Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Saskatchewan RCMP advises there is an increased police presence in the area of Wood Crescent in Pelican Narrows in relation to an ongoing investigation. People are asked to avoid the area(s) where officers are present and to follow any police direction provided.
We will issue an update on this investigation as soon as we are able. If an imminent risk to public safety is identified, we will notify the public.
Source: European Union 2
Amidst the EU’s push for a fair green transition, and further reinforced by the uncertainties of the energy market, the issue of energy poverty has come to the forefront and become a critical policy priority. Energy poverty can be measured in different ways, but its measurement is a challenge for policy formulation and action to address it.
A JRC study investigated four primary energy poverty indicators to understand the EU-wide distribution and socio-economic profiles of “energy poor”. The findings underlined the usefulness to rely on a battery of various indicators to provide a picture of energy poverty.
The Social Climate Fund regulation and the revised Energy Efficiency Directive define energy poverty as a household’s lack of access to essential energy services, such as heating, hot water, cooling, lighting and energy to power appliances. According to the Commission’ Recommendation on Energy Poverty, it is a multidimensional phenomenon driven by three underlying causes, namely, high-energy expenditures in proportion to household budget, general low levels of income and low energy performance of buildings.
There are numerous papers discussing advantages and disadvantages of different energy poverty indicators used in Europe, but little is known about their overlap and their inter-relationship. The JRC study addresses this gap, for the first time, by assessing the coverage, overlap, and socio-economic profiles of four primary energy poverty indicators employed in the EU for cross-country comparisons, using harmonised microdata for all 27 EU countries.
This study was developed within the Assessing and Monitoring Employment and Distributional Impacts (AMEDI) projects carried out with the Commission’ s Directorate General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion.
The study employs two types of indicators: “expenditure-based” indicators and “consensual approach” indicators. The expenditure-based indicators are calculated using monetary values: the 2M indicator is calculated as the proportion of households whose share of energy expenditure in income is more than twice the national median (2M indicator), i.e. energy costs represent a high share of expenditures. While the M/2 indicator (low absolute energy expenditure) is calculated as the proportion of households whose energy expenditure is below the national median energy consumption.
The “consensual approach” indicators are instead based on self-reported assessments of housing conditions: the share of people keeping their house adequately warm (AW indicator), and those who have arrears on utility bills (UB).
The calculations are based on EU statistics and income living conditions (SILC) data from 2015 matched to Household Budget Survey (HBS) data from the same year and uses EUROMOD for refining estimates of household disposable income and improve comparability across countries. For example, they show that 8.5% of Europeans were unable to keep their house warm in 2015 (indicator AW).
The analysis finds that there is very little overlap between the four energy poverty indicators examined. This explains why at least 40% of the EU population (around 180 million citizens) would be classified as ‘energy poor’ if one would follow a ‘union approach’, in which someone is energy poor by at least one indicator.
On the other side, an ‘intersection approach’ – where poor is who satisfies the poverty condition simultaneously for the four indicators – would lead to a very low energy poverty rate of 0.3% of the EU population, i.e. about 330 thousand.
The aggregate analysis carried out shows that between about 8% (using consensual indicators) and about 16% (using expenditure-based indicators) of the EU population can be classified as energy poor.
Education and employment have a significant impact on energy poverty, as a higher rate of adults with jobs or higher education levels can slightly decrease the risk of experiencing energy poverty. Remarkably, about 30% of energy-poor households are also income-poor, falling below the poverty threshold. The study also reveals that middle-income households face a relatively high incidence of energy poverty, so it does not only affect to income-poor individuals.
Energy poverty displays also significant disparities across EU countries, as it is influenced by the very heterogeneous national realities, including geography, natural resources, climate, infrastructure, national public policies, etc. Furthermore, cultural aspects can explain differences in self-reporting energy deprivation conditions.
For instance, in Greece and Bulgaria, nearly 30% of the population is energy poor by at least two indicators, while in Western and Northern EU countries, this figure drops below 5%. Moreover, the differences in energy poverty rates across EU countries is much larger when using subjective indicators. For example, AW-poverty rates, which measure the inability to adequately heat one’s home, range between almost zero in Sweden and Luxembourg to about 40% in Bulgaria.
A similar trend is observed when analysing arrears on utility bills (UB), while income shares of residential energy expenditure that are above twice the national median (2M) appear to be more similar across countries, indicating that energy poverty rates range between approximately 10% (Netherlands, Hungary) to slightly above 20% (Sweden, Malta, and Latvia).
This underscores the importance of tailored policy responses that consider national contexts and differences across countries regarding income levels, energy prices or investments in energy capital (i.e. efficient appliances, insulation, etc.). Moreover, this result points at the need to consider carefully what is the most suited indicator for cross-country comparisons.
Energy poverty has far-reaching consequences, from exacerbating health issues to limiting social and economic participation. Monitoring energy poverty is crucial for understanding the diversity of the socio-economic profiles of the energy poor and for improving the design of inclusive policies.
Relying on a single indicator may overlook significant portions of the population experiencing energy-related deprivations.
Income-support policies are essential to tackle energy poverty situations, especially for households under the poverty line. However, considering that also middle-income households experience a relative high incidence of energy poverty, other type of policies may be warranted to support them.
This is the case of price caps, which reduce the burden of expenditures on energy goods, or structural interventions that step-up energy efficiency by reducing the need of energy consumption. Further, monetary policies such as subsidies to improve energy efficiencies could also reduce the burden of energy expenditures on households.
Finally, behavioural levers, such as assisting consumers in setting goals for reducing energy consumption through apps and educational campaigns to empower individuals to make investments choices that improve energy efficiency, may also be effective in reducing the energy poverty phenomenon.
Who is “energy poor” in the EU?
Assessing and Monitoring Employment and Distributional Impacts (AMEDI) projects
Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
On September 24, 2024, Saskatchewan RCMP received a report that a wanted male was in the Fishing Lake First Nation area.
Multiple Saskatchewan RCMP units began searching for the male. Around 1 p.m., officers observed a van travelling at a high rate of speed. They activated their emergency lights and attempted a traffic stop. The vehicle did not stop.
Soon after, Saskatchewan RCMP received a report the wanted male stole a van from a school on Fishing Lake First Nation. Investigation determined it was the van that fled from the officers. The male was reported to be armed.
Officers pursued the van through roads in rural areas. Saskatchewan RCMP carefully monitored the pursuit for public safety risk, including preparing to send a dangerous person alert.
At around 1:45 p.m., the van entered a field. Firearms were discharged and the van continued travelling.
The van came to a stop and additional shots were discharged. The sole occupant was located inside, injured. He was declared deceased by EMS at the scene.
The male has been identified as 34-year-old Joseph “Joey” Desjarlais. We are identifying him as Saskatchewan RCMP had asked the public for information about him in a number of media releases issued during the past two weeks.
His family has been notified.
As required by The Police Act, 1990, Saskatchewan RCMP notified the Saskatchewan Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT). SIRT will investigate the Saskatchewan RCMP’s interaction with the deceased and the circumstances of his death.
The Saskatchewan RCMP is disclosing this as part of our ongoing commitment to transparency.
Any inquiries regarding this matter can be directed to SIRT.
Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
On September 23, 2024 at approximately 9:00 a.m., Loon Lake RCMP received a report of a serious assault that occurred at a residence on Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation, SK.
Officers responded along with EMS and located an injured adult male outside the residence. He was taken to hospital with injuries described as serious in nature.
Loon Lake RCMP continue to investigate.
If you witnessed suspicious activity near Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation between the evening of September 22 and the morning of September 23, please contact Loon Lake RCMP immediately at 310-RCMP (7267). Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TSplus, a global leader in remote access technology, is proud to announce that its Marketing Director, Caleb Zaharris, was recently interviewed by SafetyDetectives, where he shared insights into TSplus’ ongoing mission to enhance cybersecurity for businesses of all sizes.
Caleb Zaharris, who has 15 years of experience in network engineering and administration, discussed how TSplus is at the forefront of providing secure, cost-effective, and user-friendly solutions for remote access.
Remote Work Security in Today’s Digital Landscape
With the rise of remote work, remote work security has become a critical focus for organizations around the world, and TSplus is committed to delivering solutions that ensure secure remote connections and protection against evolving cyber threats. As businesses continue to adapt to the remote work model, protecting sensitive data and ensuring secure access to company resources are more important than ever.
Caleb states, “Anybody can deploy a server, and with our products, it’s even easier because we focus on making them easy to install and use. But the key to success is planning—understanding your security needs and server loads.”
TSplus’s Solutions for Remote Work Security
In the interview (full interview here), Caleb highlighted the company’s flagship product, TSplus Remote Access, which has been designed to enable seamless access to company resources from anywhere in the world while maintaining top-tier security. He also emphasized the importance of solutions like TSplus Advanced Security, which provides an added layer of protection for companies facing potential cyber risks.
TSplus Advanced Security offers businesses a comprehensive suite of tools designed to bolster remote work security and control access, monitor threats, and secure their remote desktop environments. Its robust set of features includes IP filtering, geo-restriction, ransomware protection, and more, ensuring that users can operate safely in a remote work setting.
Download TSplus Advanced Security today and experience the power of cutting-edge cybersecurity tailored for remote access environments. TSplus invites all businesses to test the software for free and see firsthand how TSplus is shaping the future of remote work security.
Learn more and download the free trial here: Link to TSplus Advanced Security
About TSplus
TSplus is a global leader in remote access, application delivery, and cybersecurity solutions, helping organizations worldwide stay productive and secure in a remote-first world.
Media Contact:
Floriane Mer
Marketing Manager at TSplus
floriane.mer@tsplus.net
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/04801e84-3a5b-4c30-b514-512b9cb9a580
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
The first fuel has been placed into a space-saving storage rack at Sellafield set to save billions of pounds.
Known as the 63-can rack, the container allows the Thorp pond to store 50% more spent nuclear fuel.
That means Sellafield can safely store all the fuel expected from the UK’s currently operational nuclear power stations.
Without the rack, a new storage pond would have to be built, potentially costing billions of pounds.
The rethink was required because Thorp needs to store more fuel than previously thought.
That’s because the UK no longer reprocesses spent fuel, but instead stores it underwater prior to disposal.
Roddy Miller, Sellafield Ltd’s nuclear operations director, said:
From the birth of the nuclear industry in the 1940s, Sellafield has always proudly served the nation.
These days, our job is to create a clean and safe environment for future generations by safely managing our nuclear legacy.
This includes receiving and storing the UK’s spent nuclear fuel, helping EDF Energy to continue generating low carbon electricity for homes and businesses.
Since the change of approach to managing spent fuel, it was clear we would need to innovate to be able to safely store everything we need to in the Thorp pond.
These racks will increase fuel capacity from 4,000 tonnes to 6,000 tonnes, meaning we can accommodate all current and future arising, negating the need for a new storage facility.
It’s a great example of collaboration between ourselves, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority Group, EDF Energy, and our supply chain. Everyone involved should be proud of their contribution.
The rack has been 16 years in the making and represents a success story for UK manufacturing.
Weighing 7 tonnes and standing 5.5 metres high, the stainless steel containers are being built by a consortium of Cumbrian manufacturers and Stoke-based Goodwin International.
Between them, they will manufacture 160 racks. Another 340 racks will be needed in the future.
It’s a key contract for Carlisle-based Bendalls Engineering and Workington’s West Cumbria Engineering, who head up the Cumbria Manufacturing Alliance making half the racks.
Transfers of fuel from the old containers into the new racks started during the summer.
Operators who previously fed fuel into the reprocessing system are now placing fuel into the new racks.
Because fuel will be stored for longer than was originally intended, the pond has required other alterations including raising the pH level to avoid corrosion and installing new cooling capacity.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
SINGAPORE, Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MELD, a new Neobank coming to the market with a new type of banking services platform that merges crypto services and fiat services into a single platform for both users and businesses alike, giving them the ability to have a traditional deposit account and a crypto wallet. MELD account holders can exchange between crypto/fiat and transfer funds between MELD accounts for free while earning interest on stablecoins. Bringing the best of both worlds together in one account.
This new network is the latest component of MELD neobanking solution, built directly on the blockchain and employs the benefits of being transparent and verifiable. Blockchains like Bitcoin and Ethereum have been doing this for more than ten years. MELD’s innovation is bringing these qualities to the traditional financial space and applying it to banking transactions.
In its zkBanking network, MELD has built a high performance banking system in line with traditional solutions used by banks today. With each transaction the details of the transaction are confirmed and then processed into a blockchain transaction with a confirmation code. This confirmation is then turned into a proof and published on the MELD public blockchain.
When a MELD Neobank user wants to prove to a third party they have paid for something or do not have the funds in their bank account, they can share the proof which has been verified. This applies to both private and business accounts in the MELD Neobank.
This new type of verification becomes particularly useful when businesses are doing cross border trade and need to prove they have the funds to pay for a trade deal. Also businesses can build technology on top of zkProofs to verify a transaction without receiving sensitive private data from a user.
The network will go live on January 1, 2025. zkBanking nodes will be initially run by five parties with plans to expand that to more than ten in the coming months. MELD’s ambition is to make the traditional neobank network as decentralized as the MELD blockchain while meeting the regulatory requirements of running a global neobank.
MELD neobank offering will be launching in October, giving retail and businesses in 160 countries crypto-friendly banking. MELD is different because they are crypto native, coming from the world of decentralized finance (DeFi) and integrating classic banking products with a twist.
MELD is doing a presale of their zkBanking nodes to boost the decentralized nature of the network and give users access to the networks block rewards while they secure the network at the same time. For more details about the node sale go to: https://docs.meld.com/meld-blockchain/zkbanking-network
About MELD
MELD is a crypto-native global neobank powered by the blockchain. Bringing fiat currencies like (30+ including USD and EUR) and crypto currencies (1000+ BTC and ETH) together in one seamless wallet supporting more than 150 countries. MELD makes it easy to navigate between these two worlds and get the best out of both. From generating a yield on your crypto to debit cards and business accounts, MELD brings fundamental banking services to everyone.
The MELD blockchain powers more than just the MELD Neobank, with a non-custodial lending and borrowing protocol and more than 30 businesses building on MELD. Users interact with all of this through the MELD web and Mobile app helping people and businesses take full advantage of both their crypto and fiat assets.
You can follow the project and stay up to date with its development at these links: Website | X (Twitter) | Telegram |
Contact:
Ken Olling
press@meld.com
Disclaimer: This content is provided by MELD. The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider. The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities. Please conduct your own research and invest at your own risk.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
CHICAGO, Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A “middle class” income no longer guarantees financial security, threatening both the nation’s economy and its social fabric, according to a new report released today by the Financial Health Network, the leading voice on financial health. The report, Households Under Financial Pressure, describes how daily economic challenges have heightened pessimism and political polarization; previous research found that only about one-third of Americans are considered “financially healthy.”
Financial health is broadly defined as the ability to spend, save, borrow, and plan in ways that allow people to be financially secure and withstand financial shocks. The report stresses the need for urgent collaboration across key sectors like housing, childcare, and transportation to restore the financial security and well-being of America’s middle class.
“The middle class might be a hot campaign topic, but let’s be clear: financial health isn’t a red or blue issue — families are struggling financially and it’s happening across race, geography, and politics,” said Jennifer Tescher, president and CEO of the Financial Health Network. “Rising costs for essentials mean more middle-class households struggle with the day-to-day and can’t save for the future, regardless of how much they work or plan ahead. No matter the outcome of this election, we all have an opportunity — and a responsibility — to build a bold new coalition that transcends political divides and is fully committed to securing financial health for all.”
What is “Middle Class”?
A May 2024 Gallup poll found that 54% of Americans identify as middle class … but are they?
Recommendations for Shaping the Future of Financial Health
The report is part of a new initiative aimed at identifying the needs, challenges, and opportunities for financial health. Financial Health Frontiers, a new Financial Health Network initiative supported by the Citi Foundation, will explore the headwinds and tailwinds that will shape financial health in the years to come. The effort is being guided by an Advisory Council of industry experts, business leaders, policymakers, advocates, and researchers.
The report makes several broad recommendations, including:
This report will be followed by deep dives into how other financial headwinds and tailwinds – shifting demographics, the changing nature of work, climate change, and tech/artificial intelligence – will impact financial health in the future.
About the Financial Health Network
The Financial Health Network is the leading authority on financial health. We are a trusted resource for business leaders, policymakers, and innovators united in a mission to improve the financial health of their customers, employees, and communities. Through research, advisory services, measurement tools, and opportunities for cross-sector collaboration, we advance awareness, understanding, and proven best practices in support of improved financial health for all. For more on the Financial Health Network, go to www.finhealthnetwork.org and follow us on Twitter at @FinHealthNet.
Media Contacts
Michael Salmassian
Financial Health Network
msalmassian@finhealthnetwork.org
Source: Samsung
Samsung Electronics America, the world leader in advanced memory technology, today announced the release of the 990 EVO Plus, adding to its lineup of leading SSD products. Featuring PCIe 4.0 support and the latest in NAND technology, the 990 EVO Plus is an ideal solution for buyers seeking enhanced performance and power efficiency across gaming, business and creative tasks.
“The average person creates more than 100 megabytes of data every minute1,” said James Fishler, Senior Vice President of Home Entertainment, Samsung Electronics America. “Whether you’re taking photos, editing videos, or gaming on your favorite console, it’s clear that our daily activities demand more data than ever before. The new Samsung 990 EVO Plus provides the best solution for it all – from gaming and content creation, to business use cases. With expanded storage capacities and even faster processing speeds, the series can help you reliably power your day, and make the most of every minute.”
Faster Performance and Greater Efficiency
The 990 EVO Plus is backed by decades of pioneering semiconductor technology with proven reliability from Samsung. It offers sequential read speeds up to 7,250 megabytes-per-second (MB/s) and write speeds up to 6,300 MB/s, up to 50% faster than the previous 990 EVO. This performance boost is enabled by the latest Samsung 8th generation V-NAND technology and 5-nanometer (nm) controller, while an innovative nickel-coated heat shield minimizes overheating, delivering 73% greater power efficiency over the 990 EVO.
The 4TB model of the 990 EVO Plus boasts an industry-leading random read speed of 1,050K input/output operations per second (IOPS) and 1,400K IOPS for random write. This remarkable feat nearly rivals that of SSD products with DRAM, despite not using a DRAM cache, making it an optimal solution for gaming and AI tasks that require high performance.
Expanded Storage Capacity
To meet today’s growing demand for high-capacity storage devices, the 990 EVO Plus offers ample capacity options of 1TB, 2TB and 4TB, exceeding the storage limits of the 990 EVO. The 990 EVO Plus is also equipped with the intelligent Samsung TurboWrite 2.0, revamped for maximized performance, offering rapid file transfer speeds and reduced lag, even when managing large files, editing high-res video or enjoying next-generation gaming.
Samsung Magician Software Support
Samsung Magician Software presents a suite of optimization tools for enhanced functionality for all Samsung SSDs, including the 990 EVO Plus. Users can streamline the data migration process for SSD upgrades effortlessly and securely. In addition, Samsung Magician protects valuable data, monitors drive health and offers customized performance optimization.
The drives will be available this Fall at Samsung.com and other select retailers. They will have a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $109.99 for the 1TB model, $184.99 for the 2TB model, and $344.99 for the 4TB model. For more information, please visit here.
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Gedion Onyango, Research Fellow, Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa, London School of Economics and Political Science
Kenya has published a draft bill outlining protections for whistleblowers. Long in the making, the Whistleblower Protection Bill 2024 could help to encourage disclosures in a country where 86% of the respondents to a 2023 survey feared what might happen to them if they reported corruption cases. Gedion Onyango, who researches public accountability reforms, anti-corruption and whistleblowing reforms, sets out what protections are needed and how to change public mindsets.
Whistleblowing is disclosing information about behaviour or misconduct that could harm the public interest – the overall welfare of a society.
Whistleblowing is primarily associated with disclosing corruption in state institutions. Because the private sector has become a partner in public service and national development processes, emerging laws like Kenya’s whistleblower protection bill and existing ones like Botswana’s Whistleblower Protection Act 2016 have been designed also to expose activities of companies and institutions that directly affect public affairs.
Several key conditions must be met for whistleblowing to be effective.
Read more:
Corruption in South Africa: would paying whistleblowers help?
Firstly, the society needs to broadly agree on what misconduct is. People should feel obliged to flag and address wrongdoing, and know what is expected when such information is disclosed. Essentially, the disclosure must be made in good faith.
Secondly, there must be an authority that is expected to and is willing to take action after receiving such information.
Thirdly, clear procedures or legal processes should be in place for receiving the information and determining the truth.
The person disclosing the information must find it easy to report, besides having sufficient evidence to support their claims. A thoroughly bureaucratic way of receiving information about wrongdoing is more likely to intimidate and discourage potential whistleblowers.
Fourthly, a system should be in place to reward individuals who disclose wrongdoing. This could involve recognising their contribution to society or providing financial incentives, often a percentage of money recovered in cases of corruption and asset recovery. Not all countries have this provision. But having such a reward is not always enough. This has been shown in Nigeria, where whistleblowing is declining despite the reward of 5% of recovered funds.
Finally, there needs to be trust in the authority and the process for it to work.
Whistleblowers are important sources of information about misconduct, dishonesty and unethical behaviour that would otherwise remain concealed from the public. They are critical in promoting human rights, fighting corruption and addressing governance misconduct and inequalities.
Many infamous scandals around the world have been brought to light by individuals who disclosed the wrongdoing. These include Kenya’s Anglo Leasing scandal.
Whistleblowing is essential to ethical public leadership. It is no accident that many developing countries are now enacting laws to encourage and protect whistleblowers. With new laws in Kenya, whistleblowers would no longer have to primarily defend themselves against non-disclosure clauses that outlaw disclosures of a potential wrongdoing. Whistleblowers have previously been targeted by public organisations for releasing information in an unprocedural manner.
Potential whistleblowers can use internal or external mechanisms to disclose wrongdoing. The choice of mechanism will depend on the whistleblower’s confidence or history with these mechanisms.
Studies have shown that internal whistleblowing is less desirable, and most whistleblowers prefer anonymous external whistleblowing channels that could prompt an investigation by an authority.
Read more:
South Africa’s corporate whistleblowers don’t get enough protection: what needs to change
Effective whistleblower protection mechanisms include protecting the identities of whistleblowers until the responsible authority has checked that there was wrongdoing.
Whistleblowers should be protected from retaliation or harm, including social victimisation, physical attacks and disciplinary actions.
The law should ensure that an insider whistleblower, such as an employee, is protected from being intimidated, disciplined or removed from their position. This should be for a long enough time (for example, at least five years), even if the case ultimately collapses, as often happens.
In other words, the person should be protected from any loss, including damages that would affect their mental health or their job. This is typical of legislation globally.
In today’s age of social media, the laws against defamation should be applied strictly to guard against online harassment.
It’s important that whistleblower protection policies are understood and accepted by everyone. The process should start with extensive consultation. It should involve authorities such as religious groups, traditional leaders and government administrators at the lowest levels.
Including whistleblowing in the country’s school, college and professional curriculum would increase awareness and improve social acceptance.
It’s often the case that whistleblowers are seen as betrayers or snitches rather than as courageous defenders of public interest and ethical members of society. The reward system for whistleblowers should be included in prestigious national honours such as the Presidential Award.
Gedion Onyango receives funding from ESRC. He is also affiliated with Afrobarometer East Africa
– ref. Kenya’s whistleblowers are key to fighting corruption: how a new law could protect them – https://theconversation.com/kenyas-whistleblowers-are-key-to-fighting-corruption-how-a-new-law-could-protect-them-239647
Source: Government of Canada News (2)
September 25, 2024 – Scarborough, Ontario — Women and Gender Equality Canada
Equality depends on all people having the opportunity to participate fully in Canada’s economic, social, and political life. Removing systemic barriers with respect to sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression through the inclusion of 2SLGBTQI+ communities will ensure a better future for all Canadians.
Today, the Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, announced $147,000 for Rainbow Community Places, a 2SLGBTQI+ organization based in Scarborough, Ontario.
This funding will enable Rainbow Community Places to improve their organizational governance, develop a donation system, and craft a sustainability plan to increase financial stability. The organization will also develop strategies to attract volunteers, build partnerships through outreach, and develop an advocacy strategy.
Through the Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan, the Government of Canada continues to advance rights and equality for 2SLGBTQI+ communities. This work will continue to be guided by collaboration directly with community partners, whose work and lived experiences help address inequities experienced by 2SLGBTQI+ people.
“Amidst a rise in hate, the federal government stands shoulder to shoulder with Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ communities. In order to assist these communities, we are investing in the vital community organizations that serve them, like Rainbow Community Places in Scarborough. At the end of the day, it is organizations like this that are on the front lines of ensuring that 2SLGBTQI+ communities can thrive and grow, building a more vibrant and inclusive country for everyone.”
The Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth
“Working with grassroots organizations, led by 2SLGBTQI+ communities, is how we will create and sustain safe and vibrant communities here in Scarborough. Supporting the commendable work of these organizations brings us one step closer to the diverse, inclusive vision of the Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan.”
The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament for Scarborough Southwest
“The support of the community capacity funding from Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE) has been key to enabling Rainbow Community Places to move forward with building the organizational infrastructure needed to put it on the path to effective governance and financial sustainability. In these troubled times, we are seeing a rapid rise in violence and hate crimes based on sexual orientation, leaving 2SLGBTQI+ communities feeling isolated and under attack. In response, Rainbow Community Places is seeking to offer a welcoming place of belonging and support to 2SLGBTQI+ community members through the Toby’s Place youth and Dorothy’s Place seniors’ drop-in programs. The WAGE funding over a 28-month period is providing a solid financial base for our organization’s growth and development, and we greatly appreciate this federal government support.”
Julian Monro, Executive Director, Rainbow Community Places
The Government of Canada has invested over $250 million to advance rights and improve equality for 2SLGBTQI+ communities over the past eight years. As part of this total, $100 million over five years (2022–27) has been committed directly to the Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan.
Among the Canadian population aged 15 years and older, 1.3 million people reported being part of the 2SLGBTQI+ population. Of this group, 10.5% were between the ages of 15 and 24. Of that 10.5%, 1% identified as transgender or non-binary.
Among those aged 15 years and older, 3 in 10 (29.7%) 2SLGBTQ+ people reported their mental health to be fair or poor, compared with fewer than 1 in 10 non-2SLGBTQ+ individuals (9.1%).
Carolyn Svonkin
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth
Carolyn.Svonkin@fegc-wage.gc.ca
Media Relations
Women and Gender Equality Canada
819-420-6530
FEGC.Media.WAGE@fegc-wage.gc.ca
Follow Women and Gender Equality Canada:
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Amanda Gouws, Professor of Political Science and Chair of the South African Research Initiative in Gender Politics, Stellenbosch University
When South Africa became a democracy in 1994, a primary goal was to grant citizenship rights to all its people, in particular, to give the majority black South Africans rights they had been denied during colonialism and apartheid. This included the right to vote.
Apartheid segregated the population into ethnic groups. All but people classified as white were stripped of their rights. The 1996 constitution conferred upon citizens civil liberties such as the right to vote, movement, association and free speech as well as substantive rights such as access to land, health, education and employment.
But, as I argue in the Palgrave Handbook of Gender and Citizenship, full citizenship is about more than a legal status that grants rights. Full citizenship also means being able to fully participate in a society.
Based on my research into South African politics and gender politics over the past three decades I argue in a recent chapter that women in South Africa don’t enjoy full citizenship because they face endemic gender-based violence.
Sexual violence against women has become normalised in South Africa. Everyday spaces are filled with violence, as indicated by the South African Police Service’s quarterly crime statistics.
I conclude in the book chapter that people who feel excluded turn to protest to claim their rights as citizens. In doing so they become activist citizens.
Acts of citizenship can occur in many different places – on streets, in courts, at borders, or even through media. They can happen on different scales, from local community action to international movements. These acts may involve protests, organising campaigns, or using digital media to spread awareness. People engaging in these acts might demand a wide range of rights, including political, social, sexual, ecological, or cultural rights.
While legal frameworks to enhance citizenship have changed over the past 30 years in South Africa, deep-seated inequalities and exclusions persist. Law reform cannot address high levels of unemployment (that need to be rectified through economic growth), neither can it address poverty that is endemic because of the legacies of apartheid, such as the exclusion from decent education and health care.
Acts of citizenship – whether through protest (such as service delivery protest), art, or everyday actions – continue to play a crucial role in expanding the boundaries of who is considered a citizen and what rights citizens can claim.
By understanding citizenship as something that is actively performed and claimed, rather than simply granted, society can better appreciate the ongoing struggles for equality and recognition.
Emotions play a significant role in these citizenship actions, a concept known as “affective citizenship”. Expressions of fear, happiness, loneliness, anger, or grief can all be part of how people assert their rights and demand recognition. These emotional displays can be disruptive or more conventional, but they all focus on exclusions from citizenship.
Some acts of citizenship involve a “politics of refusal” – rejecting unfair conditions or norms. This refusal can expose hidden issues within citizenship, such as specific forms of gendered violence or discrimination. By disrupting “business as usual”, these acts force society to confront uncomfortable truths.
It’s important to note that acts of citizenship aren’t always large-scale or dramatic. They can also involve everyday actions that challenge norms or assert rights in smaller ways. What matters is that these acts transform the actors from passive subjects into active citizens claiming their rights.
Examples include the #EndRapeCulture campaign of 2016, when women protested against pervasive sexual violence on university campuses. At the same time, transgender students also protested against marginalisation.
Both groups of students used naked protests to show their refusal to be treated as though they were not citizens. Through their campaign, the students rejected behaviour and attitudes that normalise sexual violence on campuses.
Women students disrupted public spaces by protesting topless or in their underwear, sometimes brandishing sjamboks (plastic whips). These actions expressed anger at university authorities’ failure to address sexual violence. The activists were refusing to be treated as though they were not citizens.
By using their bodies in these acts of citizenship the protesters made visible the rage many South African women feel about sexual violence committed with seeming impunity. They highlighted how women’s bodies are vulnerable to violence due to neglect by authorities in implementing their own laws, such as the Sexual Offences Act and the Domestic Violence Act.
Read more:
Victory for women’s rights in Ghana as affirmative action law is passed – what must happen next
For its part the Trans Collective, a group of transgender students at the University of Cape Town, used a provocative art intervention to highlight the erasure or the making invisible of transgender experiences within the broader student movement during the same 2016 period.
They smeared red paint on photographs at an exhibit about student activism and used their naked, paint-covered bodies to block the entrance of the art gallery at the university to force visitors to confront the physical reality of how transgender rights are often “trampled” or ignored, even within progressive movements.
Acts of citizenship – whether through naked protests, art interventions, or other forms of activism – serve multiple purposes:
They make visible groups and issues that are overlooked or deliberately ignored.
They challenge conventional understandings of how citizens should behave or what citizenship looks like.
They create new spaces for political action and discourse.
They force society and authorities to confront uncomfortable truths about exclusion and violence.
They assert the agency of marginalised groups in defining and claiming their rights.
Amanda Gouws receives funding from the NRF through her SARChI Chair in Gender Politics.
– ref. South African women face exclusion from society due to gender-based violence – how they’re fighting back – https://theconversation.com/south-african-women-face-exclusion-from-society-due-to-gender-based-violence-how-theyre-fighting-back-237493
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Ruben Gallego (AZ-07)
WASHINGTON – Today, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced it is taking action against Invitation Homes, which owns nearly 9,000 homes in Arizona, for an array of unlawful actions against consumers. The action follows multiple letters Rep. Gallego has sent urging the Commission to take action on predatory, anticompetitive rental practices.
“From charging undisclosed junk fees to failing to provide basic maintenance, Invitation Homes has been swindling Arizonans for years,” said Rep. Gallego. “I’m glad to see the FTC is answering my calls and cracking down on these kinds of predatory, anti-competitive practices that harm Arizona families and legitimate businesses. Arizonans deserve affordable housing with honest landlords, and that’s what I’ll keep fighting for.”
Invitation Homes has agreed to a proposed settlement order that would require the company to turn over $48 million to be used to refund consumers harmed by its actions. The corporate landlord will also be required to clearly disclose its leasing prices, establish policies and procedures to handle security deposit refunds fairly, and stop other unlawful behavior.
You can learn more about Rep. Gallego’s work to make Arizona more affordable in his reporters Cutting Costs for Arizonan
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) (video statements)
FBI Los Angeles Assistant Director in Charge Akil Davis warns of the consequence of posting hoax threats on social media. For a full transcript and download, visit:
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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Thompson (5th District Pennsylvania)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed H.R. 5646, theStop Campus Hazing Act, which includes many anti-hazing provisions long championed by U.S. Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA).
This bill was shaped by the efforts of Evelyn and Jim Piazza, whose son, Tim Piazza, tragically passed away in February 2017 at Penn State as a direct result of a hazing ritual at his fraternity.
September 25 would have been Tim’s 27th birthday.
The Piazza’s advocacy led to the establishment of the Timothy J. Piazza Center for Fraternity and Sorority Research and Reform at Penn State, whose research helped shape the Stop Campus Hazing Act and led to the enactment of some of the strongest anti-hazing laws anywhere in the country in Pennsylvania.
Rep. Thompson with Evelyn and Jim Piazza, parents of Tim Piazza.
“Today’s overwhelming passage of H.R. 5646 reaffirms Congress’ commitment to protect students on college campuses across the country,” Rep. Thompson said. “This vital legislation will increase transparency and accountability in an effort to ensure that no one will have to experience what the Piazza family has over these past seven years. My prayers go out to Evelyn and Jim Piazza, and I sincerely appreciate their ongoing advocacy and strength.”
“Our son Tim would have turned 27 tomorrow, September 25, 2024,” Evelyn and Jim Piazza said. “Sadly, we do not get to celebrate his birthday with him, but we feel he may have given us a wink from above with today’s vote. We are thrilled to see the House passage of the Stop Campus Hazing Act on this day and appreciate Rep. Thompson’s continued and unwavering support of federal anti-hazing legislation. Over the last several years, our family, along with other families from the Anti-Hazing Coalition, has been determined to bring this bill forward, and we are now one step closer. Tim’s death due to fraternity hazing at Penn State is something no family should have to experience. Through this important legislation, students and their families will have the much-needed transparency by universities to make informed decisions about which student organizations to join.”
This bipartisan legislation is supported by the National Panhellenic Conference, the North American Interfraternity Conference, the Clery Center, and the Anti-Hazing Coalition.
Now, the StopCampus Hazing Act awaits action in the Senate.
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Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) (video statements)
The FBI is the lead agency for exposing, preventing, and investigating intelligence activities in the U.S. In this video, FBI Seattle’s Assistant Special Agent in Charge gives an introduction of the counterintelligence program.
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Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) (video statements)
Seattle ASAC discusses investigating public corruption and civil rights. For more info on these types of crimes, visit www.fbi.gov/civilrights and www.fbi.gov/publiccorruption.
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Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) (video statements)
FBI Seattle’s Assistant Special Agent in Charge talks about the different types of white collar crimes the FBI investigates. If you think you are a fraud victim, submit a complaint on IC3.gov.
For more info on common scams the FBI encounters, visit www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/common-frauds-and-scams.
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Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)
With the urgent global demand for 44 million teachers by 2030, AI-driven tools are transforming the educational landscape and reshaping digital literacy.
How can AI empower educators, enhance teacher training, and seamlessly integrate technology to improve learning outcomes?
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Financial Secretary Paul Chan today wrapped up his visit to Spain by attending an exchange session organised by the IESE Business School in Madrid.
Leading a delegation of technology startups, Mr Chan met more than 10 Spanish startup entrepreneurs, representatives of venture capital funds, investors and business matching enterprises.
As one of the top business schools in Europe and the world, IESE has close collaborations with several universities in Hong Kong, as well as with the Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation and Cyberport.
Mr Chan introduced the new advantages and new opportunities in Hong Kong and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the policies and measures of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government to promote innovation and technology, along with the flourishing development of the city’s innovation and technology ecosystem.
Representatives of startups and investors from both economies introduced their businesses and development strategies, with a view to enhancing mutual knowledge and understanding, and opening up more opportunities for collaboration.
Mr Chan also IESE Business School Dean Prof Franz Heukamp to exchange views on the business environments of Hong Kong and Spain, as well as promote academic exchanges and co-operation between the two places.
The finance chief welcomed the business school to further leverage Hong Kong’s international academic environment and convenient connections with Mainland China and Asia to deepen exchanges with various academic institutions and businesses in Hong Kong, promoting more co-operation in education, company executive training and other business areas.
Mr Chan will now proceed to London.
Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3
Truly Good Foods is recalling its 3.25-ounce packages of Grabeez The Big Cheese Snack Mix cups with a Best Before 041625 because they contain undeclared almonds and cashews. People who have allergies or severe sensitivity to almonds and cashews run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergi
MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –
Source: Government of Canada – in French
On September 11, 2024, thanks to the vigilance of staff, prohibited and unauthorized items were seized at Archambault Institution, a federal institution with multiple security levels.
September 13, 2024 – Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines Quebec – Correctional Service Canada
On September 11, 2024, thanks to the vigilance of staff, prohibited and unauthorized items were seized at Archambault Institution, a federal institution with multiple security levels.
Among the seized prohibited and unauthorized items were hashish, marijuana and tobacco. In total, the institutional value of the seized items is estimated at $80,400.
The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) has a number of tools to prevent the introduction of drugs into its institutions. These tools include ion scanners and drug-detector dogs to search buildings, personal property, inmates and visitors.
CSC is strengthening measures to prevent contraband from entering its institutions to ensure a safe and secure environment for all. CSC is also working in partnership with police forces to take action against individuals who attempt to bring contraband into correctional institutions.
CSC has established a telephone information line for all federal institutions to provide additional information on activities related to the security of CSC institutions. This may include activities related to drug use or trafficking that may threaten the safety of visitors, inmates or people working in CSC institutions.
Using the toll-free line, 1-866-780-3784, helps ensure that the information transmitted is protected and that anonymity remains maintained.
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EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.
MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –
Source: Government of Canada – in French
The two organizations receive financial assistance totaling $3,997,500 from DEC.
The two organizations receive financial assistance totaling $3,997,500 from DEC.
Montreal (Quebec), September 25, 2024 – Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (DEC)
Supporting the development, adoption and commercialization of quantum technologies helps position Quebec organizations in this emerging field, while strengthening Canada’s global leadership. This is why the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, announced today, on behalf of the Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for CED, a non-repayable contribution of $3,500,000 to Calcul Québec and a repayable contribution of $497,500 to Anyon Systèmes.
Calcul Québec is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide cutting-edge computational computing infrastructure for academic and scientific research and businesses. Its computing servers, also called supercomputers, are shared by thousands of researchers, mainly in Quebec, but also in Canada. MonarQ, its quantum computer designed by Anyon Systèmes, is located at the École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS) in a room dedicated to advanced computing, a site that already hosts one of the most powerful supercomputers in the country. Calcul Québec’s project aims to increase MonarQ’s computing power from 12 to 24 qubits and thus better meet the technology transfer needs of businesses.
Anyon Systèmes is a Montreal-based company that develops turnkey quantum computing products such as integrated quantum computers, electronic controllers and cryogenic systems. CED’s support will enable it to continue its growth and commercialize the technologies resulting from its research and development, including the manufacture of a demonstrator and participation in trade shows.
To support Canada’s quantum sector and solidify the country’s position as a leader in this growing field, the Government of Canada has implemented the National Quantum Strategy. It aims to help Canadian companies adopt quantum technologies so that they can position themselves in this emerging field and generate economic benefits for the entire community.
“Quantum research and computing push the boundaries of technology and are the cornerstone of innovation. These powerful, high-performance computing tools will solve problems, drive unprecedented economic growth, transform industries, and address our society’s most significant challenges, from climate change to healthcare. Today’s quantum technology is enabling a more resilient, prosperous, and equitable future.”
The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Member of Parliament for Saint-Maurice–Champlain, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry of Canada
“Quebec and Canada are taking their place in the economy of the future, and our government is there to support them. The arrival of MonarQ will allow the academic and scientific community and businesses to have access to the quantum technologies needed for research in fields as diverse as energy, transportation, pharmaceuticals and materials. By supporting innovation in this way, we are ensuring that Quebec SMEs and organizations are well positioned and strengthening our global leadership in this field. Congratulations to Calcul Québec, Anyon Systèmes and ÉTS for this achievement!”
The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Member of Parliament for Hochelaga, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for DEC
“Integrating the computing power of a quantum computer into Calcul Québec’s service offering will provide the research and innovation community with a unique opportunity to develop and test new quantum and hybrid algorithms. This will be done while ensuring that all intellectual property generated remains the property of Quebec and Canadian institutions. MonarQ will also enable Calcul Québec, in collaboration with research teams, to develop essential techniques to ensure seamless interoperability between classical and quantum computers. This new infrastructure, with its national and international impact, will promote the development of free software, thereby strengthening accessibility and innovation in the field.”
Suzanne Talon, General Manager, Calcul Québec
“The installation of the MonarQ superconducting quantum computer in Calcul Québec’s advanced computing room allows Anyon Systèmes to take an important step in its development of quantum computing solutions. We are proud to be able to offer researchers and industrial users a quantum solution entirely designed and developed in Canada.”
Alireza Najafi-Yazdi, Managing Director, Anyon Systems
The funding was provided under CED’s Support for Regional Quantum Innovation, which stems from the Government of Canada’s National Quantum Strategy. This support has a budget of $23.3 million that will allow for strategic investments until 2028 to help SMEs and NPOs adopt, develop and commercialize quantum technologies and products based on these technologies. CED is the key federal partner in regional economic development in Quebec. Through its 12 regional business offices, CED supports businesses, support organizations and all regions of Quebec towards the economy of tomorrow.
Media RelationsCanada Economic Development for Quebec Regionsmedia@dec-ced.gc.ca
Marie-Justine TorresPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec RegionsCell.: 613-327-5918marie-justine.torresames@ised-isde.gc.ca
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EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.
Source: NASA
Looking deep into the early universe with NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, astronomers have found something unprecedented: a galaxy with an odd light signature, which they attribute to its gas outshining its stars. Found approximately one billion years after the big bang, galaxy GS-NDG-9422 (9422) may be a missing-link phase of galactic evolution between the universe’s first stars and familiar, well-established galaxies.
Image A: Galaxy GS-NDG-9422 (NIRCam Image)
“My first thought in looking at the galaxy’s spectrum was, ‘that’s weird,’ which is exactly what the Webb telescope was designed to reveal: totally new phenomena in the early universe that will help us understand how the cosmic story began,” said lead researcher Alex Cameron of the University of Oxford.
Cameron reached out to colleague Harley Katz, a theorist, to discuss the strange data. Working together, their team found that computer models of cosmic gas clouds heated by very hot, massive stars, to an extent that the gas shone brighter than the stars, was nearly a perfect match to Webb’s observations.
“It looks like these stars must be much hotter and more massive than what we see in the local universe, which makes sense because the early universe was a very different environment,” said Katz, of Oxford and the University of Chicago.
In the local universe, typical hot, massive stars have a temperature ranging between 70,000 to 90,000 degrees Fahrenheit (40,000 to 50,000 degrees Celsius). According to the team, galaxy 9422 has stars hotter than 140,000 degrees Fahrenheit (80,000 degrees Celsius).
The research team suspects that the galaxy is in the midst of a brief phase of intense star formation inside a cloud of dense gas that is producing a large number of massive, hot stars. The gas cloud is being hit with so many photons of light from the stars that it is shining extremely brightly.
Image B: Galaxy GS-NDG-9422 Spectrum (NIRSpec)
In addition to its novelty, nebular gas outshining stars is intriguing because it is something predicted in the environments of the universe’s first generation of stars, which astronomers classify as Population III stars.
“We know that this galaxy does not have Population III stars, because the Webb data shows too much chemical complexity. However, its stars are different than what we are familiar with – the exotic stars in this galaxy could be a guide for understanding how galaxies transitioned from primordial stars to the types of galaxies we already know,” said Katz.
At this point, galaxy 9422 is one example of this phase of galaxy development, so there are still many questions to be answered. Are these conditions common in galaxies at this time period, or a rare occurrence? What more can they tell us about even earlier phases of galaxy evolution? Cameron, Katz, and their research colleagues are actively identifying more galaxies to add to this population to better understand what was happening in the universe within the first billion years after the big bang.
“It’s a very exciting time, to be able to use the Webb telescope to explore this time in the universe that was once inaccessible,” Cameron said. “We are just at the beginning of new discoveries and understanding.”
The research paper is published in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.
The James Webb Space Telescope is the world’s premier space science observatory. Webb is solving mysteries in our solar system, looking beyond to distant worlds around other stars, and probing the mysterious structures and origins of our universe and our place in it. Webb is an international program led by NASA with its partners, ESA (European Space Agency) and CSA (Canadian Space Agency).
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View/Download all image products at all resolutions for this article from the Space Telescope Science Institute.
View/Download the research results from the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.
Media Contacts
Laura Betz – laura.e.betz@nasa.gov, Rob Gutro – rob.gutro@nasa.govNASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.
Christine Pulliam – cpulliam@stsci.edu, Leah Ramsay – lramsay@stsci.eduSpace Telescope Science Institute, Baltimore, Md.
Related Information
Read more: “What Were the First Stars Like?”
Watch: “Massive Stars: Engines of Creation”
Learn about spectroscopy: “Spectroscopy 101 – Introduction”
Star Lifecycle
More Webb News
More Webb Images
Webb Science Themes
Webb Mission Page
Related For Kids
What is a galaxy?
What is the Webb Telescope?
SpacePlace for Kids
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Ciencia de la NASA
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Source: Isle of Man
Notice is hereby given that Agora Ltd, which was registered under the Designated Businesses (Registration & Oversight) Act 2015, has been de-registered in accordance with 12(1)(a) of this Act with effect from 25/09/2024.
MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –
Source: Government of Canada – in French 1
September 25, 2024 – Scarborough, Ontario – Women and Gender Equality Canada
Equality is about everyone being able to participate fully in the economic, social and political life of Canada. Removing systemic barriers related to sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression through the inclusion of 2SLGBTQI communities will ensure a better future for all Canadians.
Today, the Honourable Marci Ien, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Youth, announced $147,000 in funding to Rainbow Community Places, a 2SLGBTQI organization located in Scarborough, Ontario.
This funding will enable Rainbow Community Places to improve its organizational governance, develop a donation system and develop a sustainability plan to increase its financial stability. The organization will also develop strategies to attract volunteers, build partnerships through outreach activities and develop an advocacy strategy.
Thanks to the Federal 2SLGBTQI Action Plan , the Government of Canada continues to advance the rights and equality of 2SLGBTQI communities. This work will continue to be guided by direct collaboration with community partners, whose work and lived experiences contribute to addressing the inequalities experienced by 2SLGBTQI people.
“Amid rising hate, the federal government stands in solidarity with 2SLGBTQI communities across Canada. To help these communities, we are investing in vital community organizations that serve them, like Rainbow Community Places in Scarborough. Ultimately, it is organizations like this one that are on the front lines of ensuring that 2SLGBTQI communities can thrive and flourish, building a more vibrant and inclusive country for everyone.”
The Honourable Marci Ien, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Youth
“It is by working with local 2SLGBTQI community-led organizations that we will create and maintain safe and vibrant communities here in Scarborough. By supporting the worthwhile work of these organizations, we are moving closer to the diverse and inclusive vision of the Federal 2SLGBTQI Action Plan.”
The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament for Scarborough Southwest
“Women and Gender Equality Canada’s (WAGE) funding support for community capacity development has been critical in enabling Rainbow Community Places to move forward in developing the organizational infrastructure needed to position the organization for effective governance and financial sustainability. During these challenging times, we are witnessing a rapid increase in violence and hate crimes based on sexual orientation, leaving 2SLGBTQI communities feeling isolated and under attack. In response, Rainbow Community Places seeks to provide a place of belonging and support for 2SLGBTQI community members through Toby’s Place for youth and Dorothy’s Place for seniors. WAGE’s funding over a 28-month period provides a solid financial foundation for the growth and development of our organization, and we are very grateful for this support from the federal government.”
Julian Monro, Executive Director of Rainbow Community Places
The Government of Canada has invested more than $250 million to advance the rights and improve equality of 2SLGBTQI communities over the past eight years. Of this total, $100 million over five years (2022–27) has been committed directly to the Federal 2SLGBTQI Action Plan .
Among the Canadian population aged 15 and over, 1.3 million people identified as 2SLGBTQI. Of this group, 10.5% were individuals aged 15 to 24. Of this 10.5%, 1% of these individuals identified as transgender or non-binary.
Among those aged 15 and older, 3 in 10 (29.7%) 2SLGBTQ people reported their mental health as fair or poor, compared to less than 1 in 10 (9.1%) non-2SLGBTQ people.
Carolyn Svonkin Director of Communications Office of the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and YouthCarolyn.Svonkin@fegc-wage.gc.ca
Media Relations Women and Gender Equality Canada 819-420-6530FEGC.Media.WAGE@fegc-wage.gc.ca
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EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.
Source: International Chamber of Commerce
Headline: ICC calls for united action to end plastic pollution at NY Climate Week
In a keynote speech at a high-level roundtable hosted by ICC, Mr Varin emphasised ICC’s commitment in securing an ambitious, workable and effective agreement that rallies everyone, everywhere – including the business community – to end plastic pollution once and for all.
“We are confident that the spirit of collaboration and common purpose that brought the gavel down on the initial resolution in Nairobi, will prevail in advancing its mandate and delivering a historic agreement to spearhead the change the planet and humanity deserves.”
Philippe Varin, ICC Chair.
The event brought together leaders from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), government and regional group representatives as well as senior business executives from sectors across the plastics industry to discuss what is concretely needed to get an effective agreement finalised and how businesses can support these efforts.
A crucial role for business
Mr Varin highlighted the vital role business has to play in providing the expertise and the solutions that will be needed to tackle the plastics challenge at the required scale and speed across value chains.
“The global business community needs an agreement that provides the enabling frameworks and policies to drive innovation and accelerate business action across all sectors and geographies, including for MSMEs. This will be indispensable for businesses to effectively deliver on the objectives of the agreement and spur impactful change,” he added.
The fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment (INC-5), will take place from 25 November to 1 December 2024 in Busan, Republic of Korea.
“With only one negotiating session left this year to conclude an agreement, it will be critical to make the best use of the limited time left to advance towards a robust agreement that sets the foundation for a truly circular economy for plastics.”
Raelene Martin, ICC Head of Sustainability
Clear plans for intersessional work will be essential to build common ground on key issues and ICC is continuing to provide input to the process on behalf of over 45 million companies in more than 170 countries.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Decision letter and Inspector’s Report for a recovered appeal application.
Decision letter and Inspector’s Report for a recovered appeal outline application for up to 1,000 residential dwellings, secondary school, primary school, community facilities, retail uses, open space and landscaped areas, associated engineering, demolition and infrastructure works.
Source: Google
Around the world, parents and teachers are eager for best practices and resources they can trust to help them navigate important conversations about online safety with their children and students. That’s why we created Be Internet Awesome, a program designed in partnership with leading child development and safety experts, focused on topics like how to spot scams, create strong passwords and be cautious about sharing personal information online. Over the years, we’ve educated more than 100 million children globally through this program.
Today, we’re announcing Be Internet Awesome World, a new gaming experience on Roblox that will bring these same safety lessons to life in an interactive and fun way.
Roblox is one of the most popular online gaming platforms, with over 79.5 million daily active users. Working with Roblox helps Google to reach kids where they’re already spending time to teach them the basics of online safety.
In the Be Internet Awesome experience, visitors will explore the magical world of the Internauts and learn how to navigate various real-world scenarios and risks by applying safety tips and critical thinking skills. They’ll have the ability to play multiple games, each based on a specific safety topic, ranging from identifying phishing attempts to practicing kindness online. During the game, players will receive immediate feedback, helping them learn through trial and error.
This game-based learning approach not only reinforces the lessons of Be Internet Awesome, but also reimagines the curriculum in a new and exciting format for kids. Google’s experience is now available on Roblox.
Expanding Be Internet Awesome to a wider audience on Roblox is just one of the ways we keep more people safer online than anyone else in the world. Here are a few additional ways we’re working to promote online safety and youth wellbeing:
Source: United States Department of Defense
Department of Defense Spokesperson Lisa Lawrence provided the following statement:
Today, senior representatives from Austria, Australia, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States, convened virtually for a meeting of the International Contact Group on Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response.
The participants discussed the importance of mitigating civilian harm caused by military operations as well as responding effectively when civilian harm does occur. The participants also emphasized that efforts to mitigate and respond to civilian harm reflect mutual values and directly contribute to both mission success and public confidence in the armed forces.
All the representatives from participating countries, guided by their shared values and commitment to preserving international norms, expressed their commitment to promote civilian harm mitigation best practices within their respective armed forces.