Minister Garneau recognizes the essential contribution of seafarers on their international day Transport Canada 

AFTER WII DURING A SEAFARERS STRIKE ON THE ST LAURENCE SEAWAY IN 1949 THE LIBERAL GOVERNMENT OF THE DAY BUSTED UP THE LEFT LEANING CANADIAN MARITIME UNION BY BRINGING TO CANADA AN AMERICAN GANGSTER AND LABOR ORGANIZER HAL BANKS FROM A COMPETING AND MORE RIGHT WING UNION, THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION TOGETHER THEY BUSTED UP THE CMU. BECAUSE OF BANKS THE LIBERALS AND THE MOB HAD CONNECTIONS THROUGH OUT THE SIXTIES IN MONTREAL AND HAMILTON.

YOU WILL UNDERSTAND HOW HYPOCRITICAL THIS IS 

SEE BOTTOM FOR MORE INFORMATION 

OTTAWA, ON, June 25, 2020 /CNW/ - Each day, seafarers play an important role in the movement of goods and people and significantly contribute to the Canadian economy. Their commitment has probably never been greater than during the COVID-19 pandemic, since most of them have been spending even longer periods of time at sea, far from their loved ones.

In honour of the International Maritime Organization's annual Day of the Seafarer, the Minister of Transport, the Honourable Marc Garneau, is proud to recognize the essential role seafarers play, at home and abroad, in their contributions to maritime trade.

The theme to mark this year's Day of the Seafarer is "Seafarers are Key Workers." The Government of Canada applauds all seafarers in Canada and worldwide. They are indeed the key workers at the front lines, and they remain committed to the movement of people and the goods our country depends on, even during these challenging times.

As a maritime nation dependent on trade by sea, Canada remains a strong advocate for the safety and welfare of seafarers and maritime workers. Since the onset of COVID-19, the Government of Canada has continued to work closely with marine industry stakeholders to protect seafarers at sea and at ports.

Quote

"On this international Day of the Seafarer, I invite Canadians to join me in thanking the seafarers who make a real difference in our lives, every day. Even as we face a global crisis, they stepped up for us when we needed them the most—continuing to transport integral goods during the pandemic, and I am grateful for the essential work that they continue to do at home and abroad."

Minister of Transport
The Honourable Marc Garneau

Quick facts
In 2010, the International Maritime Organization, decided to designate June 25 as the International Day of the Seafarer as a way to recognize that almost everything that we use in our daily lives has been directly or indirectly affected by sea transport. This year, the annual Day of the Seafarer is celebrating its 10th anniversary.
The International Maritime Organization is the global, standard-setting authority for the safety, security and environmental performance of international shipping. Its main role is to create a regulatory framework for the shipping industry that is fair and effective, universally adopted, and universally implemented.
As a founding member, Canada has a long history of working with the International Maritime Organization to advance standards that promote maritime safety and security, protect the environment and safeguard seafarers.

Associated links

International Maritime Organization's Day of the Seafarer 2020

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This news release may be made available in alternative formats for persons living with visual disabilities.

SOURCE Transport Canada

For further information: Livia Belcea, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, Ottawa, Livia-Marina.Belcea@tc.gc.ca; Media Relations, Transport Canada, Ottawa, 613-993-0055, media@tc.gc.ca
Related Links

http://www.tc.gc.ca/

HAL BANKS SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION GOVERNMENT OF CANADA 

Web results

HAL BANKS | Maclean's | MAY 18 1963 - The Maclean's Archive

https://archive.macleans.ca › article › hal-banks

Banks' SIU brought to the struggle a long history of violence in the Forties and Fifties, and ... Nearly all were members of the Canadian Maritime Union, Banks' only ... neither the I.ibera! government in power when he came nor the Conservative ...

Hal C. Banks - Wikipedia

https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Hal_C._Banks

An American with mob connections, he came to Canada in 1949 to help bust purportedly Communist-controlled shipping unions and establish the Seafarers International Union as their replacement.

Seafarers' International Union | The Canadian Encyclopedia

https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca › article › seafarers-international-...

Seafarers' International Union In 1949, supported by the federal government and some ... Within a few months, Hal BANKS and the "goons" he brought with him, ...

American gangster in montreal the true story of hal c. banks ...

https://cpress.org › old › american-gangster-in-montreal-the-true-story-of-...

Instead Brittain focused on the Canadian government's involvement in Banks' impunity ... Hal C. Banks' Seafarer's International Union violently opposed the ...

UNION CONFIRMS BANKS HAS QUIT; Ousted Leader of SIU ...

https://www.nytimes.com › 1964/10/03 › archives › union-confirms-banks-h...

UNION CONFIRMS BANKS HAS QUIT; Ousted Leader of S.I.U. in Canada ... of Hal C. Banks from all his posts in the Seafarers International Union of North ... of the Canadian Government to help rid the maritime industry of the Canadian ...

HAL BANKS, 76, DIES; UNION OFFICIAL LED SEAFARERS ...

https://www.nytimes.com › 1985/09/27 › hal-banks-76-dies-union-official-le...

Sep 27, 1985 - As head of the 15,000-member Seafarers International Union of Canada, Mr. Banks played an instrumental role in organizing strikes against ...

Missing: GOVERNMENT ‎| Must include: GOVERNMENT

Everything That Floats: Pat Sullivan, Hal Banks, and The ...

https://www.umanitoba.ca › cmarchive › reveverythingfloats

Banks came to Canada at the request of the Seafarers' International Union to ... questions surrounding Banks, union corruption, and government involvement.

The 1949 Canadian Seamen's Union Strike

www.wfhathewaylabourexhibitcentre.ca › labour-history › the-1949-canad...

The story of the 1949 Canadian Seamen's Union (CSU) strike is an appalling story ... The CSU President advised the government: “We are quite prepared to see that ... The SIU sent in forty-year old, Iowa-born, Harold Chamberlain Banks (Hal ...

Communists, Gangsters, and Canadian Sailors - Labour / Le ...

www.lltjournal.ca › index.php › llt › article › download

by C Heron - ‎Cited by 4 - ‎Related articles

William Kaplan, Everything That Floats: Pat Sullivan, Hal Banks, and the Cana- ... International Union (SIU) became die most infamous embodiment of corruption in labour ranks that ... labour movements, the Canadian government complied.

Canada's sweetheart : the saga of Hal C. Banks (VHS tape ...

https://www.worldcat.org › title › oclc

Harold Chamberlain Banks, a convicted felon and union strongarm, was recruited ... replace them with a Canadian chapter of the Seafarers' International Union (SIU). ... This challenge resulted in the government-appointed Norris Commission ..

New Partnership to Create Canadian-Made Plant-Based Foods


Protein Industries Canada

A joining of forces on the Prairies will elevate Canada's plant-protein ecosystem

REGINA, SK, June 25, 2020 /CNW/ - Today, Protein Industries Canada ("PIC") announced a project focused on creating new plant-based foods using pulses grown and processed on the Prairies.

The $11.3 million-dollar project will see a consortium of AGT Food and Ingredients ("AGT") and ulivit, work together to process pea, lentil and faba bean protein concentrate into high moisture meat analogue, Texturized Pulse Protein (TPP), tempeh, tofu, pasta and non-dairy analogues. These ingredients will then be further developed into market-ready food for the consumer and restaurant.

Rotini pasta from AGT Foods (CNW Group/Protein Industries Canada)

Laura Gustafson - founder of ulivit (CNW Group/Protein Industries Canada)


This project brings together AGT, considered one of the founders of Canada's plant protein industry, with ulivit, – a young company led by two talented women entrepreneurs, to execute projects that will contribute to revolutionising the plant-based food market. Building off each other's experience and expertise, they will use dry fractioned pulses as feedstock to create high-protein products using green production methods that will consume less energy and water than existing commercial processes.

"This project is exciting on so many levels," CEO of Protein Industries Canada Bill Greuel said. "First of all, it is a classic example of how the cluster is supposed to work – a collaboration between large and micro companies to bring new innovations to the market. Secondly, its benefit to Canadians - from the farmer growing the pulse crops who will now have more options to sell their product closer to home, to the processors and packagers in the middle who employ Canadians across the country, to the consumer looking to introduce more tasty and innovative plant-protein products into their diet."

It is expected that the demand for plant-based products will only continue to grow, and that increasingly consumers will look for many food products that are flexitarian in nature – meaning that they blend the type of products that AGT and ulivit will create, such as TPP and other pulse ingredients with meat to provide an alternative that is not one or the other, but both.

"We are very happy to work with ulivit on innovative new projects through the PIC Supercluster program," said Murad Al-Katib, President and CEO of AGT. "Development of applications for plant-based foods and the ingredients that are used to make them has been a significant part of AGT's strategy over the past decade. We were at the forefront leading what is now seen by many as the plant-based revolution. Meat alternatives, like those we see in many products in the marketplace, have really gained traction with consumers as they search out new and innovative products that are good for them and taste good as well. The critical R&D and production work needed to predict what consumers may be looking for and provide products that fit their tastes is key, not only to AGT's growth but for emerging companies like ulivit and the pulse food sector overall. Saskatchewan and Canada are the first stop on the protein highway, and we look forward to continuing to innovate, produce and assist in growing a new segment of an exciting sector. PIC helps us to accelerate this growth trajectory we are on."

"We are super excited to collaborate with Protein Industries Canada and AGT on this project. At ulivit we want to make the world a healthier and happier place with plant-based foods," Founder of ulivit Laura Gustafson said. "The Supercluster program is a game changer for ulivit. It creates opportunities that would have been difficult, if not impossible, to achieve. Opportunities associated with AGT's global leading team, ingredients, infrastructure, experience, and relationships that will propel our company. We are thrilled AGT and PIC are part of our plant-protein journey and look forward to creating delicious and sustainable plant-based foods for Canadians and the world."

This project represents the seventh project announced by Protein Industries Canada. Since June of last year Protein Industries Canada and industry consortiums have invested more than $100 million into Canada's plant protein ecosystem. Protein Industries Canada's third call for Expressions of Interests (EOIs) is now open.

About AGT Food and Ingredients

AGT Food and Ingredients Inc. (AGT) is a Saskatchewan-based processor of value-added pulses, staple foods and food ingredients for export and domestic markets; a producer of food ingredients such as pulse flours, proteins, starches and fibres as well as pulse-based food products such as texturized pulse proteins used as meat substitutes and pulse-based pasta; and a supplier of retail packaged and canned foods to retail and food service sectors. AGT's pulse-based food ingredient products are used by food companies around the globe to enhance and fortify their products and brands with pulse ingredients that are non-GMO, high in fibre, high in protein, low in glycemic index, gluten-free and whose production is low in greenhouse gases, low in water usage and promotes soil health without the application of fertilizer. Through its offices and processing facilities located in some of the best agricultural growing regions in Canada, the U.S., Turkey, China, Australia and South Africa, merchandising and sales offices in the U.K., the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland and India and origination offices in Russia, AGT produces a full range of pulses and specialty crops including lentils, peas, chickpeas, beans and canary seed and staple foods such as pasta, rice, and milled wheat products, including bulgur and semolina. For more information on AGT Foods, please visit www.agtfoods.com.

About ulivit

ulivit superfood inc., is a start-up company based in the heart of the Canadian prairies. An innovative food company using the best Canadian pulse protein grown by our trusted Canadian farmers and blended with old-fashioned human taste buds and a sprinkle of science to develop plant-based food that is all good. Soy-free, gluten-free, non-GMO, high in fibre, high in protein, low on the glycemic index, and dare we say, carbon positive?! We believe there is a happy and healthier way to feed the planet. Inspiring joyful connections between families and friends over good food. At ulivit, we're feeding the change we want to see in the world by creating tasty and healthy plant-based foods with a featherlight footprint on our planet's resources. We think this is really important for the future of the world and hope you do too! For more information on ulivit, please visit www.ulivit.ca.

SOURCE Protein Industries Canada

For further information: Tiffany Stephenson, Protein Industries Canada, Regina, SK, 306-519-8202, tiffany@proteinsupercluster.ca

Organization Profile

Protein Industries Canada


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Statement - First Ministers' statement on anti-racism

Prime Minister's Office


OTTAWA, ON, June 25, 2020 /CNW/ - "Events at home and abroad have underscored that Black and racialized communities and Indigenous peoples continue to be harmed by the damaging impacts of racism and discrimination. Governments, communities, and all Canadians must come together to fight racism and discrimination.

"Recognizing that one of the strengths of Canada is its diversity, First Ministers condemn all forms of racism, discrimination, intolerance, and bigotry. First Ministers are determined to combat it – including anti-Black, anti-Indigenous, and anti-Asian racism and hate, as well as antisemitism and Islamophobia. Hate has no place in Canada and will not be tolerated.

"Acknowledging that there is a problem is only the first step; a society that is free of racism and discrimination requires an ongoing commitment. Federal, provincial, and territorial governments commit to exercise leadership and bring any required changes to their policies, initiatives, and practices to best support communities and address the root causes of inequalities. We further acknowledge that the perspectives of racialized communities and those who have lived experience of historic discrimination can best inform strong and continued action. This also includes working with Indigenous peoples to address the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action and the Calls for Justice of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

"We, as First Ministers, agree to drive progress on these efforts and share best practices around the First Ministers' table. Moving forward includes working towards enhancing information sharing – particularly disaggregated race-based and socio-economic data – to facilitate evidence-based decision-making. We need to focus on removing social and economic barriers, and providing economic opportunities and leadership roles in communities across Canada.

"We acknowledge the urgency of addressing these complex and long-standing issues. We have a responsibility to create a more solid foundation to combat racism and discrimination in Canada and to achieve lasting change. We, First Ministers, commit to working with all Canadians to be part of the solution."

This document is also available at http://pm.gc.ca

SOURCE Prime Minister's Office

For further information: PMO Media Relations: media@pmo-cpm.gc.ca
Related Links

http://pm.gc.ca/


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Prime Minister's Office


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Canada continues to explore innovative solutions for refugees


Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada


OTTAWA, ON, June 25, 2020 /CNW/ - The Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, today reaffirmed Canada's ongoing commitment to exploring innovative solutions for refugees during the virtual Annual Tripartite Consultations on Resettlement (ATCR).

During the meeting, Minister Mendicino presented 3 new actions stemming from Canada's pledge at the Global Refugee Forum in 2019. Moving forward, Canada will:
admit up to 500 refugees as part of the Economic Mobility Pathways Project over the next 2 years establish an advisory role for a former refugee to attend international refugee protection meetings with the Canadian delegation, and support the creation of a new Global Task Force on Refugee Labour Mobility

The Minister highlighted that these proposals demonstrate Canada's commitment to refugee protection and the expansion of opportunities for refugees. These are concrete actions that Canada hopes will inspire other countries and partners, and strengthen the work of the ATCR.

The ATCR is the primary forum for governments, the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), non-governmental organizations, international organizations, refugees and other stakeholders to collaborate on refugee resettlement. In July 2019, Canada assumed the chair of the ATCR, which concludes at the end of June 2020.

Quote

"It has been an honour to co-chair the Annual Tripartite Consultations on Resettlement, along with the Canadian Council for Refugees and the UNHCR. Canada deeply values its participation in these sessions, so we can continue to help lead efforts to advance refugee protection and to find new solutions for refugees through resettlement and complementary pathways."
‒ The Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, P.C., M.P., Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

Quick facts:
Through the EMPP, candidates can apply for permanent residence through existing economic immigration pathways, such as the Provincial Nominee Program, the Atlantic Immigration Pilot and the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot.
The overarching goal of the Global Task Force on Refugee Labour Mobility, which will be launched later in 2020, is to generate global momentum to scale up labour mobility pathways as a solution for refugees.
The ATCR is held annually in Geneva, Switzerland. However, due to the global pandemic, this year's meetings were held virtually.

Associated links:
News release: Canada reaffirms strong leadership role in refugee protection at Global Refugee Forum
Global Refugee Forum
News release: LERRN Announces Plans for Refugee Advisory Network

Follow us:
Facebook.com/CitCanada
Twitter.com/CitImmCanada
Instagram.com/CitImmCanada

SOURCE Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

For further information: Contacts for media only: Kevin Lemkay, Minister's Office, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, 613-954-1064; Media Relations, Communications Branch, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, 613-952-1650, IRCC.COMMMediaRelations-RelationsmediasCOMM.IRCC@cic.gc.ca
Related Links

http://www.cic.gc.ca


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Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada


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Finland, Canada, and the Netherlands join forces to advance the circular economy as key to a sustainable recovery 

Environment and Climate Change Canada
GATINEAU, QC, June 25, 2020 /CNW/ - The world needs a sustainable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Led by the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra, Finland has joined forces with Canada and the Netherlands to host three high-level events to address the important role circularity plays in the economies of the future as well as in the fight against climate change and the nature crisis.

Along with their partners, Sitra will showcase the tools and solutions countries need to build well-being and prosperity by hosting three events under the flagship of the World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF):

WCEFonline on September 29 and 30, 2020
A WCEF event on April 15, 2021, in the Netherlands and online
WCEF2021 from September 13 to 15, 2021, in Toronto, Canada

The three events will address the choice we face at this critical juncture. We can find our way back to growth by kicking "business as usual" into overdrive—or we can capitalise on a shift that has already started, the shift toward the circular economy, which helps us to thrive in the long term.

WCEFonline will share leading circular economy solutions for building more resilience

The upcoming virtual event WCEFonline will show practical circular economy examples that will help us to seize this unique opportunity to rebuild our economies stronger, greener, and better. Throughout six sessions, WCEFonline will enable the circular community from all over the world to participate in the discussions.

The sessions will provide different lenses through which business leaders and policymakers can assess the risks and opportunities associated with their resource dependence. The key questions will include how the circular economy helps in building more resilient businesses, why sustainable finance is key, and what governments need to focus on now to scale up the circular economy.

The event will include keynotes from Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme; Frans Timmermans, Vice President of the European Commission; Stientje van Veldhoven, the Minister for the Environment of the Netherlands; the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Canada's Minister of Environment and Climate Change; and Jyrki Katainen, President of Sitra, among others.

"To ensure a sustainable recovery, we need to take decisive measures that encourage the transition to a carbon-neutral circular economy that prospers in harmony with nature," says Jyrki Katainen, President of Sitra.

A WCEF event in the Netherlands for decision makers

The Netherlands, also an active member in the Platform for Advancing the Circular Economy (PACE), will organise a multi-stakeholder high-level meeting as part of the World Circular Economy Forum to address the links between the circular economy and climate. It will help to prepare for upcoming international climate negotiations and aim to position the circular economy higher on the COP and broader international agenda. The objective is also to broaden the coalition of the willing, build bridges between the public and private sector, and include more developing countries in the global debate on the benefits of circularity. The event will take place both in the Netherlands and online.

"The Netherlands is very much looking forward to hosting a high-level WCEF meeting on the circular economy and climate change, on April 15, 2021. There is no doubt that the transition to a circular economy is crucial in reaching our climate goals. We need to recognise the large and cost-effective contribution that the circular economy can make in building a more sustainable society, especially in the post-COVID-19 world," says Stientje van Veldhoven, Minister for the Environment of the Netherlands.

WCEF2021 will address systemic changes needed to accelerate the circular transition

The landmark circular economy event of the year, the World Circular Economy Forum, will be held in Toronto, Canada. This event will mark the first time the annual forum is held in North America. WCEF2021 will build on the previous events to focus on the cross-cutting issues and topics that are central to economic recovery and the circular shift. WCEF2021 will identify the key actions and systemic changes needed to create the conditions for a thriving global circular economy.

"The work to advance the circular economy must continue, and Canada is looking forward to hosting the World Circular Economy Forum in 2021. We will assemble the world's leading thinkers and innovators on the circular economy to take an in-depth look at opportunities in the North American and global context. This event will showcase the sustainable pathways needed to advance the transition to the circular economy around the world," says the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Canada's Minister of Environment and Climate Change.

More information

Further information on the WCEFonline event

Media contacts: Samuli Laita, Leading Specialist, Communications and Public Affairs, Sitra, samuli.laita@sitra.fi, tel. +358 40 536 8650

Further information on the WCEF event in the Netherlands

Nicolette Rodenburg, Press Officer for Minister for the Environment of the Netherlands, nicolette.rodenburg@minienw.nl, tel. +31 (0)6 - 53 20 08 52

Further information on the WCEF2021 in Canada

Media Relations, Environment and Climate Change Canada, ec.media.ec@canada.ca,
tel.+1 819-938-3338 or 1-844-836-7799 (toll-free)

Read more about the World Circular Economy Forum.

More information on Finland's work on the circular economy

Mari Pantsar, Director, Carbon-Neutral Circular Economy, Sitra, mari.pantsar@sitra.fi,
tel. +358 294 618 210

Read more about the World Circular Economy Forum.

Read more about Sitra's work on the circular economy.

The circular economy and the World Circular Economy Forum

The Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra is an active fund for the future. We aim to create a fair and sustainable future, in other words, the next era of well-being. We work with partners to ensure that Finland can lead the way in the transition to a fair and competitive carbon-neutral circular economy—a new society in which our everyday lives and well-being are no longer based on excessive consumption and fossil fuel use.

The World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) is an annual event that brings together up to 2,000 business leaders, policymakers, and experts from around 100 countries to present the world's best circular economy solutions. WCEF also offers a platform for more focused events and side events, and WCEFonline brings the high-level content available to everyone around the world.

The circular economy is the new paradigm for business, which aims to achieve economic growth through new sustainable business models. According to research from Accenture, the circular economy could generate US$4.5 trillion worth of additional economic output by 2030. The research identifies circular business models that will help decouple economic growth from natural resource consumption while driving greater competitiveness.

Co-hosts

Environment and Climate Change Canada informs Canadians about protecting and conserving our natural heritage and ensuring a clean, safe, and sustainable environment for present and future generations.

Global uptake of the circular economy has increased over the past five years, and momentum is growing in Canada. More and more Canadian companies are testing out new circular business models; Canadian universities are conducting research into different pathways to a more circular economy; and policy initiatives are underway at all levels of government, including the Canada-Wide Action Plan on Zero Plastic Waste. Many Canadians are already participating in the circular economy. The Government of Canada is working to support the businesses and communities creating new economic opportunities that keep the value of our resources in the economy and out of the landfill.

The Government of the Netherlands has set the ambitious target of being fully circular by 2050. This requires global collaboration and accelerating the circular economy agenda together with partners. The government is working with industry, civil-society organisations, knowledge institutions and other authorities to achieve a sustainable economy for the future. In this circular economy, there will be no more waste, as resources will be reused again and again. The government-wide Circular Economy programme sets out what we will need to do to achieve a circular Dutch economy by 2050.

In addition to being responsible for the Government's circular transition, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management is committed to improving quality of life, access and mobility in a clean, safe and sustainable environment and enhancing climate adaptation strategies. The Ministry strives to create an efficient network of roads, railways, waterways and airways, effective water management to protect against flooding, and improved air and water quality.

SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada
Related Links

http://www.ec.gc.ca

Journalists for Human Rights (JHR)  announces new Global Affairs funded project to fight COVID-1

$1.5 million project will battle misinformation in 12 countries throughout Africa and the Middle East

TORONTO, June 25, 2020 /CNW/ - Today Journalists for Human Rights and the Honourable Karina Gould, Minister for International Development, announced a new project to fight COVID-19 through human rights-based journalism in 12 countries across Africa and the Middle East. Funded by Global Affairs Canada, the 15-month, $1.5 million program will train and support local journalists to provide credible information and debunk misinformation on Covid19 and the impact of COVID-19 on women and girls' rights. The project will directly engage the local journalists and indirectly reach their estimated audiences of 22 million people with accurate and gender equitable media coverage on COVID-19 in Mali, Tunisia, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ghana, Uganda, Tanzania, South Africa, Iraq, Yemen and Mauritania.

"In a pandemic, access to accurate health information can save lives" said Journalists for Human Rights Executive Director, Rachel Pulfer. "Through this project, trusted local journalists across the Global South can and will play a critical role in communicating public health measures while combating what the World Health Organization has termed an "infodemic": an inundation of misinformation and disinformation about COVID-19. The project will also work towards broad public awareness of the gendered impact of covid-19 on women and girls."

Building off experiences working with journalists covering the Ebola outbreak and operating within existing global travel restrictions, JHR will conduct all capacity building activities for journalists online, via mobile phones and through messaging applications. The project aims to bring mainstream public awareness to the impact of COVID-19 on human rights and women and girls' rights, public health measures, guidelines and gender issues.

"To protect the health and safety of Canadians, we have to work to protect the health and safety of people everywhere in the world" said the Honourable Karina Gould, Minister of International Development. "Making sure that there are local trusted partners that can help clarify and tease through all of that information is really important. One of the things that we know is that when you are in crisis, people need to look at trusted information sources."

Beginning in March 2020, JHR began pivoting its resources to battle COVID-19. This included a 3 month project extension in South Sudan to promote human rights based journalism with an emphasis on women and girls as well as a series of oversubscribed webinars in Canada on how to recognize misinformation. JHR believes that increased access to credible and inclusive information will contribute to international public health efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19 and its impact on human rights.

Our thanks to CNW for sponsoring this announcement

About Journalists for Human Rights

Journalists for Human Rights (JHR) trains journalists worldwide to cover human rights issues ethically and objectively. For 18 years, Canada-based JHR has worked with 16,000+ journalists around the world. Currently JHR operates sector-wide programmes in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Syria, South Sudan, Mali, Kenya, Jordan, and with Canada's Indigenous communities. For more information, please visit www.jhr.ca

SOURCE Journalists for Human Rights (JHR)

For further information: Rachel Pulfer, Executive Director Journalists for Human Rights, 147 Spadina Avenue #206, Toronto ON MFV 2L7, 416 413 0240 x 206
Related Links

www.jhr.ca


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Department of National Defence fined $175,000 under Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999
Environment and Climate Change Canada

COLD LAKE, AB, June 25, 2020 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is committed to protecting the health, safety, and environment of Canadians. Environment and Climate Change Canada enforces laws that protect Canada's air, water, and natural environment, and we take this responsibility very seriously.

On June 22, 2020, the Department of National Defence pleaded guilty to one charge of contravening the Storage Tank Systems for Petroleum Products and Allied Petroleum Products Regulations. The Department was sentenced in the Provincial Court of Alberta in St. Paul and fined $175,000 for committing an offence under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. The fine will be directed to the Government of Canada's Environmental Damages Fund, where it will be used to advance environmental and conservation projects often in the same community in which the offence was committed.

In addition to the fine, the Court ordered the Department of National Defence to complete a third-party environmental audit of the Canadian Forces Base Cold Lake and the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range, including a review of the Department's environmental-management systems to ensure compliance with environmental legislation.

An investigation by Environment and Climate Change Canada enforcement officers revealed that the Department of National Defence operated a storage tank system for which an identification number had not been issued. To ensure compliance and reduce the risk of releases of petroleum products into the environment, the Regulations require the owner or operator to identify their storage tank system and obtain an identification number for their system from the Minister of the Environment.

Environment and Climate Change Canada has created a free subscription service to help Canadians stay current with what the Government of Canada is doing to protect our natural environment.

Quick facts
The Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 is an important part of Canada's federal environmental legislation aimed at preventing pollution and protecting the environment and human health.
The purpose of the Storage Tank Systems for Petroleum Products and Allied Petroleum Products Regulations is to reduce the risk of contaminating soil and groundwater due to spills and leaks of petroleum products from storage tank systems.
The Storage Tank Systems for Petroleum Products and Allied Petroleum Products Regulations establish requirements for systems under federal jurisdiction.
Created in 1995, the Environmental Damages Fund is a Government of Canada program administered by Environment and Climate Change Canada. The Fund ensures that court-awarded penalties are used for projects with positive environmental impacts.

Associated links
Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999
Storage Tank Systems for Petroleum Products and Allied Petroleum Products Regulations

Environment and Climate Change Canada's Twitter page

Environment and Climate Change Canada's Facebook page

SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada

For further information: Media Relations: Environment and Climate Change Canada, 819-938-3338 or 1-844-836-7799 (toll-free), ec.media.ec@canada.ca
Related Links

http://www.ec.gc.ca

OUR NATIONAL PENSION FUND
Lendlease and CPP Investments Reinforce Their Build-to-Rent Partnership

Canada Pension Plan Investment Board


LONDON, UK, June 26, 2020 /CNW/ - Lendlease and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments) are continuing to strengthen their partnership in the Build-to-Rent sector in the United Kingdom. Today both parties confirmed that they have agreed another £85m of investment to help fund 123 new Build-to-Rent homes at Elephant Park in south London.

This is the second major investment between the organisations this year. In February, they announced an £80m investment to begin construction of an 18-storey building with 118 Build-to-Rent homes at Elephant Park.

Build-to-Rent continues to establish itself as an institutional real estate sector in the UK, and the partnership between Lendlease and CPP Investments was first announced in 2018 when they agreed an initial target of investing £1.5 billion in the sector. Lendlease will develop, construct and manage the Build-to-Rent homes on behalf of the partnership. With this latest investment, CPP Investments and Lendlease will each invest 50%.

Victoria Quinlan, Managing Director for Investment Management Europe at Lendlease, said: "Partnering with CPP Investments builds momentum in our Build-to-Rent platform and provides much needed housing in London. The investment demonstrates a vote of confidence not just in the Build-to-Rent sector in London, and the Elephant Park development, but in the attractiveness of the UK as a global investment destination. We highly anticipate the successful launch of our first Build-to-Rent homes at Elephant Park later this year."

Andrea Orlandi, Managing Director, Head of Real Estate Europe, CPP Investments, said: "The Build-to-Rent Sector in the UK continues to be supported by long term trends, particularly in London and other major UK cities. Private rentals are an increasingly attractive and flexible option for households. The Elephant Park project continues to move ahead towards completion for the first phase, and our, and our latest financial commitment will help to progress this landmark regeneration project. It also extends our positive, broader relationship with Lendlease, which seeks to identify further investment and regeneration development opportunities in the UK."

Today's announcement means that the partnership is now planning to provide over 900 Build-to-Rent homes at Elephant Park. Construction is well underway on the first two buildings and later this year the partnership is expected to confirm timings for their completion and opening to residents. Within both buildings, residents who choose to rent through the Build-to-Rent scheme will enjoy a personalised, customer focussed renting experience, unlike any other.

Lendlease is working in partnership with Southwark Council to deliver Elephant Park, a £2.5 billion regeneration project. Investment like this, from partners such as CPP Investments, enables the project to continue at pace, whilst creating thousands of high-quality new homes including the delivery of affordable housing, jobs, business opportunities and green space for Londoners as promised from the outset.

About Lendlease
Lendlease is a leading international property and infrastructure group with operations in Australia, Asia, Europe and the Americas. Our vision is to create the best places - places that inspire and enrich the lives of people around the world.
Headquartered in Sydney, Australia, and listed on the Australian Securities Exchange, Lendlease has approximately 12,350 employees internationally.
Our core capabilities are reflected in our operating segments of Development, Construction and Investments. The combination of these three segments provides us with a sustainable competitive advantage and allows us to provide innovative integrated solutions for our customers.

Visit www.lendlease.com or follow us on Twitter @Lendleaseuk.

About CPP Investments
Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments™) is a professional investment management organization that invests the funds not needed by the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) to pay current benefits in the best interests of 20 million contributors and beneficiaries. In order to build diversified portfolios of assets, investments in public equities, private equities, real estate, infrastructure and fixed income instruments are made by CPP Investments. Headquartered in Toronto, with offices in Hong Kong, London, Luxembourg, Mumbai, New York City, San Francisco, São Paulo and Sydney, CPP Investments is governed and managed independently of the Canada Pension Plan and at arm's length from governments. At March 31, 2020, the CPP Fund totalled $409.6 billion. For more information about CPP Investments, please visit www.cppinvestments.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter.

SOURCE Canada Pension Plan Investment Board

For further information: Hetty Crist, Head of External Communications, Lendlease Europe, Email: hetty.crist@lendlease.com, Phone: 07719 986 846; Jonathan Edwards, General Manager, Corporate Communications, Lendlease Europe, Email: jonathan.edwards@lendlease.com, Phone: 07753 581 086; Steve McCool, Director, Corporate Communications, CPP Investments, Email: smccool@cppib.com, Phone: +44 20 3947 3002
Related Links

www.cppib.ca


Organization Profile

Canada Pension Plan Investment Board


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Ethnicity Matters New Survey: COVID-19, Economy and Diversity

Recovery depends strongly on reaching multicultural Canada, research shows
TORONTO, June 26, 2020 /CNW/ - New research shows how important it is to understand diverse, multicultural Canadians to strengthen the post-COVID-19 economic recovery.

The research — a new survey of nearly 1,000 Canadians during the height of the pandemic — shows significant variations between South Asian Canadians, Chinese Canadians and the general population in what people hope to or intend to purchase now and after the lockdowns end.1

Among the distinctions:
Canadians from diverse communities are more concerned than the general population about the quality of Canada's online services, about crime, about managing online banking — and about racism.

In the coming year 14 per cent of South Asians and 12 per cent of Chinese Canadians say they're likely to buy a house or condo — and significantly more plans to move by downsizing, upsizing or buying a first home


South Asian and Chinese Canadians buying patterns are often different from the general population — for example, approximately one in five South Asians plan to buy smartphones, laptops, tablets or TVs in the next 12 months

Manufacturers, retailers and the auto industry should take notice — about one in five South Asian and Chinese Canadians say they're likely to renovate their homes or buy vehicles within the year

Grocers and food producers should pay attention too — South Asian and Chinese Canadians are quite specific about what household and grocery items they prefer and plan to buy, in many cases more specific than the general population

Saving, investing and insurance-buying patterns are significantly higher for South Asian and Chinese Canadians

"This survey offers important in-depth insight into key consumer patterns among Canadians during an unprecedented time," says Bobby Sahni, Partner and Co-Founder of Ethnicity Matters, which commissioned the research.

"To us, the research offers three important messages. One, South Asian and Chinese Canadians will be key to our recovery. Two, businesses will benefit if they recognize and celebrate the distinctions among different multicultural communities," says Howard Lichtman, Partner and Co-Founder of Ethnicity Matters.

"And thirdly, businesses will do well to keep their eyes on what diverse communities say they want — types of groceries and home products, electronics, cars and trucks, homes, renovation materials and financial services including insurance," Lichtman said. "Those wants and needs are likely going to be at the heart of the post-COVID-19 recovery."

Socially distant interviews available!

Ethnicity Matters is Canada's leading authority in multicultural marketing and communications. We are a full-service business solutions company, dedicated to driving sales and growth for clients by connecting them to the flourishing ethnic and new immigrant communities, both at home and around the world. 

 For more information, visit EthnicityMatters.com
_________________________

1 Survey was conducted April 13-27, 2020 among 900 respondents within Canada — 300 from South Asian and Chinese communities and general population respectively. The margin of error for the general gopulation, South Asians, Chinese respondents (at a 90 per cent confidence level) is plus or minus 4.75 per cent for each

SOURCE Ethnicity Matters

For further information: Howard Lichtman, howard@ethnicitymatters.com, 416.402.4948 ; Bobby Sahni, bobby@ethnicitymatters.com, 416.277.2033

Organization Profile

Ethnicity Matters

New footage from World Animal Protection shows cruel elephant training for tourist entertainment

World Animal Protection


TORONTO, June 26, 2020 /CNW/ - As the economy starts to reopen and we approach our "new normal", some may already be thinking about their next travel adventure and the possibility of getting up close to wild animals or seeing them perform. Global charity, World Animal Protection is urging tourists to make sure they do this ethically, as many are not aware of what goes on behind the scenes to train wild animals.

This undercover video exposes the hidden reality of the physical and psychological trauma of elephant training for tourist entertainment - a lifetime of horror for a "once in a lifetime" travel experience. Credit: World Animal Protection
VIDEO AT THE BOTTOMUnseen footage released by the charity shows parts of the cruel training process, sometimes known as 'the crush', that young elephants endure to make them submissive enough to interact with people.

In the video young elephants are forcibly taken from their mothers, tied to wooden structures for days, forced to walk in chains and beaten.

World Animal Protection is calling on the travel industry to build back better before tourism resumes in Thailand and other holiday destinations. And to commit to end the exploitation of elephants and other wild animals for tourist entertainment.

"This is the ideal opportunity for the travel industry to cut its ties with the wildlife trade and rebuild responsibly," says Melissa Matlow of World Animal Protection Canada. "Elephants are still being poached from the wild to supply the demand from tourists to ride them. Regardless of whether the elephants are captured from the wild or bred in captivity, all elephants used for rides are cruelly trained and this must stop now to end animal suffering and protect elephants in the wild."

There are approximately 2,800 captive elephants in camps across Thailand, who have undergone this cruel training. The disturbing footage was captured to document the most common techniques used to break the elephant's spirits. This includes the use of a bull-hook – a metal tool used to jab sensitive areas, chains to restrain them and frequent exposure to stressful situations. This horrific treatment of elephants is to make them submissive enough to be used for performing, riding, bathing, and other tourist interactions. Tourism drives the demand for elephant experiences, and trainers are forced to deploy these methods.

With the industry coming to a standstill during the pandemic, at least 85 elephant camps in Thailand were forced to close, laying off over 5,000 staff. The remaining camps are still struggling to look after their elephants. World Animal Protection has been providing essential funds for 13 ethical, elephant-friendly camps across Asia to help them through this difficult time.

As a sustainable, long-term solution, the charity is advocating for a ban on breeding elephants for tourism entertainment to ensure future generations are spared this trauma. Travel companies also hold considerable power to turn their backs on unethical practices and can opt instead to support elephant-friendly camps, where tourists see elephants from a safe distance.

For most elephants, being released back into the wild is not possible, so an elephant-friendly camp is their best option. These camps still provide jobs to local people such as elephant keepers, known as mahouts. Elephants are given the freedom to behave naturally , rather than being used for strenuous rides and kept in chains.

More than 250 travel companies have pledged not to sell elephant rides and shows. This includes Intrepid, G Adventures, World Expeditions and the Travel Corporation who have adopted progressive animal welfare policies and are working with World Animal Protection to encourage the travel industry to change.

World Animal Protection is calling on other Canadian travel companies to join and take responsibility to end the exploitation of elephants and other wild animals forever.

The charity also encourages everyone to support a complete global ban of the wildlife trade, which inflicts suffering on millions of animals daily.

About World Animal Protection

From our offices around the world, including, Brazil, Kenya, the US and Canada, we move the world to protect animals. Last year, we gave more than 3 billion animals better lives through our campaigns that focus on animals in the wild, animals in disasters, animals in communities and animals in farming. For more information visit https://www.worldanimalprotection.ca

SOURCE World Animal Protection

For further information: Notes to editors: For an interview with a spokesperson or for more b-roll, images contact Nina Devries - ninadevries@worldanimalprotection.ca or 437-970-6565

Organization Profile

World Animal Protection


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