengthened by addressing remaining regulatory gaps. The revised Basel III risk-weight framework and improving the activation criteria for the countercyclical capital buffer (CCyB) will help enhance the effectiveness of the entire regulatory framework. Completing the evaluation of recovery plans for domestic systemically important banks and expanding to the financial group level and their resolution planning will eliminate uncertainty under potential systemic events by facilitating orderly crisis management.
Updating the fiscal decentralization framework, along other needed structural reforms, could help boost investments in the critical mineral sector and increase potential growth. A US$64 billion pipeline of mining investment projects has been mostly stalled for many years due to bureaucratic complexity and social conflicts. Unlocking these projects and channeling the additional fiscal revenues could permanently boost potential growth. Updating the fiscal decentralization framework, including redesigning natural resource revenue-sharing formulas, to improve public spending efficiency and generate high-impact public investments could help ensure that mining dividends translate into greater development. Enhanced efforts are also needed to curb the low but rising level of insecurity, reform labor and tax regulations that impose excessive costs for formalizing or growing a business, enhance the independence and integrity of judicial bodies and tools to combat corruption impunity, build resilience to natural disasters, and embrace the opportunities of digital technologies and artificial intelligence. The OECD accession process provides a clear roadmap for other critical reforms to boost the business climate, reduce informality, and reform the civil service.
Sources: National authorities; UNDP Human Development Indicators; and IMF staff estimates/projections.
1/ Defined as the percentage of households with total spending below the cost of a basic consumption basket.
2/ Corresponds to depository corporations.
3/ Foreign currency stocks are valued at end-of-period exchange rates.
4/ Short-term debt is defined on a residual maturity basis and includes amortization of medium and long-term debt.
5/ Adjusted by the economic cycle and commodity prices, and for non-structural commodity revenue. The latter uses as equilibrium commodity prices, a moving average estimate that takes 5 years of historical prices and 3 years of forward prices according to the IMF’s World Economic Outlook.
6/ Includes local currency debt held by non-residents and excludes global bonds held by residents.
7/ Includes repayment certificates and government guaranteed debt.
[1] Under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with members, usually every year. A staff team visits the country, collects economic and financial information, and discusses with officials the country’s economic developments and policies. On return to headquarters, the staff prepares a report, which forms the basis of discussion by the Executive Board.
[2] The Executive Board takes decisions under its lapse-of-time procedure when the Board agrees that a proposal can be considered without convening formal discussions.
Delegation will Represent Colorado at the Americas Summit Agriculture, Workforce, and Clean Tech Innovation, Convene Governors and Education Leaders
DENVER – To encourage and spur more international cooperation, boost our state’s thriving economy, and discuss best practices in agriculture, workforce, and clean tech innovation, Governor Polis and the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) are attending the Americas Summit in Vancouver, Canada. As Chair of the National Governors Association (NGA), Governor Polis will also convene governors and education leaders for the latest in a series of bipartisan events in support of the NGA Chair’s Initiative, Let’s Get Ready: Educating All Americans for Success.
“Colorado is a global economic leader, and our strong international relationships with partners like Canada create good-paying jobs for Coloradans, strengthen international markets for made and grown in Colorado products, and boost investment in our state. While Washington pushes our allies away, Colorado will continue to bolster international trade and cooperation that benefits Coloradans, businesses, and our whole economy. The Biennial of the Americas Summit plays an invaluable role in building and strengthening Colorado’s ties with countries throughout the Western Hemisphere, and this Summit is an opportunity for us to show our allies that Colorado is stepping up as a steady partner,” said Colorado Governor Jared Polis.
The Americas Summit brings together influential leaders from across the Americas to explore critical topics such as sustainability, technological advancement, economic growth and cultural exchange.
“Canada is a top partner for Colorado in both trade and tourism, accounting for 16% of our state’s exports and bringing more than 176,000 visitors. Now more than ever, we must strengthen this important international relationship to help both of our regions thrive and support the Colorado businesses that depend on these international connections,” said OEDIT’s Executive Director, Eve Lieberman.
In addition to attending the Americas Summit, Gov. Polis and OEDIT’s Global Business Development division are hosting additional events to showcase Colorado’s leadership in the advanced industries, the state’s commitment to strong international partnerships, and highlight Colorado’s business strengths:
A roundtable hosted in partnership with the Colorado-headquartered National Science Foundation (NSF) ASCEND Engine to convene stakeholders in the clean energy/climate tech sector and adjacent technology areas that support decarbonization efforts and community resiliency.
A convening of Canadian business leaders and Colorado stakeholders to highlight the state’s business advantages, including a nation-leading workforce, central location for global market access and a stable and collaborative ecosystem.
A roundtable with leaders of British Columbia to explore the impacts of recent trade policy changes between the U.S. and Canada, and explore opportunities for cross-border collaboration at the state and provincial levels.
“International missions ensure that Colorado remains at the forefront with our global partners. The relationships made and strengthened at the Americas Summit enhance our state’s reputation as a global leader in innovation and the advanced industries while identifying new opportunities for cross-border collaboration at the state and provincial levels,” said Michelle Hadwiger, Director of Global Business Development for OEDIT.
OEDIT staff includes representation from the Colorado Tourism Office, the Colorado Creative Industries Office, and the Outdoor Recreation Industry Office. Leadership from the Colorado Department of Agriculture and the Department of Labor and Employment will also be in attendance at the summit.
While in Vancouver, Governor Polis will also lead a convening of the National Governors Association to discuss how states can ensure students are prepared with the skills needed to succeed and highlight his chairman’s initiative, “Let’s Get Ready! Educating All Americans For Success”.
“Funding education that gives students the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the classroom and grow in the workforce is the largest and most important investment Colorado makes each year. This convening provides the opportunity for state and education leaders to share innovative solutions to strengthen student success and achievement,” said Colorado Governor Jared Polis.
The NGA convening includes a visit to Language Nest, for kids ages 0 to three, and Capilano Little Ones Elementary School, where students learn primarily in Squamish, immersing young students in the language and culture at a young age. During the convening, Governor Polis will also moderate panels with Dr. Oon Seng Tan, the Director of the Singapore Center for Character and Citizenship Education, Dr. Timothy Knowels, the President of the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, and Dr. Vicki Phillips the CEO of the National Center on Education and the Economy.
About OEDIT’s Global Business Development Division
Global Business Development (GBD) is a division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade. GBD supports Colorado businesses and communities by using a data-driven approach to recruit, support, and retain businesses that contribute to a robust and diversified economy. We align our portfolio of programs, services, and incentives with industries that benefit Colorado companies and elevate the state’s national and international competitiveness. GBD also hosts foreign delegations and participates in trade and investment missions around the world to strengthen global awareness of Colorado. With a highly educated and motivated workforce, a thriving innovation economy, and nation-leading entrepreneurial spirit, Colorado is a top market for business development.
About Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade
The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) works to empower all to thrive in Colorado’s economy. Under the leadership of the Governor and in collaboration with economic development partners across the state, we foster a thriving business environment through funding and financial programs, training, consulting and informational resources across industries and regions. We promote economic growth and long-term job creation by recruiting, retaining, and expanding Colorado businesses and providing programs that support entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes at every stage of growth. Our goal is to protect what makes our state a great place to live, work, start a business, raise a family, visit and retire—and make it accessible to everyone. Learn more about OEDIT.
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today joined with educators, parents, and advocates at a news conference to celebrate the accomplishments achieved during the recently adjourned legislative session in passing legislation that will implement the largest expansion of access to early childhood education in Connecticut history.
At theurging of Governor Lamont, the Connecticut General Assembly approved a suite of bills (Senate Bill 1,House Bill 5003, andHouse Bill 7288) that will enable thousands of additional children to enroll in high-quality, early childhood education services, which have been unattainable for families.
“This legislative session was a victory for the many parents, families, and early childhood educators who have been advocating for Connecticut to make early childhood education affordable and accessible for all of our kids,” Governor Lamont said. “Access to early childhood education is massively important to any state’s success, not only because these programs provide valuable tools for children that will lead them to professional achievements in the future, but also because being able to enroll your child in care right now means that parents can join the workforce and earn an income that supports their family. The bills that the General Assembly approved this session represent the largest expansion of early childhood education access in Connecticut history, and I thank them for making this a priority and recognizing that this issue is a major part of what will create a stronger, safer, and resilient state.”
A significant amount of the legislation that was approved came from the recommendations of the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Panel on Child Care, which brought together voices from across child care providers, businesses, government, and parents to provide a roadmap on the future of early childhood education in Connecticut.
“With this legislation, Connecticut provides an early childhood education model for the nation,” Connecticut Early Childhood Commissioner Beth Bye said. “It will make child care free or affordable for tens of thousands of families, and provide a portal where parents can find affordable child care in their community. And as the endowment grows, it will reach more communities and more families. Connecticut’s model is different from other states with its focus on affordability for families, equitable wages for early childhood educators, and local community planning for expansion. The passage of this bill is an achievement shared by many here today who worked for this change this year and for decades – from families, to advocates, to businesses, to providers – all share in this success.”
“Connecticut is now a national leader in creating a child care system that truly supports working families and boosts our state’s economy,” Eva Bermúdez Zimmerman, director of Child Care for CT, said. “We applaud Governor Lamont and his fellow leaders in government for hearing the voices of parents, providers, and business leaders who advocated fiercely to make child care a top priority in the halls of the capitol. This is transformative legislation for Connecticut, and we are so proud to help make it a reality.”
“The Endowment bill is the most significant piece of early childhood legislation to pass the General Assembly in my lifetime,” Merrill Gay, executive director of the Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance, said. “Thank you, Governor Lamont, for proposing this approach to fix the problem that has plagued early care and education from its inception. Most parents can’t afford what it costs to provide high quality care, and early educators shouldn’t have to subsidize the system by working for poverty wages.”
Establishment of the Early Childhood Education Endowment
Senate Bill 1 establishes a state-managed Early Childhood Education Endowment fund starting on July 1, 2025, that will initially be funded with up to $300 million in unappropriated surplus funding from the fiscal year 2025 budget. This fund will be used to:
Support the expansion of early childhood education providers by adding tens of thousands of slots in Connecticut’s state-funded system available to enroll additional children;
Expand opportunities that make early childhood education available at no cost to families enrolled in Early Start CT who earn up to $100,000 per year, and a sliding scale of no more than 7% for families earning more than $100,000 per year.
In future years, the fund will continue to grow with annual funding from budget surpluses and investments.
Finally, in fiscal year 2027 the legislation requires that the state launch a health insurance subsidy pilot program for early childhood educators in partnership with Access Health CT. There will be $10 million available for this subsidy.
Simplifying the ability of families to access early childhood education
To address concerns from families that Connecticut’s current system of early childhood education services is fragmented and challenging to navigate, House Bill 5003 creates the Early Care and Education Program Portal to provide families with a means of accessing real-time information about slot availability. Available for all Connecticut providers and families, the portal will:
Allow families to submit information for resource and referral and enrollment purposes in early childhood programs;
Provide the ability for the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood to manage payments to early childhood programs;
House information on the availability of free or subsidized slots in each town and on a regional and statewide basis;
Allow early childhood providers to enter slot availability and enrollment information into the portal;
Be access through a mobile app or internet website; and
Allow families to apply for child care subsidies or other assistance, including Care 4 Kids.
Supporting construction and renovation of child care facilities
House Bill 7288 – the annual state bond bill – enables the State Bond Commission to authorize up to $80 million in bonds that will be used to support the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood in establishment of the Child Care Facilities Grant Program for Construction and Renovation. This grant program will offer financial assistance for facility improvements for licensed child care centers, group child care homes, and family child care homes.
All three bills are currently undergoing engrossing and final printing in the legislature’s nonpartisan offices. Once that process has been completed, the bills will be transmitted to the Office of the Governor for the governor’s signature. The governor will sign the bills shortly after they have been transmitted to his office.
MONTGOMERY –Governor Kay Ivey on Tuesday announced she will appoint Ami Brooks to serve as secretary of the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education. Jan Hume, after leading the agency for two years and working at the Department for nearly 14 years, will head to her and the governor’s alma mater, Auburn University, to serve as a Professor of Practice in Public Administration.
“People like Jan and Ami are why Alabama has led the nation in early childhood education for 19 consecutive years. Throughout her tenure as acting secretary and at the Department, Jan has fully embraced our goal to give every Alabama child a strong start through efforts like improving the quality of Pre-K to implementing new initiatives like the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. I am grateful to Jan for her service to Alabama and know Auburn will benefit from her expertise in the years to come,”said Governor Ivey.“I am excited to promote Ami to lead the Department of Early Childhood Education to build on our success. Ami’s several years with the Department and her background as a Pre-K and kindergarten teacher make her exceptionally qualified to lead the agency. Truly, serving our state’s youngest citizens is her passion.”
Brooks currently serves as director for the P-3 Partnership at the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education, where she administers all aspects of the P-3 program, the foundation of Governor Ivey’s Strong Start, Strong Finish education initiative. She also has background as a coach facilitator with the Department and was one of the state’s first coach facilitators. Both Hume and the governor credit Brooks with being a key leader in the Department’s success over the years. Having managed the implementation of the statewide assessment tool, as well as leading the revision of the Kindergarten Entry Assessment, she has been a major driver in the growth and improvements made to benefit Alabama’s earliest learners.
Like the governor, Brooks began her career in the classroom. For nearly two decades, Brooks taught Alabama students ranging from the youngest in Pre-K to the fourth graders studying state history. In 2017, Brooks was selected as a finalist for Alabama Teacher of the Year.
“It’s an incredible honor to be appointed by Governor Ivey to serve as Secretary for the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education,” said Brooks. “Young children have always been my joy, and I’m thrilled to continue collaborating with dedicated individuals who share a commitment to giving every child a strong start. It is a privilege to contribute to this important work and help further its positive impact. I am grateful to Governor Ivey for this opportunity.
Hume will remain at the Department through the summer to aid in the transition period. Brooks will officially take the helm beginning June 16, 2025.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)
The Don’t Miss Your Flight Act would use existing funding to improve ground transportation into and out of busy airports
WASHINGTON – Congressmen Steve Cohen (TN-9) and David Kustoff TN-8) and Senators Tammy Duckworth of Illinois and Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee today introduced legislation to help improve ground transportation into and out of our nation’s busy airports. The Don’t Miss Your Flight Act would use existing federal funding to create an incentive for surface transportation projects at and within five miles of a public airport that improve access, reduce congestion or rehabilitate roads, rail or transit, making catching a flight or coming home from the airport easier and faster for Americans across the country.
“Improving access and reducing congestion to our nation’s airports through our next surface transportation reauthorization bill makes good economic sense,” Congressman Cohen said. “Our Memphis International Airport, the nation’s busiest cargo airport, is at the confluence of river, rail and highway circuits we call ‘America’s Distribution Center.’ Updates to the ground infrastructure in Memphis and around the country through grants authorized under the Don’t Miss Your Flight Act will modernize and improve the air traveler’s experience.”
“We’ve all been there—you’re rushing to the airport but then get stuck in traffic outside while worrying that your flight is going to take off without you,” Duckworth said. “Airports like Chicago O’Hare and so many others are building to keep up with the growing passenger demand, but our surface transportation leading into and out of our airports needs to keep pace. That’s one reason why I’m proud to introduce the Don’t Miss Your Flight Act to help make it easier, faster and more reliable for traveling Americans to get into and out of our airports.”
“Our nation’s airports are working overtime to meet growing passenger demand, and our airports in Tennessee are no exception,” Blackburn said. “The Don’t Miss Your Flight Act would use existing federal funding to boost infrastructure projects at and near airports to reduce congestion and make it easier for Americans to catch their flights.”
“Memphis International Airport is the second busiest cargo airport in the world. It is imperative that shipments can get in and out of Memphis quickly and effectively,” said Kustoff. “TheDon’t Miss Your Flight Actis critical legislation that will ensure federal funding is used to modify surface transportation around our nation’s busiest airports and help carry us further into the 21st century.”
Our nation’s already-busy airports continue to grow—enplanements at U.S. airports are projected to grow from nearly 945 million in 2023 to 1.4 billion in 2040 and to 1.7 billion in 2050. An estimated $19.3 billion is needed to improve access to and from facilities across the country over the next five years.
The Don’t Miss Your Flight Act would create a discretionary grant program using existing Highway Trust funds for road, bridge, tunnel, passenger rail or transit projects that make improvements at and within 5 miles of a public airport that reduce congestion, expand capacity, expand access or rehabilitate surface transportation infrastructure. The Highway Trust Fund is an existing federal account under the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration.
This legislation is endorsed by Air Line Pilots Association, Airports Council International, American Association of Airport Executives, Allied Pilots Association, Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, Association of Professional Flight Attendants and Southwest Airlines Pilots Association.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)
House the bill is being co-led by Representatives Jake Auchincloss, Adriano Espaillat, Valerie Foushee and Dina Titus
WASHINGTON — Representative Steve Cohen (TN-9), a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and Senator Edward J. Markey of Massachusetts, a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today reintroduced theComplete Streets Act, which would transform America’s public roads. The bill would require states to direct a portion of their federal highway funding toward the creation of a Complete Streets Program. A “Complete Street” provides safe and accessible transportation options for children, seniors, and people with disabilities by prioritizing infrastructure for pedestrians, bicyclists, and public transit users. The bill would also require that future construction projects on public roads are designed for the safety of all its road users.
“In recent years, we have seen a dramatic increase in the number of pedestrians killed by vehicles, especially in Memphis. Our country is seeing a national safety crisis on our roads. We need streets that can accommodate all means of transportation, from foot traffic and strollers to bicycles, scooters, cars, light trucks and 18-wheelers. TheComplete Streets Act will transform communities and make it safer for everyone to make ‘complete’ use of our roadways and adjacent infrastructure,” said Congressman Cohen.
“The skyrocketing number of pedestrian and cyclist deaths in our country is a crisis. This moment calls for us to ensure our roads are designed with safety – not speed – as our top priority,” said Senator Markey.“I am grateful for Representative Cohen’s partnership to ensure we prioritize roadway safety and accessibility over a reliance on fast, fossil-fueled vehicles. Let’s build complete streets and complete communities and accelerate into a safer, more accessible future for all.”
TheComplete Streets Act, is being co-led by Representatives Jake Auchincloss of Massachusetts, Adriano Espaillat of New York, Valerie Foushee of North Carolina, and Dina Titus of Nevada. It is being cosponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, Raphael Warnock of Georgia, Brian Schatz of Hawaii and Martin Heinrich of New Mexico.
Representative Auchincloss made the following statement:
“Cities should be built for humans, not cars. Walkable streets are safer, better for business, and more enjoyable for children and families. Promoting walkability should be a bipartisan priority for the next infrastructure bill.”
Representative Titus made the following statement:
“Tragically, 2024 was the deadliest year on Clark County roads with almost 300 traffic fatalities. As we work to connect communities through investments in transportation projects, we must also create safe roadways for all motorists and pedestrians. The Complete Streets Act promotes safety, accessibility, and climate-friendly infrastructure while helping communities build safe streets through projects like protected bicycle lanes, wider sidewalks, and more accessible roadway.”
Representative Foushee made the following statement:
“Whether by car, bus, bike, or on foot, every person deserves to feel safe while traveling on our roadways. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Complete Streets Act, which will help build safer, more inclusive streets that serve all road users. By investing in our transportation infrastructure, we can give our cities and towns the tools they need to prevent traffic-related injuries and fatalities, reduce emissions, and improve the quality of life for all within our communities.”
Representative Espaillat made the following statement:
“Traffic violence is a public health crisis, and we remain committed to ensuring the highest standards for New Yorkers,” said Rep. Espaillat. “Street safety is critical to the overall health and wellness of our families and communities as we continue to build on the progress made thus far to ensure pedestrians, bicyclists, public transit users, and drivers are safe during their everyday travels. The Complete Streets Act bolsters our efforts to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of residents during the planning and development phases of routes throughout our communities.”
Under theComplete Streets Act, eligible local and regional entities can use funds from their state’s Complete Streets Program for technical assistance and capital funding to build safe street projects such as sidewalks, bike lanes, crosswalks, and bus stops. The legislation would also phase in a requirement for states to incorporate Complete Streets elements into all new construction and reconstruction.
The legislation is endorsed by the National Complete Streets Coalition, Transportation for America, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, GreenLatinos, People for Bikes and the League of American Bicyclists.
Senator Markey and Representative Cohen first introduced theComplete Streets Actin 2019. Elements of theComplete Streets Act were incorporated into theInfrastructure Investment and Jobs Act which was signed into law in 2021.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)
WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) received the “Equality Ally Award” from Q Street on Thursday evening, a recognition of his commitment to the LGBTQ+ community and civil rights. In response, Congressman Cohen made the following statement:
“I am proud to receive the Equality Ally Award from Q Street, especially during Pride Month. I am pleased to see my commitment to the LGBTQ+ community recognized in the work I do advancing civil rights for all. I will remain a steadfast supporter, and thank Q Street for this award.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)
WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) was appointed to the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence today. In his new role, he will be involved in the nation’s approach to a wide variety of threats to national security. In response, he made the following statement:
“I am keenly aware of how important intelligence is during a time of wars in Gaza and Ukraine and ongoing cyber and other threats from Russia, China and around the world. I appreciate Leader Jeffries’ confidence in placing me on this very important committee.”
Congressman Cohen, a senior member of the Judiciary Committee and the Ranking Member of the Helsinki Commission, is the first member of the Intelligence Committee from Memphis. Intelligence Committee appointments are unusual in that the Minority Leader, in this case, makes the decision exclusive of any caucus recommendations.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)
WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today applauded House passage of the Tennessee Valley Authority Transparency Act. Congressmen Cohen and Tim Burchett (TN-2) introduced the measure in February, and it passed unanimously out of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in April.
Congressmen Cohen and Burchett also introduced and the House passedin January their TVA Salary Transparency Act, restoring a disclosure requirement for senior TVA management.
Congressman Cohen made the following statement:
“I was pleased to work with my friend Tim Burchett in bringing greater transparency to TVA, a major public utility our constituents and American taxpayers rely on for electric power. Bringing the light of day to the TVA Board’s meetings is what the public expects and deserves.”
Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) introduced legislation that would lay the groundwork to boost the workforce, energy and shoreside infrastructure, food security, and economies of coastal communities in Maine and across the country. The Working Waterfronts Act, which is also co-sponsored by Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), is comprised of more than a dozen provisions, would support efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change and strengthen federal conservation research projects. Included in the legislation is Senator King’s Fishing Industry Credit Enhancement Act which would allow businesses that provide direct assistance to fishing operations — like gear producers or cold storage — to access loans from the Farm Credit System (FCS) that are already offered to service providers for farmers, ranchers and loggers.
“Maine’s coastal communities are changing. From a warming climate to an evolving economy, the Gulf of Maine faces both historic opportunities and challenges that will define our state’s success for generations,” said Senator King. “The Working Waterfronts Act would provide Maine’s working waterfronts up and down the coast with the necessary financial, energy and infrastructure resources to adapt to the rapidly shifting dynamics of natural disasters affecting economic and tourism operations. It would also help support the necessary workforce to sustain our coastal businesses. Thanks to my colleagues for working with me to ensure our waterfronts have the necessary tools and resources to thrive for years to come.”
“One of my priorities this Congress was reintroducing the Working Waterfronts Act, a comprehensive and collective effort to harness the potential of the blue economy for Alaska’s coastal communities,” said Senator Murkowski. “With 66,000 miles of coastline, it is vital Alaska strengthens our shoreside infrastructure and supports workforce development to ensure the sustainability and growth of our fisheries, tourism, and mariculture sectors. This legislation will provide essential resources for alternative energy initiatives, improve community processing facilities, and promote safety and wellness in the maritime workforce. Together, we can build a resilient future for our coastal communities while addressing climate change and preserving our precious marine ecosystems.”
“The men and women who make their living in Maine’s blue economy face growing challenges, including rising costs, workforce shortages, and changing ocean conditions,” said Senator Collins. “This bipartisan legislation would help address these issues by improving shoreside infrastructure, supporting the next generation of maritime workers, and investing in ocean ecosystem maintenance to ensure that Maine’s coastal communities remain strong for years to come.”
Bill Highlights:
Investing in Energy and Shoreside Infrastructure
Tax Credits for Marine Energy Projects supports projects that produce electricity from waves, tides, and ocean currents.
Fishing Vessel Alternative Fuels Pilot Program provides resources to help transition fishing vessels from diesel to alternative fuel sources such as electric or hybrid, and funds research and development of alternative fuel technologies for fishing vessels.
Rural Coastal Community Processing and Cold Storage Grant increases support for community infrastructure such as cold storage, cooperative processing facilities, and mariculture/seaweed processing facilities by establishing a competitive grant program through the Department of Commerce for rural and small-scale projects.
Working Waterfronts Development Act establishes a grant program for infrastructure improvements for facilities benefitting commercial and recreational fishermen, mariculturists, and the boatbuilding industry.
Boosting Maritime Workforce Development and Blue Economy
Fishing Industry Credit Enhancement Act strengthens financial support for fishery operations by expanding Farm Credit eligibility to fishing industry support businesses.
Maritime Workforce Grant Program establishes a Maritime Workforce Grant Program, directing the Maritime Administrator to award competitive grants supporting entities engaged in recruiting, educating, or training the maritime workforce.
Fishing Industry Safety, Health, and Wellness Improvement (FISH Wellness) Act expands the Coast Guard and CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Fishing Safety Research and Training (FRST) Grant Program to include projects supporting behavioral health in addition to the projects currently supported dedicated to occupational safety research and training.
Ocean Regional Opportunity and Innovation Act establishes at least one ocean innovation cluster in each of the five domestic NOAA Fisheries regions, as well as the Great Lakes and Gulf of Mexico regions. The ocean cluster model fosters collaboration between different sectors – including public, private, and academic – within a geographic region to promote economic growth and sustainability in the Blue Economy.
Supporting Sustainable and Resilient Ecosystems
Coastal Communities Ocean Acidification Act enhances collaboration on ocean acidification research and monitoring through ongoing mechanisms for stakeholder engagement on necessary research and monitoring. This provision would also establish two Advisory Board seats for representatives from Indian Tribes, Native Hawaiian organizations, Tribal organizations, and Tribal consortia affected by ocean acidification and coastal acidification.
Vegetated Coastal Ecosystem Inventory establishes an interagency working group for the creation and maintenance of a comprehensive national map and inventory detailing vegetated coastal and Great Lakes ecosystems. This inventory encompasses habitat types, species, ecosystem conditions, ownership, protected status, size, salinity and tidal boundaries, carbon sequestration potential, and impacts of climate change.
Marine Invasive Species Research and Monitoring provides resources and tools to mitigate the impact of invasive species and help limit their spread by authorizing research and monitoring grants for local, Tribal, and regional marine invasive prevention work. This includes training, outreach, and equipment for early detection and response to invasions.
Senator King is a longtime supporter of working waterfronts and small businesses. He previously introduced the bipartisan Providing Resources for Emergency Preparedness and Resilient Enterprises (PREPARE) Act to reauthorize the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Pre-Disaster Mitigation Pilot Program, which would give small businesses the opportunity to take out low-interest loans for the purpose of proactively implementing mitigation measures that protect their property from future disaster-related damage. He also led a bipartisan bill to provide working waterfronts with a 30 percent tax credit on up to $1 million in mitigation expenses, adjusted for inflation annually. In 2024, he was named a Hero of Main Street for his support of small businesses across Maine.
Senator Collins has consistently fought to strengthen Maine’s working waterfronts. Earlier this year, she successfully pushed the Department of Commerce to restore full funding for Maine Sea Grant, ensuring continued support for coastal research and marine industries in Maine. She secured $15 million in federal funding in the 2024 funding package to help coastal communities recover from storm damage and to launch a new grant program at the Economic Development Administration for working waterfronts. She previously introduced the bipartisan Working Waterfront Preservation Act to create a $20 million annual grant program to support working waterfronts nationwide.
Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Participants of the round table “Preservation and restoration of military memorial complexes and military burials”: Head of the Department for the restoration of cultural heritage sites of the Leningrad Region State Autonomous Cultural Institution “International Restoration Center” Tatyana Afanasyeva; Director of the Leningrad Region State Budgetary Cultural Institution “International Restoration Center “Road of Life” Olga Asanidze; Deputy Chairman of the Leningrad Region Government – Chairman of the Committee for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage Vladimir Tsoi; Nadezhda Akulova; Head of the Directorate for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage Sites of the Leningrad Region Oleg Stepanov
From June 5 to 7, the VIII All-Russian Festival “Architectural Heritage” was held in Ryazan. The festival is an annual national event with foreign participation, a review of achievements in the field of preserving the architectural and urban heritage of our country.
SPbGASU was represented by the Dean of the Faculty of Architecture, Head of the Department of Architectural and Urban Heritage Ekaterina Voznyak, Associate Professors of the Department Nadezhda Akulova, Nina Petukhova, Evgeniya Shuvaeva, Alexander Gorshkov, Senior Lecturer of the Department Maria Kolesova. Our teachers acted as moderators, speakers, and active participants in the dialogue.
The theme of the festival this year was: “The architectural heritage of ancient cities – the cultural code of memory and its role in preserving the spiritual integrity of Russian historical settlements.” Representatives of government bodies, cultural heritage protection bodies, restoration, design and research organizations, experts in the field of architecture, urban planning, restoration took part in the discussion.
Participants of the round table “Preservation and restoration of military memorial complexes and military burials”: Head of the Department for the restoration of cultural heritage sites of the State Autonomous Cultural Institution of the Leningrad Region “International Restoration Center” Tatyana Afanasyeva; Director of the State Budgetary Cultural Institution of the Leningrad Region “International Restoration Center “Road of Life” Olga Asanidze; Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Leningrad Region – Chairman of the Committee for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage Vladimir Tsoi; Nadezhda Akulova; Head of the Directorate for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage Sites of the Leningrad Region Oleg Stepanov
Nadezhda Akulova became a speaker at a round table on the topic of “Preservation and restoration of military memorial complexes and military burials”, which is especially relevant in the year of the eightieth anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.
“We talked about the importance of preserving the intangible in the tangible. I informed about the final qualification works of the students of our department, in which the concepts of development and preservation of the historical territories of a number of memorial complexes are deeply worked out. I shared the experience of involving students in a team of architects-restorers to prepare design documentation, which was implemented, using the example of the memorial complex “In Memory of Shot Childhood” in the village of Kirkovo, Tosnensky District, Leningrad Region,” said Nadezhda Akulova.
Another round table in which Nadezhda Aleksandrovna took part was “Recreation of Lost Architectural Monuments: Experience of Recent Years and Prospects.” The teacher introduced the participants of the meeting to the experience of final qualification works on temple architecture and preservation of historical heritage in St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region.
“I presented to my colleagues an object that was a shrine and a stronghold of Orthodoxy on the border with Swedish lands – the Makaryevskaya Pustyn monastery, located in the Tosnensky district of the Leningrad region. Currently, comprehensive work is being carried out on the monastery with both students and professionals. In 2030, the monastery will turn 500 years old, it is very important for the return and strengthening of Orthodoxy on this land and the preservation of the spiritual and historical heritage of these territories,” said Nadezhda Akulova.
Ekaterina Voznyak, as a moderator, conducted a discussion on “Features of the educational process within the framework of the specialty “Reconstruction and restoration of architectural heritage”.
Evgeniya Shuvaeva held a round table “Preservation of wooden architecture objects. Theoretical recommendations and practical experience”. Experts and teachers discussed theoretical and regulatory aspects of restoration and adaptation of wooden objects, as well as the features of their use.
Participants of the round table “Preservation of wooden architecture objects”: head of the architectural workshop ARM2 OOO “NIiPI Spetsrestoratsiya” Maria Shapchenko; chief architect for restoration of the architectural bureau “Studio 44” Ilya Sabantsev; deputy director for restoration of the Kizhi Museum-Reserve Yulia Alipova; chief architect of the project of the Project Group “Rieder” Maya Rieder; Evgeniya Shuvaeva
The Silver Diploma in the nomination “Best Textbook on Architectural Heritage” was awarded to the work “History of Protection and Restoration of Cultural Heritage Sites”, published by SPbGASU. The authors of the textbook are the chief architect of the State Museum-Reserve “Tsarskoye Selo”, a graduate of SPbGASU Maria Ryadova, the first deputy chairperson of KGIOP of St. Petersburg Ekaterina Kozyreva and Evgeniya Shuvaeva.
According to Nadezhda Akulova, important issues of further development of SPbGASU in the field of architectural restoration were discussed outside the round tables. Together with representatives of the Committee for State Control, Use and Protection of Historical and Cultural Monuments, the Union of Restorers of Russia, the Union of Restorers of St. Petersburg, the Russian Association of Restorers, and the chief architect of the Central Scientific Restoration Design Workshops Sergei Kulikov, plans were outlined for the development of professional and federal state educational standards in restoration areas.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
The government is taking further action to prevent gender-based violence across Nova Scotia and better support those affected with the establishment of an engagement table led by Attorney General and Justice Minister Becky Druhan.
The table, which will have up to 25 members, will include representatives of front-line service providers and community organizations, survivors, family members and academic experts.
“Nova Scotians have told us that gender-based violence supports and services need to be more connected, more responsive and easier to access,” said Minister Druhan. “We need to work together with the people providing support and the survivors who access those services. It’s about understanding needs as they evolve, getting help to people faster and working together to stop violence before it starts.”
A call for applications to join the table, which will also include people from equity-deserving communities, will be issued in the coming weeks. The group will meet at least every three months.
Taking a whole-of-government approach, the engagement table will be supported by the Minister responsible for the Advisory Council on the Status of Women as well as the ministers of Opportunities and Social Development, Health and Wellness, Addictions and Mental Health, Education and Early Childhood Development, L’nu Affairs and African Nova Scotian Affairs.
Quotes:
“We are incredibly fortunate to have a strong sector working on the front lines to support those impacted by violence. They are passionate, committed and have a deep understanding of what is needed in the communities they serve. Gender-based violence is a complex issue, but it’s one I know we can solve if we listen to the experts and find solutions, together.” — Leah Martin, Minister responsible for the Advisory Council on the Status of Women
Quick Facts:
in September 2024, the government declared intimate partner violence an epidemic in Nova Scotia
the 2025–26 provincial budget allocates more than $100 million across various departments to address gender-based and intimate partner violence, including $17.8 million in core funding for transition houses and women’s centres, the largest increase in two decades
the Province has introduced domestic violence court programs in Halifax and Sydney, and legal changes that allow victims of domestic violence to take leave from work without fear of losing their jobs
Additional Resources:
News release – Funding to Support Gender-Based Violence Initiatives: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2025/04/03/funding-support-gender-based-violence-initiatives
June 10, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – Department of National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
Media are invited to attend the commissioning ceremony of His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Frédérick Rolette. This ceremony marks the formal welcoming of HMCS Frédérick Rolette into service with the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN). It is the fifth Harry DeWolf class Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel delivered as part of Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy.
When: June 13, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Port of Quebec, Wharf 22
Notes to editor
All media interested in attending are asked to contact Naval Reserve Public Affairs,
Media are requested to arrive at Wharf 22 of the Port of Quebec, 40 Dalhousie St., Quebec, QC, with photo identification no later than 9:30 a.m. EST where they will be greeted and escorted to the event site.
Following the ceremony, members of the RCN will be available for interviews, including Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, Commander of the RCN. The guest of honour at this ceremony will be Her Honour the Honourable Manon Jeannotte, Lieutenant Governor of Quebec. Also in attendance will be the Ship’s Sponsor and descendant of Lt Frédérick Rolette, Madame Hélène Châtillon, and her family.
