NBC Investigation: McKinsey & Company Worked With U.S. And Russian Defense Players
Earlier in the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the U.S. sanctioned Sergey Chemezov, the CEO of a massive defense company called Rostec. An NBC News investigation found that Rostec used to be a client of the famous American consulting firm McKinsey & Company, which also does hundreds of millions of dollars worth of work for the U.S. government. NBC News’ Dan De Luce reports.
Thursday, June 02, 2022
End Senseless, Suicidal War against Nature, Secretary-General Says at Opening of Stockholm Meeting, Urging Greater Action to Address Global Climate Crisis
Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks to the Stockholm+50 International Meeting, in Stockholm today:
Fifty years ago, the United Nations convened the landmark Conference on the Human Environment here in Stockholm. World leaders recognized that we have a collective responsibility to protect the environment so humanity can enjoy peace, prosperity and sustainable progress. And indeed, over that time humanity has progressed.
But today global well-being is in jeopardy, in large part because we have not kept our promises on the environment. Yes, we have rescued the ozone layer — a remarkable example of multilateral cooperation that should inspire us as we go forward.
But, as we have become more populous and prosperous, our environmental footprint has become unbearably heavy. Earth’s natural systems cannot keep up with our demands. We are consuming at the rate of 1.7 planets a year. If global consumption were at the level of the world’s richest countries, we would need more than three planet Earths.
We face a triple planetary crisis. A climate emergency that is killing and displacing ever more people each year. Ecosystems degradation that are escalating the loss of biodiversity and compromising the well-being of more than 3 billion people. And a growing tide of pollution and waste that is costing some 9 million lives a year.
We need to change course — now — and end our senseless and suicidal war against nature. We know what to do. And, increasingly, we have the tools to do it. But we still lack leadership and cooperation.
So today, I appeal to leaders in all sectors: Lead us out of this mess. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement show the way. But we must act on these commitments. Otherwise, they are nothing but hot air. And hot air is killing us.
So let me get concrete about new opportunities. Later this year, leaders will finalize a new global biodiversity framework to reverse nature loss by 2030. Work is ongoing to establish a treaty to tackle plastics pollution. And the United Nations Ocean Conference can galvanize efforts to save our oceans.
But there is one thing that threatens all our progress. The climate crisis. Unless we act now, we will not have a liveable planet. Scientists recently reported that there is a [50:50] chance that we could temporarily breach the Paris Agreement limit of 1.5°C in the next five years. We cannot let that happen. We must cut greenhouse gas emissions by 45 per cent by 2030 to reach net-zero by 2050. And developed nations must at least double support to developing countries so that they can adapt and build resilience to the climate disruption that is already happening.
Today, I call on G20 Governments to dismantle coal infrastructure, with a full phase-out by 2030 for Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries and 2040 for all others. And I call on all financial actors to abandon fossil fuel finance and invest in renewable energy.
Renewable energy technologies should be seen as a global public good. The necessary raw materials should be available to all. We must scale up and diversify supply chains; reform bureaucracies to provide clarity to investors; fast-track permits for renewable energy projects and accelerate grid modernization; shift subsidies from fossil fuels to support vulnerable people and to advance renewables; and triple investments in renewables to at least $4 trillion dollars a year.
On top of this we must rapidly and vastly improve energy efficiency. We must reduce deforestation and promote more forest cover by 2030. We must vastly intensify efforts to restore coastal ecosystems and at least 1 billion hectares of degraded land in the next decade. And we must also triple investments in nature-based solutions.
If we do these things we can avert climate catastrophe, end a growing humanitarian and inequality crisis and promote inclusive and sustainable development.
Today, I urge countries to embrace the human right to a clean, healthy environment for all people, everywhere — especially poor communities; women and girls; indigenous peoples; young people and the generations to come. To rescue the global environment — and humanity’s future — we must transform the accounting systems that reward pollution and waste.
We must place true value on the environment and go beyond gross domestic product as a measure of human progress and well-being. Let us not forget that when we destroy a forest, we are creating gross domestic product (GDP). When we overfish, we are creating GDP. GDP is not a way to measure richness in the present situation in the world.
Instead, we must shift to a circular and regenerative economy. That demands a strengthened, networked multilateralism based on trust and global cooperation — as envisaged in our United Nations report on Our Common Agenda. Every Government, business and individual has a role to play.
Throughout history, humanity has shown that we are capable of great things. But only when we work together. If we want to survive and thrive, let us protect and nurture our planet, that is our only home. Let us recommit — in words and deeds — to the spirit of responsibility enshrined in the 1972 Stockholm Declaration. Because there is only one planet Earth.
Thank you.
In full view: Angry French diplomats strike over reform
By Elaine Ganley
June 3, 2022 —
Paris: Members of the French diplomatic corps dropped their veil of invisibility to go on a rare strike on Thursday, angered by a planned reform they worry will hurt their careers and France’s standing in the world. It was the second such strike in nearly 20 years.
Between 100 and 200 diplomats dropped the traditional reserve that often defines their work to demonstrate in full view of the imposing Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, the home base for the foreign service. In overseas posts, ranging from Tokyo to the Middle East and Washington, numerous diplomats, including some ambassadors, honoured the day-long strike.
Members of the French diplomatic corps dropped their discretion to go on a rare strike in Paris on Thursday.CREDIT:AP
They want President Emmanuel Macron to scrap a plan to merge career diplomats with a larger body of civil servants, starting in January, or at least hold a dialogue.
The plan, announced by Macron in an April decree, will reportedly affect about 800 diplomats.
Diplomats strike near the French Foreign Ministry in Paris.
By Elaine Ganley
June 3, 2022 —
Paris: Members of the French diplomatic corps dropped their veil of invisibility to go on a rare strike on Thursday, angered by a planned reform they worry will hurt their careers and France’s standing in the world. It was the second such strike in nearly 20 years.
Between 100 and 200 diplomats dropped the traditional reserve that often defines their work to demonstrate in full view of the imposing Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, the home base for the foreign service. In overseas posts, ranging from Tokyo to the Middle East and Washington, numerous diplomats, including some ambassadors, honoured the day-long strike.
Members of the French diplomatic corps dropped their discretion to go on a rare strike in Paris on Thursday.CREDIT:AP
They want President Emmanuel Macron to scrap a plan to merge career diplomats with a larger body of civil servants, starting in January, or at least hold a dialogue.
The plan, announced by Macron in an April decree, will reportedly affect about 800 diplomats.
Opponents claim that’s just the beginning.
“We risk the disappearance of our professional diplomacy,” a group of 500 diplomats, wrote in a commentary published last week in Le Monde newspaper. “Today, [diplomatic] agents ... are convinced it is the very existence of the ministry that is now being put into question.”
The planned change comes amid the war in Ukraine and complex negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program, and while France holds the European Union’s rotating presidency.
“We risk the disappearance of our professional diplomacy,” a group of 500 diplomats, wrote in a commentary published last week in Le Monde newspaper. “Today, [diplomatic] agents ... are convinced it is the very existence of the ministry that is now being put into question.”
The planned change comes amid the war in Ukraine and complex negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program, and while France holds the European Union’s rotating presidency.
Diplomats strike near the French Foreign Ministry in Paris.
CREDIT:AP
France has the world’s third-largest diplomatic network with some 1800 diplomats and about 13,500 officials working at the foreign ministry.
Ministry officials have said the reforms will preserve the diplomatic profession and careers.
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Newly appointed Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, herself a career diplomat, has not commented. However, she will meet with unions and representatives of the protest movement for an initial “listening” session next week, the ministry said.
Demonstrators held banners reading “Professional diplomats on strike”, “Diplomacy in danger”, “Investing for peace is worth it, no?” and “There can be no long-term diplomacy with short-term diplomats” across from the ministry, known as the Quai d’Orsay for its location by the River Seine.
French diplomats are angered by a planned reform they worry will hurt their careers and France’s standing in the world. CREDIT:AP
“To say that diplomacy is in danger, that word may be too strong,” said Maurice Gourdault-Montagne, a former ambassador to China, Japan and Britain, who was taking part. But, he added, “diplomacy will be weakened,” at a time when those skills are especially needed.
“To become an ambassador, before getting to the top of the ladder, it is necessary to actually tick some boxes,” said another demonstrating diplomat, identifying himself only as Benjamin. “And this reform supports the idea that there is no need for such skills.” Like others not yet at the top rung, he declined to give his full name.
The government reform is meant to modernise and diversify France’s diplomatic corps, created in the 16th century, and to bring down the walls of what some in the government see as an elite institution turned in on itself.
It will put diplomats into a large pool from all branches of public service, encouraging switches to other ministries and forcing personnel to compete with outsiders for prized diplomatic posts.
Diplomats contend their job requires specialisation and expertise acquired over years in posts around the world — and has no room for amateurs.
“Today, I am on strike,” Deputy Ambassador to the United States Aurelie Bonal tweeted. “Diplomats negotiate, talk, compromise. They generally do not go on strike.”
Bonal raised yet another worry that protesting diplomats contend the change could generate: cronyism. “Without a diplomatic corps, it will be much easier for the [government] to appoint friends at all levels of diplomatic jobs,” she tweeted.
Dominique de Villepin, a former prime minister and foreign minister known for an eloquent 2003 speech at the United Nations in which he declared French opposition to the US-led invasion of Iraq, labelled the pending reform in a tweet last month “A historic fault”.
For France, the loss of diplomats’ separate status in the civil service means “a loss of independence, a loss of competence, a loss of memory that will weigh heavily on the years ahead,” Villepin tweeted.
Even before Macron’s decree, frustration had festered in the Foreign Ministry’s halls over cuts in funding, personnel and outsourcing. The group commentary in Le Monde deplored “decades of marginalisation of the ministry’s role within the [French] state” as well as “a vertiginous reduction” in personnel — down by 30 per cent in 10 years, the diplomats claim. Funding, they said, is but 0.7 per cent of the state budget.
The Twitter hashtag, #diplo2metier (diplomat by profession), shows a number of ambassadors around the world joining in or supporting of the strike.
“Defending the interests of France and serving France is not improvised,” French Consul General in San Francisco Frederic Jung wrote. “No doubt we need to reform and strengthen our diplomacy, but not to erase it,” said the diplomat of 18 years.
“I will be on strike ... to protest the reform of the diplomatic corps and the continued reduction of means for our diplomacy,” French Ambassador to Kuwait Claire Le Flecher tweeted on her personal account.
Bonal, the deputy ambassador to the United States, said the job of diplomat was more than “gorging on Ferreros in touristic countries. The truth is we also visit morgues & jails; we work very late hours, not always in safe countries,” she tweeted. “It’s a vocation, not a three-year experience.”
Bonal said she was among those who went on the first such strike in 2003, a protest over budget cuts.
AP, with Reuters
France has the world’s third-largest diplomatic network with some 1800 diplomats and about 13,500 officials working at the foreign ministry.
Ministry officials have said the reforms will preserve the diplomatic profession and careers.
Advertisement
Newly appointed Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, herself a career diplomat, has not commented. However, she will meet with unions and representatives of the protest movement for an initial “listening” session next week, the ministry said.
Demonstrators held banners reading “Professional diplomats on strike”, “Diplomacy in danger”, “Investing for peace is worth it, no?” and “There can be no long-term diplomacy with short-term diplomats” across from the ministry, known as the Quai d’Orsay for its location by the River Seine.
French diplomats are angered by a planned reform they worry will hurt their careers and France’s standing in the world. CREDIT:AP
“To say that diplomacy is in danger, that word may be too strong,” said Maurice Gourdault-Montagne, a former ambassador to China, Japan and Britain, who was taking part. But, he added, “diplomacy will be weakened,” at a time when those skills are especially needed.
“To become an ambassador, before getting to the top of the ladder, it is necessary to actually tick some boxes,” said another demonstrating diplomat, identifying himself only as Benjamin. “And this reform supports the idea that there is no need for such skills.” Like others not yet at the top rung, he declined to give his full name.
The government reform is meant to modernise and diversify France’s diplomatic corps, created in the 16th century, and to bring down the walls of what some in the government see as an elite institution turned in on itself.
It will put diplomats into a large pool from all branches of public service, encouraging switches to other ministries and forcing personnel to compete with outsiders for prized diplomatic posts.
Diplomats contend their job requires specialisation and expertise acquired over years in posts around the world — and has no room for amateurs.
“Today, I am on strike,” Deputy Ambassador to the United States Aurelie Bonal tweeted. “Diplomats negotiate, talk, compromise. They generally do not go on strike.”
Bonal raised yet another worry that protesting diplomats contend the change could generate: cronyism. “Without a diplomatic corps, it will be much easier for the [government] to appoint friends at all levels of diplomatic jobs,” she tweeted.
Dominique de Villepin, a former prime minister and foreign minister known for an eloquent 2003 speech at the United Nations in which he declared French opposition to the US-led invasion of Iraq, labelled the pending reform in a tweet last month “A historic fault”.
For France, the loss of diplomats’ separate status in the civil service means “a loss of independence, a loss of competence, a loss of memory that will weigh heavily on the years ahead,” Villepin tweeted.
Even before Macron’s decree, frustration had festered in the Foreign Ministry’s halls over cuts in funding, personnel and outsourcing. The group commentary in Le Monde deplored “decades of marginalisation of the ministry’s role within the [French] state” as well as “a vertiginous reduction” in personnel — down by 30 per cent in 10 years, the diplomats claim. Funding, they said, is but 0.7 per cent of the state budget.
The Twitter hashtag, #diplo2metier (diplomat by profession), shows a number of ambassadors around the world joining in or supporting of the strike.
“Defending the interests of France and serving France is not improvised,” French Consul General in San Francisco Frederic Jung wrote. “No doubt we need to reform and strengthen our diplomacy, but not to erase it,” said the diplomat of 18 years.
“I will be on strike ... to protest the reform of the diplomatic corps and the continued reduction of means for our diplomacy,” French Ambassador to Kuwait Claire Le Flecher tweeted on her personal account.
Bonal, the deputy ambassador to the United States, said the job of diplomat was more than “gorging on Ferreros in touristic countries. The truth is we also visit morgues & jails; we work very late hours, not always in safe countries,” she tweeted. “It’s a vocation, not a three-year experience.”
Bonal said she was among those who went on the first such strike in 2003, a protest over budget cuts.
AP, with Reuters
Alberta family calls for changes to justice system following trial over Métis hunters’ deaths
Breanna Karstens-Smith - Yesterday
The family of two Métis men killed in 2020 is now calling for changes to the justice system after a father and son were found guilty in the deaths.
Jacob Sansom, 39, and Maurice Cardinal, 57 were found dead on a rural road near Glendon, Alta., on March 28, 2020.
Over two weeks, court heard the men had been hunting for moose in the area and had stopped near the Bilodeau property around 9 p.m., which the Bilodeau family found suspicious and so they chased the men.
Throughout the trial, defence lawyers questioned multiple witnesses about Sansom and Cardinal’s drinking habits and their level of intoxication that night.
Medical records showed Sansom was nearly three times the legal blood-alcohol limit at the time of his death and Cardinal was nearly two times the legal limit.
Defence lawyers also tried to prove the men were aggressive. Two people from the Bilodeau family testified that Sansom threatened to skin them.
“They painted it up as if he (Jacob) was violent, (as if) he was an alcoholic,” Jacob Sansom’s sister Gina said.
“The same old stereotypes they paint Indigenous peoples as if his name, his family, who he was as a person does not exist.”
Jacob’s wife Sarah was called to testify during the trial. Defence lawyers asked her lengthy questions about how drunk her husband was that night.
Sarah said her words were twisted in the courtroom and in both traditional media and social media outside the courtroom.
“How are they talking about Jake and Maurice?” Sansom remembered feeling during the trial.
“It doesn't seem like that's who they're talking about because that's not who they were.”
Read more:
‘Bringing a knife to a gunfight’: Alberta lawyers make closing arguments in murder trial
The Bilodeau family assumed that Sansom and Cardinal were thieves, however, no evidence was ever presented to support that.
Roger Bilodeau and his teenage son chased the victims down a rural road, calling Roger’s older son on the way. Roger told his 33-year-old son Anthony to bring a gun.
The chase ended in a fight and Anthony shooting and killing both Sansom and Cardinal in what he claimed was self-defence.
“Maurice and Jake were on trial, not Anthony and Roger,” Gina said.
Both Sansom and Cardinal were found to be unarmed, though an unloaded shotgun was discovered in Sansom’s truck, feet away from Cardinal’s body.
Both Bilodeaus were charged with second-degree murder.
Anthony Bilodeau was found guilty of that charge in the murder of Cardinal, but guilty of the lesser charge of manslaughter in the death of Sansom. Rogers was found guilty of two counts of manslaughter.
Gina believes Anthony’s defence lawyer’s line of questioning is the reason for the lighter charge.
“(Brian) Beresh was able to convince the jury that my brother was a violent drunk. A violent drunk. Even though my brother was none of those things,” she explained.
“It kind of blows your mind," Sarah agreed.
“You're like shaking your heads and we're like, ‘How is this happening?'”
Read more:
Alberta prosecutor points out lies while cross examining man accused of killing Métis hunters
Outside of court following the verdict Tuesday, Beresh shared his disappointment in the verdict saying he was exploring an appeal. He also defended his line of questioning.
“Every day in our courtrooms, I ask witnesses, regardless of their background, about alcohol,” he told media.
“Because we know alcohol affects a whole bunch of issues that are important in a trial like perception, judgment, response. We ask all witnesses that.”
But Gina said she believes treating cases equally does not mean equality since Indigenous people are already facing hardships and stereotypes.
It’s for that reason that her family is pushing for more education within the criminal justice system.
“That's the cultural safe space practice," Gina explained. "Educating lawyers, educating the RCMP, educating the Crown, educating even our judges to look for these things.
"And the jury will need to be instructed in these things.”
Sarah said she worries about the effect the entire tragedy will have on her young children. Their friends have told them they watched a security video of Sansom and Cardinal being killed.
The video was released during the trial with some media outlets posting it -- in its entirety -- online.
“My boy has said to me a few times, ‘When I'm older, am I going to die because I'm Indigenous?'" Sarah shared.
She said she hopes changes to the system will prevent other families and young children from facing the same fears.
Breanna Karstens-Smith - Yesterday
The family of two Métis men killed in 2020 is now calling for changes to the justice system after a father and son were found guilty in the deaths.
Jacob Sansom, 39, and Maurice Cardinal, 57 were found dead on a rural road near Glendon, Alta., on March 28, 2020.
Over two weeks, court heard the men had been hunting for moose in the area and had stopped near the Bilodeau property around 9 p.m., which the Bilodeau family found suspicious and so they chased the men.
Throughout the trial, defence lawyers questioned multiple witnesses about Sansom and Cardinal’s drinking habits and their level of intoxication that night.
Medical records showed Sansom was nearly three times the legal blood-alcohol limit at the time of his death and Cardinal was nearly two times the legal limit.
Defence lawyers also tried to prove the men were aggressive. Two people from the Bilodeau family testified that Sansom threatened to skin them.
“They painted it up as if he (Jacob) was violent, (as if) he was an alcoholic,” Jacob Sansom’s sister Gina said.
“The same old stereotypes they paint Indigenous peoples as if his name, his family, who he was as a person does not exist.”
Jacob’s wife Sarah was called to testify during the trial. Defence lawyers asked her lengthy questions about how drunk her husband was that night.
Sarah said her words were twisted in the courtroom and in both traditional media and social media outside the courtroom.
“How are they talking about Jake and Maurice?” Sansom remembered feeling during the trial.
“It doesn't seem like that's who they're talking about because that's not who they were.”
Read more:
‘Bringing a knife to a gunfight’: Alberta lawyers make closing arguments in murder trial
The Bilodeau family assumed that Sansom and Cardinal were thieves, however, no evidence was ever presented to support that.
Roger Bilodeau and his teenage son chased the victims down a rural road, calling Roger’s older son on the way. Roger told his 33-year-old son Anthony to bring a gun.
The chase ended in a fight and Anthony shooting and killing both Sansom and Cardinal in what he claimed was self-defence.
“Maurice and Jake were on trial, not Anthony and Roger,” Gina said.
Both Sansom and Cardinal were found to be unarmed, though an unloaded shotgun was discovered in Sansom’s truck, feet away from Cardinal’s body.
Both Bilodeaus were charged with second-degree murder.
Anthony Bilodeau was found guilty of that charge in the murder of Cardinal, but guilty of the lesser charge of manslaughter in the death of Sansom. Rogers was found guilty of two counts of manslaughter.
Gina believes Anthony’s defence lawyer’s line of questioning is the reason for the lighter charge.
“(Brian) Beresh was able to convince the jury that my brother was a violent drunk. A violent drunk. Even though my brother was none of those things,” she explained.
“It kind of blows your mind," Sarah agreed.
“You're like shaking your heads and we're like, ‘How is this happening?'”
Read more:
Alberta prosecutor points out lies while cross examining man accused of killing Métis hunters
Outside of court following the verdict Tuesday, Beresh shared his disappointment in the verdict saying he was exploring an appeal. He also defended his line of questioning.
“Every day in our courtrooms, I ask witnesses, regardless of their background, about alcohol,” he told media.
“Because we know alcohol affects a whole bunch of issues that are important in a trial like perception, judgment, response. We ask all witnesses that.”
But Gina said she believes treating cases equally does not mean equality since Indigenous people are already facing hardships and stereotypes.
It’s for that reason that her family is pushing for more education within the criminal justice system.
“That's the cultural safe space practice," Gina explained. "Educating lawyers, educating the RCMP, educating the Crown, educating even our judges to look for these things.
"And the jury will need to be instructed in these things.”
Sarah said she worries about the effect the entire tragedy will have on her young children. Their friends have told them they watched a security video of Sansom and Cardinal being killed.
The video was released during the trial with some media outlets posting it -- in its entirety -- online.
“My boy has said to me a few times, ‘When I'm older, am I going to die because I'm Indigenous?'" Sarah shared.
She said she hopes changes to the system will prevent other families and young children from facing the same fears.
CRIMINAL CAPITALI$M
Chemical maker TCP Group files pre-arranged bankruptcyYesterday
HOUSTON (Reuters) - Texas petrochemical producer TCP Group filed for bankruptcy protection on Wednesday with a plan to hand over control to its lenders, after struggling under costs and legal claims from a 2019 fire.
A process tower flies through the air after exploding at the TPC Group Petrochemical Plant in Port Neches
The Houston-based firm filed for Chapter 11 in U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware with plans to eliminate $950 million of $1.3 billion in secured debt and shed liabilities from an explosion and fire at its plant in Port Neches, Texas. The company had negotiated and agreed the deal with debt-holders.
The largest North American processor of the petrochemicals butane and butadiene, plans to continue operations while it restructures, said Chief Executive Edward J. Dineen in a statement. The chemicals are used in manufacturing of plastics, tires and gasoline.
The company faces federal and state investigations over the Port Neches fire, and is in negotiations with a committee representing some 7,000 claims for property damage, business interruption and personal injury, according to court filings.
The fire was "a critical event leading to" the bankruptcy, according to a court filing. The pandemic later cut into its business, cutting 2020 revenue nearly in half compared to 2019, and a winter storm in 2021 also hit sales, it said.
The case is U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of Delaware, No. 22-10493.
(Reporting by Gary McWilliams; Editing by Lincoln Feast.)
GLOBAL SOLIDARITY FREE PALESTINE
Edmonton mass honours journalist Shireen Abu Akleh
Hamdi Issawi - Yesterday
Edmonton Journal
A memorial mass in Edmonton for a journalist killed in the occupied West Bank celebrated the life of a woman whose coverage cast a light on the Palestinian people.
© Provided by Edmonton Journal
Edmonton mass honours journalist Shireen Abu Akleh
Hamdi Issawi - Yesterday
Edmonton Journal
A memorial mass in Edmonton for a journalist killed in the occupied West Bank celebrated the life of a woman whose coverage cast a light on the Palestinian people.
© Provided by Edmonton Journal
Members of the Canada Palestine Cultural Association hold a memorial mass for Shireen Abu Akleh, at Our Lady of Help Maronite Church, 9805 76 Ave., in Edmonton Sunday May 29, 2022. Abu Akleh, a journalist with Al Jazeera, was shot and killed while covering a May 11, 2022 Israeli army raid in the city of Jenin, in the occupied West Bank of Palestine.
On Sunday, the Canada Palestine Cultural Association organized a service for Shireen Abu Akleh, a dual Palestinian-American national and Al Jazeera reporter who died May 11 while on assignment in Jenin, a northern city in the occupied West Bank.
Joe Hak, founder and former president of the World Lebanon Cultural Union, was one of the organizers of the mass at Our Lady of Good Help, a Maronite Catholic church in Edmonton’s Ritchie neighbourhood. While it was a sombre affair, he said, there was also a deep sense of pride for Abu Akleh and her work.
“She was a household name all over the world,” Hak said, “and particularly in the Arab world — carrying on her role as a journalist to report about the kinds of suffering, brutalities and atrocities committed against the Palestinians.”
Citing witnesses and the Palestinian health ministry, Al Jazeera reported that Abu Akleh, 51, was covering Israeli military raids in Jenin when she was shot dead by Israeli forces despite wearing a clearly marked “press” vest and standing among other journalists garbed in the same.
© David Bloom
On Sunday, the Canada Palestine Cultural Association organized a service for Shireen Abu Akleh, a dual Palestinian-American national and Al Jazeera reporter who died May 11 while on assignment in Jenin, a northern city in the occupied West Bank.
Joe Hak, founder and former president of the World Lebanon Cultural Union, was one of the organizers of the mass at Our Lady of Good Help, a Maronite Catholic church in Edmonton’s Ritchie neighbourhood. While it was a sombre affair, he said, there was also a deep sense of pride for Abu Akleh and her work.
“She was a household name all over the world,” Hak said, “and particularly in the Arab world — carrying on her role as a journalist to report about the kinds of suffering, brutalities and atrocities committed against the Palestinians.”
Citing witnesses and the Palestinian health ministry, Al Jazeera reported that Abu Akleh, 51, was covering Israeli military raids in Jenin when she was shot dead by Israeli forces despite wearing a clearly marked “press” vest and standing among other journalists garbed in the same.
© David Bloom
Monsignor Sayed Kozhaya is highlighted by sunlight as he takes part in a memorial mass for Shireen Abu Akleh, at Our Lady of Help Maronite Church, 9805 76 Ave., in Edmonton Sunday May 29, 2022. Abu Akleh, a journalist with Al Jazeera, was shot and killed while covering a May 11, 2022 Israeli army raid in the city of Jenin, in the occupied West Bank of Palestine.
![]()
Israel’s government initially suggested Palestinian fire might have been to blame, but officials have also said they could not rule out it was Israeli gunfire that killed her. Witnesses told Al Jazeera there had been no confrontations between Palestinian fighters and the Israeli army at the time.
Abu Akleh covered Palestinian affairs and the Middle East for more than 20 years, Al Jazeera wrote, and colleagues and acquaintances described her as a “real journalist” as well as a voice for Palestinians.
“We wanted people to know who she was,” Hak added, “and we wanted to give her the honour she deserves.”
— With files from Reuters
hissawi@postmedia.com
@hamdiissawi
© David Bloom
Israel’s government initially suggested Palestinian fire might have been to blame, but officials have also said they could not rule out it was Israeli gunfire that killed her. Witnesses told Al Jazeera there had been no confrontations between Palestinian fighters and the Israeli army at the time.
Abu Akleh covered Palestinian affairs and the Middle East for more than 20 years, Al Jazeera wrote, and colleagues and acquaintances described her as a “real journalist” as well as a voice for Palestinians.
“We wanted people to know who she was,” Hak added, “and we wanted to give her the honour she deserves.”
— With files from Reuters
hissawi@postmedia.com
@hamdiissawi
© David Bloom
Sourly Karam holds a rosary as she takes part in a memorial mass for Shireen Abu Akleh, at Our Lady of Help Maronite Church, 9805 76 Ave., in Edmonton Sunday May 29, 2022. Abu Akleh, a journalist with Al Jazeera, was shot and killed while covering a May 11, 2022 Israeli army raid in the city of Jenin, in the occupied West Bank of Palestine.
© David Bloom
© David Bloom
Randa Alhijawi, president of the Canada Palestine Cultural Association, holds a Palestinian flag as she takes part in a memorial mass for Shireen Abu Akleh, at Our Lady of Help Maronite Church, 9805 76 Ave., in Edmonton Sunday May 29, 2022. Abu Akleh, a journalist with Al Jazeera, was shot and killed while covering a May 11, 2022 Israeli army raid in the city of Jenin, in the occupied West Bank of Palestine.
© David Bloom
© David Bloom
Sourly Karam holds a green rosary as she takes part in a memorial mass for Shireen Abu Akleh, at Our Lady of Help Maronite Church, 9805 76 Ave., in Edmonton Sunday May 29, 2022. Abu Akleh, a journalist with Al Jazeera, was shot and killed while covering a May 11, 2022 Israeli army raid in the city of Jenin, in the occupied West Bank of Palestine.
SINGLE SOURCE SUPPLY CHAIN
Ontario hospitals monitor global shortage of contrast dye used for medical scans
A global shortage of contrast dye has forced some Ontario hospitals to limit or postpone certain diagnostic imaging scans.
Windsor Regional Hospital says it expects just half of its usual shipment of iodinated contrast dye in the coming weeks, and is not booking any new non-emergency CT, cardiac angiograms and diagnostic studies until at least the end of June.
It says "all hospitals in Ontario" have developed mitigation strategies to ration the solution after a major international supplier temporarily closed its main Chinese plant amid COVID-19 concerns and is still ramping up production.
The Windsor hospital says it will prioritize emergency care including "major trauma, possible strokes and cardiac issues, bowel blockages and critical care patients."
"The hospital will contact patients whose upcoming appointments are impacted by the rationing of contrast dye use," according to a statement issued Saturday.
Bluewater Health, which includes southwestern Ontario hospitals in Sarnia and the town of Petrolia, said Tuesday it also expected half of its usual supply but would manage by using other imaging methods that don't require the contrast dye.
It added that the issue has not impacted ultrasounds, X-rays or MRI exams with contrast, and that it "is not significantly affecting appointments."
The global shortage affects hospitals supplied by GE Healthcare's manufacturing site in Shanghai, which was closed for several weeks by COVID-19 policies in China. GE has three other manufacturing sites, including a plant in Cork, Ireland that expanded production to help cover the shortfall.
The plant in China reopened to 60 per cent capacity May 21 but it's expected to take several weeks for production to reach full capacity.
A spokeswoman for Toronto's North York General Hospital said it was "exploring if there are other supply options."
"Like hospitals across Ontario, this shortage will have some impact at North York General and we are working to minimize any impact to patient care," Anne-Marie Flanagan said in an emailed statement.
"This includes changing some of our imaging protocols to reduce or avoid the use of IV contrast while working to ensure that there are no negative impacts on quality and access to CT imaging."
Bluewater's medical director of diagnostic imaging said it was intent on ensuring patients were not adversely impacted.
"Locally, we are managing our supply by taking steps to limit our usage where possible and will continue to assess as we gain more insight on the shortage," Dr. Youssef Almalki said in a release.
A statement from Toronto's University Health Network, which includes the Toronto General and Toronto Western hospitals and the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, said it was not experiencing the same supply strain since it gets its contrast dye from Bayer.
However, it acknowledged that the shortage could cause secondary strain if it increases demand on rival manufacturers.
"This means that many places are looking to Bayer as the source for contrast, which may affect everyone should the supply issue continue with GE," UHN said in a statement.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 1, 2022.
Cassandra Szklarski, The Canadian Press
Ontario hospitals monitor global shortage of contrast dye used for medical scans
A global shortage of contrast dye has forced some Ontario hospitals to limit or postpone certain diagnostic imaging scans.
Windsor Regional Hospital says it expects just half of its usual shipment of iodinated contrast dye in the coming weeks, and is not booking any new non-emergency CT, cardiac angiograms and diagnostic studies until at least the end of June.
It says "all hospitals in Ontario" have developed mitigation strategies to ration the solution after a major international supplier temporarily closed its main Chinese plant amid COVID-19 concerns and is still ramping up production.
The Windsor hospital says it will prioritize emergency care including "major trauma, possible strokes and cardiac issues, bowel blockages and critical care patients."
"The hospital will contact patients whose upcoming appointments are impacted by the rationing of contrast dye use," according to a statement issued Saturday.
Bluewater Health, which includes southwestern Ontario hospitals in Sarnia and the town of Petrolia, said Tuesday it also expected half of its usual supply but would manage by using other imaging methods that don't require the contrast dye.
It added that the issue has not impacted ultrasounds, X-rays or MRI exams with contrast, and that it "is not significantly affecting appointments."
The global shortage affects hospitals supplied by GE Healthcare's manufacturing site in Shanghai, which was closed for several weeks by COVID-19 policies in China. GE has three other manufacturing sites, including a plant in Cork, Ireland that expanded production to help cover the shortfall.
The plant in China reopened to 60 per cent capacity May 21 but it's expected to take several weeks for production to reach full capacity.
A spokeswoman for Toronto's North York General Hospital said it was "exploring if there are other supply options."
"Like hospitals across Ontario, this shortage will have some impact at North York General and we are working to minimize any impact to patient care," Anne-Marie Flanagan said in an emailed statement.
"This includes changing some of our imaging protocols to reduce or avoid the use of IV contrast while working to ensure that there are no negative impacts on quality and access to CT imaging."
Bluewater's medical director of diagnostic imaging said it was intent on ensuring patients were not adversely impacted.
"Locally, we are managing our supply by taking steps to limit our usage where possible and will continue to assess as we gain more insight on the shortage," Dr. Youssef Almalki said in a release.
A statement from Toronto's University Health Network, which includes the Toronto General and Toronto Western hospitals and the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, said it was not experiencing the same supply strain since it gets its contrast dye from Bayer.
However, it acknowledged that the shortage could cause secondary strain if it increases demand on rival manufacturers.
"This means that many places are looking to Bayer as the source for contrast, which may affect everyone should the supply issue continue with GE," UHN said in a statement.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 1, 2022.
Cassandra Szklarski, The Canadian Press
STILL LESS THAN $15 PER HR
WINNIPEG — Politicians at the Manitoba legislature were preparing to pass more than 20 bills into law Wednesday night, including one to increase the minimum wage, before breaking for the summer.
© Provided by The Canadian PressMinimum wage bill and others expected to pass before Manitoba legislature break
The bills, some of which were first put before the legislature last fall, also covered issues such as civilian oversight of police and security at the legislative building.
"We've had a robust legislative session ... some (bills) to make life more affordable for Manitobans," said Premier Heather Stefanson, referring to a bill that offered higher rebates on property taxes.
The minimum wage bill proposed giving the government authority to boost the hourly rate above the current formula, which adjusts it every October to match the inflation rate from the previous year.
Under that formula, the wage is set to increase 40 cents to $12.35 an hour. Stefanson has said Manitoba needs to stay competitive with other provinces, and the government will decide on a new figure after consulting business and labour leaders.
Another bill set to go to a final vote would give additional powers to the Independent Investigation Unit, a civilian-led body that oversees police. The unit would have more power to compel officers to co-operate with investigators.
Other legislation would let the government ban certain activities — to be determined later by cabinet — from the legislature grounds. Offenders could be evicted and face fines. Lengthy encampments were set up on or in front of the legislature grounds earlier this year.
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There were also bills on allowing electronic vote-counting during provincial elections, repealinga public-sector wage freeze and ensuring personal security of political candidates by removing their home addresses from Elections Manitoba's website.
Other bills were not expected to go to a final vote until the legislature resumes in the fall, including one that would loosen restrictions on cosmetic use of lawn pesticides. Another would cap electricity rates, although critics say it would shift some powers from the independent provincial regulator to the government. A third would allow for more private alcohol sales by expanding the range of products sold by private vendors.
The Opposition New Democrats used procedural rules to make sure the pesticide, electricity and other bills were not passed before the summer break.
"The NDP is looking forward and is ready with the solutions families need," NDP Leader Wab Kinew said in a news release.
The summer break will include a byelection Tuesday in the northern constituency of Thompson. The longtime NDP stronghold has been vacant since NDP MLA Danielle Adams died in a highway crash last December.
NDP Leader Wab Kinew missed the final two days of the spring sitting to help out the party's campaign in Thompson.
The Progressive Conservative government has been trailing the New Democrats in opinion polls for more than a year. A provincial election is scheduled for Oct. 3, 2023.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 1, 2022.
Steve Lambert, The Canadian Press
Minimum wage bill and others expected to pass before Manitoba legislature break
WINNIPEG — Politicians at the Manitoba legislature were preparing to pass more than 20 bills into law Wednesday night, including one to increase the minimum wage, before breaking for the summer.
© Provided by The Canadian PressMinimum wage bill and others expected to pass before Manitoba legislature break
The bills, some of which were first put before the legislature last fall, also covered issues such as civilian oversight of police and security at the legislative building.
"We've had a robust legislative session ... some (bills) to make life more affordable for Manitobans," said Premier Heather Stefanson, referring to a bill that offered higher rebates on property taxes.
The minimum wage bill proposed giving the government authority to boost the hourly rate above the current formula, which adjusts it every October to match the inflation rate from the previous year.
Under that formula, the wage is set to increase 40 cents to $12.35 an hour. Stefanson has said Manitoba needs to stay competitive with other provinces, and the government will decide on a new figure after consulting business and labour leaders.
Another bill set to go to a final vote would give additional powers to the Independent Investigation Unit, a civilian-led body that oversees police. The unit would have more power to compel officers to co-operate with investigators.
Other legislation would let the government ban certain activities — to be determined later by cabinet — from the legislature grounds. Offenders could be evicted and face fines. Lengthy encampments were set up on or in front of the legislature grounds earlier this year.
There were also bills on allowing electronic vote-counting during provincial elections, repealinga public-sector wage freeze and ensuring personal security of political candidates by removing their home addresses from Elections Manitoba's website.
Other bills were not expected to go to a final vote until the legislature resumes in the fall, including one that would loosen restrictions on cosmetic use of lawn pesticides. Another would cap electricity rates, although critics say it would shift some powers from the independent provincial regulator to the government. A third would allow for more private alcohol sales by expanding the range of products sold by private vendors.
The Opposition New Democrats used procedural rules to make sure the pesticide, electricity and other bills were not passed before the summer break.
"The NDP is looking forward and is ready with the solutions families need," NDP Leader Wab Kinew said in a news release.
The summer break will include a byelection Tuesday in the northern constituency of Thompson. The longtime NDP stronghold has been vacant since NDP MLA Danielle Adams died in a highway crash last December.
NDP Leader Wab Kinew missed the final two days of the spring sitting to help out the party's campaign in Thompson.
The Progressive Conservative government has been trailing the New Democrats in opinion polls for more than a year. A provincial election is scheduled for Oct. 3, 2023.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 1, 2022.
Steve Lambert, The Canadian Press
Regulator rules Flair Airlines is Canadian; upstart carrier can keep its licence
CALGARY — The Canadian Transportation Agency says Flair Airlines is Canadian.
© Provided by The Canadian PressRegulator rules Flair Airlines is Canadian; upstart carrier can keep its licence
The ruling means the Edmonton-based upstart carrier can keep its operating licence.
Canadian legislation allows no more than 49 per cent ownership of a Canadian airline by foreign entities.
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The CTA had been investigating Flair's ownership to determine whether its relationship with Miami-based investor 777 Partners violated those rules.
Flair has made a number of changes as a result of the investigation, including a promise to increase the number of Canadians on its board.
Flair has faced opposition from larger rivals Air Canada, WestJet and 30-odd other carriers who have publicly called for the regulator to rule against it.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 1, 2022.
The Canadian Press
CALGARY — The Canadian Transportation Agency says Flair Airlines is Canadian.
© Provided by The Canadian PressRegulator rules Flair Airlines is Canadian; upstart carrier can keep its licence
The ruling means the Edmonton-based upstart carrier can keep its operating licence.
Canadian legislation allows no more than 49 per cent ownership of a Canadian airline by foreign entities.
The CTA had been investigating Flair's ownership to determine whether its relationship with Miami-based investor 777 Partners violated those rules.
Flair has made a number of changes as a result of the investigation, including a promise to increase the number of Canadians on its board.
Flair has faced opposition from larger rivals Air Canada, WestJet and 30-odd other carriers who have publicly called for the regulator to rule against it.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 1, 2022.
The Canadian Press
COMMODITY FETISH
The mint's one-kilogram platinum coin fetches more than $1.2 million at auctionOTTAWA — A one-kilogram platinum coin encrusted with hundreds of diamonds fetched more than $1.2 million at auction.
The Heffel Fine Art Auction House says an anonymous buyer took the Royal Canadian Mint's "The Ultimate" piece after heated bidding Tuesday.
Heffel says the price, which includes auction house fees, exceeded the pre-sale estimate of between $700,000 and $900,000 to set a new record for a coin offered at auction in Canada.
"The Ultimate" has a face value of $2,500 is made of 99.95 per cent pure platinum and has a rose-gold-plated rim.
The piece is engraved with a cherry blossom design by Canadian artist Derek Wicks.
A total of 462 pink diamonds embellish the petals of dozens of flowers that converge into a central bloom.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 1, 2022.
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