Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, spoke with the President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum.
The leaders had a productive call, discussing the importance of building upon the strong trading and investment relationship between the two countries, to benefit Canadians and Mexicans alike.
With challenging times ahead, Prime Minister Carney and President Sheinbaum emphasized the importance of safeguarding North American competitiveness while respecting the sovereignty of each nation. Prime Minister Carney also highlighted his plan to fight unjustified trade actions against Canada, protect Canadian workers’ businesses, and build Canada’s economy, including through increased trade between Canada and Mexico.
The leaders agreed that ministers and senior officials will continue to work together to advance shared priorities.
Prime Minister Carney and President Sheinbaum agreed to remain in close contact.
Yet, amid continuing public remarks about Canada becoming the 51st state and suggestions of genuine intent, the idea has become part of a broader conversation about North America’s future.
The idea of the U.S. merging with Canada outright has not been received well in Canada, especially because Trump’s threats have been accompanied by economic warfare aimed at forcing Canada into submission. After all, the U.S. already has 50 states. Canada, with its population of about 40 million and its immense geographic size, would be an outsized “51st” by any comparison.
But any serious analysis of this proposition quickly reveals that annexation would be far more complicated — and far less one-sided — than the label “51st state.”
The most important takeaway from our analysis is that a unified country would need to inaugurate a new president and Parliament. The path towards the integration of the countries would have to start with closer economic integration, not the alienation currently in place.
Based on population and the distribution of power in U.S. Congress, Canada’s 10 provinces and three northern territories would almost certainly be carved into multiple states, perhaps nine or more.
This is no small detail.
America’s unique electoral arithmetic grants each state two senators, while seats in the House of Representatives depend on population size. With around 40 million new citizens, a unified North America would reshape the balance of power in both the Senate and the House.
Critically, the new country formed via unification might end up looking far more like Canada than many Americans imagine.
Why? Canadian voters lean more centrist — or even centre-left — than the average American does. Over time, that could tilt congressional priorities in favour of policies reflecting Canada’s taste for universal health care, stricter gun control and robust social welfare.
The longstanding political tug-of-war in the U.S. could see its centre of gravity shift, likely to the chagrin of some more conservative segments of the existing union.
Some might argue that if tariffs are putting negative pressures on the economy and roiling the markets, perhaps deeper integration — or even full-blown unification — could serve as a release valve. But the path towards a friendly merger is best taken step-by-step and starts with stronger economic integration, not alienation.
Forging a genuine union goes well beyond removing trade barriers. Canada and the U.S. differ on far more than just economics: from bilingualism laws to gun regulations, from health care to environmental policy, the two countries embody contrasting visions of how society should function.
Canadians would expect to preserve elements of their social contract that many regard as superior to American norms — particularly their single-payer health-care system and comparatively strict firearms restrictions.
A process genuinely aimed at integrating the two countries would take this into account. It would extend the United States-Mexico-Canada trade deal further to strengthen economic integration, elevate the rights of French and Spanish speakers in the U.S. in order to signal compatible cultural values and extend Medicare to show an appreciation of the common denominators of the two societies.
Trump’s current rhetoric, however, does not seem to indicate a genuine desire for a unification.
Why a merger could favour Canada
As surprising as it seems, our analysis suggests that a unified North America could lean Canada’s way over time.
Even if the American Electoral College were reimagined — or scrapped — Canadian provinces transformed into states would wield significant power, influencing everything from budget allocations to Supreme Court appointments.
Over a few election cycles, these forces could converge into a more expansive welfare regime, something that would astonish traditional conservatives across the current 50 states.
A combined North America would boast one of the largest economies on Earth, including abundant natural resources and technological innovation.
The promise of frictionless trade, a single currency and vast internal markets might delight big business and certain multinational interests. Yet the path would be fraught.
Constitutional arrangements, Indigenous rights, linguistic protections and environmental regulations — all areas in which Canadian norms diverge significantly from American precedents — would have to be reconciled.
Canadians, proud of their universal healthcare, progressive climate policies and lower rates of gun violence, would worry about being subsumed by a more rambunctious, militarized neighbour. Americans, meanwhile, would fear they would be forced to adopt new taxes and policies at odds with their historic emphasis on individual freedoms.
A country more closely resembling Canada
Regardless of whether Trump’s annexation talk proves more than just bluster, the notion of a friendly U.S.–Canada merger invites reflection. It reminds us that North America’s two largest nations remain economically interlocked and geographically co-located, though culturally distinct.
With tariffs in place and cross-border tensions mounting, creative solutions are worth examining, even if a merger can — at best — be seen as a long-term vision.
A genuine offer of a merger would require that Canadians to be assured that if such a union did transpire, their voices might echo far more loudly than expected in the halls of Washington, D.C.
And Americans — facing shifting demographics and changing societal values — may discover that the annexation Trump initiated could bring surprises that tilt the new country much closer to its northern neighbour’s ideals than to the status quo below the 49th parallel.
Felix Arndt is an author of a book referred to in this article.
Barak Aharonson is an author of a book with a similar topic.
Ahead of two-year bargaining milestone with Microsoft, CWA-represented quality assurance testers at ZeniMax Media prepare for national strike
NATIONWIDE – A bargaining unit of hundreds of video game workers at Microsoft subsidiary ZeniMax Media—represented by Communications Workers of America Locals 2100, 2108, and 6215 (ZeniMax Workers United-CWA)—has overwhelmingly voted, by more than 94%, to authorize union leadership to call for a strike. ZeniMax Workers United-CWA and Microsoft have been negotiating for a first contract for nearly two years.
“We’re not afraid to use our union power to ensure that we can keep making great games,” said ZeniMax Workers United-CWA Local 2108 Member and Senior QA Tester Skylar Hinnant. “All of us want to be working. We hope that Microsoft will allow us to do so with dignity and fairness to all by securing a first contract with our union.”
Members of the ZeniMax Workers United-CWA bargaining committee are continuing to take a stand at the table over better wages, workplace improvements, and key concerns, including a lack of remote work options and the company’s replacement of in-house quality assurance work with outsourced labor without notifying the union. Before a series of nationwide member rallies, including when ZWU-CWA members walked off the job in Maryland and Texas on a one-day work stoppage, CWA filed an unfair labor practice charge against Microsoft for unilaterally outsourcing work.
“Underpayment and costly RTO initiatives have caused many of us to put our lives on pause because our income does not match even the rising cost of living in the cities where ZeniMax insists we live and work to maintain employment,” said ZeniMax Workers United-CWA Local 6215 Member and Senior QA Tester Zachary Armstrong. “None of us wishes it had come to this, but if Microsoft and ZeniMax continue to demonstrate at the bargaining table that they’re unwilling to pay us fair wages for the value our labor provides to our games, we’ll be showing them just how valuable our labor is.”
“Despite being one of the world’s largest corporations, we’ve had to continuously fight for what should be bare minimum. Paying your employees a livable wage as a multi-trillion dollar company is the least they could be doing; however when addressed at the bargaining table, Microsoft acts as though we’re asking for too much,” said ZeniMax Workers United-CWA Local 2108 Member and Associate QA Tester Aubrey Litchfield. “Our in-house contractors have been working on minimal wages with no benefits, including no paid sick time. Workers are choosing not to start families because of the uncertainty of finances. We’ve released multiple titles while working fully remote. When will enough be enough?”
In January 2023, ZeniMax Workers United-CWA formed the first video game studio union at Microsoft, representing over 300 quality assurance workers in Maryland and Texas. ZeniMax Media is a video game production company known for its popular games such as Fallout, The Elder Scrolls, Doom, and more.
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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.
Following the report of a suspected impaired driver at the Marine Atlantic Ferry Terminal in Port aux Basques on March 28, 2025, a 41-year-old man from Nova Scotia was arrested by Chanel-Port aux Basques RCMP.
Shortly before 10:00 p.m. on Friday, RCMP received the report of a suspected impaired driver who was in the line-up to board the ferry at the Marine Atlantic Ferry Terminal. Police attended the area, located the described vehicle and spoke to the driver who failed a roadside breath test. The man was arrested for impaired operation, was transported to the detachment and provided further breath samples that were above the legal limit. He was released from custody and is set to appear in court at a later date to answer to charges of impaired operation.
The vehicle was seized and impounded and the man’s licence was suspended.
RCMP NL thanks those who report suspected impaired drivers and continues to fulfill its mandate to protect public safety, enforce the law, and ensure the delivery of priority policing services in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Lauren Boebert (Colorado, 3)
Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Congresswoman Lauren Boebert (CO-04) introduced a House Resolution condemning the wave of domestic terrorism attacks targeting Tesla cars and dealerships. Since President Donald Trump tasked Elon Musk to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), there has been a disturbing trend of attacks targeting Tesla cars and dealerships, including multiple attacks on the Loveland, CO Tesla dealership in Colorado’s 4th Congressional District.
Rep. Boebert’s resolution is co-sponsored by Rep. Andy Biggs (AZ-05), Rep. Byron Donalds (FL-19), Rep. Brandon Gill (TX-26), Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13), Rep. Nancy Mace (SC-01), Rep. Barry Moore (AL-01), Rep. Troy Nehls (TX-22), Rep. Andy Ogles (TN-05), and Rep. Greg Steube (FL-17).
“The definition of terrorism is the unlawful use of violence and intimidation in the pursuit of political aims. That is exactly what has been going on across the country at Tesla dealerships, and it is what innocent Americans who chose Tesla as their preferred vehicle are facing in the wake of violence from Radical Left-Wing domestic terrorists who hate President Donald Trump and Elon Musk.
My House Resolution will make clear where all Members of Congress stand: do they condemn domestic terrorism against Tesla, or do they endorse it completely? The American people deserve to know where their representatives stand when it comes to condemning domestic terrorism,” said Congresswoman Boebert.
Full text of Rep. Boebert’s House Resolution can be foundHERE. Additionally, exclusive coverage of the resolution by Fox News can be foundHERE.
Background:
Members of the Democrat Party have made calls for their supporters to incite and engage in domestic terrorism by attacking Tesla vehicles and facilities to protest Elon Musk.
Anti-Tesla incidents have happened in at least 9 States involving arson, gunfire, and vandalism.
At least 80 reported cases of vandalism or arson of Tesla vehicles have taken place throughout the United States and Canada.
At least 10 Tesla dealerships, charging stations, and facilities have been hit by vandals.
On February 11, 2025, in Loveland, Colorado, a man attacked a Tesla dealer on multiple occasions, including throwing Molotov cocktails and spray-painting words on vehicles and windows, including the word ‘‘Nazi.”
On March 2, 2025, in Washington, DC, 2 people defaced Tesla vehicles, twice writing political hate speech on the vehicles before fleeing.
On March 3, 2025, in Boston, Massachusetts, 7 Tesla charging stations in a mall outside the Massachusetts capital were set on fire.
On March 6, 2025, in Portland, Oregon, at least 7 gunshots were fired into a Tesla showroom in the middle of the night, windows were shattered, and 3 cars were damaged, and 1 bullet went through an office wall and into a computer monitor.
On March 7, 2025, in North Charleston, South Carolina, a 24-year-old man threw 5 Molotov cocktails at a Tesla charging station, and witnesses reported seeing a man spray-paint an expletive against Trump and ‘‘Long Live Ukraine’’ in red paint in the parking lot.
On March 7, 2025, in Loveland, Colorado, a man ignited an incendiary device and hurled it at a Tesla dealership, which landed between 2 cars and created a fire that put lives at risk, and rocks were also thrown, damaging both the building and multiple vehicles.
On March 18, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada, a person dressed in black shot at Tesla cars at a repair shop and ignited 2 of them with Molotov cocktails, and the word ‘‘Resist’’ was spray-painted on the front doors of the shop.
On March 24, 2025, the Austin police discovered multiple incendiary devices that had been placed at a Tesla showroom in Austin, Texas.
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[. By improving transportation infrastructure, these corridors help make Alberta’s agricultural products more competitive globally, enhance supply chain efficiency and support rural development.
Alberta’s government is providing $1.8 million for a new road connection between Highway 873 and the JBS Food plant. Providing an alternative access to and from the JBS Food plant will improve safety and efficiency for thousands of County of Newell residents while also saving workers up to an hour and a half a day getting to and from the plant.
“JBS Foods Canada employs thousands of Brooks residents, helping grow the local economy, create jobs and strengthen communities. This investment will create a better road connection between the JBS Foods Plant to Highway 873, making the commute shorter and safer and cutting up to an hour and half off the time it takes workers at the plant to get to and from work so they can spend less time stuck in traffic and more time doing other things.”
“The City of Brooks and the County of Newell continue to grow and the recent announcement of the JBS Foods expansion has solidified this region’s position as a growing agrifood economic powerhouse. Sustaining this growth requires robust transportation infrastructure.”
“The County of Newell is pleased with the announcement of funding for Township Road 192 North and Highway 873. Completion of this project will improve safety and reduce travel times for staff and motorists accessing the JBS Foods Canada plant and other local businesses and residences in the area. We thank the Government of Alberta for recognizing the need for this project and the positive impact it will have for motorists and the local economy.”
A new road directly connecting to Highway 873 will make traffic flow more efficiently in this area while also improving safety and reducing the potential for collisions with larger commercial trucks. The project includes road construction and intersection improvements. Design has been completed, with a construction tender expected this spring.
“The new JBS road is important for the whole community and the safety of the workers at JBS Foods. These investments will foster stronger communities, create jobs and grow the local economy.”
“This access road will significantly improve the quality of life for our team members in Brooks in many ways, ranging from child care to transportation costs to safety. I want to personally thank our Premier, Danielle Smith, for her exceptional leadership and support to make this project a reality.”
The City of Brooks and the surrounding area continue to grow and diversify with the expansion of JBS Foods Canada Inc. The facility, which employs about 3,200 people, announced a $90-million expansion of its storage and distribution facilities in June 2024. The meat processing plant is one of the largest beef processing plants in Canada and has been in operation for the last 50 years, most recently under the ownership of JBS Foods Canada Inc. (since 2013).
Quick facts
The County of Newell will receive a total of $1.8 million:
$1.2 million in Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program (STIP) funding for local road improvements
$600,000 to deliver the improvement on the provincial intersection at Highway 873 for Transportation and Economic Corridors (TEC)
The County of Newell will deliver the project.
Design has been completed. Construction is anticipated to get underway in this spring and be completed by fall 2025.
About 8,500 vehicles use Highway 1 in this area, daily.
About 5,500 vehicles use Highway 873 in this area, daily.
Source: The White House
After four years of foreign policy failures, President Donald J. Trump and his administration have made tremendous progress in restoring safety and security at home and abroad by implementing Peace through Strength. All we really needed was a new president.
After President Trump demanded action, Mexico committed 10,000 of its own troops to our southern border and Canada deployed 10,000 of its own personnel to our northern border to help stem the flow of illegal immigration and illicit fentanyl into our country.
President Trump designated deadly drug cartels and vicious transnational gangs as Foreign Terrorist Organizations, empowering law enforcement to make enormous progress arresting and deporting these violent terrorists.
President Trump forced Colombia, Venezuela, and other countries to accept repatriation flights for their own citizens who were illegally in the U.S.
President Trump’s unprecedented effort to secure the homeland has driven illegal border crossings to historic lows — down 95% over last year.
President Trump provided key intelligence to the Pakistani government, which led to the arrest and extradition of the ISIS terrorist who orchestrated the deadly Abbey Gate bombing.
President Trump increased U.S. counterterrorism activities and eliminated dozens of hardened terrorists — including a high-ranking ISIS attack planner in Somalia.
President Trump reimposed maximum pressure on the Iranian regime to reign in their nuclear ambitions and support for terrorism across the Middle East.
President Trump ordered strikes against Houthi terrorists, which have overwhelmed their leaders and networks and taken away their capabilities — not stopping “until they are no longer a threat to Freedom of Navigation.”
President Trump’s pressure led Panama to exit China’s Belt and Road Initiative, a debt-trap diplomacy scheme the Chinese Communist Party uses to gain influence over developing nations — a massive milestone as the U.S. seeks to secure the Western Hemisphere from Chinese influence.
President Trump’s leadership has secured the release of 39 U.S. citizens detained abroad — compared to just 80 citizens released across Biden’s four years in office.
President Trump brokered a temporary ceasefire in Gaza to ensure the release of hostages, including an American citizen — a deal Biden was unable to secure.
For the first time in three years, President Trump brought both Ukraine and Russia to the negotiating table for serious discussions around a peaceful resolution — engagements that continue in earnest.
Deafblind people in B.C. will continue to receive vital intervener services thanks to more than $654,000 in additional funding to support the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) Deafblind Community Services and the Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility.
Deafblind people require support to mitigate communication barriers resulting from dual loss of sight and hearing. Interveners provide specialized communication supports to people who are deafblind, making it easier for them to navigate day-to-day activities, such as grocery shopping, banking and attending appointments. Interveners support individuals who are deafblind using a variety of communication methods, including American Sign Language (both visual and tactile), two-hand manual, voiceover, print-on-palm and large-print notes.
This funding builds on more than $1.1 million provided to CNIB since 2022 to support a pilot initiative for intervener services. The new investment will extend intervener services for another year and will support more deafblind adults by funding the Wavefront Centre in addition to CNIB Deafblind Community Services.
Learn More:
For information about the Canadian National Institute for the Blind in B.C., visit: https://www.cnib.ca/en?region=bc
For information about the WaveFront Centre for Communication Accessibility, visit: https://www.wavefrontcentre.ca/
For information about the Accessible British Columbia Act and its implementation, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/about-the-bc-government/accessibility/legislation
Eligible Organizations and Groups can Apply for Funding up to $45,000 from the First Nations and Métis Community Partnership Projects Fund
Today, the Government of Saskatchewan is announcing that grant applications are open for the First Nations and Métis Community Partnership Projects fund. Grants up to $45,000 are available for innovative, community based First Nations and Métis projects that promote safe communities, strong families, student achievement or economic growth.
“Our government is proud to deliver support to First Nations and Métis communities and organizations for projects that directly benefit Indigenous people throughout the province,” Minister Responsible for First Nations, Métis and Northern Affairs Eric Schmalz said. “These projects, led by Indigenous communities and organizations, help build safe communities, support strong families, improve student achievement and drive economic growth, supporting a stronger Saskatchewan.”
The spring deadline to submit project applications under the First Nations and Métis Community Partnership Projects fund is May 31.
This grant program is open to:
First Nation Band Councils and Tribal Councils;
Métis Nation–Saskatchewan locals and regions;
Indigenous representative organizations and Indigenous non-profit organizations;
Municipalities; and
Non-Indigenous non-profit organizations seeking authentic partnerships with Indigenous communities or whose primary programs/services benefit First Nations or Métis clientele.
In 2024-25, nine community partnership projects received a combined total of more than $200,000 in funding.
For full eligibility requirements, to submit an application, or view a list of previously funded projects, visit: saskatchewan.ca.
Source: United States Senator MarkWayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma)
“We have terrorist organizations coming after the United States everywhere because the Biden administration has done nothing for four years.”
Washington, D.C. –On Sunday, U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) joined NBC’s Kristen Welker on Meet the Press to discuss the Trump administration’s return to peace through strength, successful Houthi strikes, pending newsanctions on Russia, and the president’s efforts to level the playing field for American workers through reciprocal tariffs. Highlights below.
Sen. Mullin’s full interview can be found here.
On the success of the strikes against the Houthis:
“There was no war plans that The Atlantic put out. What they did was have a very successful attack against the Houthis, who’s a terrorist organization, that’s been harassing our Navy since 2023. They had attacked our Navy 174 times and the Biden Administration did nothing but sit on their hands. But what the Trump administration did was take the fight directly to the Houthis. So what the conversation should be is why didn’t the Biden Administration do something in the last two years instead of us being focused on this Signal chat. Which there was no classified information given out…
“Tell me where the location was at, what part of the region was it at, what part of the world was this at? We have a lot of conflicts, a lot of issues going on around the world, from Africa to anywhere in the Middle East, to even in Asia, or possibly in Europe. This could have been going on any place in the world. There was no specific information except that a target was gonna be hit. We have terrorist organizations coming after the United States everywhere because the Biden administration has done nothing for four years.”
On President Trump standing up to Russia:
“What President Trump is trying to do is negotiate an end to the deal of individuals dying in Ukraine…
“What President Trump has said right now is, if [Putin] continues to play games, he’s going to get tough on Russia just like he did in 2017.”
On our trade partners needing to abide by a two-way street:
“[Canada] needs us more than we need them. The fact is we have been subsidizing their economy by the tunes of billions of dollars every single year, and they know that. What President Trump is saying is that enough is enough. If you’re gonna have a relationship with the United States, it’s gonna be an even playing field, a two-way street. We want reciprocal tariffs; we want to be treated the same. We want to have access to your economy like you have access to us.”
The Government of Saskatchewan is now accepting nominations for the Lieutenant Governor’s Post-Secondary Teaching Award. This provincial award recognizes post-secondary educators who excel in teaching and are dedicated to providing high-quality education.
“I am pleased and honoured to support this prestigious awards program,” Lieutenant Governor Bernadette McIntyre said. “I encourage nominations of our province’s outstanding post-secondary educators in appreciation of their significant contributions to their students and their profession.”
Nominations are open between April 1 and June 30, 2025. Nominations are peer-to-peer and are endorsed by the President, Vice-President, Provost or Designate of publicly funded post-secondary institutions in Saskatchewan. Nominees must be actively teaching and demonstrate commitment to enhancing student engagement and learning, have a strategic and intentional approach to teaching practices and continually strive for teaching improvement.
“The Government of Saskatchewan is proud to recognize the dedication and leadership of our post-secondary educators,” Advanced Education Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said. “This award is our way of thanking the exceptional educators who enrich our post-secondary sector and play a key role in shaping the future leaders of our province.”
Recipients of this award are recognized under four categories:
Distinguished Teaching Award
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Teaching Award
Indigenous Teaching Excellence Award
Innovative Teaching Award
Award recipients will be announced in the fall of 2025. For more information about the award, eligibility and nomination process, visit: www.saskatchewan.ca/government/heritage-honours-and-awards/lieutenant-governors-post-secondary-teaching-award.
Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Philip Leech-Ngo, Visiting Professor, Ethics and International Development, L’Université d’Ottawa/University of Ottawa
However, true independence goes beyond economic concerns. It’s about cultivating, committing to and preserving democratic values, including the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms, and ways of governance that ensure every person is valued, represented and belongs.
Historically, Canada has provided refuge to those who have risked everything to oppose authoritarian regimes, including activists living in exile.
Activists-in-exile are individuals who have been forced to flee their countries due to their work defending human rights, advocating for democratic governance, rooting out corruption, peacebuilding, demanding environmental protection and practising independent journalism, among other endeavours.
These individuals bring with them not only their personal stories and attitudes of resilience, but also their expertise in governance, human rights and social justice. As Canada faces growing challenges and uncertainty, they represent a tremendous potential asset to help Canada defend democracy and promote sustainable peace and development.
A vital force for democracy
Despite their displacement, activists-in-exile continue to play a crucial role in global democratic movements. Unlike traditional diaspora groups focused on cultural preservation, activists-in-exile engage in direct political advocacy and often work to expose foreign interference, counter disinformation and support democratic movements from afar.
By welcoming these activists, Canada could strengthen its own institutions — domestically and abroad — and make them more resistant to the forces that undermine democracy, justice and freedom worldwide. Their work is critical in resisting authoritarianism and countering both digital and physical foreign interference.
Overlooking activists-in-exile
Despite their potential, activists-in-exile are often overlooked or met with skepticism in Canada.
Some Canadian politicians, like federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, have framed their views of patriotism as a matter of national security and economic self-sufficiency, warning against foreign influences. Poilievre recently said immigrants should “leave the war behind” when coming to Canada, implying their past struggles should be forgotten upon arrival.
This is certainly easier said than done, especially in an age where technology can keep people instantly connected across borders. It’s unrealistic and unfair to expect newcomers simply to forget who supported them in their hour of need or the communities that continue to suffer in their absence. They are also unlikely to surrender ongoing interests or their basic values.
Through our work with Voices in Exile, we have learned that many newcomers involuntarily leave behind family, livelihoods and status, only to face significant hurdles re-establishing themselves in Canada. While some activists-in-exile persist and continue to be impactful, they often do so under unnecessary constraints that limit their full potential.
At the same time, activists-in-exile should not be treated solely as victims or as potential risks, particularly in light of growing transnational repression. Instead, their specialized knowledge and skills should be recognized as a force to strengthen democracy both in Canada and their countries of origin.
A strategic investment
Recognizing and supporting activists-in-exile would be a strategic investment for Canada, not an act of charity. Many have become educators, researchers and policymakers, shaping debates on governance and security.
Others have founded organizations, launched media platforms and built networks that support democracy movements globally. As our project Voices in Exile shows, many activists-in-exile also contribute to Canada’s economy, and work in law, social and psycho-social services, and the media landscape.
Yet, despite their vast potential, there is no tailored public policy or dedicated institution to harness this human capital in a way that aligns with Canada’s democratic commitments. The existing guidelines for supporting human rights defenders are insufficient for supporting activists-in-exile.
Canada should support exiled activists by facilitating collaboration among these individuals and Canadian public, academic, community, government and civil society organizations. In addition, Canada should establish a legal framework that allows activists-in-exile to contribute to the development of foreign policy. A dedicated fund should also be created that offers financial support for their activist efforts.
As global authoritarianism continues to rise, the question is not whether we should acknowledge activists-in-exile — it is whether we have the wisdom to lead by example and invest in recognizing and supporting them.
Philip Leech-Ngo receives funding from Open Societies Foundation
Frederick John Packer has received funding from SSHRC and OSF.
Nadia Abu-Zahra has received funding from SSHRC and OSF.
April 1-7 is Global Asbestos Awareness Week. This is an important time to raise awareness about the dangers of asbestos in the workplace.
“Work related asbestos diseases can be prevented if you are aware of where it is located in a building and how to properly handle it to avoid exposure to its fibers,” Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Minister Jim Reiter said.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous material that was regularly used in buildings until the late 1990s. If products containing asbestos are disturbed, the tiny fibres are released into the air. When they are breathed in, they can become trapped in the lungs and stay there for many years. Over time, these fibres can accumulate and lead to serious health problems.
In the 2024-25 Provincial Budget, $230,000 in funding was provided to replace the asbestos registry. This funding ensured that workers continue to be protected when doing repairs or renovations to public buildings identified as containing asbestos. The updated registry was launched in February 2025.
As of December 31, 2024 more than 5,200 facilities had been registered in the searchable online tool.
The asbestos registry is publicly available at saskatchewan.ca.
To learn more about the dangers of asbestos in the workplace, including information about understanding, identifying and handling asbestos visit: saskatchewan.ca/asbestos and WorkSafe Saskatchewan.
The Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety fosters safe, healthy and productive workplaces for Saskatchewan through education, intervention and enforcement.
Approximately 170,000 people die every day around the world – that’s around 62 million deaths in 2024 alone. The cumulative effect of this has led to what has been termed a “burial crisis”, with most urban areas where burial remains the norm expected to run out of interment space by the 2050s, some much earlier – as in, now.
Major cities, including London and Sydney anticipate severe space shortages within the next decade. Smaller community cemeteries, such as Nuneaton cemetery in Warwickshire have already reached full capacity and begun directing families elsewhere. Finding culturally acceptable yet ethically responsible, accessible and sustainable ways of laying to rest, mourning and honouring our loved ones has become an urgent global issue.
However, the cemetery sector has only recently begun to seriously consider the environmental consequences of how we handle our bodies after death. The sense of urgency coincides with a significant cultural shift, as cremation increasingly replaces traditional burial methods. This is due to societal secularisation, shifts in religious doctrines (including Catholicism lifting past bans) and its affordability compared to burial.
In the UK, the percentage of cremations has risen from 9% of total burials in 1946 to 80.64% in 2023.
Yet, cremation is far from a sustainable alternative to burial. It releases substantial amounts of pollutants, notably carbon dioxide and mercury emissions, so regulation is necessary. Technologically advanced techniques, such as water cremation – a process that uses an alkali-water-based solution to reduce a body to bones – have only recently begun to emerge as possible alternatives and remain niche.
For several years, we have been studying cemeteries in Italy and the UK. Despite the deeply different burial traditions in these two countries (unlike the UK, Italy remains a burial culture) both face the same environmental challenges.
A tale of two cemeteries
A few sites do offer environmentally conscious alternatives to traditional burial. One is in Liguria, a densely populated region in northwestern Italy that has suffered significant losses due to climate change, particularly from soil erosion caused by decades of reckless coastal construction.
Here, a group of environmentally conscious volunteers transformed a woodland called Boschi Vivi (the name means living woods) into a cemetery, creating Italy’s first forest cemetery. Though it involves cremation, this initiative is particularly groundbreaking in a country where cemeteries have historically been conceived as monumental or architectural structures.
Often, they are heavily reliant on marble, a traditional hallmark of Italian craftsmanship, significantly reducing green spaces in urban areas. The mining of marble also creates huge greenhouse gas emissions and loss of biodiversity.
In contrast, the cimitero bosco (forest cemetery) of Boschi Vivi follows a different philosophy. Instead of traditional tombstones, only a small plaque is placed near each tree where ashes have been scattered, marking the final resting place of the deceased.
A tree tomb in the woodland of Boschi Vivi, Liguria, Italy. Daniela Pianezzi, CC BY-NC-ND
Currently, this remains a grassroots initiative that’s starting to emerge in the US and Canada too. Hopefully, more Italian public administrations will adopt this model as traditional cemeteries become increasingly financially and environmentally unsustainable.
For three decades, Oakfield burial ground in Wrabness, Essex, UK has adopted a similar approach. Oakfield wood is a seven-acre natural woodland burial site along the banks of the river Stour in north Essex, managed by the Essex Wildlife Trust. Instead of headstones or conventional memorials, a native broadleaf tree is planted for each burial, accompanied by a simple wooden plaque at its base. The site forms part of a larger nature reserve, fostering a rich habitat for wildlife.
Unlike municipal cemeteries or other burial sites, which are often subject to redevelopment or reuse, Oakfield enjoys long-term protection under the Essex Wildlife Trust. This means that burials here are conducted in perpetuity, ensuring that the site remains undisturbed. The trust plans to manage Oakfield solely as a nature reserve once it reaches full capacity, although this will not be for many decades to come.
Despite these promising initiatives, sites such as Boschi Vivi and Oakwood risk remaining isolated cases unless a radical rethinking of burial takes place. Whether cemeteries are perceived as eerie, macabre spaces (like in Shakespeare’s Hamlet) or as places of peace and reconciliation, as in the final scene of Forrest Gump, they are still dominated by the idea that graves should be organised as a series of permanent markers of individual lives.
Our research shows that it’s only by considering human beings as part of nature that the growing burial crisis might be averted. That fundamentally involves moving from a human-centred or “ego-logical” ethos to an ecological one.
The most viable response to the environmental challenges facing not just Nuneaton cemetery, but burial sites across the world, might be simply a new awareness. One that recognises both life and death as integral parts of nature. So, remembrance is not preserved through permanence, but rather through a return to the natural cycle of life.
Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?
The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Brian Bryant, International President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), representing 600,000 workers, and David Chartrand, IAM Canadian General Vice President, today issued a strong rebuke of President Trump’s tariffs, warning of severe economic consequences and job losses across the United States and Canada:
“President Trump’s scatter-shot tariffs are a direct assault on American and Canadian workers. They will destabilize critical sectors like aerospace and manufacturing, jeopardizing hundreds of thousands of jobs and undermining national security.
“These tariffs will not bring our jobs home. They will raise prices on everything. They will wreck our supply chains on both sides of the border. And they will put our members’ jobs at risk.
“For decades, we have witnessed the erosion of millions of well-paying, high-skilled U.S. and Canadian jobs as corporations outsourced production to countries with lax labor standards. The administration’s trade policies will accelerate this decline, outsourcing thousands of IAM Union aerospace and defense jobs into low-wage positions.
“We cannot stand idly by while reckless policies destroy our supply chains, destabilize economies, and imperil the livelihoods of tens of thousands of workers, including over 100,000 aerospace workers across both nations. This administration’s isolationist approach ignores the interconnected nature of the U.S. and Canadian economies and national security.
“Our union continues to emphasize the urgent need for a collaborative and strategic approach to tariffs. This approach must involve government, business, and labor unions and develop a comprehensive strategy that strengthens and expands critical sectors in the U.S. and Canada.
“Workers must be part of the solution to ensure that trade policies benefit our communities, not multinational corporations seeking to exploit cheap labor abroad.
“The IAM Union pledges to fight against these harmful tariffs, vowing to prevent a repeat of past trade failures that resulted in widespread economic devastation and increased risks to national security.
Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Mohsen Rasoulivalajoozi, PhD candidate, Individualized Program, Faculty of Fine Arts, Concordia University
To create truly inclusive cities, policy-makers and experts need to go beyond minimum standards and critically examine how our urban spaces continue to exclude people with disabilities.(Shutterstock)
What does it mean for a city to be accommodating to all its citizens?
This requires understanding how individuals feel included and valued in the places they live, and responding to their needs by emphasizing genuine inclusivity. For people with mobility challenges, it means feeling no different from others. This applies both to navigating urban spaces and engaging in social interactions.
Despite efforts to improve accessibility in Canada, many urban spaces still fall short, leaving wheelchair users facing subtle but persistent barriers. We wanted to understand the different challenges and barriers people with disabilities face when using mobility aids.
To do this, we interviewed 12 experienced physiotherapists in Iran to identify gaps in how mobility aid serve the needs of those who use them, and offer recommendations based on their extensive interactions with users.
Given the universal needs of mobility aid users — emotional well-being, social integration and functional independence — and the common challenges they face accessing health-care systems around the world, our findings can are relevant for many people around the world, including in Canada.
Inclusive design
To create truly inclusive cities, it is vital for policymakers and experts to go beyond minimum standards and critically examine how our urban spaces continue to exclude people with disabilities.
Marketing professors Vanessa Patrick and Candice Hollenbeck have developed the DARE framework — design, appraisal, response and experience — and propose three levels of inclusive design aimed to make spaces more inclusive for people with disabilities.
Level 1 ensures accessibility through industry regulations, meeting minimum standards. Level 2 fosters engagement and equity, rooted in social justice principles, by validating user experiences and emphasizing empathy. Level 3 aims to minimize mismatches between users and design, promoting human flourishing through seamless interaction among individuals, the design and their environment.
Our study outlines how people perceive the inclusivity of mobility aids based on the cost, how they are built and how effective they are in different environments.
We also considered perceptions of trustworthiness, support and contextual factors, including the social interpretations and representations of these devices. We highlight gaps in users’ needs and provide recommendations to address them. Through this analysis, we identified four key themes that offer valuable insights for enhancing inclusivity.
The high cost of advanced electric wheelchairs further restrict access. This marks a gap at the first level of inclusivity in the DARE framework, where market-driven prices fall short of meeting mobility aid users’ needs.
Initiatives like the European Union’s Rehabilitation Policy Action Framework have called for increased governmental financial support for mobility aid users. This framework offers 48 options across six domains to translate political goals into action, such as reallocating health-care funds to expand rehabilitation and improve inclusivity.
Mobility aid users, like all individuals, deserve equal consideration in design and planning. (Shutterstock)
Mismatches between users and mobility aids
In using mobility aids, a user will typically evaluate two aspects: the design features of the aids themselves and how well they function in their environment.
If the mobility aid is slightly mismatched with their requirements, the user may find alternative solutions, such as adding padding to a wheelchair to relieve pressure. However, severe mismatches can lead to negative outcomes and result in unmet mobility needs. Furthermore, inadequate anthropometric and ergonomic adjustments can lead to discomfort.
New developments and technologies can not only address and mitigate certain mismatches but also positively impact users’ psychological and social needs. However, integrating new technologies requires careful consideration, as assistive devices can also attract social stigma.
Therefore, it is important to identify which technological or esthetic features of mobility aids evoke positive emotions and minimize stigma.
To address this, users seek continuous reassurance about the reliability of their aids, often depending on the support of physiotherapists to navigate mismatches between their needs and their surroundings. Such professional support enhances confidence and mental well-being. Physiotherapists, as trusted experts, can remarkably shape users’ perceptions and acceptance of mobility aids.
Ensuring trustworthy designs is also crucial, as perceived fragility can undermine user trust. Validating experiences, building trust across environments — including trust in physiotherapists and mobility aid products — is essential to alleviating doubts about how effective they might be.
Regardless of users’ personal experiences, others tend to view mobility aids through the lens of prevailing societal attitudes toward disability. For some, mobility aids may reinforce stereotypes about disabilities. This highlights the critical role of esthetics in shaping public perceptions and social interactions.
For example, incorporating esthetic refinements into the design can help counter negative perceptions. By addressing negative representations and promoting designs that reflect dignity and inclusivity, interventions can align with inclusively goals and enhance positive social engagement.
Raising public awareness is key to challenging stereotypes and building empathy. To create an inclusive society, design and planning should consider both the physical and social barriers to accessibility. Achieving this requires a multi-disciplinary effort, and the active participation of people who use mobility aids.
This article was co-authored by Morteza Farhoudi, an inclusive designer specializing in public transportation studies.
Mohsen Rasoulivalajoozi receives funding from Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.
Carmela Cucuzzella receives funding from Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.
Joanna Nefs has been appointed for a six-month term as acting chair of the Mental Health Review Board, starting Tuesday, April 1, 2025.
The review board is an independent tribunal established under the Mental Health Act. The board conducts panel hearings for patients admitted by physicians and detained involuntarily in provincial mental-health facilities in a manner consistent with the principles of fundamental justice and Section 7 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Nefs holds a master in public policy degree, 2017-18; a juris doctor, 2008-11; and a bachelor’s degree in political science, 2006-08, all from York University.
From 2020 until 2024, Nefs was the CEO of AIDE Canada, a national initiative funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada. It focused on delivering information and resources to people with developmental disabilities and diagnosed with autism and their families.
From 2018 until 2020, Nefs was executive director of the International Centre for Criminal Law Reform and at the United Nations, working on projects with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime and at the UN Secretariat for the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. From 2012 until 2018, Nefs was the assistant Crown attorney at the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General.
From January until May 2018, Nefs taught a course at Osgoode Hall law school about representing clients with mental illnesses and addictions.
Since 2020, Nefs has been a member and alternate chair of B.C.’s Mental Health Review Board.
Learn More:
For more information about the Mental Health Review Board, visit: https://www.bcmhrb.ca/
Effective April 1, the Government of Saskatchewan is investing $23 million to expand full coverage for Continuous and Flash Glucose Monitors (Advanced Glucose Monitors) to seniors aged 65 and older and young adults aged 18 to 25, as announced in the 2025-26 Provincial Budget.
“Our government remains committed to providing Saskatchewan residents living with diabetes the support they need to live an active lifestyle,” Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. “We are pleased to expand coverage for these monitors to seniors and young adults with diabetes, helping improve their health and quality of life.”
An Advanced Glucose Monitor uses a sensor on the skin to send a glucose level reading to a smart phone or other electronic device to help diabetics track their glucose levels, minimizing the risk and frequency of potentially life-threatening low-blood sugar episodes. The monitor also records trends and patterns. With consent, physicians can remotely access the information, assisting them in making informed clinical decisions.
“Diabetes Canada welcomes the Saskatchewan government’s expansion of the program,” Diabetes Canada Director of Government Affairs Joan King said. “These devices are life-changing for many people with diabetes, regardless of age. This expansion will enable more Saskatchewanians to enhance their blood glucose management and reduce their risk of short- and long-term complications, including severe hypoglycemia.”
Approximately 9,000 seniors and 700 young adults may be eligible to benefit from the expanded coverage for Advanced Glucose Monitors.
Since 2021, the province has provided coverage for these devices at no cost for children and youth under 18 who meet specific medical criteria.
Inquiries about qualifying medical criteria can be directed to the Drug Plan at 306-787-3317 (Regina) or 1-800-667-7581 (toll-free).
Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
WASHINGTON, D.C.—As President Trump reportedly prepares to enact blanket tariffs that will impact trade globally and plunge the economy into chaos, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, released the following statement:
“It is obvious that Trump ‘couldn’t care less’ about the American people feeling the pain of his reckless tariffs. President Trump needs to get real: this half-baked trade war will only raise prices for consumers. Trump’s so-called ‘liberation day’ will throw the global economy into turmoil and leave Americans holding the bag,” said Senator Peter Welch. “I can support tariffs that demand accountability from bad actors like China, but it must be done in a multilateral, smart way. We should not impose sweeping tariffs on our allies and longtime partners in trade. America’s close economic ties with our trading partners are based on trust. These on-again, off-again tariffs are extremely destructive and totally unnecessary. President Trump is sticking it to our farmers, our businesses, and everyday working people.”
More than 18,600 Vermonters work in industries targeted by retaliatory tariffs, and thousands more will see higher costs for food, fuel, and energy. A new poll from AP-NORC found that a majority of voters—60% disapprove—of the president’s handling of trade negotiations, and 58% disapprove of his handling of the economy.
Senator Welch has blasted Trump’s tariffs and trade war and shared stories from constituents about how President Trump’s economic policies have impacted their businesses, farms, and communities. In March, Senator Welch hosted a roundtable in Newport with Vermont and Canadian business leaders to discuss President Trump’s Trade War. He has also held events in St. Albans and virtually to hear directly from impacted Vermonters.
Harbour Breton RCMP responded to a residential disturbance that happened on a property in Belleoram on March 30, 2025. A firearm was discharged. The investigation led to the arrest of 27-year-old Trent Poole.
Shortly after 3:30 a.m. on Sunday, Harbour Breton RCMP received the report of a disturbance where one man reported being threatened by another. While police were responding, further information was received stating that a firearm was discharged outside on a residential property.
Poole was arrested without further incident and a firearm was seized. No one was injured.
Poole attended court on Monday, charged with the following criminal offences:
Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
Careless use of a firearm
Discharging a firearm with intent to wound an individual
Failure to comply with a condition of a release order
He was released by the court on a number of conditions and is set to appear in court at a later date.
Niki Sharma, Attorney General, has released the following statement in celebration of Sikh Heritage Month:
“April marks Sikh Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the rich history of Sikhism.
“The values of Sikhism echo perfectly those that Canadians and British Columbians hold dear, from the belief that all people are created equal to understanding the importance of serving one’s community. These are the beliefs that the first Sikh migrants to B.C. in the early 1900s brought with them, and they are what have defined the contributions that Sikhs have made to this province.
“Today, nearly 300,000 Sikhs call British Columbia home, making it one of the largest Sikh populations outside of Punjab, India. Even in the face of exclusionary policies and systemic racism, Sikhs have shown resilience and have built thriving communities. They are staunch advocates for justice, compassion and inclusivity, especially in times of crisis. From health care and agriculture to business and politics, today, Sikhs are leaders in all areas of our society.
“The challenges faced by Sikhs in B.C. have changed over the years. Some of the most pressing concerns right now are anti-immigration sentiment, negative stereotyping associated with religious symbols and systemic barriers to accessing services. Our government is committed to fighting back, through investment in community-led initiatives and implementing legislation like the Anti-Racism Act.
“The best way we can eradicate hate and bigotry is by learning about each other’s cultures, highlighting our similarities and celebrating our differences. This Sikh Heritage Month, I encourage all British Columbians to explore the festivities in your communities and learn about Sikh culture and traditions.
RCMP NL encourages the public to protect themselves and vulnerable family or friends in the community against fraud and scams.A number of various online and telephone scams remain in circulation, as well as local scams on buy and sell sites and reports of fraudulent credit card use.
What to watch out for:
Police will never ask for money
Courts may ask for money, but you need to pay in person
You never have to pay to claim a prize
Be suspicious of “winning” a prize in a contest you never entered
Use reputable or first party websites when booking hotels or call the company directly
Never send cash in the mail to people you don’t know
Remember, if it seems too good to be true, it is. If you are unsure whether who you are speaking with on the phone, online, or even in person is legitimate or not, don’t be afraid to say no, leave the conversation, or get a second opinion.
RCMP NL encourages the public to discuss financial and digital safety with elders and vulnerable adults in their family or community. For more information, visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre athttps://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm
NEW YORK, April 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — StoneX Group Inc. (NASDAQ: SNEX) today announced the launch of a new shell egg contract utilizing a global Price Reporting Agency (PRA) benchmark. The new contract provides egg producers, buyers, and food industry participants with a tool to help manage price risk and navigate ongoing market volatility.
This first-of-its-kind offering combines StoneX’s deep expertise in commodity risk management and global derivatives access with a trusted industry Shell Egg benchmark, which is IOSCO-assured and widely used across the agrifood sector. It expands StoneX’s already robust suite of risk management tools, bringing enhanced pricing transparency and supply chain stability by allowing market participants to manage risk across the entire ingredient supply chain, including eggs.
“We’re working every day to address our customers’ need for stable pricing in unpredictable market conditions,” said Ryan Turner, Regional Director of Kansas City Ag at StoneX. “This new contract is not just a win for StoneX, it’s a major step forward in how the entire food and ingredient industry manages financial risk.”
The launch of this shell egg contract underscores StoneX’s origins in the egg industry – the Company was founded in 1924 by Saul Stone as an egg wholesaler – and its evolution into a global financial services leader. The addition of this new product not only deepens StoneX’s offerings but also provides food industry clients with a vital risk management tool, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to supporting their growth amid market volatility.
“This initiative emphasizes our position as both a market leader and a pioneer in global financial services,” added Dave Smoldt, President of StoneX’s US/Canada Commodities Division. “The new contract reflects our focus on purposeful innovation – refining our approach, expanding our capabilities, and delivering smarter solutions for the clients we serve.”
About StoneX Group Inc.
StoneX Group Inc. is a Fortune 500 financial services company connecting businesses, institutions, traders, and investors to global markets. With a legacy dating back over a century to Saul Stone’s early work in egg wholesaling, StoneX has grown into a trusted provider of customized trading, risk management, and market intelligence solutions. Today, StoneX serves more than 54,000 commercial, institutional, and payments clients, along with over 400,000 retail accounts across five continents. For more information, visit www.stonex.com.
For press inquiries please contact Dave Smoldt Dave.Smoldt@stonex.com.
In ‘Adolescence,’ a communication abyss that separates Gen X from Gen Z gives way to calamity. (Netflix)
This story contains spoilers about the Netflix series ‘Adolescence.’
In the Netflix series Adolescence, we have no idea why Jamie Miller (Owen Cooper) is arrested at the beginning of the first episode. The tension from seeing a helpless 13-year-old boy escorted to a police station and interrogated holds us to the screen. Every minute of the one-hour episode, shot in a single continuous take, makes us feel like we are in the police station with the Miller family, viewing things through his parents’ disorientation.
As the plot unfolds, we are given clues to explain the inexplicable, but we can’t fully appreciate the show’s magnitude until the very last scene, a dramatic moment where we see the boy’s father (Stephen Graham) cry over his son’s teddy bear while asking it for forgiveness.
From an educational psychology angle, the show is ripe for analysis. One could comment on the premature sexualization of young girls and boys or the obsolete sense, for parents, that they can assume kids are safe when they’re at home in their rooms.
However, as a doctoral student in educational psychology, I am mostly concerned with human learning — both the cognitive development that must accompany successful learners, and how children and youth understand the world through relationships.
The state of Jamie’s cognitive development and of teenagers in general may help us understand his frame of mind — or the “why” that detective Luke Bascombe (Ashley Walters) pursues.
For parents, this show raises serious questions about the crisis in parent-child communication and how the internet is shaping children’s behaviour and minds. I suggest turning to the practice of dialogue as a way for parents to strengthen their communication with their children and learn about each other and the world.
Trailer for ‘Adolescence.’
Children’s minds
According to the government of Canada, “any human being below the age of 18” is defined as a child. Children can’t be recruited to join the Armed Forces, sign legal contracts, drive, vote, marry, drink alcohol and so on. As adults, we understand that these prohibitions not only protect them but also us.
Setting aside ethical reasons why children shouldn’t do any of these things, the major reason is due to the developmental state of their minds.
To better understand this, we must consider executive function, also called cognitive control. Executive function refers to the unconscious cognitive processes of abstract thinking, inhibition, impulse control and planning that allow us to consciously control and direct our thoughts to goals, actions and emotions.
Think of executive control as interconnected paths in the brain. In an adolescent’s brain, these paths resemble more of a labyrinth, with difficult and sometimes non-working passages.
Children and adolescents’ cognitive development are in “sensitive periods” in which their brains are more plastic and susceptible to environmental influences. Besides not having full control of their thought processes, research has also shown that abstract and more “neutral” cognitive skills develop earlier than those that involve motivated or emotionally charged actions.
Ability to weigh options still developing
Adolescents might be mature enough to solve complex math problems, but still feel helpless when needing to be polite to someone they believe offended them (not an easy task for adults either). In such a case, one would need to “step back” from the situation, and weigh options to respond.
An adult might think “maybe I misinterpreted what this person said” or “if I offend them back, I risk losing my job/friendship/reputation.” By dwelling on different course of actions, they don’t act impulsively.
This is precisely the ability that adolescents are still developing.
Adolescent brains have not fully matured in ways that enable them to calculate risk. (Netflix)
Virtual selves and threats
When adolescents engage with social media, they can be exposed to a threatening environment where they must assert their virtual selves and deal with bullying and inappropriate content, while lacking full control of their thought processes.
As a victim of cyberbullying, Jamie was probably not equipped with the cognitive abilities to step back from the situation and seek help. Instead, he responds to cruelty he experienced with cruelty he knew.
With unregulated internet use, in terms of both content and unrestricted time spent online, communication with parents atrophies. At its core, Adolescence is a painful wake-up call to the effects of unregulated internet usage in teens, and how the communication abyss that separates Gen X from Gen Z gives way to calamity.
Clueless adults, aware teens
Nowhere in the show is this distance more evident than when police detectives move cluelessly through Jamie’s school trying to understand his motives, while the students seem cynically aware of what really happened.
The detective’s son clues him into interpreting signs of incel subculture. (Netflix)
In a typical moment reflecting contemporary intergenerational dynamics in which the Gen Zs explain stuff to their analog parents, Bascombe’s son is the one to enlighten him about incel subculture and what certain emojis represent.
It becomes clear that pop-cultural references mean different things to a younger generation. For example, “red pill” was appropriated from The Matrix and is now used for those who “see the truth” and reject feminism.
Generations are comfortable communicating in different ways. Teens, for example, are clever texters. They use images, edit reels and create memes to convey subtle and often complex feelings.
In contrast, teens’ discomfort with face-to-face conversations is explicit in the last episode of Adolescence, when the Miller family drives to a hardware store. The parents play a song from their prom and reminisce. The oldest daughter is with them, but not present, focused on her phone and only sporadically joining the conversation.
Why dialogue matters
Parents and their children may find direction through dialogue. This ancient practice is based on the view of the world as becoming, with infinite internal and external contradictions that must be overcome so that new understandings of reality may emerge.
Dialogue was famously advanced as an educational practice by philosopher of education, Paulo Freire.
Freire believed people must come together to share their meanings of the world, and through this push and pull of ideas, reasons and opinions, conceptualize new forms of understanding. For parents, this means that without trying to understand what teens are saying and, importantly, how they are saying it, we can’t possibly create a better future for all of us.
Open channel needed
Engaging in dialogue involves two things: asking and answering questions. It is not a matter of merely extracting information (although knowing what children are doing is important), but rather of mutually sharing interests and letting it guide discovery.
When parents and children find a channel, communication opens and for as long as the mutual interest is there, they can steadily build meaningful connections that transform how they see the world and their relationships.
With renewed urgency, dialogue that validates the interests and knowledge of both parents and children can offer a way out of the polarization created between them by long hours spent online.
Martina Calçada Kohatsu 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.
TORONTO, April 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — POET Technologies Inc. (“POET” or the “Company“) (TSX Venture: PTK; NASDAQ: POET), a leader in the design and implementation of highly integrated optical engines and light sources for artificial intelligence networks, today announced that its executive team accepted the Elite Score award from Lightwave+BTR Innovation Reviews at an exclusive gala reception held at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, California on Monday night. The reception took place on the eve of the annual Optical Fiber Communications (OFC) Conference.
Accepting the award on behalf of the Company were POET Chairman & CEO Dr. Suresh Venkatesan and Chief Revenue Officer Raju Kankipati. A panel of judges, comprised of experts from the optical communications and broadband communities, recognized the POET Optical Interposer™ as an innovative advancement that will have a significant impact on the industry.
“We couldn’t ask for a better way to start our 2025 OFC experience than to collect this meaningful award,” Venkatesan commented. “Knowing that a recognized authority in our industry has judged our technology as one of the best on the market provides a strong amount of momentum heading into the next few days.”
POET has previously announced that it will demonstrate its latest innovations at the OFC conference. These include POET Teralight™, a line of 1.6T highly integrated transmit and receive optical engines and the new POET Blazar™, an advanced light source solution that will be viewable by invitation only. Among the customers whose products are scheduled to be showcased with POET’s products already integrated is Adtran, which commended the Company on its accolade.
“POET is deserving of industry recognition because of the innovation they have achieved with their optical engines. We value their efforts in helping us to create a next-generation optical module that addresses the demand for greater connectivity,” said Ross Saunders, General Manager, Adtran Optical Engines. Adtran will demo its highly integrated Quattro 100G LR4 in its private demo room that features POET’s optical engines.
The Lightwave+BTR award recognized the inventiveness and applicability of the POET Optical Interposer, the foundation for the Company’s highly integrated silicon-based optical engines and light sources that are designed to power AI hardware applications and data center hyperscalers to the next level of speed and performance.
The trophy will be displayed alongside POET’s other recent awards at the Company’s OFC Booth (#5315) through the conference, which ends on April 3, 2025.
About POET Technologies Inc. POET is a design and development company offering high-speed optical modules, optical engines and light source products to the artificial intelligence systems market and to hyperscale data centers. POET’s photonic integration solutions are based on the POET Optical Interposer™, a novel, patented platform that allows the seamless integration of electronic and photonic devices into a single chip using advanced wafer-level semiconductor manufacturing techniques. POET’s Optical Interposer-based products are lower cost, consume less power than comparable products, are smaller in size and are readily scalable to high production volumes. In addition to providing high-speed (800G, 1.6T and above) optical engines and optical modules for AI clusters and hyperscale data centers, POET has designed and produced novel light source products for chip-to-chip data communication within and between AI servers, the next frontier for solving bandwidth and latency problems in AI systems. POET’s Optical Interposer platform also solves device integration challenges in 5G networks, machine-to-machine communication, self-contained “Edge” computing applications and sensing applications, such as LIDAR systems for autonomous vehicles. POET is headquartered in Toronto, Canada, with operations in Allentown, PA, Shenzhen, China, and Singapore. More information about POET is available on our website at www.poet-technologies.com.
About Lightwave+BTR Bringing over 36 years of trusted technical insights to today’s optical communications professionals. Through our integrated media portfolio, Lightwave delivers content focused on fiber optics and optoelectronics, the technologies that enable the growth, integration and improved performance of voice, data and video communications networks and services. Our experienced editorial team provides trusted technology, application and market insights to corporate executives, department heads, project managers, network engineers and technical managers at equipment suppliers, service providers and major end-user organizations. Our unique ability to inform our audience’s business-critical decisions is based in our 35+ year relationship with the entire optical community—technology vendors, communications carriers and major enterprises—and our recognition of the interplay among its members. Lightwave’s media portfolio includes the Lightwave Direct email newsletter and LightwaveOnline magazine.
Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains “forward-looking information” (within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws) and “forward-looking statements” (within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). Such statements or information are identified with words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “plan”, “intend”, “potential”, “estimate”, “propose”, “project”, “outlook”, “foresee” or similar words suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding any potential outcome. Such statements include the Company’s expectations with respect to the success of the Company’s product development efforts, the performance of its products, operations, meeting revenue targets, and the expectation of continued success in the financing efforts, the capability, functionality, performance and cost of the Company’s technology as well as the market acceptance, inclusion and timing of the Company’s technology in current and future products and expectations regarding its successful development of high speed transceiver solutions and its penetration of the Artificial Intelligence hardware markets.
Such forward-looking information or statements are based on a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions which may cause actual results or other expectations to differ materially from those anticipated and which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things, the completion of its development efforts with its customers, the ability to build working prototypes to the customer’s specifications, and the size, future growth and needs of Artificial Intelligence network suppliers. Actual results could differ materially due to a number of factors, including, without limitation, the failure to produce optical engines on time and within budget, the failure of Artificial Intelligence networks to continue to grow as expected, the failure of the Company’s products to meet performance requirements for AI and datacom networks, operational risks in the completion of the Company’s projects, the ability of the Company to generate sales for its products, and the ability of its customers to deploy systems that incorporate the Company’s products. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information or statements are reasonable, prospective investors in the Company’s securities should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because the Company can provide no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking information and statements contained in this news release are as of the date of this news release and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise this forward-looking information and statements except as required by law.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. 120 Eglinton Avenue, East, Suite 1107, Toronto, ON, M4P 1E2- Tel: 416-368-9411 – Fax: 416-322-5075
Mooresville, NC, April 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Fundamental Global Inc. (Nasdaq: FGF, FGFPP) (the “Company” or “Fundamental Global”) today announced results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024.
Kyle Cerminara, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer commented, “During 2024, we implemented initiatives to consolidate multiple public companies and streamline and simplify our operating structure. We successfully completed three merger transactions, monetized one of our real estate holdings, and continued to drive operating profit improvements in our managed services business. Recently, we announced an agreement for the sale of a portion of our reinsurance business for $5.6 million which we expect to close in the first half of 2025.”
“Our balance sheet is strong, with $109 million in total assets, nominal long-term debt and $74 million in stockholders’ equity. As part of our ongoing strategic evaluation, we will continue to focus on streamlining and simplifying our operations and increasing capital allocated to cash flow producing assets.”
Key Operational Highlights:
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In February 2024, the Company completed its merger with FG Group Holdings Inc. to consolidate operations, reduce operating costs and streamline the Company’s operations.
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In April 2024, the Company completed the sale of its Digital Ignition facility in Alpharetta, Georgia significantly reducing general and administrative expenses and long-term debt obligations.
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In September 2024, the Company completed the sale of its Strong/MDI Screen Systems, Inc. operating subsidiary for approximately $30 million and launched Saltire Capital Ltd. as a Canadian public company.
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In September 2024, the Company completed its merger with Strong Global Entertainment, Inc. to further reduce operating expenses and streamline the Company’s operations.
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In October 2024, our merchant banking team announced the closing of an initial public offering for Aldel Financial II Inc., a SPAC client for the Company.
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In February 2025, our merchant banking team announced the closing of an initial public offering for FG Merger II Corp., a SPAC client for the Company.
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In March 2025, the Company executed an agreement for the sale of a portion of its reinsurance business for $5.6 million.
Financial Highlights
Note: The financial results reflect the Company’s performance following the reverse merger between Fundamental Global Inc. and FG Group Holdings, Inc. Consequently, the financial results for periods prior to the merger include only the operations of FG Group Holdings, while results after February 29, 2024, reflect the combined operations of Fundamental Global. Additionally, the results of Strong/MDI and the Company’s reinsurance operations have been reclassified as discontinued operations and are not included in the results of continuing operations.
As of December 31, 2024, the Company’s key balance sheet items included:
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Total assets of $109.5 million, an increase of $47.3 million from December 31, 2023. Assets included equity holdings of $60.1 million, which included directly or indirectly held positions in Saltire Capital, Ltd., GreenFirst Forest Products, Inc., Firefly Media Systems Inc., OppFi Inc., FG Communities, Inc., Craveworthy LLC, and other holdings.
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Total stockholders’ equity of $74.2 million, an increase of $37.2 million from December 31, 2023, reflecting the increased scale of the Company following the merger transactions and consolidation initiatives.
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Short- and long-term debt totaled $2.4 million, a decrease of $5.4 million from December 31, 2023.
Revenue during 2024 increased $0.3 million or 1.5% to $17.3 million for the year. Revenue from managed services increased $5.5 million or 20.7% to $32.0 million on increasing demand from entertainment operators and contributions from the acquisition of Innovative Cinema Solutions in late 2023. Revenue growth from managed services was partially offset by increased non-cash equity method losses in the current year period.
Net loss attributable to common shareholders improved to $2.6 million for the year from a loss of $14.1 million in the prior year primarily due to the $21.8 million gain on the sale of Strong/MDI recognized during the year and improved performance in managed services. Net loss from continuing operations increased to $22.9 million from $12.3 million for the year. Stronger gross profit from managed services was offset by the addition of expenses of FGF which are not included in the periods prior to the merger and increased non-cash equity method losses.
Net loss per common share improved to $2.43 from $35.22 per common share in the prior year and net loss per common share from continuing operations improved to $22.84 from $29.38. The improvements are primarily due to the $21 million gain on the sale of Strong/MDI recognized during the 2024, as well as an increase in the number of weighted average shares outstanding as a result of the merger of the Company and FG Group Holdings.
Fundamental Global Inc.
Fundamental Global Inc. (Nasdaq: FGF, FGFPP) and its subsidiaries engage in diverse business activities including reinsurance, asset management, merchant banking, and managed services.
The FG® logo and Fundamental Global® are registered trademarks of Fundamental Global LLC.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). These statements are therefore entitled to the protection of the safe harbor provisions of these laws. These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “budget,” “can,” “contemplate,” “continue,” “could,” “envision,” “estimate,” “expect,” “evaluate,” “forecast,” “goal,” “guidance,” “indicate,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “might,” “outlook,” “plan,” “possibly,” “potential,” “predict,” “probable,” “probably,” “pro-forma,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “target,” “view,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result” or the negative thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology. In particular, discussions and statements regarding the Company’s future business plans and initiatives are forward-looking in nature. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations, assumptions, estimates, and projections. While we believe these to be reasonable, such forward-looking statements are only predictions and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. These and other important factors may cause our actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements and may impact our ability to implement and execute on our future business plans and initiatives. Management cautions that the forward-looking statements in this press release are not guarantees of future performance, and we cannot assume that such statements will be realized or the forward-looking events and circumstances will occur. Factors that might cause such a difference include, without limitation, general conditions in the global economy; risks associated with operating in the merchant banking, and managed services industries, including inadequately priced insured risks, credit risk; our inability to execute on our multi-industry business strategy and potential loss of value of investments; risk of becoming an investment company; fluctuations in our short-term results as we implement our business strategies; risks of being unable to close the sale of our reinsurance business in a reasonable time period or at all; risks of not being able to execute on our investment and investment management strategy and potential loss of value of holdings; risk of becoming an investment company; fluctuations in our short-term results as we implement our business strategies; risks of being unable to close the sale of our reinsurance business in a reasonable time period or at all; risks of not being unable to attract and retain qualified management and personnel to implement and execute on our business and growth strategy; failure of our information technology systems, data breaches and cyber-attacks; our ability to establish and maintain an effective system of internal controls; our limited operating history as a public company; the requirements of being a public company and losing our status as a smaller reporting company or becoming an accelerated filer; any potential conflicts of interest between us and our controlling stockholders and different interests of controlling stockholders; and potential conflicts of interest between us and our directors and executive officers.
Our expectations and future plans and initiatives may not be realized. If one of these risks or uncertainties materializes, or if our underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those expected, estimated or projected. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof and do not necessarily reflect our outlook at any other point in time. We do not undertake and specifically decline any obligation to update any such statements or to publicly announce the results of any revisions to any such statements to reflect new information, future events or developments.
TORONTO, April 1, 2025 /CNW/ – Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE: AEM) (TSX: AEM) (“Agnico Eagle”) announced today that it has acquired 2,602,500 common shares (“Common Shares”) of Rupert Resources Ltd. (“Rupert”) in a non-brokered private placement at a price of C$4.50 per Common Share for total consideration of C$11,711,250 (the “Private Placement”).
Concurrent with the closing of the Private Placement, Agnico Eagle exercised its right under an investor rights agreement dated February 11, 2020 between Agnico Eagle and Rupert to designate a nominee, Carol Plummer, to be appointed, or nominated for election to the board of directors of Rupert (the “Rupert Board”). Rupert has advised Agnico Eagle that it will nominate Ms. Plummer for election at Rupert’s upcoming annual general meeting and will include the required information in its proxy circular.
Ms. Plummer is Executive Vice-President, Sustainability, People and Culture at Agnico Eagle and possesses extensive experience in project evaluation, mine building and operations, particularly in Finland, where she was previously the general manager of Agnico Eagle’s Kittilä mine. Agnico Eagle believes that Ms. Plummer’s expertise will be a valuable asset to the Rupert Board as Rupert advances the Ikkari project and continues exploring the full potential of the property.
Prior to the Private Placement, Agnico Eagle owned 30,169,111 Common Shares, representing approximately 13.3% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares on a non-diluted basis. On closing of the Private Placement, Agnico Eagle owned 32,771,611 Common Shares, representing approximately 14.0% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares on a non-diluted basis.
Agnico Eagle acquired the Common Shares for investment purposes. Depending on market conditions and other factors, Agnico Eagle may, from time to time, acquire additional Common Shares or other securities of Rupert or dispose of some or all of the Common Shares or other securities of Rupert it owns at such time.
An early warning report will be filed by Agnico Eagle in accordance with applicable securities laws. To obtain a copy of the early warning report, please contact:
Agnico Eagle Mines Limited c/o Investor Relations 145 King Street East, Suite 400 Toronto, Ontario M5C 2Y7 Telephone: 416-947-1212 Email: investor.relations@agnicoeagle.com
Agnico Eagle’s head office is located at 145 King Street East, Suite 400, Toronto, Ontario M5C 2Y7. Rupert’s head office is located at 82 Richmond Street East, Suite 203, Toronto, Ontario M5C 1P1.
About Agnico Eagle
Agnico Eagle is a Canadian based and led senior gold mining company and the third largest gold producer in the world, producing precious metals from operations in Canada, Australia, Finland and Mexico, with a pipeline of high-quality exploration and development projects. Agnico Eagle is a partner of choice within the mining industry, recognized globally for its leading sustainability practices. Agnico Eagle was founded in 1957 and has consistently created value for its shareholders, declaring a cash dividend every year since 1983.
Forward-Looking Statements
The information in this news release has been prepared as at April 1, 2025. Certain statements in this news release, referred to herein as “forward-looking statements”, constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and “forward-looking information” under the provisions of Canadian provincial securities laws. These statements can be identified by the use of words such as “may”, “will” or similar terms.
Forward-looking statements in this news release include, without limitation, statements relating to the nomination of Carol Plummer as a director of Rupert, the inclusion of certain information regarding Carol Plummer in Rupert’s proxy circular and Agnico Eagle’s acquisition or disposition of securities of Rupert in the future.
Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of factors and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Agnico Eagle as of the date of such statements, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, known and unknown, could cause actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Other than as required by law, Agnico Eagle does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements.
If you’re a young person today, you’ve probably felt the sting of being called lazy, or caught yourself wondering if you are. Do you sometimes feel guilty when not being productive, or find yourself pretending to be busy?
You’re not alone. Self-doubt about productivity is very common and no wonder: we’re immersed in a culture that expects constant achievement. The perception of Gen Z (and Millennials) being “lazy” or “entitled” persists, making it easy to internalise these criticisms.
Particularly in the era of working from home, it can be hard to shake the feeling of guilt when not being “productive”. Articles with titles like Am I Depressed or Lazy? reveals how commonly people (even highly successful ones) worry about being lazy.
Laziness is not only seen as a personal shortcoming but also a moral one. This is the case across different cultures – references to the “badness” of laziness can be found in texts of all major religions. This moral dimension explains why being called “lazy” feels so much worse than being called “distracted” or “slow” — it implies a character flaw.
But judging someone (or oneself) as lazy also reinforces a harmful myth that emerged from the Protestant work ethic and was further entrenched by capitalist values: that constant effort and productivity are the only paths to achievement and self-worth.
This sustains a culture where everyone must always be trying harder, leading to anxiety, burnout and discrimination against those who work differently, or can’t keep up.
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These harms don’t affect everyone equally. If you’re from certain ethnic backgrounds, have a chronic health condition, or are struggling with homelessness or unemployment, you’re much more likely to be labelled “lazy”.
Research shows that children from minority groups are more likely to be thought of as lazy in school, resulting in punishment instead of help. Employees with obesity are promoted less often due to assumptions about their “laziness”, and those who can’t take on extra work because of caring duties are often seen as not committed enough and miss out on professional development.
What does it mean to be lazy?
Given the serious consequences of labelling someone as lazy, we’d better make sure we understand what laziness is.
What often seems implied by the judgement “you’re lazy” is: “You could achieve more if you tried harder”. But we can almost always achieve more by putting in more effort. If not always giving it our all is enough for laziness, then we’re all being lazy most of the time.
The research I’m conducting aims to better understand and redefine “laziness”. I first explored how people commonly understand laziness, and then used philosophical analysis to identify which everyday understanding makes most sense. In doing so, I drew on various areas of philosophy that discuss the value of effort, virtue, and to what extent we can be blamed for behaving in a certain way due to lack of willpower.
My analysis reveals that what is crucial for laziness is that you lack a good reason – a justification – for not trying harder, for limiting your effort.
Consider these scenarios:
You do less than your role requires because you can’t be bothered,
You spend your weekend doing very little so that you’re ready for the week ahead,
You limit how hard you try because of a chronic health condition.
On my understanding, only the first scenario involves true laziness. In the others, what might appear to be laziness is actually justified effort management: you have good reasons to rest or genuine limitations on how much effort you can exert.
Laziness or strategy
In my view, what truly matters isn’t how hard you try, but whether your efforts efficiently achieve what’s important to you. The following scenarios might look lazy, but are actually reasonable strategies for doing just that:
You resist pointless tasks to create time for deep thinking,
You set boundaries at work to avoid burnout,
You say “no” to tasks outside your role to resist the idea that we should always be striving to produce more,
You automate repetitive tasks to free up time for creative tasks.
The tendency to judge others as lazy often stems from overvaluing effort, long hours and constant busyness. What’s really important is that our effort is directed at the right goal, recognising that it is a limited resource.
Learning to distinguish between truly lazy behaviour and justified effort management can be liberating. It can allow you to more confidently resist the pressure to be constantly productive – and to do so without guilt.
I’m not suggesting we should only think about what matters to us personally. Fulfilling responsibilities to colleagues, family and community is important. But within those boundaries, you can question the common idea that more productivity and trying harder is always better.
And before labelling someone as lazy, consider whether there might be good reasons for their approach. Perhaps they’re making strategic choices about their energy, dealing with invisible challenges or prioritising differently.
Sometimes, taking it easier isn’t laziness — it’s wisdom.
Katrien Devolder 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.
Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Petroleum Supply Monthly; Canada Energy Regulator Note: Canada’s propane exports to the Pacific Basin include three shipments to Hawaii, according to Vortexa (less than 200,000 barrels each in 2021, 2023, and 2024).
Canada’s propane exports have steadily increased over the last decade, reaching record highs in 2024 as new marine export terminals streamlined the flow of propane from western Canada to export destinations, particularly to Asia. U.S. propane imports from Canada have stayed relatively consistent since Canada began waterborne exports in 2019.
Propane spot prices in Edmonton, Alberta, are typically at a discount to prices in both East Asia and Conway, Kansas, the propane market hub for the Midwest. Competitive pricing in Canada underpins the demand for Canada’s propane in both East Asia’s and the United States’ propane markets. Most propane exported from Canada to East Asia is consumed as petrochemical feedstock, while propane exported from Canada to the United States is used mostly for space-heating demand, particularly in the Upper-Midwest and Northeast during the winter.
Data source: Bloomberg, L.P. Note: Propane prices were negative at Edmonton, Alberta, in 2015 because of record-high inventories with low seasonal demand, causing producers to pay for propane distribution due to limited takeaway capacity.
Canada has two marine export terminals on the coast of British Columbia that take propane arriving by rail from Western Canada. Waterborne propane exports out of Canada began in 2019 when Canada’s AltaGas started operating the Ridley Island Propane Export Terminal (RIPET) with an initial capacity of 46,000 barrels per day (b/d). The plant’s capacity is now 92,000 b/d. Pembina began operating the Prince Rupert Terminal, which has a shipping capacity of 25,000 b/d of propane, in 2021. These facilities have provided Canada with its first large-scale outlets for direct propane shipments to Asia.
Canada’s waterborne propane exports grew 10% from 2023 to 2024, with almost all going to either Japan or South Korea, according to Vortexa. Since the propane export terminals are located on the Pacific Coast, a vessel can reach East Asia 15 days faster than a vessel leaving the U.S. Gulf Coast.
AltaGas and Dutch company Vopek are planning to build an additional propane export terminal adjacent to RIPET called the Ridley Island Energy Export Facility (REEF). The companies expect to complete the 55,000-b/d-capacity first phase by the end of 2026. The planned capacity addition is expected to lead to more waterborne propane exports to markets in Asia, and, to a lesser extent, the western coast of South America and Mexico.
Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Canada Energy Regulator, and company filings Note: b/d=barrels per day; RIPET=Ridley Island Propane Export Terminal; REEF=Ridley Island Energy Export Facility
The growth in Canadian propane exports comes against a backdrop of increasing global demand for propane, driven by petrochemical production, particularly in Asian markets. Until 2018, all of Canada’s propane exports went to the United States. Although the United States is still the largest destination for the country’s propane exports, it accounted for just 58% of exports in 2024 as shipments to Asia have risen sharply.
Most of Canada’s propane exports to the United States have shipped by rail since 2015, with 81% arriving by rail last year. Shipping propane by rail is scalable in the winter months, when propane demand is at its highest in the United States. Propane shipped to the U.S. West Coast by rail typically goes to Ferndale, Washington, where Canadian company AltaGas operates a propane and butane export terminal. Propane is either re-exported to East Asia or distributed for U.S. residential or industrial consumption.
A smaller portion of Canada’s propane exports is transported by pipeline, about 8% in 2024. From 2010 to 2014, before the Cochin Pipeline reversal, pipeline exports from Canada to the United States accounted for about 30% of Canada’s propane exports. Lines 1 and 5 of the Enbridge Mainline carry y-grade, a mix of natural gas liquids, from Alberta across the Great Lakes. Propane is extracted in Superior, Wisconsin, and Rapid River, Michigan, before the pipeline terminates in Sarnia, Ontario.
Canada’s propane exports will likely continue growing as production increases. With additional marine export capacity expected to come online on Canada’s West Coast, most growth will be to the Pacific Basin, especially East Asia.
Louisville, Colorado, April 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CEA Industries Inc. (NASDAQ: CEAD, CEADW) (“CEA Industries” or the “Company”), is providing an update on its previously announced acquisition of Fat Panda Ltd. (“Fat Panda”), a leading central Canadian retailer and manufacturer of nicotine vape products.
Fat Panda is central Canada’s largest retailer and manufacturer of e-cigarettes, vape devices, and e-liquids, with 33 retail locations across Manitoba, Ontario, and Saskatchewan. Fat Panda also operates its own e-commerce platform and offers a comprehensive product lineup, including in-house premium e-liquids and a portfolio of trademarks and intellectual property. Based on preliminary, unaudited financials, in its fiscal 2024, Fat Panda generated CAD $38.5 million (USD $28.5 million) in revenue with 39% gross margins and CAD $8.4 million (USD $6.2 million) in adjusted EBITDA. Both revenue and adjusted EBITDA grew over 10% from fiscal 2023 while gross margin declined by 15% from fiscal 2023.
“We are making steady progress on our acquisition of Fat Panda and we are excited to finalize this transformative step in our strategic evolution,” said Tony McDonald, Chairman and CEO of CEA Industries. “As a long-time participant in the Canadian market, we view this transaction as a pivotal entry into the high growth vape industry, anchored by Fat Panda’s market leadership, large retail network, vertically integrated operations and outstanding management team that is staying with the business. With a proven track record of strong financial performance and recent double-digit growth, we believe the combination of our resources with Fat Panda’s strong foundation will accelerate expansion and unlock long-term value creation for our shareholders.”
The Company continues to expect to complete the acquisition in the first half of 2025, subject to certain customary closing conditions described below.
Acquisition Disclaimers
Completion of the acquisition is subject to a number of conditions, which include the preparation and delivery of the Fat Panda companies audited and unaudited interim consolidated financial statements, satisfaction of the financial condition of Fat Panda, completion of due diligence by the Company, receipt of all necessary government approvals and licenses, and continuation and reformation of the various retail location leases. Completion is also subject to the Company obtaining satisfactory financing for a portion of the cash purchase price. The acquisition agreement also provides for the selling persons to make representations and warranties and undertake certain covenants about many aspects of the business of Fat Panda that shall be true and correct and performed at or prior to closing. The representations, warranties and covenants are those that are typical in relation to the acquisition of an operating business. The Company has also made certain representations, warranties and covenants, the principal one of which is to obtain financing for a part of the purchase price, which if not obtained will permit the Company to terminate the purchase agreement.
About CEA Industries Inc.
CEA Industries Inc. (www.ceaindustries.com) provides a suite of complementary and adjacent offerings to the controlled environment agriculture industry. The Company’s comprehensive solutions, when aligned with industry operators’ product and sales initiatives, support the development of the global ecosystem for indoor cultivation.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release may contain statements of a forward-looking nature relating to future events. These forward-looking statements are subject to the inherent uncertainties in predicting future results and conditions. These statements reflect our current beliefs, and a number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in this press release, including the factors set forth in “Risk Factors” set forth in our annual and quarterly reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), and subsequent filings with the SEC. Please refer to our SEC filings for a more detailed discussion of the risks and uncertainties associated with our business, including but not limited to the risks and uncertainties associated with our business prospects and the prospects of our existing and prospective customers; the inherent uncertainty of product development; regulatory, legislative and judicial developments, especially those related to changes in, and the enforcement of, cannabis laws; increasing competitive pressures in our industry; and relationships with our customers and suppliers. Except as required by the federal securities laws, we undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The reference to CEA’s website has been provided as a convenience, and the information contained on such website is not incorporated by reference into this press release.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
To supplement our financial results on U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) basis, we use non-GAAP measures including net bookings and backlog, as well as other significant non-cash expenses such as stock-based compensation and depreciation expenses. We believe these non-GAAP measures are helpful in understanding our past performance and are intended to aid in evaluating our potential future results. The presentation of these non-GAAP measures should be considered in addition to our GAAP results and are not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for financial information prepared or presented in accordance with GAAP. We believe these non-GAAP financial measures reflect an additional way to view aspects of our operations that, when viewed with our GAAP results, provide a more complete understanding of factors and trends affecting our business.
