Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister
Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, spoke with the President of France, Emmanuel Macron.
President Macron congratulated Prime Minister Carney on his election. Following the Prime Minister’s meeting with the President in Paris last month, the two leaders discussed their ongoing work to deepen defence and commercial ties between their nations. They agreed to remain in close contact.
Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Cheryl Thompson, Canada Research Chair, Professor in Performance, Toronto Metropolitan University
In her groundbreaking book, Canada and the Blackface Atlantic: Performing Slavery, Conflict and Freedom, 1812-1897, Cheryl Thompson, professor of performance at Toronto Metropolitan University, maps the transnational flow of minstrel culture and racial ideologies, revealing how blackface performance — and the racism it reflects — was not strictly an American phenomenon.
In this interview with The Conversation Canada, Thompson shares some of her ideas on performance, politics and race, including this year’s Met Gala.
Your book uses the term ‘Blackface Atlantic.’ Can you explain what that means, and how Canada fits into that history?
Traditionally, when we talk about Atlantic world studies, we’re usually focused on the United States, the Caribbean, maybe parts of Europe. Canada is not often considered to be part of conversation. But blackface performance/minstrelsy was actually one of the first forms of entertainment that travelled across the Atlantic. It started in the U.S., moved to Britain and then landed in Canada. That means many of the same cultural and political issues we associate with the United States — racism, segregation, white supremacy — have been part of Canada’s narrative too, from the beginning.
The book draws on Paul Gilroy’s concept of the “Black Atlantic.” He defined this not just as a geographic space shaped by European colonization and Black servitude and resistance, but as an ideological space, too. Gilroy articulated how Black people disidentified with western ideas of nationhood, citizenship and freedom to forge new ways of imagining their identities and futures.
Canada and the Blackface Atlantic asks us to stop seeing Canada as a self-contained nation-state. It places Canada within an Atlantic world context where race was traded as a currency in terms of slavery but also on the theatrical stage where it was performed. On stage, “Blackness” became a way for white audiences to make sense of Black people as performing subjects without having to contend with Black people as real political agents.
Why do you think Canada’s role in the history of blackface performance has been so overlooked?
I think it’s partly because writing about blackface requires such a multidisciplinary understanding of different disciplines, multiple points of view, historically and geographically disparate people and places. While as an academic, I have sometimes been discouraged from positioning myself in “too many” disciplines, my training across disciplines helped me to see the throughline in the story.
And that throughline is about race, but also the building of cities and towns, migration and immigration, visual culture and print culture, theatre and performance.
I also believe it has been overlooked because many white Canadian academics simply do not talk about or examine issues related to race. It’s not something they are comfortable with in the context of Canada, and to research blackface requires that you confront race and white supremacy head-on.
And because discussions of race in Canada are still taboo in some circles, blackface remains a topic that is largely ignored or minimized.
I think my work is changing this pattern, and my book will help to open people’s minds to a topic that has long been avoided in Canadian cultural conversations. These conversations have already been happening for decades in the U.S. and the U.K. and elsewhere.
The Met’s big show and gala this year focuses on Black Style and dandyism as powerful forms of self expression and resistance. How do you think fashion can help challenge racist narratives?
I love that the Met is thinking about questions of race and style, because Black dandyism is so intertwined with the question of Black freedom. What shows like this do is remind the public of how Black communities have historically used expression as a means to exercise their own agency. In the absence of political agency, Black men, in particular, used style to assert their autonomy. Clothing, hair, etc., were the few sartorial elements that could not be sanctioned or denied to Black people even if other aspects of life were restricted or denied. I think at this moment these conversations are so timely given the renewed restrictions being placed on Black, racialized, LGBTQIA+ people under the Trump administration. The Black dandy says unequivocally that we’re here, and we’re showing up to be seen. It’s a powerful statement that contradicts the deficit model that is often placed onto Black bodies as being in states of lack, and disempowerment.
What are some of the most surprising or revealing sources you uncovered in your research?
I was truly surprised about how much of the book required me to understand American history as it intersected with Canadian history.
For example: the songs that came out of the War of 1812 became some of the first popular songs in America. Communities in Ontario, Québec and New Brunswick were conflicted in their allegiance to the North and South during the American Civil War. There were a lot of Confederate sympathizers in Montréal and New Brunswick. All that really surprised me because that’s not history that we learn about in school.
I was also surprised by the number of Canadians who became stars on the American minstrel stage. There was Toronto-born Colin “Cool” Burgess (1840–1905) who performed in blackface on stages across Canada, the U.S. and Britain. There was Québec-born Calixa Lavallée (1842–91), who would become best known as the composer of “Chant national” (“O Canada”), a song he wrote after performing across the U.S., and as a blackface minstrel musician for the Union Army during the Civil War. These two figures have been written about before, but authors often excused or tried to minimize their participation in minstrel shows. It’s likely because there are no pictures.
What I’ve been surprised about most is how so much of this history has been hidden in plain sight. The book reflects my ability to make connections, explain complex narratives across time and space, and to intertwine narratives that have, before now, been kept separate. It was quite a feat!
Cheryl Thompson receives funding from Social Science Humanities Research Council and the Canada Research Chair Program.
– ref. Black style and resistance: The Met Gala, dandyism and blackface in Canada – https://theconversation.com/black-style-and-resistance-the-met-gala-dandyism-and-blackface-in-canada-253604
The Stars of Alberta Volunteer Awards celebrate out-of-this-world individuals who give their time, energy and talents to make life better for others. These prestigious awards celebrate the incredible impact volunteers have in communities across Alberta. Two awards are presented in each of the following categories:
The Breaking Barriers category honours volunteers who are working to build diverse and inclusive communities. Three awards are presented in this category to individuals who:
“Volunteerism is more than generosity – it’s one of Alberta’s greatest strengths, fueling programs that support families, build communities and enrich lives. Every hour given and act of service makes Alberta more resilient, connected and kind. The 2025 Stars of Alberta Volunteer Awards are our chance to say thank you. If you know someone who goes above and beyond, nominate them and help us celebrate the incredible people who lift Alberta up.”
The 2025 nomination period opened April 28, during National Volunteer Week, and runs until June 30. Award recipients will be announced on Dec. 5 in celebration of International Volunteer Day.
Volunteers are at the heart of strong communities. Alberta is home to more than 27,000 non-profit organizations and every year, Albertans contribute more than 227 million volunteer hours – an estimated $5.6 billion in value to Alberta’s economy. Albertans are encouraged to recognize a volunteer who has shared their time and talents to help keep Alberta the best place to live, work and raise a family by submitting an online application today.
Les Prix des bénévoles Stars of Alberta récompensent des personnes exceptionnelles qui consacrent leur temps, leur énergie et leurs talents à améliorer la vie des autres. Ces prix prestigieux célèbrent l’influence remarquable qu’ont les bénévoles au sein des communautés de l’Alberta. Deux prix sont décernés dans chacune des catégories suivantes :
La catégorie « Bâtisseur/bâtisseuse d’équité » (Breaking Barriers, en anglais) rend hommage aux bénévoles qui œuvrent à l’édification de communautés diversifiées et inclusives. Trois prix sont décernés dans cette catégorie à des personnes qui :
« Le bénévolat, c’est bien plus qu’un acte de générosité ? c’est l’une des grandes forces de l’Alberta, une force qui bonifie des programmes à l’appui des familles et des communautés, des programmes qui enrichissent la vie des gens. Chaque heure donnée et chaque service rendu font de l’Alberta une province plus résiliente, plus unie et plus accueillante. Les Prix des bénévoles Stars of Alberta 2025 nous permettent de vous remercier. Si vous connaissez quelqu’un qui dépasse constamment les attentes, proposez sa candidature et aidez-nous ainsi à célébrer ces gens formidables qui font briller l’Alberta. »
La période de nomination de 2025 débute le 28 avril, pendant la Semaine de l’action bénévole, et se poursuit jusqu’au 30 juin. Les noms des lauréats seront annoncés le 5 décembre, à l’occasion de la Journée internationale des bénévoles.
Le bénévolat est au cœur des communautés résilientes. L’Alberta compte plus de 27 000 organismes sans but lucratif et, chaque année, les Albertaines et les Albertains consacrent plus de 227 millions d’heures au bénévolat, ce qui correspond à environ 5,6 milliards de dollars investis dans l’économie de l’Alberta. Nous invitons les Albertaines et les Albertains désireux de reconnaître un bénévole qui a partagé son temps et ses talents pour contribuer à faire de l’Alberta le meilleur endroit où vivre, travailler et élever une famille, à proposer sa candidature en ligne dès aujourd’hui.
Source: Government of Canada regional news
The Province is reaffirming its commitment to climate action and affordability as it releases its annual Climate Change Accountability Report.
The report is based on 2022 emissions data and highlights actions completed between April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024, as well as actions underway or planned for the year ahead. It provides the most up-to-date assessment of British Columbia’s efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions and build a low-carbon economy.
The 2024 Climate Change Accountability Report concludes that B.C. is making progress in reducing emissions. Since 2007, the base year for B.C.’s climate goals, emissions have remained relatively stable and are projected to decline by 20% by 2030. Emissions per person are down by more than 21% and emissions per unit of GDP are down by more than 30%. This means fewer emissions are being produced for every person and for every dollar of economic growth.
While B.C. is making progress, the reductions are not enough to meet B.C.’s 2030 target. The Province will continue to strengthen its climate action with measures that deliver clean economic growth and create affordable options for people.
“British Columbia has been a leader in demonstrating solutions that have been replicated elsewhere from methane regulations to low-carbon fuel standards,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions. “While this progress has been substantial, it has not been enough to be on track to meet the targets. I want British Columbians to know that we will continue to strengthen our efforts to reduce emissions, while ensuring people have more affordable and sustainable options available to them.”
Programs under CleanBC, the government’s climate plan, have helped tens of thousands of households access clean-energy retrofits, supported industrial decarbonization and accelerated the adoption of electric vehicles. In 2023, zero-emission vehicles made up nearly one in four new vehicle sales for an increase of 25% from 2022. Heat pump installations increased by 67% over the previous year, supported by government rebates and expanded access.
To support the shift to a low-carbon future and ensure affordable, reliable energy for the growing population, government is making major investments in expanding access to made-in-B.C. renewable power sources. Ten new wind and solar projects are being accelerated to deliver clean power as soon as possible. The North Coast Transmission Line expansion between Prince George and Terrace will deliver electricity to major industry, such as liquefied natural gas, mining and critical minerals projects, port operations and more, helping power economic growth, while contributing to British Columbia’s energy security.
BC Hydro is investing $36 billion through its 10-year capital plan to expand and strengthen community and regional electrical infrastructure to ensure clean power can be delivered to new homes, businesses and industries when and where they need it. These investments create economic opportunities throughout the province, including an average of 10,000 jobs annually for skilled workers.
A review of CleanBC will be announced soon to assess progress and make recommendations to strengthen B.C.’s climate policies, improve affordability and support a strong economy.
Learn More:
To read the 2024 Climate Change Accountability Report, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content?id=37896D59E08D42EE9C5A06C5543A4824
A backgrounder follows.
The newly published Zero-Emission Vehicle Update 2024 report shows that British Columbia has been a leader in the adoption of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) for more than a decade.
Since 2011, the Province has invested more than $650 million to support people in British Columbia in making the switch to cleaner transportation. That commitment has paid off as there are nearly 195,000 ZEVs on B.C. roads, up from just 5,000 in 2016.
British Columbia has one of Canada’s largest public-charging networks, with more than 7,000 stations in place. This includes B.C.’s Electric Highway, a comprehensive network of fast-charging stations along all major highways and roadways in B.C. completed in 2024, so people can travel throughout the province with confidence.
During this time of economic instability, the Province is reviewing programs to ensure that they best meet the needs of people in B.C.
The funding for B.C.’s Go Electric Passenger Vehicle Rebate Program runs through May 15, 2025, following which the Province will be pausing the program to consider next steps in view of progress to date and the end of the federal government’s electric-vehicle rebates in January 2025. People can still purchase or lease an electric vehicle by May 15 and receive a rebate through the Go Electric program.
The Province is committed to working with automakers and dealers to determine the best ways to continue supporting ZEV adoption in B.C. This work will form part of a broader comprehensive review of CleanBC programs, details of which will be announced soon.
Learn More:
To learn more about the report, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/ZEV_Annual_Report.pdf
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dennis Wesselbaum, Associate Professor, Department of Economics, University of Otago
Finance Minister Nicola Willis has warned her 2025 “Growth Budget” will be “one of the tightest budgets in a decade”, with plans to reduce spending by billions.
It’s clear New Zealand is following a global trend towards austerity by focusing on reducing government spending and lowering government debt.
Complicating the economic picture for the government are Donald Trump’s tariffs and his trade war with China. In early April, financial services company J.P. Morgan Research said there was a 60% probability of the United States experiencing a recession in 2025 — with a 40% chance of a global recession.
Despite this uncertain economic future, the idea that New Zealand’s debt-to-GDP ratio requires immediate and drastic austerity-like measures is not supported by the evidence.
The ratio measures the government’s debt compared to its gross domestic product (GDP). Currently, New Zealand’s ratio is about 47%. This is substantially higher than before the pandemic (32% in 2019) and higher than Australia (35%).
But it is at the lower end compared with other advanced economies. The 2023 debt-to-GDP ratio in the US was 112%, 101% in the United Kingdom, and about 50% in Canada, Ireland and South Korea.
Rather than tightening the belt to reduce debt and increase fiscal balance, New Zealand needs to focus on boosting productivity, investing in education, building strong and resilient infrastructure and supporting health and wellbeing.
Lowering debt and creating fiscal space are legitimate goals. But they should be viewed as a means to an end, not an end in itself.
Austerity is often presented as necessary medicine during an economic crisis. The logic is seemingly straightforward: reduce government spending and debt to not overstimulate the economy, create fiscal resilience for future shocks, support low and stable inflation, and signal fiscal responsibility to international markets.
Several countries adopted austerity measures in response to high deficits following the global financial crisis.
Greece implemented deep spending cuts, tax hikes and pension reforms under the terms of a bailout from the European Union and International Monetary Fund (IMF). This reduced its deficit but caused a severe economic contraction and social unrest.
Spain similarly cut public wages, raised taxes and reformed pensions, stabilising its finances but causing persistently high unemployment.
Italy’s austerity measures involved pension reforms and tax hikes, achieving modest fiscal improvement but sparking political instability.
The UK focused on reducing public spending and welfare support, significantly lowering its deficit while putting pressure on public services and increasing inequality. Research found UK’s austerity measures led to hundreds of thousands of avoidable deaths.
While in many cases austerity helped restore fiscal balance, it often came with heavy economic and social costs, particularly in terms of unemployment, growth and public welfare.
Research indicates that debt-to-GDP ratios above about 80% tend to be associated with lower growth. But below this threshold, the ratio tends to be associated with increases in growth.
It is clear that deficits are neither always bad for economic growth, nor that they always lead to inflation, when combined with a credible fiscal strategy to return to surpluses in the future.
To raise the future wellbeing of all New Zealanders we need to avoid the heavy costs of austerity and rather focus on stimulating economic growth. And this comes with a price tag.
Using debt to finance investments into capital, which in turn increases our productivity, is key to fostering economic growth. This goes hand-in-hand with targeted industrial policies, reduction in regulation, increases in government efficiency and trade liberalisation
Importantly, public investment boosts economic growth mainly through two channels: efficiency (how much infrastructure is actually delivered for the money spent) and productivity (how well that infrastructure supports economic activity).
Research from the IMF suggests an increase in public investment of one percentage point of GDP is associated with an increase in output of about 0.2% in the same year and 1.2% four years later.
What New Zealand needs is a long-term growth strategy and an all-of-government focus on lifting productivity. This must be grounded in fiscal responsibility – one that boosts government efficiency. But not at the cost of delaying high-impact investments or leaving growth opportunities on the table.
Maintaining discipline while strategically investing in the drivers of long-term prosperity is essential for securing New Zealand’s economic future.
The path ahead requires careful navigation, not a rush towards austerity.
By thoughtfully balancing the need for fiscal prudence with the importance of investing in our productivity, human capital and infrastructure, we can ensure a more resilient and prosperous future for all New Zealanders.
Dennis Wesselbaum does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. Willis warns of a ‘tight’ budget to come, but NZ should be going for productivity, not austerity – https://theconversation.com/willis-warns-of-a-tight-budget-to-come-but-nz-should-be-going-for-productivity-not-austerity-254689
Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Sam Routley, PhD Candidate, Political Science, Western University
Canada’s Liberals have, once again, risen from the dead. Their re-election with Mark Carney at the helm is a remarkable development in Canadian federal politics — the party not only managed to reverse the dire predictions of its demise but also, despite voters expressing a desire for change, retained its control of government for a rare fourth consecutive term.
This is a crushing disappointment for the Conservative Party of Canada. Although they have so far held the Liberals to a minority government — votes are still being counted in some ridings — their continuing role as the lead opposition, albeit a bigger one, pales in comparison to the large majority government they’d been projected to form.
Leader Pierre Poilievre even lost his own Ottawa-area seat.
But for all this dejection, Conservatives still had a solid and promising performance. Rather than constituting a total failure, their standing is better regarded as an inability to fully close the deal.
Conservatives won the greatest share of the national vote by any federal centre-right party since 1988, and the popular vote remains close to a virtual tie.
The narrow margins of many Liberal gains also suggests that a Conservative minority was within the realm of possibility. For all his success, a politically inexperienced Carney so far appears to have failed to win a majority government, and may have inherited yet another fractious and unstable minority that will probably not last long.
While it’s still too early to get a full grasp of how voters made their decisions, it appears that the nearly 25-point swing in the polls was largely due to United States President Donald Trump’s tariffs and threats against Canada.
From the moment he came to office for a second term, Trump’s constant threats transformed the election from a fairly routine matter of anti-incumbent backlash to one focused on leadership, national unity and crisis management. Overnight, Canadian sovereignty became the top issue, and the NDP vote collapsed as most voters decided that their choice was really been two leaders.
Carney was able to leverage his background as governor of both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, and his short initial tenure as prime minister, to not only depict a steady hand, but to generate a rally-around-the-flag effect.
Poilievre, in contrast, was unable to continue with the disruptive, anti-establishment tone of much of his previous rhetoric.
Read more:
From dog whistles to blaring horns, Poilievre makes his case
But even while Carney, from the moment campaign started, performed better on the Trump issue than Poilievre, it was far from the only issue that mattered to voters.
What ultimately drove voters back to the Liberals seems to be confined to largely one aspect of the population — older and more economically established Canadians.
Many voters still prioritized domestic issues — such as the cost of living crisis, housing affordability and economic stagnation — that had once characterized the campaign. Conservatives seemed to gain support throughout the campaign from young adults, newer Canadians, blue-collar workers and some NDP defectors.
Rather than providing Carney with a clear mandate, the results suggest Canada continues to grow increasingly divided along the lines of age, class and region. The Liberals have been able to hold onto power with the support of Canadians wanting to defend what they have, but Conservatives are gaining ground among voters who feel increasingly disenchanted with and locked out of the Canadian project they’re now being told to embrace.
Poilievre has signalled his intention to stay on as Conservative leader. In the months ahead, he’ll not only need to find a way to return to Parliament via a byelection — he’ll also need to convince his party and caucus he should remain leader.
While the party doesn’t have an automatic leadership review following elections, there are several mechanisms to challenge Poilievre’s leadership.
There are certainly several areas where Poilievre and his team can be faulted by Conservative party members. A loss is a loss, and there have been well-publicized reports of internal discord and frustration about his campaign strategy.
Ultimately, however, a sustained movement to push out Poilievre seems unlikely. For all his drawbacks, Poilievre has not only brought the party its greatest electoral performance in decades, but he’s generated a unique degree of energy and enthusiasm among supporters that no obvious successor seems capable of maintaining.
The challenge now is about determining what the Conservative party, having received just above 41 per cent of the vote, needs to do in order to gain a few more percentage points.
Sam Routley does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. Canada’s Conservatives, with an assist from Donald Trump, are down — but they’re far from out – https://theconversation.com/canadas-conservatives-with-an-assist-from-donald-trump-are-down-but-theyre-far-from-out-255396
Safety improvements are coming to Highway 9 on the busy route to Harrison Hot Springs, with drainage and road resurfacing work making travel smoother and building resiliency for the future.
The improvement work will begin this summer and includes the installation of a new drainage system to prevent flood damage along the highway, including new storm sewers, catch basins and a drainage outfall along Highway 9 in the village of Harrison Hot Springs. In addition, asphalt resurfacing will restore the road along Highway 9 between McPherson Road and Esplanade Avenue, as well as along Lillooet Avenue and Rockwell Drive from Highway 9 to the Rockwell Marina.
Work is set to begin in June 2025 to ensure construction can take place during favourable weather. Single-lane-alternating traffic (SLAT) will be in place along sections of Highway 9, Lillooet Avenue and Rockwell Drive as needed for the duration of the work. Work is expected to complete in late November 2025.
People travelling through the area can expect delays of as much as 20 minutes through sections of the construction area. To comply with the village’s noise bylaw, work will occur during daytime, with SLAT scheduled Monday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., from June until Sept. 1, 2025. After Sept. 1, through to the project’s completion, work hours will be extended from Monday to Saturday.
No work impacting traffic will occur on weekends or holidays to minimize disruptions to travellers and residents in the village.
People are asked to take extra care while travelling in the area as work becomes underway, and drivers are reminded to obey all safety signage and check DriveBC for the most up-to-date information.
Source: US House of Representatives – Democratic Caucus
The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI – April 29, 2025
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar and Vice Chair Ted Lieu were joined by Representatives John Mannion and April McClain Delaney for a press conference on the disastrous first 100 days of the Trump Administration that has made America less safe and more expensive.
CHAIRMAN AGUILAR: Good morning. So thankful to be joined by two members in addition to our Vice Chair. Appreciate John Mannion and April McClain Delaney joining us.
America is less safe and more expensive than it was 100 days ago. Trump’s reckless tariffs are going to make the high price of groceries, gas, housing, utilities, clothing, electronics and other essential goods even worse. Companies are laying off hard-working Americans, and we are staring down an impending supply chain crisis in a few weeks. Our national security is threatened by amateur individuals sharing classified war plans in group chats. Our communities are threatened because Trump released hundreds of criminals back onto the street. Our freedoms are threatened because the Trump Administration abandons the rule of law and due process by deporting an innocent man and even American children.
By every metric, Donald Trump has failed. But instead of trying to put out the fire that he’s caused, he’s pouring gasoline on by cutting $880 billion from Medicaid, that will make healthcare more expensive and less affordable. He wants to take food off of the tables of American families, children and veterans. And he’s doing this all for one simple purpose: to put into place massive tax breaks for his billionaire donor friends. The Speaker went to the White House yesterday to get his marching orders, but if House Republicans want to avoid tying themselves to this sinking ship, they need to vote against the Republican Budget Bill. You’ll see House Democrats fighting back every step of the way this week and next week as Republicans try to pass through a dangerous and extreme budget.
It’s my privilege to introduce Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus, Ted Lieu.
VICE CHAIR LIEU: Thank you, Chairman Aguilar, and honored to be here with Representatives Mannion and Delaney. Donald Trump’s first 100 days and one of the worst first 100 days of any U.S. President in history. That’s because his policies are harming America, and the American people have noticed. Multiple polls show Trump’s approval ratings plummeting. An Associated Press poll showed him at only 39% approval, 59% disapproval. And a recent Washington Post poll also shows him at only 39% approval, the lowest of any U.S. President in 80 years. One reason is because of tariffs. His indiscriminate tariffs have increased prices. I urge all of you to look at a statement from the International Longshore and Warehouse Union. They put out a statement saying that the tariffs are crushing the working class with higher prices. And what’s even worse is we don’t even understand the rationale for these tariffs, because the White House has put out two completely different rationales. One of them is, we’re imposing these indiscriminate tariffs to try to strike deals, to go to a zero-tariff situation with other countries and have more free trade, reduce trade barriers. And then you have Donald Trump saying over the weekend, I’m doing these tariffs to create an external revenue service, to use this as a permanent revenue source to take the money that consumers are paying and inject that into the federal government. Those are completely opposite rationales and the White House can’t even figure out why it’s doing these tariffs.
And then let me just conclude now about Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. I note that he has recently spent taxpayer funds for a makeup studio. I hope it’s going well and makes him look better on TV. But in terms of his policies, they are completely awful. Especially his operational ability to handle sensitive information. You may have seen recent reporting showing that his phone number has now been all over the internet, and if hackers have your phone number, there are a number of ways to surveil your phone. I asked reporters to look into whether he used his personal phone overseas. There is a hack called the SS7 Attack, stands for Signaling System No. 7. I was part of an investigation a few years ago. It doesn’t matter how great your phone is, it’s because of the telecommunications providers you use, there’s a flaw in there that they can surveil your phone, and they can do that in the U.S., it’s even worse overseas. So, you all should check out whether Secretary Hegseth compromised his phone if you use it overseas. With that, it is my honor now to invite Representative Mannion to come speak to you. Before being in Congress, he was a public school teacher and a State Senator from the great state of New York.
REP. MANNION: Thank you, Vice Chair. Good morning, everybody. I’m John Manion from Syracuse, New York. I’m a member of the Agriculture and Education and Workforce committees, and I represent NY-22, central New York, in the Mohawk Valley. We’re at 100 days into this second Trump Administration, and what we’ve seen is chaos, confusion, confrontation and fear. We’re witnessing an extraordinary assault on our Constitution, on our norms and our values, on our democracy, unlike what we’ve ever seen before, as we’re watching in real time, the dismantling of governmental guardrails.
One place where the damage is particularly clear is as it relates to our trade policy. Tariffs should be used with precision and purpose, but not as blunt political instruments. I believe now is the time for Congress to reassert the constitutional authority it continues to cede to the executive branch, and tariff policy is a good place for that to start. NY-22 has a long history of manufacturing, of innovation. We have a vibrant agricultural sector and world-class research institutions. We’re home to the largest private investment in the history of this country, with Micron’s historic $100 billion project to onshore semiconductor chip manufacturing in my district in Clay, New York. It’s a transformative project that will create thousands of jobs and solidify our region’s role in the global economy and the global tech economy.
But just as importantly, it is about making sure that our national security and the resources that we use to preserve our national security is happening right here in our country. My district is a down-the-middle district. We have representatives at the state legislature and the counties that are both Republicans and Democrats. CHIPS and Science was a piece of legislation that required all levels of government, from both parties, and stakeholders and experts in the field, to negotiate it, get it right, so that we can make sure that we put our national security at a premium and the emerging threats as it relates to supply chains, we had to address that. We did address it. It was done in the last Congress, and as a result, that project is moving forward.
When it comes to tariffs, you know, I looked at maps with arrows that show the negative impact, and no arrow is bigger than the state of New York. I live less than 100 miles from the Canadian border. My mother grew up in a town called Chateaugay, New York, which is five miles from the Canadian border. But you don’t have to be five miles from the border to see the impact that already exists. Tariffs are necessary tools that can be used for national security, for protecting hardworking Americans and their jobs and to grow that, but the current Administration’s approach lacks strategy and nuance, fails to recognize beneficial relationships between our friends, our allies and our business partners, like Canada.
In Central New York and the Mohawk Valley, we rely heavily on trade with Canada for both imports and exports. Sometimes a product’s production crosses the border multiple times, sometimes within the same company, and still, tariffs would be imposed on those pre-manufactured products. Materials come from Canada, and our products go to Canada. We have multiple industries that are being impacted in agriculture, lumber, metal production, as I mentioned, our building materials for an important plant that is coming into my district. There are double and triple tariffs that are hurting the bottom line. They’re hurting jobs. Contracts are being canceled. Contracts are not moving forward in the negotiation process. Costs are being driven up. It makes absolutely zero sense. So, we have to get this right. The relationship between my district and Canada is so intricate, and it goes beyond just commerce. Canadians are our friends. They are often our family members. As I said, they’re our business partners. And what newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Carney made remarks last night, and he called this “the American betrayal”. To hear stories of Canadians taking American products and turning them over so as to easily identify that product as American-made is unbelievable. Something that I would not imagine in our lifetime, and it is an unnecessary act because of the unnecessary acts that have come out of this Administration. The Prime Minister pledged to find new relationships and new agreements with reliable trade partners outside of the United States of America. And I do agree that describing this situation as a tragedy is accurate.
My conversations with New York farmers, including dairy producers, owners of apple orchards, maple syrup producers and other industries like lumber, the interconnectedness between New York State’s economy and Canada is vital to our collective success. Items like fertilizer, potash, these come from Canada. 90% of our potassium, not just in Central New York, but all across this country, comes from Canada. So, we must use precision when it comes to our trade policy. Tariffs are basically a tax on American consumers and businesses, continues to drive up costs for essential items like groceries, fuel, agricultural supplies. Where I’m from, in Central New York, we want policies that reflect the realities of our interconnected economy with our friend and ally, Canada.
America, the people of NY-22, our farmers—we all need policies that make sense, not a whipsaw on again, off again, tariff game that this current Administration is playing. It’s reckless. The impact will be massive. There will be waves of negative impact on multiple sectors of our economy, and that means it’s going to hurt hardworking Americans. It’s going to hurt small businesses. We must restore our standing as a reliable trade partner, not just with Canada, but with our other allies and trade partners around the world.
Simply, we are hurting consumers. We’re hurting Americans. We’re hurting businesses because of a lack of a cohesive strategy. We need to be more thoughtful. We need to be more targeted. We need to strengthen our economy without placing undue burdens on hardworking Americans. So, I ask that we have sanity to our trade policy, and that we restore our country’s standing around the world, not just as a reliable trade partner, but as the beacon of democracy around the world. Thank you. I appreciate the opportunity to speak, and with that, I will pass along the microphone to my colleague, Representative April McClain Delaney.
REP. MCCLAIN DELANEY: Good morning. I represent the Sixth District of Maryland, and when elected, I made a commitment to my constituents to seek common-sense, common-ground solutions. Sadly, the past 100 days, I’ve desperately been trying to find either common sense or common ground, and in fact, the chaos that has ensued has hurt everyone within my district. My district is as economically diverse as any district in the country. It starts not far from here in Montgomery County, where NIH researchers are curing cancer and NIST employees are establishing parameters for AI innovation. And it goes all the way to beautiful Mountain and Western Maryland, where family farms are providing their bounty to our community, and it borders West Virginia and Pennsylvania.
In my district, no one has escaped the harmful impact of Trump tariffs and isolation policy or his indiscriminate cuts to federal workers. I represent over 35,000 federal workers at agencies such as NIH, the National Institute of Cancer, NIST, our Fire Academy and Fort Detrick. Farmers are very concerned about selling their crops because of tariff impacts, but also because of markets drying up, markets they normally sold into, like through USAID or through SNAP programs. And cancer and innovation researchers and the surrounding biotech and tech private markets have been dealt a devastating blow from government cuts to both agencies and research and innovation engines. Small businesses and consultants are cratering because of lack of business, and this, in turn, is hurting every day, smaller businesses, markets, salons, sole proprietorships, who depend on spending in their community. And this includes tourism and business linked to our seven national parks in this district. We are home to the C&O Canal, which gets as many visitors per year as Yellowstone.
With respect to specific examples, last week, I toured the Volvo factory in Hagerstown, Maryland, where they make Mack Trucks. I was privileged to even get to drive one. They produce the engines and the axles for these vehicles and are pioneering some EV technology. But in the short term, they told me they have 1,700 workers. But instead of reshoring and bringing innovation and investment into the United States, Volvo is projected to cut 50 to 100 workers due to tariffs and economic insecurity. They do not know how the market will react, and more cuts might come later. Moreover, I have met with each of my five County Farm Bureaus, Montgomery County, Frederick, Allegheny, Washington County, Garrett, and they’re all concerned about crop market prices, SNAP and reimbursement for investments they made into their farms which have not been reimbursed by government programs for which they were promised. It is a tsunami hitting them from every angle and toppled with that, are threatened cuts to Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security. And, of course, rural health clinics are really at risk in my district because of their dependence on Medicaid.
These self-inflicted, nonsensical, penny-foolish and pound-foolish policies are impacting our economic security, our U.S. competitiveness and our national security. Much more to say innovation and our trust internationally in the U.S. and the U.S. economy and our U.S. dollar. Having said the above, I stand ready to work on common-sense, common-ground solutions and across the aisle to make a reality the things we all care about, including focusing on inflation, innovation, affordability and fortifying our U.S. resilience, our U.S. competitiveness and our national security.
Video of the full press conference and Q&A can be viewed here.
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Source: US National Renewable Energy Laboratory
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History was made this year at the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Industry Growth Forum (IGF), and not only because it celebrated the 30th anniversary of the event. The IGF also reached a record high number for attendance: more than 1,000 people
“Thank you all for being here for this milestone anniversary,” NREL Director Martin Keller said during his welcoming remarks. “For 30 years, this forum has brought together the energy ecosystem. You help NREL understand industry challenges, refine our research priorities to address real-world needs, and accelerate market adoption of new technologies. NREL benefits from your market insights and challenges, and you benefit from our technical expertise and research capabilities. This two-way exchange is why the IGF has thrived for 30 years.”
Held March 26–28, 2025, at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Denver, Colorado, the event featured several new opportunities for investors, startups, and other industry professionals. The theme of the event was unlocking value, inspiring the creation of original programming aimed at leveraging the power of the IGF.
Attendees focused on bringing innovative energy solutions to the market, including battery construction, novel ways to power buildings, and maximizing energy efficiency to lower costs. The event included new programs such as a reverse pitch session, a spotlight of companies that are part of NREL’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (IEC) portfolio, Growth Stage dialogues, resource roundtables, and more.
“What a difference 30 years makes,” IEC Director Trish Cozart said during her opening remarks. “Since the first NREL Industry Growth Forum, we’ve increased the size of the event by tenfold, and while our computers are eight orders of magnitude more powerful than they were 30 years ago, one thing that has not changed is that the key to unlocking value in this business is people. No matter how much compute power we build, I believe 30 years from now, we will still be sitting across the table talking to each other.”
Networking has always been at the core of IGF, and this year was no different with nearly 3,000 meetings held. The marquee event for many attendees was the one-on-one meetings between startups and investors. During this 3.5-hour session, each startup and investor had 10 minutes to talk during each prescheduled meeting before moving on to the next.
The IGF also featured a competition where 52 different presenters pitched in front of panels of investor judges and then received questions and scores from the judges. The pitch competition awarded top ventures across several stages: Growth, Commercialization, Pre-Commercialization, and Early. Other categories awarded included Best International Venture (for the first time), People’s Choice, and Best Overall Venture.
One of those participating in the Early-Stage pitch competition was first-time IGF attendee Michael Solomentsev, co-founder and CEO of Palanquin Power. Solomentsev is also in NREL’s Lab-Embedded Entrepreneurship Program, West Gate. Palanquin helps make data centers more efficient using advanced power electronics, and Solomentsev often describes the technology by pointing to a laptop charger.
“With that type of device, you don’t really care if it’s 80% or 90% efficient,” Solomentsev said. “But a data center has the same need for power conversion, and each percentage point means much more power on that scale, so they have a huge premium for efficiency. Our approach enables efficiencies that no one else can achieve.”
West Gate provides participants technical support via a two-year program at NREL, working with experts to help further develop technology. Solomentsev has about 18 months left in the program, and leading up to the IGF, he was very excited about the one-on-one meetings.
“Meeting that many investors and who are in the particular niche I inhabit, it’s worth its weight in gold,” Solomentsev said.
Tim Woodward, managing director of Prelude Ventures, began coming to the IGF just after its creation in the 1990s. His firm typically funds companies before first revenue with a Seed or Series A check and continues the relationship through commercialization to scaling.
“There really isn’t another event that happens at this scale that brings this many investors and companies together,” he said. “There isn’t an equivalent.”
Over the years, Woodward has acted multiple times as a member of the selection committee that chooses the startups to present at the event).
“I’ve been coming to this for almost all 30 years,” Woodward said. “From a gathering of 50 to 100 investors and startups to more than 1,000 people today, it’s really become the place to be for industry investors and startups.”
Suzanna Caldwell, tech deployment track manager for Launch Alaska, came to the IGF seeking to expand her program’s reach. Launch Alaska, based in Anchorage, is an eight-month accelerator program for companies to develop technologies in the Alaska environment.
“It’s always great when you find a technology and the innovators are interested in Alaska,” Caldwell said. “It’s amazing to make those connections in a place like this far from home. It’s inspiring. At the end of it, I walk away saying: ‘Wow, this is such a cool space.’”
Several companies in the Launch Alaska portfolio came to this year’s IGF, which Caldwell thinks is an invaluable experience for both her accelerator and the innovators.
“I don’t know of other conferences that are like this,” she said, “that bring together so much diversity in the marketplace. I’m really impressed by NREL’s ability to bring this together.”
Law firm Wilson Sonsini began sponsoring the IGF several years ago. Bob O’Connor, a partner in the law firm, said the relationship dates back to 2003, when one of the first innovative energy technology companies he represented also happened to be a spinoff that was commercializing NREL-created technology.
“People come to the IGF in order to ascertain what’s next,” O’Connor said. “It is a bit like coming home in many respects. It’s always a great opportunity to see all the key players in the industry catching up and sharing stories, vulnerabilities, and accomplishments. I’ve always thought of NREL as quite literally the most optimistic place on earth. If you aren’t sure we as a community, or as an industry, can meet the challenges ahead of us, come to IGF. The answers are probably here!”
O’Connor gave a keynote address on Friday, March 28, where he focused on what NREL means to the community.
“NREL brings us optimism, and optimism requires resilience. Optimism doesn’t come cheap,” O’Connor said. “Yet, resilience is an opportunity, and that is why the community is rallying around NREL. To me, NREL is resilience.”
Solomentsev took part in several of the new programs at this year’s IGF, including the IEC Spotlight session. This invite-only event brought together investors and industry professionals for special pitches from 10 startups that came from IEC programs such as the Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator (IN2), the Shell GameChanger Powered by NREL (GCxN), West Gate, and Chevron Studio.
The spotlight was just one of several new programs. The others included:
Nearly 3,000 meetings were held at this year’s IGF, many of them during the must-attend one-on-one sessions. A longtime IGF attendee, Woodward treats the one-on-one sessions like office hours.
“In a perfect world, you come across a company that’s interesting and that you want to continue to do due diligence on, and that ultimately leads to an investment,” he said.
Two of the companies Woodward met with early on are from the West Gate portfolio. He asked pointed questions, tracking responses to challenges and opportunities. His advice for innovators remained consistent.
“Control what you can control, keep your head down, plug away, and build a good team,” he said.
Solomentsev met with 15 to 20 investors during the IGF, many of them during the one-on-one session.
“It was really high value,” he said. “I loved the one-on-ones; I loved meeting a lot of people. I like learning about what other people are doing, and some of my most pleasant conversations are the ones with zero stakes where you’re just talking to another startup and then maybe there’s an introduction or a lead that comes out of that.”
The meetings at the IGF saved him months of work, by bringing everyone together as only NREL can.
“The reputation of the event, of NREL and the IEC, and their ability to attract great people and get them to come to Denver for this is unparalleled,” Solomentsev said.
The Incubator/Accelerator Open House took place at the same time as the one-on-one meetings. The open house provided an opportunity for incubators and accelerators to set up tables in the expo hall and connect with startups, investors, and other IGF attendees to share information about their organizations and services.
“That was so great for me,” Caldwell said. “If I wasn’t able to schedule time with folks, I could at least connect with them then, make eye contact, and say hello because everyone is friendly and willing to support you. Even if you meet someone that’s outside of the sphere you’re working in, there’s probably connections to be made.”
Before the closing remarks of the conference, Cozart announced the winners of the pitch competition awards. Solomentsev was among the winners, earning the Best Early Venture award for Palanquin Power.
“I’m very excited—I’m very happy to have won the award,” Solomentsev said. “It is very nice to get some sort of validation that people think the core business is a big enough opportunity.”
Learn more about the winners.
“I hope this forum has brought you promising new connections and opportunities,” Cozart said during the closing remarks. “Startups out there, you see things that other people can’t see. Investors, you are bold because you believe in a future that only innovators can see. I look around this room and I see the future. I can’t wait to see the value that’s unlocked from the last couple of days.”
To learn more about the IGF, visit www.nrelforum.com.
Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Alexandre Pace, PhD Candidate in Geography, Urban and Environmental Studies, Concordia University
The effects of climate change are complex, especially on the water cycle. As we seek to better understand human-driven climate changes, long-term baselines for environmental data are essential.
However, records of past environmental conditions are too short to give us a robust understanding of how these systems have changed over time. One solution is to look at natural archives.
There are many natural processes that leave behind records of past environmental conditions, including tree rings.
Trees form a ring of wood every year, and the width of that ring can have a significant relationship with climate. We can then create a model based on the time period for which there is both recorded climate data and tree-ring widths. That model can be applied to the rings that formed before climate records began to reconstruct past conditions.
The challenge is to find forests with both strong climate-growth relationships and trees over a century old — substantially older than the length of climate data. This is especially difficult in southeastern Canada, where the vast majority of forests have been clear-cut.
In the Appalachian Mountains of the Gaspé Peninsula, Québec, we studied a rare old-growth cedar grove tucked into the valley between the base of Mont-Albert and the Sainte-Anne River, known for its Atlantic salmon fisheries.
The average hiker passing this eastern white cedar grove would probably not guess that some of these relatively small diameter cedars are more than 500 years old, an age that is still relatively young for the oldest species in eastern Canada.
The strong competition for light in this closed-canopy forest causes trees here to grow very slowly. We found they grow especially slow during years where the winter snow remained on the ground late into the spring. This late snow pack effectively shortens the trees’ growing season and leads to a thinner tree ring that same year.
We went on to sample hundreds of trees in the valley and on the slopes at sites that had never been logged. We repeatedly found a strong relationship with snow pack and a related relationship with spring river flow. With these two closely related connections, we were able to reconstruct 195 years of climate history in the region.
Our recent study reconstructed spring and early summer river flow from 1822 for the Sainte-Anne River, a major river in Gaspésie National Park, the second-largest provincial park in southern Québec.
Analysis of this tree ring/snow pack/river relationship — which was previously undocumented in eastern North America — suggests that the region was affected quite early by modern climate change. A significant shift occurred in 1937, after which individual years of extremely high river flows and high snow packs declined. Newspaper reports of floods in the greater region matched the years of high flow in our reconstruction as far back as the year 1872, further validating the results.
The reconstruction also reveals that the short river flow records for the Gaspésie mountains under-represent the region’s susceptibility to prolonged periods of drought-like conditions. Local river flow records kept since 1968 show that the region experienced an equal amount of decade-long dry springs and wet springs. However, our reconstruction suggests that during the 1822-1968 period, long bouts of dry spring climate were substantially more frequent and prolonged than wet ones.
The insights from this reconstruction could have implications for wildlife and hydropower. First, low water levels contribute to the decline of threatened Atlantic salmon populations.
Second, alpine snow pack serves as a refuge for the threatened woodland caribou populations, which used to be spread across Atlantic Canada and northern New England. Today, the caribou are in sharp decline, with less than 40 remaining south of the St. Lawrence River, all within the Gaspé Peninsula.
The primary threat to these caribou is the extensive clear-cutting of old-growth forest habitat. Younger forests provide less food for caribou and lead to an increased abundance of moose and deer, along with their predators — mainly coyotes and black bears — which also prey on caribou.
Changing mountain snow-pack conditions add to their peril as snow pack has important effects on the health of caribou and the ability of their calves to avoid predators.
Given this, a better understanding of the implications of reduced snow pack on caribou urgently requires further study.
Lastly, Québec’s billion-dollar hydroelectric industry might also benefit from a better understanding of past moisture in the region, with a dam complex located a few hundred kilometres northeast of our study site.
Our study improves our understanding of past moisture patterns across the east coast of North America. It fills a large gap in climate research based on tree rings between New York and northern Québec.
When comparing the past 200 years of these East Coast reconstructions, important climate connections arise. The comparison suggests that the complex Atlantic climate system can synchronize, leading large portions of the coast to collectively lock into periods of very wet or very dry conditions.
This is important for water resource managers, who often rely on help from other managers in neighbouring basins, which may not be available given this common synchrony.
The insights from the tree rings of these forests are another reminder of the value of old growth and the many services they provide. As we try to better understand the context of human-induced environmental change, our search continues for old forests with a story to tell.
Our ongoing research includes analyzing dead cedars preserved for almost 800 years at the bottom of lakes. The resulting tree ring chronology will extend our work with trees in the region so far, helping us further examine the environmental history of our rapidly changing planet.
Alexandre Pace receives funding from Fonds de Recherche du Québec – Nature et Technologies and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.
Jeannine-Marie St-Jacques receives funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council.
– ref. Old growth forests in eastern Canada show that the climate started changing almost 100 years ago – https://theconversation.com/old-growth-forests-in-eastern-canada-show-that-the-climate-started-changing-almost-100-years-ago-253601
Source: Government of Canada regional news
Released on April 29, 2025
Hunters, the countdown is on! Starting May 1, Saskatchewan residents can apply for the 2025 Big Game Draw for limited opportunities to hunt mule deer, elk, moose and pronghorn across the province.
“The Big Game Draw is your opportunity to experience Saskatchewan’s world-class hunting firsthand,” Environment Minister Travis Keisig said. “We want every hunter to have a fair chance at success and that starts with applying early and being prepared.”
Applications must be submitted online through the Hunting, Angling and Trapping Licence (HAL) system by 4:00 p.m. on May 29, 2025 – unfortunately, there are no extensions and no exceptions.
To make the application process as smooth as possible:
Draw results will be posted in mid-June with pronghorn results available in mid-July. While email notices will be sent, it’s still up to each hunter to check their own results through their HAL account.
If drawn, licences will be available to purchase starting August 1 through the HAL system.
For help with HAL accounts or the application process, visit saskatchewanhal.ca or call 1-888-773-8450. For questions about hunting in Saskatchewan, reach out to the Ministry of Environment’s Inquiry Centre at 1-800-567-4224 or email centre.inquiry@gov.sk.ca.
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For more information, contact:
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Board of Directors at Alectra Inc. announced today that Jane Armstrong has been appointed Chair, Board of Directors, effective April 26, 2025. Ms. Armstrong succeeds Norman (Norm) Loberg who has held the position since the company commenced operations in January 2017. Mr. Loberg will continue to serve as a Director on the Alectra Inc. Board.
Jane Armstrong was called to the Ontario Bar in 1982 and practiced law, primarily in the areas of corporate and commercial real estate and estates and trusts, until her retirement from the practice of law in 2018. Jane was appointed to the Board of Directors of Guelph Hydro Electric Systems Inc. in 2006 and served as Chair of the Guelph Hydro Board from 2015 until the merger of Guelph Hydro and Alectra Utilities Corporation on January 1, 2019.
Jane has served on the Boards of several community organizations including the Guelph Downtown Board of Management, the Guelph Arts Council and the Canadian Red Cross Society, Guelph-Wellington Branch. In addition, Jane served as President of the Rotary Club of Guelph from 2004 – 2005 and as a member of the Executive of the Southwestern Ontario Branch of the Institute of Corporate Directors from 2018 until 2024.
Jane is a former member of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal Panel and a former Chair of the Guelph Police Services Board. In 2009, Jane received the Chartered Director (C. Dir.) designation from The Directors College, a joint venture of McMaster University and the Conference Board of Canada.
“On behalf of the management team and Board of Directors I want to express our thanks to Norm Loberg for the leadership and guidance he has provided throughout his tenure as Chair,” said Brian Bentz, President and Chief Executive Officer, Alectra Inc. “I also want to extend congratulations to Jane Armstrong on her appointment to the position of Chair of the Board of Directors. Her leadership and experience will be invaluable as we continue our work in delivering safe, reliable and affordable electricity services to the approximately 1.1 million homes and businesses that Alectra serves.”
About Alectra Inc.
Alectra Inc., through its subsidiary Alectra Utilities Corporation, serves approximately one million homes and businesses across a 1,924 square kilometre service territory comprising 17 communities including Alliston, Aurora, Barrie, Beeton, Brampton, Bradford West Gwillimbury, Guelph, Hamilton, Markham, Mississauga, Penetanguishene, Richmond Hill, Rockwood, St. Catharines, Thornton, Tottenham, and Vaughan. The Alectra family of companies includes Alectra Inc. (Mississauga), Alectra Utilities (Hamilton) and Alectra Energy Solutions (Vaughan).
Our mission is to provide innovative and reliable energy solutions which deliver lasting value for all.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alectranews/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alectranews/?hl=en
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/16178435/admin/
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/alectranews.bsky.social
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/alectranews
Media Contact
Ashley Trgachef, Media Spokesperson
ashley.trgachef@alectrautilities.com | Telephone: 416.402.5469 | 24/7 Media Line: 1.833.MEDIA-LN
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/168ef50d-84cc-410a-bde0-21b5497ad5e5
Source: Government of Canada News (2)
April 29, 2025 – Cowansville, Quebec – Correctional Service Canada
On April 23 and 24, 2025, as a result of the vigilance of staff members, contraband and unauthorized items were seized at Cowansville Institution, a medium security federal institution.
The contraband and unauthorized items seized included hashish, marijuana, cannabis wax, tobacco, cell phones with accessories, blades and screwdrivers. The total estimated institutional value of these seizures is $116,030.
The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) uses a number of tools to prevent drugs from entering its institutions. These tools include ion scanners and drug-detector dogs to search buildings, personal property, inmates, and visitors.
CSC is heightening measures to prevent contraband from entering its institutions in order to help ensure a safe and secure environment for everyone. CSC also works in partnership with the police to take action against those who attempt to introduce contraband into correctional institutions.
CSC has also set up a telephone tip line for all federal institutions so that it may receive additional information about activities relating to security at CSC institutions. These activities may be related to drug use or trafficking that may threaten the safety and security of visitors, inmates, and staff members working at CSC institutions.
The toll-free number, 1‑866‑780‑3784, helps ensure that the information shared is protected and that callers remain anonymous.
Source: Government of Canada regional news
Government introduced the miscellaneous statutes amendment act, 2025, to the legislative assembly on Tuesday, April 29, 2025.
If passed by the legislature, the amendments will affect the following provincial statutes:
Wildfire Act:
Amendments to the Wildfire Act are proposed to change the limitation period for orders the minister can make against parties who started or contributed to the spread of a wildfire or who contravened the act or wildfire regulation. The amendments will provide more time for an alleged party to understand the evidence against them and a meaningful opportunity to respond. They will also provide additional time for investigations and calculating costs and damages, and for decision-makers to assess the facts before making a determination order (e.g., for parties to pay government’s fire-control costs, the value of damaged or destroyed Crown resources or an administrative penalty).
The amendments will align the limitation period with those in other natural resource statutes, such as the Forest and Range Practices Act.
Local Government Act and An Act to Incorporate the Greater Vancouver Sewerage and Drainage District:
Amendments are proposed to temporarily extend instream protections for development charges from 12 to 24 months for Metro Vancouver Regional District and its Greater Boards (Greater Vancouver Water District and Greater Vancouver Sewerage and Drainage District) for developers that have submitted completed applications prior to March 22, 2024. This is applied retroactively so that the homebuilders who have met the application date above will continue to have access to the lower rates of development charges for an additional year until March 22, 2026.
Housing Supply Act:
Amendments to the Housing Supply Act are proposed to ensure consistency of provincial authority to undertake compliance measures with the City of Vancouver, conforming with all other prescribed municipalities subject to a housing target order.
Local Government Act – Elections amendments:
Amendments to the Local Government Act, Local Elections Campaign Financing Act, School Act and Vancouver Charter are proposed to clarify for local election officials and others the rules concerning elections administration and address barriers to participation by electors and candidates in local elections.
Local elections include elections for municipal councils, regional district electoral areas, boards of education, specified parks boards, local community commissions and the Islands Trust.
Local Government Act – Service Establishment Bylaw exemptions:
An amendment to the Local Government Act is proposed to add an exception to regional district service establishment rules to allow regional districts to establish the service of designating fire inspectors and investigators as required under the new Fire Safety Act.
Local Government Act and Vancouver Charter (clauses 45, 46, 65 and 66):
Amendments are proposed to provide clarity that instream protections extend to site-specific density benefit provisions, and exempt any site-specific density benefits bylaw passed prior to April 25, 2024, from having to comply with the new density benefit bylaw provisions.
Vancouver Charter – City of Vancouver Regulatory Authorities:
Amendments are proposed to clarify that the City of Vancouver can regulate in areas also governed by the Province in the same manner as other municipalities under the Community Charter.
Professional Governance Act:
Amendments are being proposed to clarify a regulation-making power under the Professional Governance Act. The goal is to clarify that the cabinet can make regulations related to job titles.
The act already provides regulation-making power to specify which professional titles are reserved for use by certain professionals. This change would provide clear authority to specify which job titles are not reserved exclusively for certain professionals. A regulation made under this clarified power would ensure that professional regulatory bodies cannot prevent people from using certain job titles set out in the regulation.
Wildlife Act:
Amendments are proposed under the Wildlife Act to enact pull the plug requirements and mandatory stops at open watercraft inspection stations, targeted for the 2025 summer boating season. In addition, the amendments will enable mandatory inspections for watercraft entering B.C. from another jurisdiction prior to launch. This authority will be brought into force through regulations following further analysis and engagement.
The transport of watercraft between waterbodies is the primary high-risk pathway for spreading aquatic invasive species, such as zebra and quagga mussels, and whirling disease. The most effective preventive measure is for boaters to clean, drain and dry all watercraft and equipment after each use, and to pull the plug on all watercrafts being transported between waterbodies. Many other jurisdictions have similar measures in place, including Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
Learn More:
For more information about B.C. legislation, visit: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/Legislation
Source: US State of New York
overnor Kathy Hochul today outlined the turmoil created under President Trump’s first 100 days in office, warning that his administration’s retaliatory policies, deep federal cuts and unilateral tariffs are poised to negatively impact New York’s economy, the environment and hard working families. Last week, New York State joined a multi-state lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of President Trump’s global tariffs. According to independent estimates, Trump’s tariffs will cost the State’s economy more than $7 billion, result in more than 280,000 jobs lost and hit New York families with an average cost increase of $6,400. New York has also led the fight to protect federal funding from cuts and disruptions that are impacting more than $1.3 billion in federal funding for New York and has successfully challenged in court the Trump Administration’s global funding freeze, as well as cuts to the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other critical federal agencies.
“The first 100 days of the Trump Administration have been rife with chaos and uncertainty, from on-again, off-again tariffs to cuts to vital programs, New Yorkers are paying the price,” Governor Hochul said. “President Trump promised relief from inflation and his policies are making life harder, chaotic and more expensive for working class New Yorkers while slashing the very services they rely on.”
Implications for New Yorkers during President Trump’s First 100 Days Include:
PUBLIC SAFETY AND IMMIGRATION
The Trump administration has revoked more than $325 million in vital resiliency funding from the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program and put $56 million more at risk, which will impact several critical infrastructure and community resilience projects in New York State.
Additionally, DOGE is planning to cut up to 84 percent of staff from their Office of Community Planning and Development, which helps pay to rebuild homes and other recovery efforts after the country’s worst disasters such as Superstorm Sandy and Tropical Storms Lee and Irene.
The Albany National Weather Service (NWS) Office was forced to suspend weather balloon launches due to staff shortages and budget constraints. This has impacted the ability of the NWS to provide twice-daily balloon launches, impacting the accuracy of weather forecasts.
After Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained a Sackets Harbor mom and her children, Governor Hochul took action, engaging with the White House, Border Czar Tom Homan and local officials in an effort to bring the family back home. After 11 days in detention, the family was returned to Sackets Harbor.
ECONOMY AND TOURISM
The stock market has been unstable due to President Trump’s on-again, off-again tariff policy. This has caused retirees’ 401(k)s and students’ 529 savings plans to shrink. Additionally, consumer confidence plunged, to 50.8 percent in April from 71.7 percent in January. The dollar has weakened, falling to a three month low in April.
The Governor has heard from small and mid-sized businesses across the State who are worried about rising costs and their future. A recent survey from the National Small Business Association found that the majority of small businesses are concerned about tariffs and one in three are very concerned. Examples include North Country manufacturer Alcoa, which took an estimated $20 million hit on imports from Canada, and North Country Golf Club which is facing declines in businesses due to the decline in tourism from Canada. In the Southern Tier, the Cortland Standard, which was in business for more than a century, has closed its doors, citing the expected 25 percent tariffs on paper as part of the decision.
The Trump administration is cancelling the successful Manufacturers Extension Partnership (MEP) in several states. In New York, NY MEP centers generated $1.25 billion in economic impact, supported the creation or retention of nearly 6,300 jobs and served over 700 companies during the 2023 calendar year. This decision has raised widespread concern across the entire national network of MEP Centers, prompting fears about whether these initial cancellations are the first step in a broader effort to dismantle the program and eliminate federal funding for all 51 centers.
Due to the tariff trade war with Canada, New York’s number one trade partner, and the rhetoric that Canada could be the “51st state,” impacts are widespread. Visitors from Canada are avoiding the U.S. and New York State. Overall, total bridge crossings between Eastern Ontario and New York State for March are down 23,000 compared to 2024, and at the lowest level since 2022. Additionally, Niagara River bridges traffic for February is down 14 percent and Thousand Islands Bridge crossings are down 19 percent.
A survey of local businesses in the North Country found that 66 percent have already experienced a slight to significant decrease in Canadian bookings for 2025, and that 26 percent have already adjusted staffing levels in response to the decline.
TRANSPORTATION
President Trump’s Department of Transportation vowed to kill congestion pricing from day one of his administration, despite clear evidence that the program is working. The MTA reported that in March, traffic is down 13 percent, travel times have improved in key corridors within the Central Business District and it has increased revenue for the MTA that will result in improvements in the system.
IMPACTS ON HARD WORKING FAMILIES
President Trump has reduced the federal workforce by more than 120,000 people nationwide according to data compiled from CNN. In New York more than 1,200 federal workers have been forced to file for unemployment.
The Trump administration has pledged to cancel the successful and free Direct File tax filing program. This program has already begun to make an impact in its first full year, with many New Yorkers saving nearly $300 per household in tax prep fees that could instead go toward groceries, gas, child care or rent.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture slashed hundreds of millions of dollars in funding that helped schools buy food from local farms. The program sought to bring local produce to schools and child care facilities, giving schools the opportunities to purchase fresh foods and use smaller producers rather than rely on large corporations.
The Trump Administration announced that half of all food shipments through The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) would be canceled, resulting in a $500 million reduction in funding for food banks across the country. New York State could see a loss of around 16 million pounds of USDA foods in 2025 due to the TEFAP funding cuts, according to Feeding New York State.
SSA field offices are closing, wait times for deserving seniors are increasing and sensitive and private personal data is in danger of being insecure.
ENERGY
The Trump Administration stopped construction on Empire Wind, putting thousands of construction jobs at risk and threatening to dismantle a project that when complete, will generate enough electricity to power about 500,000 homes in New York State.
Funding has been suspended for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Funds. The NEVI program — passed as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law — provides funding directly to states for installing public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, which, if implemented, will lower fuel costs for families, reduce U.S. dependence on fossil fuels and create construction jobs nationwide.
President Trump has also threatened to roll back the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and repeal its tax credits. NYSERDA estimates a full repeal of the clean energy incentives could result in more than $20 billion in increased project costs and could cause significant project attrition.
HOUSING
At the direction of President Trump and DOGE, HUD staff has been decimated, imperiling the core functions of the agency that serve our communities, manage federally funded housing programs and assist housing development at a time of national crisis for housing. Funding has also been cut for organizations that fight housing discrimination across the country, while rolling back federal protections to Affirmatively Further Fair Housing.
HUD has further announced it was ending four years early the Emergency Housing Voucher Program, a successful federal program to combat homelessness for more than 9,500 households across the State. The federal administration imperiling this funding will force these families, at last stably housed, back onto the street.
The $1 billion Green and Resilient Retrofit Program that helps preserve affordable housing is being paused, threatening projects that keep tens of thousands of units livable for low-income Americans.
HEALTH CARE
The actions of the current administration threaten the health and safety of New Yorkers. New York State remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of all New Yorkers and promoting health equity.
President Trump has endorsed the House’s budget resolution which includes over $1 trillion in cuts to critical safety net programs like Medicaid and SNAP. Nearly 7 million qualifying New Yorkers are covered under Medicaid, including 2.5 million children, and 636,000 New Yorkers with disabilities. 2.9 million New Yorkers rely on SNAP for healthy food, including over 800,000 children.
The Trump administration’s National Institute of Health (NIH) has cut grant funding to SUNY used to conduct research to cure diseases, keep our nation safe and grow our economy. The NIH’s sudden budget cuts will cost SUNY research an estimated $79 million on current grants, including more than $21 million over just the next five months that will immediately imperil the work of SUNY’s dedicated researchers by decimating the equipment, staff and services they rely on.
The Trump Administration picked a top health official who has questioned the safety of vaccines and the use of fluoride in drinking water and claimed that autism was preventable. These views go against proven science and could lead to more diseases by making people doubt public health advice.
The Administration has taken back important public health funding. This includes money for tracking disease, supporting vaccinations and helping vulnerable communities hit hardest by the pandemic. Without this funding, local health services must cut staff and scale back programs, especially in areas that need the most help.
Hundreds of federal health workers have lost jobs, making it harder for both the federal government and states like New York to respond to health threats and deliver services like maternal care and disease control.
New executive orders have removed federal support for diversity, equity and inclusion programs, harming efforts to ensure fair health care for women, LGBTQ+ people and communities of color. These actions affirm that the needs of these communities no longer matter to the federal government.
In addition, with massive arbitrary cuts to federal agencies, the future of federal programs to help combat substance use disorder, heating and cooling assistance for low-income New Yorkers, and early childhood investment programs like Head Start remain in jeopardy.
New York State remains committed to ensuring all New Yorkers have access to affordable, quality health care. Accordingly, the State rejects thinly veiled attacks on anyone who may not comport with the Trump Administration’s limited views of who is a person.
EDUCATION
President Trump vowed to eliminate the Department of Education, a crucial part of the federal government that supports kids, teachers and administrators right here in New York State. New York receives $5.5 billion annually from the Department of Education. Approximately $3.2 billion is routed through the State Budget and $2.3 billion is sent directly to local entities, primarily colleges and universities. This crucial funding supports Pell Grants for college students, money for kids with disabilities, programs that are supporting kids’ mental health, crucial research at our public higher education institutions and much more
ENVIRONMENT & AGRICULTURE
The Trump administration has taken aim through Executive Order at dismantling New York State’s strong environmental protections.
Additionally, funding for the Local Food Purchasing Assistance Program has been slashed. While the Biden administration had indicated that $24 million would be available under the LFPA program (New York Food for New York Families), the Trump administration (USDA) has reversed and this next round of funding will no longer be available.
More recently, New York State’s $60 million award for the New York Connects: Climate Smart Farms and Forests Program, which funds climate smart agriculture and forestry practices, was cancelled by USDA.
USDA staff that assist farmers with implementing conservation programs, loans and other resources for their farms, have been laid off.
Over 80 percent of agrochemical imports and 70 percent of farm machinery imports come from countries facing tariffs of 10 percent or more. Tariffs may slow down or halt on-farm expansion and modernization due to projected increases in equipment costs, with much of the stainless steel coming from abroad.
Trade issues are having a compounding effect for dairy farmers — input costs are going up and the milk price relies on export markets. Tariffs and threats of trade disputes result in lost markets and lower milk prices. For example, the budget for a building project went from $85,000 to $106,000, due to tariffs on steel and aluminum, one farm had a $2,200 fee added to their bill for grain because it came from a Canadian feed mill and another farm is anticipating their bottom line to be 7-10 percent lower this year due to lower milk prices and tariffs on inputs, including feed, energy and building supplies.
The ability of West Coast apple producers to export their product will play a key role in the price and demand for New York apples. If West Coast producers are not able to expand overseas markets, they will continue to flood East Coast markets and displace New York State fresh apples where they can undercut prices.
Tariffs placed on equipment, largely coming from Canada, would increase producers’ costs of maple syrup production significantly and negatively impact profitability in the maple industry.
Source: Government of Canada regional news
Released on April 29, 2025
Saskatchewan Distance Learning Centre (Sask DLC) continues to see significant increases in student interest in online Mechanical and Automotive courses for high school students.
Today, to help support this growing interest, Sask DLC students had the opportunity to participate in a one-day, hands-on learning camp at Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s (Sask Polytech) Saskatoon campus. The opportunity offered practical experience and valuable insights from industry professionals and is the second mechanical and automotive learning camp Sask DLC and Sask Poly have hosted this year.
Student registration in Sask DLC’s Mechanical and Automotive courses increased significantly in its second year of operation. To date this school year, there are more than 400 student registrations for Sask DLC Mechanical and Automotive courses, including 186 with work placements.
Last year, 126 students registered in Mechanical and Automotive 10, 20 or 30 level courses, completing more than 4,500 work placement hours. An additional 97 students took the introductory theory-only course.
“It is exciting to see another great learning camp day in partnership between the Saskatchewan Distance Learning Centre and the autobody sector,” Minister Responsible for Sask DLC Everett Hindley said. “The autobody industry is an evolving and growing sector and a key component in many local communities across Saskatchewan. This is an excellent opportunity for DLC high school students from all around the province who are interested in this field of work to come experience hands-on learning and gain knowledge right from industry experts.”
Sask DLC and Sask Polytech learning camps provide students from across the province with opportunities to learn about potential career paths and make informed choices for their future beyond high school. The camps allow students to either confirm their current career aspirations or discover new ones. Students also get a preview of Sask Polytech’s Automotive Service Technician certificate program and apprenticeship training options.
“We have an excellent partnership with Sask DLC and always appreciate hosting high school students on campus for hands-on training,” Sask Polytech President and CEO Dr. Larry Rosia said. “These one-day camps are a great opportunity to learn more about a career in the automotive industry and discover what Sask Polytech can offer. Our instructors bring industry experience and a wealth of knowledge – whether it’s to the camps or to our shops, classrooms and labs.”
Sask DLC offers six Mechanical and Automotive courses for students across the province, including a 10-level introductory course where students can choose to do full-online theory or participate in 75 hours of online theory with a 25-hour work placement. At the 20-and-30- level, each course is a combination of 50 hours of online theory and 50 hours of an in-person work placement at a local business. Students choosing to participate in the learning camp at Sask Polytech earn six credit hours toward their work placement requirement.
Student work placements are made possible thanks to a partnership between Sask DLC and the Saskatchewan Automobile Dealers Association (SADA). Through this partnership, students are provided with opportunities to complete their work placement at a SADA member dealership. This partnership provides students with work placement opportunities near their home community and supports the automotive sector’s recruitment of future qualified employees to serve the industry.
“Our association is pleased to help provide students with meaningful work placement opportunities,” SADA Executive Director Larry Heggs said. “Work placements with our member dealers provide students with fundamental practical skills and allow them to make key contacts in the industry.”
These courses complement several other Sask DLC courses with work placements or hands-on learning opportunities available to students including:
Sask DLC’s Mechanical and Automotive courses are open for registration for the 2025-26 school year at saskDLC.ca. The courses are available to full-time Sask DLC students or high school students attending local schools throughout the province to supplement their in-person learning. High school students can contact their local school administrator or guidance counsellor for help registering.
You can learn more about all online courses with work placements available through Sask DLC at saskDLC.ca.
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For more information, contact:
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
TORONTO, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Middlefield, on behalf of MRF 2025 Resource Limited Partnership (“MRF 2025” or the “Partnership”), is pleased to announce that it has completed the final closing of the initial public offering of MRF 2025 Class A and Class F units for total gross proceeds of $19.4 million.
The objectives of the Partnership are to provide investors with capital appreciation and significant tax benefits to enhance after-tax returns to limited partners, including the deductibility of 100% of their original investment. The Partnership intends to achieve these objectives by investing in an actively managed, diversified portfolio comprised primarily of equity securities of Canadian companies involved in the resource sector.
Middlefield is a leading provider of flow-through share funds in Canada and has a strong track record of delivering positive after-tax returns. Since 1983, Middlefield has sponsored 70 public and private flow-through funds and has acted as agent or manager for over $2.5 billion of resource investments.
The syndicate of agents for the offering was co-led by CIBC Capital Markets and RBC Capital Markets and includes BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc., National Bank Financial Inc., Scotia Capital Inc., TD Securities Inc., Richardson Wealth Limited, Manulife Securities Incorporated, iA Private Wealth Inc., Canaccord Genuity Corp., Raymond James Ltd. and Wellington-Altus Private Wealth Inc.
For further information, please visit our website at www.middlefield.com or contact Nancy Tham in our Sales and Marketing Department at 1.888.890.1868.
This offering was only made by prospectus. The prospectus contains important detailed information about the securities being offered. Copies of the prospectus may be obtained from your CIRO registered financial advisor using the contact information for such advisor. Investors should read the prospectus before making an investment decision.
Source: Government of Canada regional news
Released on April 29, 2025
The Government of Saskatchewan is extending the Oil Infrastructure Investment Program (OIIP) to expand market access for Saskatchewan oil and support the continued development of carbon dioxide (CO2) pipelines. CO2 pipelines play an important role in reducing emissions and growing enhanced oil recovery capacity.
Since OIIP was introduced in 2020, 74,000 barrels per day of new oil pipeline capacity has been added through the program. To date, over $100 million in private capital investment has been secured through OIIP, with a further $380 million associated with projects that have been conditionally approved.
“This program remains essential to our goals of generating investment in new energy projects and increasing our oil export capacity,” Energy and Resources Minister Colleen Young said. “Extending OIIP shows we are committed to maintaining a competitive resource development environment in Saskatchewan. The growth of our oil and gas sector is a significant priority for our government because it leads to good jobs and additional economic opportunities for the people of our province.”
The extension of OIIP will allow for the program to continue accepting new applications until March 31, 2029. The program will continue to offer a 20 per cent royalty tax credit, up to a maximum of $40 million, on qualifying oil or CO2 pipeline projects.
“The extension of the Oil Infrastructure Investment Program will help the province remain a competitive destination for investment, especially as companies navigate these economically challenging times,” Husky Midstream Chief Executive Officer Shane Cooke said. “As a company, we benefitted from our participation in the program when expanding our Saskatchewan operations and believe its continuation will encourage future investment in transportation infrastructure that supports new production opportunities and industry growth.”
For more information about OIIP, including links to application documents, visit: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/oil-infrastructure-investment-program.
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For more information, contact:
Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
In 2022, the Integrated Market Enforcement Team (IMET) of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in Toronto initiated an investigation, after receiving information from the Ontario Securities Commission. The investigation confirmed that three investors had been defrauded through the purchase of shares in a private placement of Cobalt Blockchain. However, these shares were never purchased on behalf of the investors. On March 12, 2024, the RCMP charged Harvinder Singh Bhoi, who is the CEO and President of Asset Real Capital (ARC) with one count of fraud over $5,000.
In early April, Bhoi from Toronto, entered a guilty plea to one count of Fraud over $5,000 contrary to section 380(1)(a) of the Criminal Code of Canada.
On April 10, 2025, the court imposed the following sentence on Bhoi:
This investigation was led by the RCMP’s Toronto Integrated Market Enforcement Team. This specialized RCMP-led unit is mandated to protect the integrity of Canada’s capital markets by detecting, investigating and deterring capital market fraud.
“This investigation is a great example of the RCMP’s commitment to keeping our communities safe by effectively disrupting financial crime.”
– S/Sgt. David Kim, Acting Officer in Charge, RCMP IMET.
The RCMP IMETs are located in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario and Quebec and are funded by the Government of Canada and led by the RCMP. Their goal is to detect, investigate and charge those using capital markets to harm the economic interests of Canadians.
If you have any information about money laundering or any other criminality, you can contact your local police, the Ontario RCMP at 1-800-387-0020, or report anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), at any time.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Pensioners of the future will benefit from innovative ‘collective’ pension schemes to boost their income in retirement and productive investment across the economy, under plans announced today [29 April]
More people than ever are saving into a workplace pension – £28 billion more in 2020 than in 2012 – with most of these pension pots being Defined Contribution (DC) schemes, where the employee is automatically enrolled to save a proportion of their salary tax-free and the employer contributes at least 3% of their salary to the pot too.
But a lack of innovation and reform of the DC savings landscape risks some future pensioners bearing large risks, in terms of the value of their investments and whether their savings will provide an income throughout their retirement.
Collective Defined Contribution (CDCs) are a new type of pension scheme that sees both the employer and employee contribute to a collective fund. Due to the scale of these funds and the pooling of risk for members, they can aim to provide a target pension income for life – similar to Defined Benefit (DB) schemes, sometimes called an average or final salary pension, but without the risk of significant unexpected bills for employers.
In the UK, Royal Mail have already launched a CDC scheme for their employees which has over 100,000 members who are offered a combination of a cash lump sum and an income for life in retirement.
Speaking at the LCP Conference in London today, the Minister for Pensions confirmed new regulations, set to be laid in the Autumn, will allow for multiple employer CDC schemes to be established, so that a range of unconnected employers can pool their employees’ pension pots into a collective fund, boosting returns for savers.
These pooled pension investments will mean higher incomes in retirement, and help individuals manage the uncertainty about how long that retirement will be. These measures will provide more options for savers and employers to choose between and are part of wider reforms to the pensions landscape, as part of our Plan for Change to put more money into people’s pockets.
Success in the world of pensions isn’t just about getting people saving, it’s ensuring their savings work as hard as possible for them.
Making sure more employers and savers have the option of an innovative Collective Defined Contribution Pension scheme is an important part of making that happen.
Too often at present we are leaving individuals to face significant risks, about how their individual investments perform and how long their retirements last. Pooling some of those risks will drive higher incomes for pensioners and greater investments in productive assets across the economy.
The Minister also confirmed his desire to deliver decumulation only CDC schemes. These schemes would allow certain savers with DC schemes to access CDCs, offering retirees the chance to buy longer term, pooled retirement products that deliver stability for pensioners.
Modelling from the PPI suggests that single employer CDCs could deliver a significantly greater average replacement rate (47%) than currently delivered through annuities (40%) with even higher benefits seen for multi-employer CDCs as longevity risks are pooled. (69%).
And due to their size, CDCs can also be a more efficient vehicle for economic growth, with similar collective funds in Canada and Australia having proved an efficient way of supporting economic growth, investing in a wider range of sectors and assets.
CDC schemes can invest in illiquid and more productive investments over the long term, including in UK businesses and infrastructure projects, supporting the Government’s growth mission while providing employers with greater freedoms as well as reducing the risks of over or under spending in retirement by paying pensioners based on life expectancy.
These measures aim to drive economic growth and improve retirement outcomes for working people as part of the Plan for Change.
Today’s announcement will provide clarity to the industry ahead of the upcoming Pensions Investment Review and Pension Schemes Bill, and in time give working people and employers a new option when considering what pension scheme works best for them
Source: Communications Workers of America
NATIONWIDE – Video game workers at Microsoft subsidiary ZeniMax Media—represented by Communications Workers of America (CWA) Locals 2100, 2108, and 6215—are calling out Microsoft for the lack of progress toward a union contract.
In early 2023, quality assurance testers at ZeniMax formed the first video game studio union at Microsoft, becoming the first group of workers to organize under a labor neutrality agreement between CWA and the company. The workers began contract bargaining negotiations with Microsoft later that year, on April 25.
Despite early progress, including agreements on artificial intelligence and contractors, talks have stalled as Microsoft has failed to address workers’ concerns about a lack of remote work options and the company’s unilateral decision to replace in-house quality assurance work with outsourced labor without notifying the union.
“It’s become increasingly clear that although Microsoft tries to position itself as a good-faith employer, there’s another story being told behind the scenes at the bargaining table,” said ZeniMax Workers United-CWA Local 2108 member and Senior QA tester Autumn Mitchell. “We are frustrated. Our union will continue fighting until we secure a first contract, and we’re prepared to do whatever it takes—even if that means withholding our labor.”
ZeniMax Workers United-CWA (ZWU-CWA) union members overwhelmingly voted to call on leadership to authorize a strike earlier this month, and ZWU-CWA members further ramped up the pressure with pickets outside ZeniMax offices in both Maryland and Texas last week.
“We are approaching the three-year anniversary of CWA’s groundbreaking labor neutrality agreement with Microsoft,” said CWA Chief of Staff Sylvia J. Ramos. “Thousands of workers have freely and fairly chosen union representation with CWA under the agreement. It’s time for Microsoft’s negotiators to make bargaining contracts with these workers a priority so that together we can fully realize the promise of our partnership.”
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About CODE-CWA
The Campaign to Organize Digital Employees (CODE-CWA) is a network of worker-organizers and their staff working every single day to build the voice and power necessary to ensure the future of the tech, game, and digital industries in the United States and Canada. CODE-CWA is a project of the Communications Workers of America, which represents hundreds of thousands of workers throughout tech, media, telecom, and other industries who stand together to fight for justice on the job and in our communities.
cwa-union.org @cwaunion
Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Juliet Bushi, Lecturer, Faculty of Education, University of Windsor
For many Black families, summer months can be a relief and a stress. The stress is because of the precariousness of summer programming in Canada.
Typically for families with school-aged children, summer planning usually starts in February or March, when most registration begins. The logistics around finding quality summer programming can be challenging. If you are a newcomer to Canada with financial limitations, navigating the different buffet of summer camps and affordability can be daunting.
The stress of finding a safe space for your children while also making sure that you’re not overspending and can also provide food and shelter is a constant struggle for Canadian households, including many Black and racialized parents.
For many Black and new immigrant families with school-aged children, the summer months pose serious mental, physical and financial challenges due to the lack of support and high costs of summer programs for school-aged children. Navigating these disparities can get complicated.
Many Black parents are left with taking risks to ensure that they keep their jobs during the summer while juggling to find a culturally relevant program and a safe place for their children to stay during work hours.
The cost of summer programs varies from province to province. On average, day camps can range from $35 to $500 per week, and overnight camps can range from $300 to $1,000 per week for the same period. For a family with three or more children, the cost of summer programs can total over $12,000 each year and with no tax credit, this can contribute to a negative financial investment.
The reality is that families need accessible summer programming and education support. Prioritizing funding based on community and student needs and investment in community learning centres and programs is paramount.
A lack of quality, accessible and affordable options for Black families is one reason I founded Canahari Multidisciplinary Summer Program in Regina, Sask. Canahari was designed to help address what could otherwise be the growth of social, educational and economic disparities during the summer months.
A contrast exists between parents capable of enrolling their children in frequent literacy-enhancing activities within high-quality summer programs and those from underprivileged backgrounds.
The latter have limited access to such high-quality resources. This is evident in their children demonstrating what educators assess as being less prepared for school and less able to engage with it than their more privileged peers.
Studies have found that a lack of summer learning negatively impacts the educational progress of children from low socioeconomic status. These impacts further widen the achievement gap. For these reasons, implementing a national education policy to mitigate differential summer learning loss is crucial for academic success and personal development.
Factors such as transportation, work schedules, summer programming fees, program reputation, culturally responsive summer programming and affordability are major factors contributing to educational inequality gaps. Many studies have shown social and economic status and race or ethnicity contribute to the disparities in academic achievement and summertime learning.
In the summer, children from low-income households experience declines in reading achievement, while middle- and high-income children improve. These experiences have often been overlooked or ignored, and continue to negatively impact social connectedness, mental well-being and academic success.
Finding an affordable summer camp is one thing. Doing so while ensuring your children feel included and safe is a top concern for Black parents (and their kids).
Scholars have examined sources of inequalities in students’ academic skills for decades, with numerous studies focusing on socioeconomic status and race or ethnicity. The complexities of these disparities challenge the meaning and intent of quality education in Canada.
Historically, education has been a powerful tool for social, political and democratic empowerment and a means for personal growth and societal progress for Black people.
However, Eurocentric education has been a tool that reproduces inequities and has regulated or disciplined Black students in negative ways that undermine the cultural values of Black students and parents. Not only this, these systems challenge fundamental Africentric knowledge systems and moral frameworks.
Education scholar George Dei has argued we must disrupt the myth that mainstream education is “colour blind.”
For Black children, schools are sites for recurring racist and traumatic encounters and summer programs are no exception. New policies are needed that disrupt and are accountable for addressing anti-Black racism and acknowledge the lived experiences and struggles of Black people.
Summer programming needs to be deprivatized in Canada to ensure reimagined, consistent, equitable and accessible educational programs during summer. Summer programs are now sources of revenue, and the commercialization and marketization of summer programs make it challenging for grassroots organizations to compete in the this market.
Recent educational reforms tend to focus on student experiences in school within the academic school calendar, while neglecting the social implications of affordable, high-quality summer programming.
Implementing a nationwide initiative (similar to the universal child-care plan) to address these challenges appears unfeasible given current political mandates.
Read more:
Forgotten futures? Canada urgently needs a national discussion about young people’s futures
With many provinces struggling with larger class sizes, underfunding and a lack of support for teachers, perhaps a more critical look at providing year-round educational support for students and teachers is the most logical thing to do.
A province-wide summer program network and coalition could build accessible and culturally relevant programs that prioritize early detection of learning challenges and student needs.
This coalition could also develop a more comprehensive policy and funding mechanism to ensure access, equity, quality and deprivatization of summer programs.
The $10-a-day plan, introduced by the Liberal government and supported by the NDP through Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care agreements with provinces and territories, was developed to improve Canada’s long-standing inadequate childcare situation. A similar policy on summer programs should be envisioned.
Advocating for policies that prioritize universal and comprehensive accessible education year round could help ensure women and low-income families are not penalized for having children. This practice also promotes true gender equity in the workforce.
Collaboration between the federal, provincial, municipal and local governments and researchers on data collection and evidence-based funding is crucial in implementing a comprehensive program that considers the voices of parents, students and communities.
I intend to continue to raise awareness on this issue, with attention to how the colonial ideology of educational reform that has avoided summer programming continues reproducing educational inequalities.
So I ask: with all the complex social and educational inequalities maintained by colonial ideologies and privatized summer programs, where can Black children go in summer?
Juliet Bushi receives funding from the organization.
Canada Summer Jobs – Grants to hire youths in summer
Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan
I founded Canahari Multidisciplinary Summer Programs, which offers culturally relevant programs.
– ref. Where can Black children go in summer? Black families face disparities and need equitable options – https://theconversation.com/where-can-black-children-go-in-summer-black-families-face-disparities-and-need-equitable-options-253013
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)
Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CHRISTOPHER ADAMS, 58, of Norwalk, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 22 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine in southwestern Connecticut.
According to court documents and statements made in court, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force and Stamford Police Department identified Rodney Canada, also known as “Supreme,” as the leader of a drug trafficking organization that was distributing large quantities of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine in Stamford and elsewhere in southwestern Connecticut. The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps and controlled purchases of narcotics, revealed that Canada and others coordinated the street level distribution of narcotics, and that Canada sold bulk quantities of cocaine to Adams for further distribution.
On March 8, 2024, Adams was arrested on related state charges after a court-authorized search of a Norwalk hotel room where he was living revealed approximately 80 grams of cocaine. After Adams was released on bond in his state case, he resumed his narcotics trafficking activity.
Canada and several other members of the conspiracy were arrested federally on May 14, 2024. On that date, investigators conducted court-authorized searches at locations in Stamford, Norwalk, Bridgeport, and Darien and seized approximately three kilograms of cocaine, nearly 400 grams of raw fentanyl, more than 500 bags of fentanyl, five firearms, a bulletproof vest, and seven vehicles.
Adams was arrested federally on May 18, 2024. On December 10, 2024, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine. He has been detained since his arrest.
Canada has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.
This investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force, the Stamford Police Department, the Bridgeport Police Department, and the U.S. Marshals Service, with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Connecticut State Police, and the Norwalk, Danbury, and Darien Police Departments. The DEA HIDTA Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Bridgeport Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Norwalk, Stamford, Stratford, Milford, and Danbury Police Departments.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patricia Stolfi Collins and Geoffrey M. Stone through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Source: Government of Canada regional news
Released on April 29, 2025
The Government of Saskatchewan will invest $3.75 million annually to deliver a new program to help fund school playground equipment in communities throughout the province.
As a result, up to $50,000 in matched funding will be available for schools to build a new playground or update existing equipment.
“Our government recognizes that every child deserves a place to play,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Alana Ross said. “Parent groups are working hard alongside local school councils to build safe, accessible playgrounds for their kids. This funding will help make their job a little easier, while ensuring projects are completed sooner.”
Administered in partnership with the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association (SPRA), the School Playground Equipment Grant program is expected to start accepting applications in fall 2025.
The SPRA is a non-profit dedicated to connecting, educating and inspiring parks and recreation providers to create parks and recreation spaces for the benefit of everyone, with its core operations funded by Sask Lotteries.
“We are proud to expand our partnership with the Government of Saskatchewan in the delivery of the School Playground Equipment Grant program,” Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association President Darcy McLeod said. “Playgrounds are crucial to child development and are foundational pieces of community infrastructure that support our health and wellbeing.”
The criteria and guidelines will be announced closer to the application process, after engagement with stakeholders. It is estimated that approximately 75 projects will receive support each year.
“It takes time to plan and develop a school playground,” Ross said. “The program will launch in just a few short months and we want communities to know work is underway so they can incorporate this new funding option into their planning process.”
Further details, including the specific date that applications open along with the program criteria will be announced once finalized in collaboration with SPRA.
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Source: Government of Canada News (2)
April 25, 2025 – Melville, Saskatchewan – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Today, Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Daryl Harrison, along with federal, provincial, and territorial governments, announced the AgriStability enrolment deadline for the existing 2025 program year is extended (without penalty) from April 30, 2025, to July 31, 2025. The extension of the deadline is for the status quo program. The proposed changes announced by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada are still being considered and have not been implemented.
The nature of the existing AgriStability Program makes it well suited to support producers. As a margin-based program, AgriStability responds when a producer’s whole farm profitability is impacted, including by rising costs and declining market prices. Tariffs have the potential to impact the prices producers receive for sold commodities. Coverage is personalized for each farm operation by using historical information, based on income tax and supplementary information. Farmers experiencing losses are encouraged to apply for interim payments under AgriStability for more rapid support. In the last six program years, Saskatchewan producers received over $565 million in benefit payments.
Enrolling is easy. Producers can provide all the necessary information over the phone. The Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC) is available to assist producers. To request a new participant package, call the SCIC AgriStability Call Centre at 1-866-270-8450 or email agristability@scic.ca.
Source: Government of Canada regional news
Released on April 29, 2025
This morning, in recognition of National Volunteer Week, Lieutenant Governor Bernadette McIntyre presented 15 dedicated individuals with the 2024 Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal during a ceremony at Government House.
“It is an honour to recognize these recipients who tirelessly donate their time and talents to so many worthy causes in our province,” McIntyre said. “Their generous spirit and wholehearted participation are an inspiration for us all.”
The recipients of the 2024 Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal are:
2025 marks the 30th anniversary of the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal. This award was established in 1995 to celebrate the province’s 90th anniversary, and to recognize the fact that Saskatchewan leads the country in volunteerism rates. Today’s recipients join the ranks of 271 exemplary volunteers recognized in previous years.
Nominations are now open for the 2025 Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to nominate current or former long-term residents of Saskatchewan who go above and beyond for their community through acts of volunteerism. Nominations are open until October 31, 2025.
For more information about the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal or to nominate someone for Saskatchewan Honours and Awards, visit: www.saskatchewan.ca/honoursawards.
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Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
American Rebel Light Beer was featured at the NHRA event, where thousands of attendees and a national television audience were exposed to America’s Fastest Growing Beer.
Nashville, TN, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — American Rebel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AREB) (“American Rebel” or the “Company”), creator of American Rebel Light Beer (americanrebelbeer.com) and a designer, manufacturer, and marketer of branded safes, personal security and self-defense products and apparel (americanrebel.com), will be holding an exclusive dinner at Mar-A-Lago tonight for its board of directors and a major investor group. This will be the second round of meetings this month at Mar-a-Lago, aka the “Winter White House,” where America’s Patriotic Beer brand has established a strong footprint among supporters of President Trump and those who love our great nation.
Quote from CEO Andy Ross:
“Hosting our esteemed Board of Directors, investment bankers, and key strategic investors at Mar-A-Lago in Florida is an honor and a pivotal opportunity for American Rebel Holdings, Inc. As we convene at the Winter White House, we are eager to discuss the strategic growth of American Rebel Light Beer. This event, following several preliminary planning meetings, presents a unique chance to accelerate and enhance our existing strategic plan to expand our distribution footprint and target customer base, particularly among NHRA fans. Our distribution expansion in 2025 continues to surpass expectations, setting the stage for sustained revenue growth and market share gains over the coming months and years.”
This weekend’s American Rebel Light NHRA 4-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway at the Charlotte Motor Speedway (charlottemotorspeedway.com) was broadcast nationally through FOX Broadcasting’s FS1. The event provided viewers with the experience of drag racing and additional exposure for American Rebel Light Beer. The NHRA’s partnership with FOX Sports ensures expanded coverage, bringing drag racing, and this weekend American Rebel Light Beer, to homes across the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean.
American Rebel Light Beer – America’s Patriotic, God Fearing, Constitution Loving, National Anthem Singing, Stand Your Ground Beer was proud to be featured at this iconic event. Fans attending the race enjoyed cold American Rebel Light Beer while experiencing the unique four-lane racing format and pit access included with every ticket. For those watching from home, the FS1 broadcast showcased the adrenaline-pumping action, making it a weekend to remember.
Continued Quote from CEO Andy Ross:
“We are honored to have Tony Stewart Racing’s (tsrnitro.com) Matt Hagan, driver of the American Rebel Light Funny Car, give his insights to the group in Florida to continue to capture the momentum of American Rebel Light Beer within the NHRA (nhra.com). TSR Racing with Tony, Matt, and Leah combined with American Rebel Light Beer is a winning combination with the fans that we believe is creating long-term customers. We are thoroughly evaluating additional sponsorship and growth opportunities for American Rebel Light Beer, ensuring its continued success as America’s Patriotic Beer.”
About American Rebel Light Beer
Produced in partnership with AlcSource, American Rebel Light Beer (americanrebelbeer.com) is a premium domestic light lager celebrated for its exceptional quality and patriotic values. It stands out as America’s Patriotic, God Fearing, Constitution Loving, National Anthem Singing, Stand Your Ground Beer.
American Rebel Light is a Premium Domestic Light Lager Beer – All Natural, Crisp, Clean and Bold Taste with a Lighter Feel. With approximately 100 calories, 3.2 carbohydrates, and 4.3% alcoholic content per 12 oz serving, American Rebel Light Beer delivers a lighter option for those who love great beer but prefer a more balanced lifestyle. It’s all natural with no added supplements and importantly does not use corn, rice, or other sweeteners typically found in mass produced beers. For more information follow American Rebel Beer on all social media platforms (@americanrebelbeer).
About American Rebel Holdings, Inc.
American Rebel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AREB) has operated primarily as a designer, manufacturer and marketer of branded safes and personal security and self-defense products and has recently transitioned into the beverage industry through the introduction of American Rebel Light Beer. The Company also designs and produces branded apparel and accessories. To learn more, visit americanrebel.com and americanrebelbeer.com. For investor information, visit americanrebelbeer.com/investor-relations.
American Rebel Holdings, Inc.
info@americanrebel.com
ir@americanrebel.com
American Rebel Beverages, LLC
Todd Porter, President
tporter@americanrebelbeer.com
Media Contact:
Matt Sheldon
Matt@PrecisionPR.co
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. American Rebel Holdings, Inc., (NASDAQ: AREB; AREBW) (the “Company,” “American Rebel,” “we,” “our” or “us”) desires to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this cautionary statement in connection with this safe harbor legislation. The words “forecasts” “believe,” “may,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “should,” “plan,” “could,” “target,” “potential,” “is likely,” “expect” and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements primarily on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements include benefits of our strategic planning, marketing outreach efforts, actual placement timing and availability of American Rebel Beer, success and availability of the promotional activities, our ability to effectively execute our business plan, and the Risk Factors contained within our filings with the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024. Any forward-looking statement made by us herein speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.
Attachment
US Senate News:
Source: The White House
President Donald J. Trump has secured over $5 trillion in new U.S.-based investments in his first 100 days, which will create more than 451,000 new jobs as he sets the stage for a new era of American prosperity. From advanced manufacturing to cutting-edge artificial intelligence infrastructure, these historic investments — spurred by President Trump’s unwavering commitment to revitalizing American industry — will reinforce the U.S. as the global leader in innovation and economic growth.
The announcements keep coming. In recent days:
IBM announced a $150 billion investment over the next five years in its U.S.-based growth and manufacturing operations.
Thermo Fisher Scientific announced it will invest an additional $2 billion over the next four years to enhance and expand its U.S. manufacturing operations and strengthen its innovation efforts.
Corning announced it is expanding its Michigan manufacturing facility investment to $1.5 billion, adding 400 new, high-paying, advanced manufacturing jobs.
Merck & Co. announced a $1 billion investment to build a new state-of-the-art biologics manufacturing plant in Delaware, which will create at least 500 new jobs — part of the company’s commitment to invest more than $9 billion over the next four years.
“Since the advent of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Merck has allocated more than $12 billion to enhance our domestic manufacturing and research capabilities, with additional planned investments of more than $9 billion over the next four years.”
Amgen announced a $900 million investment in its Ohio-based manufacturing operation.
The company credited President Trump’s landmark 2017 tax cuts for enabling its rapid expansion: “Pro-growth policies like the @POTUS @WhiteHouse 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act helped make investments like this possible. Since enactment, Amgen has invested ~$5B in capital expenditures. This amounts to an additional downstream output to the U.S. economy of approximately $12B.”
The Bel Group announced a $350 million investment to expand its U.S.-based production, including at its South Dakota, Idaho and Wisconsin facilities — which will create 250 new jobs.
Here is the non-exhaustive list of investments secured in President Trump’s second term:
Project Stargate, led by Japan-based Softbank and U.S.-based OpenAI and Oracle, announced a $500 billion private investment in U.S.-based artificial intelligence infrastructure.
Apple announced a $500 billion investment in U.S. manufacturing and training.
NVIDIA, a global chipmaking giant, announced it will invest $500 billion in U.S.-based AI infrastructure over the next four years amid its pledge to manufacture AI supercomputers entirely in the U.S. for the first time.
IBM announced a $150 billion investment over the next five years in its U.S.-based growth and manufacturing operations.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) announced a $100 billion investment in U.S.-based chips manufacturing.
Johnson & Johnson announced a $55 billion investment over the next four years in manufacturing, research and development, and technology.
Roche, a Swiss drug and diagnostics company, announced a $50 billion investment in U.S.-based manufacturing and research and development, which is expected to create more than 1,000 full-time jobs.
Eli Lilly and Company announced a $27 billion investment to more than double its domestic manufacturing capacity.
United Arab Emirates-based ADQ and U.S.-based Energy Capital Partners announced a $25 billion investment in U.S. data centers and energy infrastructure.
Novartis, a Swiss drugmaker, announced a $23 billion investment to build or expand ten manufacturing facilities across the U.S., which will create 4,000 new jobs.
Hyundaiannounced a $21 billion U.S.-based investment — including $5.8 billion for a new steel plant in Louisiana, which will create nearly 1,500 jobs.
Hyundai also secured an equity investment and agreement from Posco Holdings, South Korea’s top steel maker.
United Arab Emirates-based DAMAC Properties announced a $20 billion investment in new U.S.-based data centers.
France-based CMA CGM, a global shipping giant, announced a $20 billion investment in U.S. shipping and logistics, creating 10,000 new jobs.
Thermo Fisher Scientific announced it will invest an additional $2 billion over the next four years to enhance and expand its U.S. manufacturing operations and strengthen its innovation efforts.
Merck & Co. announced it will invest a total of $9 billion in the U.S. over the next several years after opening a new $1 billion North Carolina manufacturing facility — including in a new state-of-the-art biologics manufacturing plant in Delaware, which will create at least 500 new jobs.
Clarios announced a $6 billion plan to expand its domestic manufacturing operations.
Stellantis announced a $5 billion investment in its U.S. manufacturing network, including re-opening its Belvidere, Illinois, manufacturing plant.
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a leader in biotechnology, announced a $3 billion agreement with Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies to produce drugs at its North Carolina manufacturing facility.
NorthMark Strategies, a multi-strategy investment firm, announced a $2.8 billion investment to build a supercomputing facility in South Carolina.
Corning announced it is expanding its Michigan manufacturing facility investment to $1.5 billion, adding 400 new high-paying advanced manufacturing jobs for a total of 1,500 new jobs.
Chobani, a Greek yogurt giant, announced a $1.2 billion investment to build its third U.S. dairy processing plant in New York, which is expected to create more than 1,000 new full-time jobs — adding to the company’s earlier announcement that it will invest $500 million to expand its Idaho manufacturing plant.
GE Aerospace announced a $1 billion investment in manufacturing across 16 states — creating 5,000 new jobs.
Amgen announced a $900 million investment in its Ohio-based manufacturing operation.
Schneider Electric announced it will invest $700 million over the next four years in U.S. energy infrastructure.
GE Vernova announced it will invest nearly $600 million in U.S. manufacturing over the next two years, which will create more than 1,500 new jobs.
Abbott Laboratories announced a $500 million investment in its Illinois and Texas facilities.
AIP Management, a European infrastructure investor, announced a $500 million investment to solar developer Silicon Ranch.
London-based Diageo announced a $415 million investment in a new Alabama manufacturing facility.
Dublin-based Eaton Corporation announced a $340 million investment in a new South Carolina-based manufacturing facility for its three-phase transformers.
Germany-based Siemens announced a $285 million investment in U.S. manufacturing and AI data centers, which will create more than 900 new skilled manufacturing jobs.
The Bel Group announced a $350 million investment to expand its U.S.-based production, including at its South Dakota, Idaho and Wisconsin facilities — which will create 250 new jobs.
Clasen Quality Chocolate announced a $230 million investment to build a new production facility in Virginia, which will create 250 new jobs.
Fiserv, Inc., a financial technology provider, announced a $175 million investment to open a new strategic fintech hub in Kansas, which is expected to create 2,000 new, high-paying jobs.
Paris Baguette announced a $160 million investment to construct a manufacturing plant in Texas.
TS Conductor announced a $134 million investment to build an advanced conductor manufacturing facility in South Carolina, which will create nearly 500 new jobs.
Switzerland-based ABB announced a $120 million investment to expand production of its low-voltage electrification products in Tennessee and Mississippi.
Saica Group, a Spain-based corrugated packaging maker, announced plans to build a $110 million new manufacturing facility in Anderson, Indiana.
Charms, LLC, a subsidiary of candymaker Tootsie Roll Industries, announced a $97.7 million investment to expand its production plant and distribution center in Tennessee.
Toyota Motor Corporation announced an $88 million investment to boost hybrid vehicle production at its West Virginia factory, securing employment for the 2,000 workers at the factory.
AeroVironment, a defense contractor, announced a $42.3 million investment to build a new manufacturing facility in Utah.
Paris-based Saint-Gobain announced a new $40 million NorPro manufacturing facility in Wheatfield, New York.
India-based Sygene International announced a $36.5 million acquisition of a Baltimore biologics manufacturing facility.
Asahi Group Holdings, one of the largest Japanese beverage makers, announced a $35 million investment to boost production at its Wisconsin plant.
Cyclic Materials, a Canadian advanced recycling company for rare earth elements, announced a $20 million investment in its first U.S.-based commercial facility, located in Mesa, Arizona.
Guardian Bikes announced a $19 million investment to build the first U.S.-based large-scale bicycle frame manufacturing operation in Indiana.
Amsterdam-based AMG Critical Minerals announced a $15 million investment to build a chrome manufacturing facility in Pennsylvania.
NOVONIX Limited, an Australia-based battery technology company, announced a $4.6 million investment to build a synthetic graphite manufacturing facility in Tennessee.
LGM Pharma announced a $6 million investment to expand its manufacturing facility in Rosenberg, Texas.
ViDARR Inc., a defense optical equipment manufacturer, announced a $2.69 million investment to open a new facility in Virginia.
That doesn’t even include the U.S. investments pledged by foreign countries:
United Arab Emirates announced a $1.4 trillion investment in the U.S. over the next decade.
Saudi Arabia announced it intends to invest $600 billion in the U.S. over the next four years.
Japan announced a $1 trillion investment in the U.S.
Taiwan announced a pledge to boost its U.S.-based investment.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
SANTA CRUZ DE LA SIERRA, Bolivia, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AssureSoft, a nearshore software outsourcing company with operations in Latin America and the United States, has announced the opening of a new development center in Santa Cruz, Bolivia’s primary economic hub.
This investment reflects the company’s sustainable growth and responds to the evolving needs of businesses across the board, as nearshore outsourcing has become an increasingly adopted strategy for delivering high-quality software projects efficiently. According to Verified Market Research®, the Software Outsourcing Market is estimated to reach a valuation of USD 897.9 Billion in 2031—a CAGR of 5.49% from 2024 to 2031.
AssureSoft’s new development center is located in the iconic Green Tower, Bolivia’s most modern and technologically advanced building. Santa Cruz is a vibrant city that contributes nearly 35% of Bolivia’s gross domestic product (GDP) and receives over 40% of the country’s foreign direct investment (FDI), underscoring its status as an economic powerhouse in the region.
“Looking back to 2006 when we founded AssureSoft, we were one of the few Latin American companies in the software outsourcing business. After 19 years, we’re proud to have established a solid network of development centers and offices across six cities,” said Daniel Gumucio, CEO of AssureSoft. “Our new office in Santa Cruz allows us to tap into the region’s exceptional tech talent pool while delivering world-class, reliable solutions that drive real value for our clients.”
Building on a Solid Foundation
AssureSoft has maintained a steady 35% annual growth rate over the past five years, reflecting a solid foundation and a company built for the long term. With more than 500 engineers across Latin America, AssureSoft plans to hire over 200 developers in the next two years to meet the growing demand for outsourced skilled tech talent. In Q4-2024, AssureSoft reported a strong Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 73. Plus, over 25% of its clients have been active for more than five years—highlighting long-term relationships built on trust and results. The company’s approach emphasizes high-quality development and a culturally aligned workforce.
As AssureSoft continues to grow, it remains committed to upholding the highest standards of quality and information security. The ISO 27001:2022 certification reflects its robust approach to data protection and compliance across all development projects.
About AssureSoft
AssureSoft is a nearshore software outsourcing company with 19 years of experience. With a team of 500+ developers distributed across Latin America, the company provides tailored solutions to U.S. and Canada-based clients through staff augmentation, dedicated software development teams, and end-to-end software outsourcing services. AssureSoft’s headquarters are located in Miami; it operates offices in California and has development centers in four cities across Bolivia and Paraguay.
AssureSoft adheres to global standards in information security compliance and talent development. The company is ISO 27001:2022-certified and has been recognized as a Great Place to Work® for four consecutive years. Discover more at www.assuresoft.com.
For Media Inquiries:
Catalina Soto Pizano
Corporate Communications Manager
AssureSoft
catalina.soto@assuresoft.com
