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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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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 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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Alberta's credit rating has been upgraded by S&P Global Ratings due to expectations of strong oil prices and effective expense management. The province's credit rating has been raised to AA-, the fourth-highest available, from A+. Alberta is benefiting from higher-than-expected bitumen royalties, resulting in a projected fiscal surplus of C$5.5 billion. S&P predicts that Alberta will be able to maintain this momentum and limit its debt burden to about 127% of operating revenue. However, the ratings firm also highlights the risks of recession, significant drops in oil prices, policy shifts, or ineffective financial management. S&P suggests that Alberta could further improve its ratings by diversifying its economy and reducing its reliance on resource revenues, although this is deemed unlikely. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers from the Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences examined the impact of team-based primary care on medication-related outcomes in older adults in two Canadian provinces, Ontario and Quebec. The study analyzed administrative health data for older adults who were rostered with a family physician between 2001/02 and 2017/18. The researchers found that access to team-based primary care did not significantly improve medication management outcomes for older adults in either province. The study concluded that there was no evidence to suggest that team-based primary care had a meaningful impact on medication-related outcomes for older adults. [Extracted from the article]

Canada is making it easier for offshore wind projects along its Atlantic coast by removing regulatory barriers. The government has agreed to transfer control of land tenure and regulation for projects within Newfoundland and Labrador's inland bays to the provincial government, streamlining the permitting process and providing stability for investors. Despite the current challenges facing the offshore wind industry, such as rising costs and supply chain issues, Canadian Labor Minister Seamus O'Regan remains optimistic about the potential for wind energy to benefit Atlantic Canadians. This move is made possible by the Atlantic Accord, an agreement signed in 1985 between Canada and the province on managing offshore oil. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on Consumer Price Index (CPI) decelerated to a year-over-year rate down from September which marks the second consecutive monthly slowdown, reaching the lowest inflation level since June 2022.

The article focuses on Duravit AG's construction of the world's first climate-neutral ceramic production facility in Quebec, Canada, employing renewable energies and utilizing the world's first electric roller kiln powered by hydropower to manufacture ceramic sanitaryware products.

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]

Alberta, a Canadian province known for its oil reserves, has seen its budget surplus more than double to $4.1 billion due to higher oil prices and population growth. The province's government revenue is projected to be $74.3 billion for the fiscal year, $4 billion more than previously forecasted. Alberta is also experiencing a population boom as people are attracted to the region for job opportunities and affordable housing. Despite higher expenses from wildfires, the province's debt is expected to decrease. Alberta's economy is projected to grow, but the unemployment rate may rise temporarily before declining. [Extracted from the article]

The province of Alberta in Canada has announced a new subsidy program that will cover up to 12% of capital costs for projects using carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology. This subsidy is in addition to the federal government's investment tax credit, which covers 50-60% of project costs. Alberta is currently considering over 25 projects that will utilize CCS technology to reduce emissions, with a focus on natural gas and hydrogen facilities. The program is estimated to cost between $3.2 billion and $5.3 billion over the next ten years. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Canada explored the coping and resilience strategies of adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The researchers interviewed 22 participants, including 13 adults with ASD, five parents, and four service providers from various Canadian provinces. The study found that individuals with ASD are prone to stress and anxiety, which can impact their mental health. The research highlights the importance of developing coping and resilience skills in this population. The study has been peer-reviewed and more information can be obtained from Dalhousie University. [Extracted from the article]

Bitcoin Depot CEO Brandon Mintz believes that a new California law aimed at addressing scams involving cryptocurrency ATMs will create economic challenges for his company and other operators. The law limits the daily amount of money that can be accepted or dispensed by a machine to $1,000 and caps the fees an operator can charge at 15% of the transaction's value. Mintz argues that another bill requiring a license for various types of crypto companies, including Bitcoin Depot, will be more effective in preventing scams and fraud. Bitcoin Depot already takes measures to prevent scams, such as physical stickers on machines and on-screen warnings. The company has about 7,000 bitcoin ATMs in 48 states and 10 Canadian provinces and recently announced a partnership with ATM company CORD Financial Services to distribute more machines across the U.S. [Extracted from the article]

The tax is "not effective" in Atlantic Canada, said Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston, who's sympathetic to other premiers' demands. (Bloomberg) -- The cornerstone of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's climate policy is being chipped away at after his government announced a three-year pause on the carbon tax applied to home heating oil, which is primarily used in the Atlantic provinces. [Extracted from the article]

The article announces the 2023 American Radio Relay League (ARRL)Rookie Roundup Contest to be held on December 17, 2023.

Keywords for this news article include: University of New Brunswick, Drug Abuse, Addiction Research, Drugs and Therapies. Keywords: Addiction Research; Drug Abuse; Drugs and Therapies EN Addiction Research Drug Abuse Drugs and Therapies 604 604 1 10/24/23 20231023 NES 231023 2023 OCT 23 (NewsRx) -- By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Mental Health Weekly Digest -- Research findings on drug abuse are discussed in a new report. [Extracted from the article]