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Japan's increasing demand for biomass, specifically wood pellets, is having a harmful impact on Canada's forests, particularly in British Columbia. The wood pellets, which are being imported by Japan as a "green" energy source, are made from trees that are clearcut in BC. However, experts argue that this practice is unsustainable and detrimental to the environment. BC's forestry sector is already overstretched and declining, and there may be a limit to the amount of wood pellets that can be provided to Japan. The logging industry in BC is shrinking, and competition for resources is expected to increase in the future. Concerns have been raised about the long-term sustainability of Japan's wood pellet supply from BC. [Extracted from the article]

The 21st edition of SIAL Canada, a major agri-food business accelerator, took place in Montreal and featured nearly 800 exhibitors from 51 countries. The event celebrated the 60th anniversary of the SIAL network and attracted over 24,000 industry professionals from 75 countries. The conference program included thematic forums covering topics such as eco-design, food waste reduction, nutrition labeling, and the Canadian Food Guide. The event also included the SIAL Innovation contest and the Cheesemongers Competition. The success of SIAL Canada 2024 solidified its position as a leading event in the agri-food industry. The next edition of SIAL Canada will take place in Toronto in 2025. [Extracted from the article]

Complex ecological and human‐influenced factors that are characteristic of chronic wasting disease (CWD) have created substantial and unique challenges for effective management in free‐ranging cervids. We sought to summarize and characterize management experiences and actions from 30 U.S. states, 4 Canadian provinces, and 3 European countries that have direct experience with CWD. We surveyed wildlife agencies that had detected CWD in their free‐ranging cervid population and collected information from journal articles, published reports, and agency webpages. We report management approaches and their apparent impacts by state, provincial, or national jurisdiction during 3 stages of response to CWD: 1) pre‐detection, 2) initial response, and 3) altered response. Agencies took a proactive approach to CWD during the pre‐detection phase; 12 of the 24 responding agencies had a weighted‐surveillance program in place and 17 had regulations aimed at disease prevention. There was no apparent difference in initial apparent prevalence of CWD among agencies with weighted surveillance in place and those without, but complicating factors, such as differing sampling methods and sample size, were present. Agencies reported 5 common surveillance strategies, and first detections were primarily from sampling hunter‐harvested deer. Bans or restrictions on interstate movement of carcasses or live animals and increased bag limits were common responses to the detection of CWD and were used by 83% and 78% of the 24 responding agencies, respectively. Similarly, adapted surveillance was a common response to CWD detection; 14 of the 24 agencies either initiated or adjusted their weighted surveillance program following detection. However, of the 20 U.S. states and 6 Canadian provinces that have not yet detected CWD, only 3 are currently applying weighted surveillance approaches to their CWD sampling efforts. As demonstrated by New York and Minnesota, localized eradication of CWD may be possible if it is detected in its emergent stage when there are few infected deer in an area. We found that 4 of the 20 U.S. states and 2 of the 6 Canadian provinces that have yet to detect CWD had a response plan available online. Further analyses to assess the impacts of various management approaches on the spatial and temporal trajectory of CWD prevalence requires more data collection and reporting, such as consistent and fine‐scale surveillance in management and control areas. We recommend that agencies be proactive in public messaging of CWD response plans well before initial detection and that cervid managers dealing with CWD collaborate regularly with one another to share their variable and collective experiences. We also recommend that agencies provide detailed public reports on CWD responses, disease progression, and management outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development and expansion of wind energy is considered a key threat to bat populations in North America and globally. Several approaches to mitigating the impacts of wind energy development on bat populations have been developed, including curtailing wind turbine operation at night during lower wind speeds when bats are thought to be more active. Blanket curtailment approaches have shown substantial promise in reducing bat fatalities at wind energy facilities, but they also reduce the amount of energy extracted from the wind by turbines. A related approach, referred to as smart curtailment, uses bat activity and other variables to predict when bats will be at the greatest risk at a given wind facility. In some contexts, a smart curtailment approach might reduce bat fatalities while also reducing energy loss relative to blanket curtailment. However, it has not been clear how to compare blanket curtailment and smart curtailment approaches in terms of annual energy production at wind facilities. Here, we describe a new approach to simulating the influence of blanket and smart curtailment approaches on energy production at wind energy facilities, and demonstrate the approach using 6 wind energy development areas in the Canadian province of Alberta. We show how stakeholders involved can explore the potential influences of various kinds of bat activity on energy production. We present the results of our Alberta analysis and conclude with some caveats and recommendations for future work on simulating the influences of bat curtailment on energy production at wind energy facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the challenges faced by B.C. commodity producers in trading with the rest of Canada, highlighting the dominance of U.S. markets due to geographical proximity and lower transportation costs. Topics include the impact of distance and transportation costs on trade, persistent regulatory barriers within Canada hindering the flow of goods and labor between provinces, and estimates of the economic benefits of removing interprovincial trade barriers.

In 1924, Prince Edward Island became the last province in Canada to switch from driving on the left side of the road to driving on the right side, joining the rest of North America. This change was prompted by the increasing popularity of cross-country automobile travel and the need for standardized traffic rules. The transition was relatively smooth, with few accidents reported except for two incidents involving horse-drawn wagons. Prior to the change, cars had been banned on the island due to concerns about frightening horses, but the ban was partially lifted in 1913 and fully rescinded in 1919. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at West Virginia University explores the use of telemedicine in addressing mental health concerns in Canada. The study highlights the barriers to in-person care faced by individuals in rural and northern areas of the country and emphasizes the potential of telehealth in reaching underserved populations. The researchers provide guidance on ethical and legal considerations, patient appropriateness, informed consent, safety planning, and data security for psychologists practicing telehealth in Canada. The study concludes that psychologists must be knowledgeable about the unique factors of telehealth to ensure an ethical and safe practice. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers from the Manitoba Center for Health Policy examined the patterns of concurrent opioid and psychotropic drug use during pregnancy in two Canadian provinces. The study found that approximately 1.4% of pregnancies involved the concurrent use of these drugs. Mothers who were dispensed multiple opioids were more likely to engage in concurrent drug use, and the strength of opioids used by these mothers was higher compared to those who only used opioids. The study suggests that further research is needed to understand the impact of concurrent drug use on maternal and child outcomes. [Extracted from the article]

Texas and four other states have reached a settlement with the operators of an alleged $1 billion illegal cryptocurrency investment scheme. The scheme involved tokenized partial ownership of a skyscraper and other investments in the metaverse and cryptocurrency. The regulators aim to return hundreds of millions of dollars to investors who lost funds. The settlement includes all clients who invested in any product offered by the operators, and the claims process will be administered by AlixPartners LP. [Extracted from the article]

Good leaf! More than 80 farms across 35 US states and Canadian provinces are paying tribute to the 75th anniversary of Charles Schulz's first Peanuts cartoon by creating special corn and sunflower mazes. Farmers expect about 2 million guests to visit the Peanuts-themed mazes, which depict Charlie Brown and the gang in different scenes—including Linus and Woodstock at a pumpkin patch and Snoopy resting on a jack-o'-lantern. "The fact that they can do that with a corn maze and get the artwork right…is pretty incredible," said Jill Schulz, the cartoonist's daughter. "It will be a thrill to see."It's a-maze-ing, Charlie Brown! [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers from Simon Fraser University in Canada aimed to investigate the prevalence of conversion therapy practices (CTPs) across Canadian provinces and territories and determine whether CTP bans reduce their prevalence. The study collected data from 31 adults in Canada who had direct experience with CTPs or knew people who had undergone them. Mapping analysis revealed that three provinces and eleven municipalities had CTP bans. The study found that the prevalence of CTPs in provinces/territories without bans was 1.76 times greater than those with bans, and CTPs were occurring in most provinces/territories, with higher prevalence in the west and the Atlantic. These findings highlight the need for continued efforts to monitor CTP prevalence and inform policymakers and legislators about the threat they pose to the health and well-being of LGBTQ2S+ individuals. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the theory of psychological aposematism, which suggests that suicide may function as a conditioning mechanism for society. The theory proposes that communities experiencing multiple suicides may be prompted to alleviate the underlying causes of these suicides, which could be evolutionarily adaptive for individuals with mental health conditions. The hypothesis that geographical regions with higher suicide rates will exhibit higher reproductive fitness among individuals with mental illness is examined using limited data from Statistics Canada. While some observed data patterns appear to support the hypothesis, the results are not statistically significant and do not consistently align with different approaches. The research is ongoing and will be re-evaluated as new data becomes available. [Extracted from the article]

The BC United Party, formerly known as the BC Liberals, has withdrawn from the upcoming election in British Columbia due to a significant drop in poll numbers. This decision may benefit the BC Conservatives, who are vying to take control from the left-leaning BC New Democratic Party. BC United Leader Kevin Falcon has urged supporters to back Conservative Leader John Rustad in order to defeat the NDP. A BC Conservative victory would bring about policy changes such as tax cuts, increased development of liquefied natural gas, and the expansion of oil and gas pipelines. The BC Liberal Party, although not formally affiliated with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal Party of Canada, has faced challenges due to the unpopularity of Trudeau and the Liberal brand in Western Canada. [Extracted from the article]

The article from Dalhousie University Faculty of Medicine explores the relationship between social-to-medical spending ratios and cancer incidence and mortality in Canadian provinces. Topics include the impact of higher social spending ratios on cancer incidence for colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers, the negligible effect on lung cancer incidence and cancer mortality, and the implications of these findings for a health-in-all-policies approach to cancer prevention and treatment.

British Columbia's forestry industry is at risk of disruptions due to a potential rail strike, which would have significant economic consequences. The industry relies on rail transportation to move lumber and other forestry products across North America and for overseas shipments. If a strike occurs, there could be widespread mill closures and millions of dollars in weekly losses for the sector. The forest sector in BC contributes billions of dollars to the economy, generates thousands of jobs, and accounts for a significant portion of provincial manufacturing sales and commodity export value. Alternative transport methods are limited, so the industry is concerned about the impact of a rail stoppage. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Brock University in St. Catharines, Canada, explores the experiences of mother-coaches in the context of generational cohorts. Using critical feminist narrative inquiry, the researchers interviewed fourteen mother-coaches from different provinces and sports. The study highlights the importance of support from spouses and other women coaches, while also shedding light on systemic inequities in the coaching culture. The findings emphasize the significance of generational differences and how mother-coaches engage in acts of resistance against gender inequities. This research has been peer-reviewed and can be accessed for further information. [Extracted from the article]

A pilot study conducted by the University of Saskatchewan aimed to assess the effectiveness of HPV self-sampling in improving cervical cancer screening participation in under-screened populations in Saskatchewan, Canada. The study involved 500 participants who were either mailed self-swabbing kits or received them at urban and rural clinics. The overall response rate was approximately 16%, with in-person distribution resulting in a higher response rate. The study found that participants at a specific inner-city clinic had a higher positivity rate for HPV strains, suggesting that in-person distribution may be more effective for high-risk populations. [Extracted from the article]

Specialty Building Products, a distributor of products used in home construction based in Duluth, Georgia, is reportedly seeking to raise up to $750 million in an initial public offering (IPO). The company, backed by Jordan Co., has filed confidentially with the US Securities and Exchange Commission and aims to launch the offering in the fourth quarter. The IPO would allow Specialty Building Products to take advantage of the increased spending on home renovation, which has remained high due to high interest rates and people staying in their current homes for longer. The US IPO market has rebounded this year, with $29 billion raised to date. Specialty Building Products distributes branded specialty building products in various categories and serves multiple states in the US and provinces in Canada. [Extracted from the article]

The Quebec government plans to make a new investment of "several hundred million dollars" to support Airbus SE in increasing production of its A220 narrow-body aircraft in the province. This additional investment brings Quebec's total investment in the program to over C$2 billion ($1.5 billion). Quebec initially invested $1 billion in 2015 for a 49.5% stake in the program when it was owned by Bombardier Inc. However, Airbus took control of the line in 2018, and the A220 has been consistently unprofitable. The Quebec government's decision to provide more funding aims to protect the value of its investment and extend the deadline for Airbus to buy back its minority stake. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) explored the implementation of an advance care planning (ACP) pathway in primary care settings in two Canadian provinces. The ACP pathway aimed to improve communication between patients and healthcare providers regarding future medical care preferences. The study found that involving non-physician clinic staff, preparing patients ahead of visits, and using tools to structure visits helped mitigate barriers to ACP. Clinicians reported positive experiences with the pathway, highlighting its usefulness, impact on clinician-patient interactions, and compatibility with existing workflow. The study concluded that the implementation of the ACP pathway was feasible and supported by clinicians. [Extracted from the article]

According to a preprint abstract, researchers in Canada have established the Pan-Canadian Milk (PCM) Network to test retail milk for the presence of influenza A virus RNA. As of June 3, 2024, 34 retail milk samples from five Canadian provinces have been tested and all have tested negative for influenza A virus RNA. The testing is ongoing and results will be updated as more data becomes available. This surveillance system will serve as an early warning system to contain any potential outbreaks. [Extracted from the article]

More than 325 global milk quality experts gathered for the 2024 National Mastitis Council (NMC) Annual Meeting, held January 29-February 1, in Dallas, Texas, USA. The attendees traveled from 21 countries, 29 U.S. states and six Canadian provinces, and represented milk quality, mastitis and udder health researchers, dairy producers and dairy industry partners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (TSBEP) held a special meeting to discuss the adoption of the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP-2). The board expressed concerns about the exam's scientific utility and potential bias. The EPPP has been the only licensing exam for psychologists in Texas since the 1960s, but the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) now requires the adoption of both the EPPP-1 and EPPP-2 by January 1, 2026. The board raised questions about the psychometrics of the EPPP-2, but ASPPB has not provided all the details. There were suggestions to administer the knowledge portion of the EPPP pre-doctoral and the competency portion post-doctoral, but it was deemed unfeasible. Concerns were also raised about the impact on PsyPact membership. The board expressed dissatisfaction with ASPPB's decision-making process and lack of transparency. The deadline for the adoption of the EPPP-2 marks a significant departure in the working relationship between TSBEP and ASPPB. [Extracted from the article]

Meter, a start-up based in San Francisco, has secured $35 million in funding for its Network as a Service (NaaS) offering. The NaaS solution includes hardware, software, and operations, allowing customers to easily manage and monitor their networks. Meter's footprint has expanded to cover millions of square feet in over 125 cities across the US and Canada. The funding round was led by Sam Altman (CEO of OpenAI) and Lachy Groom (Stripe), with participation from other investors. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on regional preferences among residents of British Columbia and Alberta for potential relocation within Canada, highlighting Alberta as British Columbians' top choice and British Columbia as the preferred destination for Albertans.

The article discusses how governments and courts are shrinking the world by devaluing boundaries. It highlights a Supreme Court of Canada case that holds that provincial regulatory schemes can apply to those outside of the relevant province. The case involves the Securities industry, but the principle is not limited to it. The article also mentions a similar example in the USA, where State Attorneys-General have been deputized to enforce federal aviation laws. Overall, the article emphasizes the increasing reach of regulatory laws beyond provincial and national borders. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses two separate topics. The first topic is the unveiling of a special commemorative paint scheme on a Luftwaffe Panavia Tornado IDS aircraft, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the type's first flight. The scheme combines elements of the red and white livery worn by Italy, Germany, and the UK. The second topic is the discovery of the remains of a Bristol Bolingbroke aircraft in Manitoba, Canada. The aircraft was found by a flying instructor and has since been donated to the Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum. The identity of the airframe has not been confirmed, but it is believed to be a Mk. IVT multipurpose trainer. [Extracted from the article]

A report from St Michael's Hospital in Toronto, Canada discusses the increasing burden of opioid-related deaths in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study analyzed data from nine Canadian provinces and territories between 2019 and 2021 and found that the number of opioid-related deaths and years of life lost due to opioids significantly increased during this period. The highest number of years of life lost was among males and individuals aged 30-39 years. The study emphasizes the need for targeted prevention efforts, particularly among younger adults. [Extracted from the article]

The Canadian province of Saskatchewan is planning to increase its borrowing in foreign markets to 25% of its total debt, up from the current 5%, in order to diversify its funding sources. This would involve raising non-domestic debt to around C$10 billion ($7.3 billion), compared to the current C$2.5 billion. The province may issue euro or dollar bonds every 18 months, depending on investor interest and pricing. Saskatchewan recently sold its first euro-denominated bond, which was well-received by investors and helped raise its global profile. [Extracted from the article]

ClaimsPro added Jeffrey Stenberg to its Specialty Risk Division as an executive general adjuster in the U.S.Stenberg began his insurance career in 1987 performing boiler and machinery loss prevention surveys and jurisdictional inspections at large commercial properties. He has also previously worked as a claim consultant.ClaimsPro an independent adjusting and claims management company with offices in every province in Canada and several branch locations in the U.S. [Extracted from the article]

The Canadian province of Saskatchewan is planning to increase its borrowing in foreign markets to 25% of its total debt, up from the current 5%, in order to diversify funding as capital needs grow. This could result in non-domestic debt rising to around C$10 billion ($7.3 billion), up from the current C$2.5 billion. The province may issue euro or dollar bonds every 18 months, depending on investor interest and pricing. Saskatchewan recently sold its first euro-denominated bond, which was well-received by investors and helped raise global exposure for the province. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on Varsteel Ltd.'s acquisition of Pacific Steel (Acier Pacifique) in Laval, Quebec, enhancing Varsteel's product offerings and establishing a comprehensive range of structural steel products across Canada from coast to coast.

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of the Fraser Valley in Canada examined the impact of different regulatory frameworks on the outcomes of cannabis legalization in the provinces of Alberta and Quebec. The study found significant differences in cannabis use and legal sourcing levels between the two provinces, with fewer differences in cannabis-related risks such as impaired driving. The researchers suggest that these findings highlight the potential influence of regulatory frameworks on health and socio-legal outcomes related to cannabis legalization. Further research is needed to establish causal associations and inform evidence-based policy development. [Extracted from the article]

The National Bank of Canada is opening an office in Paris to cater to supranational and government-backed issuers who are selling euro-denominated bonds at a record pace this year. The bank aims to expand its fixed income institutional sales coverage in Europe and build its SSA (supranational, sovereign, and agency) business. France has been working to make Paris an attractive finance hub in the European Union, and other major banks like Citigroup, JPMorgan Chase, and Barclays already have a presence in the city. National Bank's competitors in Canada, such as Royal Bank of Canada and TD Bank, have also been arranging euro bond sales for borrowers. [Extracted from the article]

British Columbia's credit rating has been downgraded to AA- by S&P Global Ratings, marking the third downgrade in three years. The downgrade comes after the provincial government decided to increase borrowing. S&P Global Ratings has warned that it may lower the rating again in the next two years if the province continues on its current fiscal trajectory. Moody's Investors Service has also cut its outlook for British Columbia to negative. The opposition BC United Party has blamed the downgrade on what it calls "reckless spending" by the New Democratic Party-led government. Despite the downgrade, British Columbia's new rating is still the fourth-highest available from S&P and compares favorably with other large Canadian provinces. [Extracted from the article]

An interview with Dhvani Gandhi of Intrepid Travel. Among the issues she discussed include the things that she has been doing after being named the 2017 Ambassador of the Baxter Student Ambassador Program (BSAP), which is tasked with finding the most promising student talent in Canada in travel, tourism, and hospitality programs, the disruption that the COVID-19 pandemic had on her career goals and future plans, and her experience of presenting a live webinar as part of the BSAP program.

The article presents a list of the IISE International chapters in various regions and universities, including Africa (Nile University, Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport, etc.), the Arabian Peninsula (Taif University, RIT Dubai, etc.).

The Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) have published Multilateral Instrument 93-101 Derivatives: Business Conduct (93-101) to address the lack of business conduct rules for Canada's over-the-counter derivatives market. The rules apply to derivatives advisors and dealers operating in Canada and establish general obligations for all counterparties, as well as heightened obligations for non-eligible derivatives parties. The regulations aim to harmonize Canada's approach with other international jurisdictions. The rules have been adopted in all Canadian provinces and territories except for British Columbia, which is expected to adopt similar rules later. The regulations are set to come into force on September 28, 2024. [Extracted from the article]

The Pacific Northwest refers to the geographic area on the Pacific coast that includes the U.S. states of Washington and Oregon and the southwestern parts of the Canadian province of British Columbia. The legend of a great beaver named Wishpoosh was told by the people of the mid-Columbia River region of the Pacific Northwest. Wishpoosh destroyed so many creatures and so much vegetation that Speelyai, the coyote god, decided that he must do something to stop him. [Extracted from the article]

The issue of native invasive species management rarely occurs and is fraught with biological, social, and economic challenges as well as posing difficulties in decision-making for land managers. The terminology for categorization of invasive species is examined in the context of their bias(es), which complicates control. An example of a newly determined native species, which is also invasive, is used as an example to navigate control and regulatory issues. Native, invasive reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) occurs throughoutMinnesota and most likely the entire midwest region of central United States and Canadian provinces. The species was previously assumed to be an exotic, nonnative Eurasian import but recent molecular evidence supports its status as a native but invasive species. We address how this change to being a native but highly invasive species modifies approaches to mitigate its potential control for state, Tribal, and local authorities. The implications of these new findings will require differential shifts in land managers' perspectives and approaches for control. Particular differences may exist for Tribal LandManagers vs. departments of natural resources and private agencies. Additionally, regulatory challenges have yet to be decided on how to legislate control for a native invasive species that had been previously assumed as exotic or foreign in origin. These opportunities to change attitudes and implement judicial control measures will serve as a template for other invasive species that are native in origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Provincial officials in Canada are seeking to compel Michael Patryn, the surviving co-founder of QuadrigaCX, a defunct crypto exchange, to explain the origin of a cash hoard, 45 gold bars, and jewelry, including a diamond-studded Rolex. An investigation in 2020 determined that the collapse of QuadrigaCX was due to fraud by its other founder, Gerry Cotten, who died unexpectedly in 2018. Chat records obtained by investigators suggest that Patryn and Cotten discussed stealing customer funds and staging Patryn's public exit from the exchange while remaining involved privately. The Director of Civil Forfeiture in British Columbia has filed a court order to investigate the seized assets. [Extracted from the article]

Ontario plans to borrow C$38.2 billion in long-term debt for the upcoming fiscal year, which is 9% less than the current fiscal year. This decrease is due to pre-borrowing in the current year, which has given the province an additional C$9.3 billion in cash. Despite the decrease in borrowing, Ontario's budget shortfall is expected to widen to C$9.8 billion. The government aims to achieve a net debt-to-GDP ratio of 39.2% in the coming year. Ontario, along with Quebec and British Columbia, expects to run larger deficits in the coming year. [Extracted from the article]

Canadian provinces are expected to borrow 22% more this year to address budget shortfalls, according to the National Bank of Canada's financial markets unit. The borrowing needs of provinces facing deficits and maturing debt are estimated to be C$130 billion for the upcoming fiscal year, a 21.5% increase from the previous year. This increased borrowing comes as borrowing costs remain high due to persistent inflation. While this may pose challenges for issuers, it presents an opportunity for investors seeking higher yields. Provinces are likely to utilize international markets in addition to the Canadian bond market for their borrowing needs. However, larger deficits may limit the ability of governments to support the economy in the event of a downturn. [Extracted from the article]

Ernst & Young LLP (EY) has hired two merger and acquisition advisers from Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton to strengthen its practice in Quebec and prepare for a potential rebound in Canadian deal activity. Yasser Waly and Mark Rossi are joining EY as partners in strategy and transactions, bringing the total number of M&A partners in Quebec to seven. Dealmaking is expected to increase in Canada this year as firms gain more predictability over interest rates and have capital reserves to invest. EY's M&A business in Quebec primarily focuses on the mid-market, but the firm aims to expand its services to smaller companies and entrepreneurs. International firms and advisory boutiques are also entering the Canadian market as competitors. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the University of Alberta Hospitals in Edmonton, Canada discusses the findings of a study on a single family affected by Carney syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. The family members in question had multiple and recurrent atrial myxomas of the heart, requiring multiple open cardiac surgeries. Breast myxomas and cutaneous hyperpigmentation were also observed in some family members. The study emphasizes the importance of reporting familial Carney syndrome to increase awareness among clinicians and pathologists. [Extracted from the article]

Alberta, the main oil-producing province in Canada, has announced a new tax on electric cars and trucks, in opposition to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's push for green vehicles. The C$200 ($147) annual tax is being introduced to address what the government sees as a fairness issue, as electric vehicles cause more wear and tear on roads but their owners do not pay fuel tax. The tax will not apply to hybrid vehicles and is not expected to generate significant revenue. [Extracted from the article]

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar praised the Indian community in Canada's Saskatchewan province during a meeting with Premier Scott Moe. Jaishankar commended the Indian community for serving as a bridge between the two nations and expressed appreciation for Moe's support in deepening cooperation. Saskatchewan is home to 15,660 Indians, and the province's exports to India exceed $1 billion, making up a third of Canada's total exports to the country. The Raisina Dialogue, India's premier conference on geopolitics and geoeconomics, is set to take place with representatives from over 100 countries in attendance. [Extracted from the article]

The Keta Legacy Foundation, also known as the Mountaineers Foundation, offers annual funding through its Community Grants program to support nonprofit organizations focused on conservation in the Salish Sea region. The grants, which range up to $5,000 each, are available to 501(c)(3) organizations, libraries, schools, and certain agencies. The funding is intended for short-term projects related to conservation education, such as direct educational programs, lectures, awareness materials, and instructional materials. The deadline for applications is March 6th. Contact information for the foundation can be found on their website. [Extracted from the article]

British Columbia, the third-most populous province in Canada, has announced a freeze on approvals for new colleges and universities seeking to enroll foreign students until February 2026. This move is part of the government's efforts to address the rapid growth of temporary immigrants in the country. The province will also implement higher standards for degree quality and labor market needs, as well as new language requirements for private institutions. The federal government has also imposed a cap on international study permits to address public concerns about rising rents and housing prices. The government of Ontario, the most popular destination for foreign students, will require institutions to guarantee available housing for incoming cohorts. The federal government has introduced measures to boost housing supply, including low-cost financing for rental unit construction. The aim is to create more affordable housing options for students and alleviate pressure on the housing market. British Columbia currently has over 175,000 foreign postsecondary students from more than 150 countries, and the government aims to protect them from exploitation while attracting talented students to fill labor market gaps and drive the economy forward. [Extracted from the article]