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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]

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 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]

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]

Ontario, the most populous province in Canada and home to half of the country's foreign students, will now require all colleges and universities to guarantee housing for incoming cohorts. This decision comes after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government imposed a cap on international student visas to address public concerns about rising rents and housing prices. Ontario will also review programs offered by institutions with a significant number of foreign students to ensure they meet labor market demands. The province will ban new partnerships between public and private colleges, which have contributed to a threefold increase in foreign students over the past decade. The government of British Columbia is expected to announce similar measures soon. [Extracted from the article]

Bond sales in Europe have reached a new record for January, with offerings from the European Union and United Kingdom pushing the month's deal tally to at least €293.7 billion ($319 billion). This surpasses the previous record set in January of the previous year. The high level of activity is attributed to borrowers capitalizing on investor appetite and attractive yields before central banks begin cutting rates. Sovereigns have been leading the surge in bond sales, with Italy and Spain both issuing €15 billion deals. The strong momentum is expected to continue into the first quarter of the year. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Manitoba in Canada examined the rate of total hip replacement in patients with Legg-Calve-Perthes syndrome. Legg-Calve-Perthes disease is a pediatric hip condition that can lead to early hip degeneration. The study compared the rate of total hip replacement in patients who had undergone previous surgical intervention versus those who had not. The results showed no significant difference in the rates of total hip replacement between the two groups. Further research is needed to better understand the outcomes of operative and nonoperative treatments for Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. [Extracted from the article]

Alberta's oil production reached a record high of over 4 million barrels per day in November, driven by increased output from oil-sands companies in preparation for the opening of a major new export pipeline. This surge in production is in anticipation of the expansion of the Trans Mountain pipeline, which will provide an additional 590,000 barrels per day of export capacity. Alberta's oil-sands deposits are the world's third-largest crude reserve, and the November production surpasses China's average output in 2022, making it one of the top oil-producing countries. However, this increased production may contribute to the already struggling global oil markets. [Extracted from the article]

The Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the federal government to become a lead regulator on offshore wind projects in 16 inland bays. This agreement allows the province to manage offshore wind projects in a similar manner to onshore projects, including land tenure and regulation. However, the MoU is contingent on the passing of Bill C-49, which would amend the Accord Acts to allow for the licensing of offshore renewable projects. In addition to offshore wind, the province is also investing in onshore green hydrogen projects. [Extracted from the article]