Jul 22, 2021 | International
GATINEAU, July 22, 2021
The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Heritage, announced today the appointment of Narmin Ismail-Teja of Calgary as Vice-Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Canadian Museum of History for a three-year term, effective June 20, 2021. Ms. Ismail-Teja has been serving on the board since 2019; she was first appointed through a rigorous, open, transparent and merit-based selection process.
Ms. Ismail-Teja has been a principal at impact@work since 1992. She has experience in governance and strategic planning, as well as in-depth consulting, training and facilitating experience in diversity and inclusion. In addition to her work at impact@work, Ms. Ismail-Teja has been involved in several organizations close to her heart, including the Aga Khan Agency for Microfinance in Switzerland, YMCA Canada, the Famous 5 Foundation, Vertigo Theatre, and several other Calgary-based organizations. As a current member of the Board of Trustees of the Canadian Museum of History, she also has a good understanding of the museum’s vision and priorities.
The principal role of the Canadian Museum of History is to enhance Canadians’ knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the events, experiences, people and objects that have shaped Canada’s history and identity, as well as to increase awareness of world history and culture.
Jul 22, 2021 | International
The global COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for Northern and remote communities which depend on supply chains for the delivery of essential goods and services. As the pandemic evolves, the Government of Canada continues to work with partners, including provincial and territorial governments, Indigenous communities and the air industry, to address the unique needs of these communities.
July 22, 2021 Ottawa Transport Canada
The global COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for Northern and remote communities which depend on supply chains for the delivery of essential goods and services. As the pandemic evolves, the Government of Canada continues to work with partners, including provincial and territorial governments, Indigenous communities and the air industry, to address the unique needs of these communities.
Today, the Minister of Transport, the Honourable Omar Alghabra, the Minister and Special Representative for the Prairies, the Honourable Jim Carr, and the Minister of Highways for the Government of Saskatchewan, the Honourable Fred Bradshaw, announced that the Government of Canada is providing an additional $1.167 million to the Government of Saskatchewan to continue the support of essential air services for remote communities in Saskatchewan.
The funding announced today is in addition to the $1.592 million provided to the Government of Saskatchewan in 2020, to maintain essential air services to remote communities.
This financial contribution will help maintain minimum levels of air transportation services to remote communities in Saskatchewan to ensure continued access to essential goods and services, including community resupply of food and medical supplies.
The Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan will continue to collaborate to ensure essential transportation and supply chains for northern and remote communities are protected for the health, safety and well-being of all Canadians.
Valérie Glazer
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Omar Alghabra
Minister of Transport, Ottawa
Valérie.Glazer@tc.gc.ca
Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055
media@tc.gc.ca
Patrick Book
Senior Communications Consultant
Government of Saskatchewan
639-590-5641
patrick.book@gov.sk.ca
Jul 22, 2021 | International
Today, the Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, announced a $976.8M investment through Budget 2021 to continue our marine conservation efforts and reach our goal of protecting 25 per cent of Canada’s oceans by 2025, and working toward 30 per cent by 2030.
July 22, 2021
Ottawa, Ontario – With three oceans surrounding us and the longest coastlines in the world, Canadians are deeply connected to our oceans. Healthy oceans mean healthy coastal communities – they feed our families and support vital industries. Canada is committed to protecting our oceans, and the ecosystems and marine life they sustain.
Canada has made significant progress in marine conservation in the last six years, working in partnership with coastal communities and provincial, territorial, and Indigenous governments. In 2015, the Government of Canada announced a target to protect ten per cent of our oceans by 2020. That target was met and surpassed in 2019. Canada has protected approximately 793,906 square kilometres – nearly 14 per cent – of our marine and coastal areas.
Today, the Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, announced a $976.8M investment through Budget 2021 to continue our marine conservation efforts and reach our goal of protecting 25 per cent of Canada’s oceans by 2025, and working toward 30 per cent by 2030.
To help ensure that our existing MPAs are effectively achieving their conservation objectives, today Minister Jordan also launched a report entitled The Current – Managing Oceans Act MPAs Now, For the Future. The first in a series to be published every five years, it provides an update to Canadians about the progress and benefits of effectively managing Oceans Act MPAs in Canada, and will help inform future decisions and reporting on marine protection through the successes, challenges and lessons learned from Oceans Act MPAs established to date.
Achieving effective protections for our marine environments will require substantial efforts in years to come, which will continue to be advanced through extensive consultations, discussions and negotiations to identify new areas, establish protections and ensure areas are effectively managed and monitored. Moving forward, we’ll continue to rely on a collaborative approach with provincial, territorial, and Indigenous governments, as well as meaningful engagement with marine industry stakeholders and coastal communities, to ensure that our approach is both effective and sustainable.
Canada’s oceans are home to a rich diversity of species, habitats, and ecosystems, such as deep sea hydrothermal vents, cold-water corals, essential habitats for endangered species such as whales and other cetaceans, fish stocks that support productive and sustainable fisheries —the list goes on. Safeguarding these areas not only protects biodiversity and natural ecosystems below the surface, but also helps to support Canadian livelihoods in coastal communities, providing economic benefits for Canadians.
“When we protect our oceans, we protect the coastal communities that rely on them. We know that healthy oceans have so much more to give. They feed more families, create more jobs. They help clean the air we breathe. That’s why Canada is investing nearly one billion dollars toward our marine conservation efforts. Working in partnership, we will meet to protect 25% of our oceans by 2025, working toward 30% by 2030.”
The Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
“The Government of Canada has made significant commitments to protect not only 25% of our oceans, but also 25% of our land and freshwater. We make these commitments to nature not just for the sake of reaching targets, but to ensure that our natural environment continues to sustain us and contributes to long-lasting positive impacts for all Canadians. Only by building on strong partnerships with provinces, territories, and Indigenous peoples, can we ensure a resilient future for both our environment and our economy.”
The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada
“Canada’s oceans, the bounty in our waters, and the riches underneath them have created prosperity for Canadians. Healthy oceans means a healthy economy. Healthy oceans allow future generations to continue to benefit from them for years to come.”
The Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Natural Resources
“Through this investment, the Government of Canada is demonstrating its global leadership in the conservation of nature. Protecting our marine ecosystems goes hand-in-hand with ensuring the safety and efficiency of marine transportation, including the movement of people and goods. Healthy oceans are integral to Canada’s blue economy and will help strengthen our post-pandemic economic recovery.”
The Honourable Omar Alghabra, Minister of Transport
“This important investment in ocean protection is vital for the health of Canada’s Arctic and Northern coastline and marine ecosystems, as well as for the Indigenous and Northern communities that rely on them for their livelihoods. We are protecting and revitalizing our oceans while also laying the foundation for our Blue Economy Strategy to take advantage of the growing economic potential and job opportunities that the Arctic and North offer for Indigenous and Northern communities.”
The Honourable Daniel Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs
Olivia McMackin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
343-571-9193
Olivia.Mcmackin@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Jul 21, 2021 | International
S for S speaks on Police’s arrest operation
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Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, at a media session after attending the meeting of the Legislative Council today (July 21):
Reporter: Former staff from Apple Daily got arrested today. How likely Police’s action will lead to white terror among local journalists, just as what the HKJA (Hong Kong Journalists Association) has mentioned? And will there be more former Apple Daily staff being arrested, given that the news outlet has already been shut down? Thank you.
Secretary for Security: Whoever committed an offence will be arrested, disregarding their background, whatever they do, or what are their professions. It doesn’t really matter. If they committed an offence, they will be arrested. And if there is any evidence, they will be prosecuted.
Reporter: Are you afraid that it will trigger white terror among local journalists?
Secretary for Security: I don’t think what you said is correct. Everyone, disregarding his profession, as long as he is committing an offence, we have the obligation to arrest them and prosecute them if there is evidence.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Jul 21, 2021 | International
Hong Kong Police’s National Security Department launched enforcement operation under National Security Law (2)
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The National Security Department of the Hong Kong Police Force (NSD) arrested a 51-year-old woman and a 57-year old man in June this year for collusion with a foreign country or with external elements to endanger national security.
The NSD today (July 21) revoked the bail arrangements of the two arrested persons. They are being detained for further investigation.
Jul 21, 2021 | International
Young persons in custody sit for HKDSE Examination for self-enhancement (with photos)
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Seven young persons in custody enrolled in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Examination this year have enriched themselves to prepare for further studies or employment after their release.
The results of the HKDSE Examination were released today (July 21). Seven young persons in custody from Pik Uk Correctional Institution (PUCI) and Lai King Correctional Institution, who took a total of 37 examination papers, obtained level 2 or above in 28 papers, or 75.7 per cent of all papers taken. One of them has acquired 16 marks, which met the general entrance requirements for local universities, while another candidate scored the highest result, with 19 marks overall in six subjects.
The exams sat included the four core subjects of Chinese Language, English Language, Mathematics and Liberal Studies as well as the two electives of Economics and Tourism and Hospitality Studies.
The Correctional Services Department (CSD) has provided the education needed to help young persons in custody below 21 years to gain accredited qualifications and develop positive values towards furthering their studies, finding jobs and reintegrating into society after release.
A 19-year-old candidate at PUCI scored 19 marks overall in the six papers taken. He originally planned to study in a foreign country before being taken into custody. He was sentenced to jail after committing a crime. When first entering custody, he felt at a loss and had the idea of giving up his studies. Thanks to the encouragement of his parents and teachers afterwards, he decided to study the New Senior Secondary curriculum and found his goal in life. Although he only obtained level 2 in English Language, which cannot meet the general entrance requirement for local universities, he has not given up and is planning to take the English Language and Mathematics Extended Part exams next year to increase his chances to study overseas after release.
Another 17-year-old candidate had dropped out of school in Form 2. He was sent to the training centre for committing a crime. Seeing that his parents travelled a long way to visit him every week and did not give up on him, he felt very guilty and thus became determined to make a change. He hoped to enhance his knowledge and equip himself by studying the New Senior Secondary curriculum. Although his exam results were not satisfactory, he knows that what he has learned and his efforts during his training have not been in vain. He is keen on cooking and hopes to pursue a career in the hotel and catering industry after graduation, striving hard at work to show gratitude to his parents.
