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Tuesday, June 30, 2020

CANADIAN GOVERNMENT FINANCE MINISTER'S PRIVATE COMPANY ANNOUNCES

CAPSA releases new agreement on multi-jurisdictional pension plans

Morneau Shepell Inc.

An in-depth look at this and other subjects are covered in the current issue of the Morneau Shepell News & Views.

TORONTO, June 25, 2020 /CNW/ - Morneau Shepell released the June 2020 issue of its monthly newsletter, News & Views, in which the company looks at the following topics:
CAPSA revises multi-jurisdictional pension plans agreement – The Canadian Association of Pension Supervisory Authorities (CAPSA) has revised its Agreement Respecting Multi-Jurisdictional Pension Plans. The revised agreement includes new funding rules, asset allocation requirements and annuity purchase rules. Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan and the federal government have signed the new multi-jurisdictional agreement, which comes into effect on July 1, 2020.
FSRA sets rules for commuted value transfers – The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA) has issued new guidance on commuted value transfers and annuity purchases for Ontario-registered defined benefit pension plans. FSRA sets out two processes for approval of commuted value payouts, specifically an expedited review process for qualifying plans and an in-depth review process. FSRA also indicates its expectations where a plan administrator chooses not to apply for permission to make commuted value transfers, and sets out criteria for when a pension plan may resume making commuted value transfers.
Federal government introduces moratorium on special payments – The federal government has adopted a regulation to provide temporary, short-term solvency funding relief for federally regulated defined benefit pension plans. Under the new regulation, no solvency special payment instalments are required from May 27, 2020 until December 30, 2020. Relief is also available for employers who made special payments from April 1, 2020 to May 27, 2020.
OSFI eases requirements for commuted value transfers – The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) has revised its Directives of the Superintendent to ease the restrictions on portability transfers for members who are retirement eligible. OSFI will provide automatic consent to portability transfers to locked-in retirement savings vehicles for members who are eligible to retire, subject to certain conditions.
Tracking the funded status of pension plans as at May 31, 2020 – Morneau Shepell describes the funded status of pension plans since December 31, 2019 based on three typical investment portfolios. A graph shows the changes in the financial position of a typical defined benefit plan since the end of 2019. A table shows the impact of past returns on plan assets and the effect of interest rate changes on solvency liabilities of a medium duration pension plan.
The impact of pension expense under international accounting as at May 31, 2020 – Morneau Shepell has shown the evolution of the pension expense for a typical defined benefit pension plan. Since the beginning of the year, the pension expense has remained quite stable, despite the financial markets turmoil.

About Morneau Shepell
Morneau Shepell is a leading provider of technology-enabled HR services that deliver an integrated approach to employee wellbeing through our cloud-based platform. Our focus is providing world-class solutions to our clients to support the mental, physical, social and financial wellbeing of their people. By improving lives, we improve business. Our approach spans services in employee and family assistance, health and wellness, recognition, pension and benefits administration, retirement consulting, actuarial and investment services. Morneau Shepell employs approximately 6,000 employees who work with some 24,000 client organizations that use our services in 162 countries. Morneau Shepell is a publicly traded company on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: MSI). For more information, visit morneaushepell.com.

SOURCE Morneau Shepell Inc.

HempFusion® Participates and Sponsors Industry Leading Study on CBD and Human Health

Hemp Fusion

DENVER, Colo., June 25, 2020 /CNW/ - HempFusion® ("the Company"), a leading dietary supplements company focused on products that contain Hemp/CBD in the United States with distribution of its family of brands to approximately 4,000 retailers across 47 states, is pleased to announce the sponsorship and participation in ValidCare's scientific study that addresses the Food and Drug Administration's ("FDA") previous questions about CBD products. ValidCare will be conducting a human trial and study to determine if daily use of full-spectrum hemp-derived CBD or CBD isolate has any impact on the human liver. HempFusion is one of ten select CBD companies sponsoring and participating in ValidCare's ground breaking study.

"We are excited that HempFusion is one of the select companies participating in this study as they have demonstrated leadership in regulatory compliance and concern for consumer safety," stated Patrick McCarthy, CEO of ValidCare. "What makes this study unique is we are capturing real world evidence from real consumers, specifically on how they use CBD products and how their bodies react to those products, particularly with respect to liver safety. We believe this real world evidence is important to the FDA and could be used to guide policy moving forward," continued McCarthy.

ValidCare expects the study to begin in the third quarter of 2020 and targets completion by the end of the year. The third-party scientific data generated from the companies participating in this study is intended to address some of the FDA's specific requests about CBD products.

"We are incredibly proud to participate in ValidCare's study and help advance scientific research surrounding CBD", stated Jason Mitchell, N.D., Co-CEO of HempFusion. "As a Company, we are built on a foundation of regulatory compliance as well as consumer safety and participation in this study helps establish HempFusion as a leader in the global CBD industry", continued Mitchell.

ABOUT HEMPFUSION

HempFusion is a premium wellness company featuring dietary supplements including hemp-based cannabidiol ("CBD") with distribution of its family of brands to approximately 4,000 retailers across 47 US states. The Company strives to maintain the highest level of compliance in the industry. HempFusion's wide variety of 25+ CBD products with a full spectrum of cannabinoids and other constituents are sourced from quality phytocompounds manufactured under cGMP standards designed to attain efficacy and safety. HempFusion's primary focus is formulating and marketing premium consumer-specific product lines with various delivery methods, across multiple distribution platforms. The Company's CBD products are based on a proprietary Whole Food Panoramic Full-Spectrum Hemp Complex™ and are available through independently owned and national chain health food stores, or by visiting www.hempfusion.com.

ABOUT VALIDCARE

Validcare provides clinical research outsourcing (CRO) and consumer intelligence solutions for the consumer packaged goods (CPG) and life sciences industries. Validcare's proprietary platform supports virtual research powered by real world evidence (RWE). This includes self reported consumer data to deliver insights that help improve research, regulations, product development and consumer health. For more information, visit http://www.validcare.com or call 844-825-4322.

SOURCE Hemp Fusion

For further information: Investor Relations, Email: ir@hempfusion.com, Phone: 416-803-5638, Web: https://www.hempfusion.com/corporate-information/
Related Links

https://hempfusion.com/

Organization Profile

Hemp Fusion

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CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY UNDER LATE CAPITALISM

2020 Best 50 Corporate Citizens in Canada announced by Corporate Knights Inc.

Clean revenues growing twice as fast as regular revenues

TORONTO, June 25, 2020 /CNW/ - Corporate Knights Inc. today released the 19th annual Best 50 Corporate Citizens

Canada ranking. Selected from a pool of 273 Canadian companies, including all those with revenues over $1 billion – each evaluated on a set of up to 21 environmental, social and governance indicators, relative to their industry peers and using publicly available information – the Best 50 companies set the standard for sustainability leadership in Canada.

The top-ranked company in this year's Best 50 was Mountain Equipment Co-op. The outdoor good retailer earned the top spot due to a strong mix of environmentally friendly and fair-trade-certified products (representing 12% of its overall revenues). Mountain Equipment Co-op also had a leading CEO-to-average-worker pay ratio (15:1, about 20 times lower than its average peer) and strong executive gender diversity with women making up 50% of its senior management team.

This year, Corporate Knights completed additional analysis of revenue growth. It found that clean revenues tied to sustainable solutions, which reached $92 billion this year, were growing twice as fast as regular revenues. On a year-over-year basis, clean revenues shot up 14% versus 7% for revenues in general.

"The Best 50 Corporate Citizens have shown their mettle this year, providing needed relief for workers and communities during the pandemic and now stepping up to build back better post-COVID," said Toby Heaps, CEO of Corporate Knights.

On average, the Best 50 Corporate Citizens earned five times more clean revenue, were three times as likely to link executive pay to sustainability outcomes, had 50% more female executives and had a CEO-average-worker pay ratio half that of their large-company peers.

Metric

2020 Best 50

Avg. Large Company*

Metric	2020 Best 50	Avg. Large Company*
CEO-to-worker pay ratio	53-to-1	92-to-1
Women on board of directors %	34%	25%
Women among senior executives %	25%	16%
Exec. compensation link to sustainability % (y/n)	74%	26%
Clean revenue %	32%	6%

*All Canadian companies with more than $1 billion in FY2018 revenue excluding Best 50

This year's Best 50 Corporate Citizens will be recognized in Toronto at a virtual gala hosted by Corporate Knights. Federal Finance Minister Bill Morneau will welcome attendees with opening remarks, to be followed by a discussion on how we can build back better post-COVID, featuring some of Canada's leading CEOs.

For full list and methodology, go to https://www.corporateknights.com/reports/best-50/

About Corporate Knights: Corporate Knights Inc. includes the sustainable business magazine Corporate Knights and a research division that produces rankings and financial product ratings based on corporate sustainability performance. Corporate Knights was named Magazine of the Year at the National Magazine Awards in 2013 and won the SABEW Canada Silver Award for Investigative Reporting in 2019.

SOURCE Corporate Knights Inc.

For further information: Toby Heaps, CEO, Corporate Knights Phone: +1 (416) 274-1432, Email: toby@corporateknights.com
Related Links

http://www.corporateknights.ca

Organization Profile

Corporate Knights Inc.

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Impact investing, employee satisfaction and sustainable revenue sources earn The Co-operators a spot among the Top 5 corporate citizens in Canada

For the eleventh consecutive year, the financial services co-operative has been recognized as a Corporate Knights Best 50 Corporate Citizen in Canada

IT WAS FOUNDED ON THE PRAIRIES IN THE FORTIES BY THE COOPS AND CREDIT UNIONS OF WORKERS AND FARMERS. IT IS ONE OF THE OLDEST FINANCIAL ADVISORS IN CANADA FOR WORKING FOLKS AND A GREAT PLACE TO WORK IF YOU ARE A FAILED NDP POLITICIAN

The Co-operators

GUELPH, ON, June 25, 2020 /CNW/ - In an annual ranking issued by Corporate Knights that measures companies' environmental, social, and governance–related performance, The Co-operators was recognized for leadership in sustainability, earning the #4 spot. 2020 marks the eleventh consecutive year The Co-operators has been included in this national ranking, including holding the #1 spot in 2019 and 2011.

"This recognition as a meaningful contributor to a sustainable economy is an important reflection of our commitment to helping to build more resilient communities," says Rob Wesseling, President and CEO of The Co-operators. "At a time when many people are experiencing significant challenges and uncertainty, the case for sustainability is clear. It enables us to navigate complexity and crises guided by a collaborative, long-term view of success – not only for our co-operative, but for all Canadians."

Highlights of The Co-operators 2019 sustainability performance include:
Products and services that enable a sustainable, low-carbon, resilient society (including its overland flood product, Comprehensive Water)
Leadership in impact investing, with $2.07 billion invested at the end of 2019, representing 19.4% of its invested assets
Strong employee retention rate of 91%

More details about The Co-operators sustainability, governance and financial performance can be found in its 2019 Integrated Annual Report. New this year, The Co-operators has also issued its inaugural Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures Report, Managing Climate-related Risks and Opportunities available online at cooperators.ca/reports.

About The Co-operators:
The Co-operators Group Limited is a Canadian co-operative with more than $47.3 billion in assets under administration. Through its group of companies, it offers home, auto, life, group, travel, commercial and farm insurance, as well as investment products. The Co-operators is well known for its community involvement and its commitment to sustainability. The Co-operators is ranked as a Corporate Knights' Best 50 Corporate Citizen in Canada and listed among the Best Employers in Canada by Kincentric (formerly AON). For more information, visit www.cooperators.ca.

SOURCE The Co-operators

For further information: media@cooperators.ca
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www.cooperators.ca

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New report outlines structural barriers and opportunities for Indigenous Peoples
Diversity Institute at Ryerson University

TORONTO, June 25, 2020 /CNW/ - A new report - Mapping the Landscape: Indigenous Skills Training and Jobs in Canada - from the Canadian Council of Aboriginal Business (CCAB) and the Diversity Institute reveals gaps in employment for Indigenous peoples. Gaps that are being amplified by COVID 19. Indigenous youth are the fastest growing segment of the population - more than 350,000 will come of age by 2026. A focus on quality, targeted, and culturally appropriate education, skills and training targeting Indigenous people, could boost the country's economy by $27.7 billion annually.

The report is part of the Skills Next Project, a collaboration of the Public Policy Forum and the Diversity Institute at Ryerson's Ted Rogers School of Management —supported by the Future Skills Centre, which explores a number of the most important issues currently impacting the skills and employment ecosystem in Canada.

Systemic barriers and discrimination facing Indigenous people have been well- documented: even at higher numeracy and literacy skill levels, First Nations people still have a significantly lower probability of employment (75 percent) than Métis (87 percent) or non-Indigenous (90 percent) people. Notably, even lower-skilled non-Indigenous people have a higher probability of employment than First Nations people (87 percent). Workplace bullying and discrimination causes some Indigenous peoples to leave employment. Other studies have shown that the likelihood of success increases when training is culturally appropriate, engaging in land-based training and including wrap-around supports.

"COVID 19 has exacerbated existing disparities in the employment and skills ecosystem and Indigenous communities are among the hardest hit which lack much of the essential infrastructure to respond – including educational supports, broadband infrastructure and the social and economic resources to adapt," said Andrew Avgerinos, Research Associate, Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business and report co-author.

Despite the challenges, there are many bright spots. With earlier intervention and pre-employment training; culturally appropriate programming to upgrade essential skills as well as wrap-around services such as transportation support and affordable, accessible childcare, rates of employment and success can be significantly improved.

Indigenous businesses are growing and — importantly — creating employment for others. Self-employment and entrepreneurship are increasing, in fact, Indigenous women are starting businesses at twice the rate of non-Indigenous women. If there is an opportunity for the next generation, and for current adult workers, to leapfrog into the future of Canadian work, it may very well be through Indigenous-led business. At the same time, they are also disproportionately affected by COVID. They tend to be in services industries, smaller and under-financed making them far more vulnerable.

"We need to take action to ensure we do not lose the gains that have been made, " said Ashley Richard, Indigenous Partnership Coordinator for the Women's Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub at the Diversity Institute. "We need more granularity on the data on Indigenous peoples skills and employment and experience as entrepreneurs in order to steer evidence-driven policy. A better understanding of the nature of Indigenous labour market data gaps, what works to close them and the many untold success stories can improve opportunities for Indigenous peoples and boost Canada's economic and social development."

SOURCE Diversity Institute at Ryerson University

For further information: Diversity Institute, Kathleen Powderley, Email: kathleen@responsiblecomm.ca

Organization Profile

Diversity Institute at Ryerson University

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

Stay connected

Follow Transport Canada on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.

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

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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
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Organization Profile

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

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