Connect with us

Technology

Legislation to counter foreign interference receives Royal Assent

Published

3 months ago

on

OTTAWA, ON, June 21, 2024 /CNW/ – The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs, and the Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, highlighted that Bill C-70, An Act respecting countering foreign interference, received Royal Assent on June 20, 2024.

Bill C-70 bolsters Canada’s ability to detect, disrupt and counter foreign interference threats to all people in Canada, including members of diaspora communities, through a series of new measures and legislative amendments to national security and criminal laws. It brings the most significant update to the Canadian Security and Intelligence Service Act (CSIS Act) since the Act was first brought into force in 1984. The Bill also modernizes foreign interference offences in the Security of Information Act and the sabotage offence in the Criminal Code. Finally, Bill C-70 also made changes to the Canada Evidence Act to establish a standardized regime for handling sensitive information in administrative proceedings.

The Bill sets out the framework for a new Foreign Influence Transparency Registry, which will be administered by an independent Foreign Influence Transparency Commissioner. The coming into force date of the Foreign Influence Transparency and Accountability Act (FITAA), which creates the Foreign Influence Transparency Registry, will be set by the Governor-in-Council in the coming months.

The changes to the CSIS Act come into force immediately. Changes to the Security of Information Act, the modernization of the sabotage offence in the Criminal Code, and amendments to the Canada Evidence Act will come into force 60 days after Royal Assent, on August 19, 2024.

The Government of Canada is committed to protecting Canada and individuals in this country from the threat of foreign interference, and to enhancing our collective resilience against malign foreign influence. Together, we can better protect Canadian values, principles, rights and freedoms from malicious actors threatening to harm them.

Quote

“Our intelligence and law enforcement personnel work around the clock to protect Canadians. With Bill C-70 becoming law, they will now be better equipped to detect, disrupt, and counter foreign interference and take action against those seeking to harm our way of life. Thank you to all parliamentarians who worked with us to ensure the swift passage of this legislation.”

– The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions, and Intergovernmental Affairs

“We now have measures in place that will better protect people in Canada, including diaspora communities, from the threats of foreign interference. These reforms to our criminal and national security laws are key to our country’s safety, security, and democracy. Canada’s democratic institutions are now better positioned to face threats from foreign actors.”

– The Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

Quick Facts

Foreign interference includes harmful activities undertaken by foreign states, or those acting on their behalf, which are clandestine, deceptive, or involve a threat to any person to advance the strategic objectives of those states. Foreign interference poses a threat to all orders of government, the private sector, academia, diaspora communities and the general public.In 2019, the Government of Canada announced the Plan to Protect Canada’s Democracy. Measures introduced as part of the Plan include the Critical Election Incident Public Protocol (CEIPP), the Security and Intelligence Threats to Elections (SITE) Task Force, the Digital Citizen Initiative, the G7 Rapid Response Mechanism and the Canada Declaration on Election Integrity Online. The Government is committed to continuously improving its defenses, including elements of the Plan, to ensure Canada remains best protected. On March 6, 2023, the Government of Canada announced a series of measures to take further action on foreign interference and strengthen the public’s confidence in our democracy. From March 10 to May 9, 2023, the Government held public consultations to guide the creation of a Foreign Influence Transparency Registry in Canada.On September 7, 2023, the Government of Canada launched the Foreign Interference Commission to respond to concerns about foreign interference in the 2019 and 2021 federal elections. The Commission is also examining the flow of information within the federal government in relation to these issues, evaluating the actions taken in response, assessing the federal government’s capacity to detect, deter, and counter foreign interference, and will make recommendations on these issues. The Commission released its initial report on May 3, 2024, and will deliver its final report by December 31, 2024.From November 24, 2023 to February 2, 2024, the Government of Canada held additional public consultations that focused on potential legislative amendments to the Canadian Security Intelligence Service Act, the Criminal Code, the Security of Information Act and the Canada Evidence Act.Budget 2023 provided $48.9 million over three years starting in 2023-24 to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to protect people in Canada from harassment and intimidation, increase its investigative capacity, and more proactively engage with communities at greater risk of being targeted, as well as $13.5 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, and $3.1 million ongoing to Public Safety Canada to establish a National Counter-Foreign Interference Office.Budget 2024 proposes to provide $655.7 million over eight years, starting in 2024-25, with $191.1 million in remaining amortization, and $114.7 million ongoing to the Canadian Security Intelligence Service to enhance its intelligence capabilities.

Related Products

CSIS Act Amendments: Bolstering Canada’s counter-foreign interference legislationForeign Interference and CanadaCanada’s Foreign Influence Transparency RegistrySecurity of Information Act, Criminal Code and Canada Evidence Act Amendments: Bolstering Canada’s counter-foreign interference legislationConsulting on Canada’s Foreign Influence Transparency Registry: What We Heard ReportWhat We Heard and Learned Report: CSIS Act ConsultationsWhat we heard: Consultation on the proposed reforms to the Security of Information Act, Criminal Code and Canada Evidence Act

Associated Links

Government introduces legislation to counter foreign interferencePublic Safety Canada’s Foreign Interference web pagesCSIS 2022 Public ReportGovernment of Canada launches consultation on legislative amendments to counter foreign interference in CanadaGovernment of Canada launches public consultations on a Foreign Influence Transparency Registry in CanadaTaking further action on foreign interference and strengthening confidence in our democracyForeign Interference and YouRapid Response Mechanism (RRM) CanadaCyber Threats to Canada’s Democratic Process: 2023 updateProtecting DemocracyCountering an evolving threat: Update on recommendations to counter foreign interference in Canada’s democratic institutions

SOURCE Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Technology

Cat® Simulators New Hydraulic Mining Shovel System Builds Operator Skills for Mine Sites

Published

48 mins ago

on

September 23, 2024

By

Simformotion™ LLC, a leader in heavy equipment simulator training solutions, announces the release of the new Cat® Simulators Hydraulic Mining Shovel System.

PEORIA, Ill., Sept. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Simformotion™ LLC – a leader in heavy equipment simulator training solutions – announces the release of the new Cat® Simulators Hydraulic Mining Shovel System. Operator trainees can utilize the system inside a classroom or at satellite mine locations.

“The new Hydraulic Mining Shovel simulator system is the cornerstone of our Cat Simulators mining models. The system trains students and operators using authentic Cat controls and teaches applications found on real-world job sites,” says CEO Lara Aaron.

The hands-on training system is set in a mining environment and teaches learners how to operate the Hydraulic Mining Shovel, including inspecting the machine, spotting and properly loading trucks, and more. Correct, efficient operation increases safety, production and cost savings. Simulation is a safe alternative to using actual machines for heavy equipment operator training. Students and operators can train anytime and anywhere using simulators — no need to take a costly machine out of production, worry about the weather or, most importantly, worry about the operator’s safety.

“The new Hydraulic Mining Shovel simulator system is the cornerstone of our Cat Simulators mining models. The system trains students and operators using authentic Cat controls and teaches applications found on real-world job sites. We often hear of the struggles to find skilled operators. Cat Simulators systems help companies build their own workforce,” says CEO Lara Aaron.

The Cat Simulators Hydraulic Mining Shovel system is available in multiple languages and includes SimU Campus™, a built-in reporting software that records and generates reports of learners’ simulation sessions and compares their performance to Caterpillar benchmarks. The system features authentic Cat controls, a motion system, exclusive walkaround machine inspection training, and a companion SimScholars™ curriculum, making the training package a unique offering.

The companion SimScholars online curriculum is a one-to-one match with the simulator model and can be used in the classroom or for remote learning. It is an interactive, turn-key solution complete with instructor guides, videos, quizzes and more. Integrate the Cat Simulators Hydraulic Mining Shovel system and its curriculum together for a unique, blended learning experience.

For even more training value and for a more immersive experience, add VR Edition. With the VR headset and patented VR Now technology, users experience a larger view of the virtual environment with greater depth perception. The simulator is portable and easy to move from a training room to a trailer to satellite locations.

About Simformotion™ LLC

©Copyright 2024 Simformotion™ LLC is a leader in heavy equipment simulator training solutions. Simulation can help address initiatives such as safety and production; while ensuring training can be delivered anytime day or night, regardless of weather conditions. Cat Simulators are chosen as training solutions in such markets as mining, construction, forestry, government, and trade and vocational schools. Simformotion™ LLC is a licensee of Caterpillar Inc. As used herein, “Simformotion” means Simformotion™ LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

About Caterpillar Inc.

About Caterpillar Inc. With 2023 sales and revenues of $67.1 billion, Caterpillar Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. For nearly 100 years, we’ve been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed and contributing to a reduced-carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed. Caterpillar does business on every continent, principally operating through three primary segments – Construction Industries, Resource Industries and Energy & Transportation – and providing financing and related services through our Financial Products segment. Visit us at caterpillar.com or join the conversation on our social media channels at caterpillar.com/en/news/social-media.html.

CAT, CATERPILLAR, LET’S DO THE WORK, their respective logos, “Caterpillar Corporate Yellow,” and the “Power Edge” and “Modern Hex” trade dress, as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be used without permission. www.cat.com / www.caterpillar.com Third party trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Media Contact
Kim Roberts, Simformotion, 1 3096703200, kroberts@simformotion.com, https://simformotion.com/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/cat-simulators-new-hydraulic-mining-shovel-system-builds-operator-skills-for-mine-sites-302255377.html

SOURCE Simformotion

Continue Reading

Technology

GR0 CEO Kevin Miller Snags C-Suite Insiders CEO of the Year Award for Brand Optimization

Published

48 mins ago

on

September 23, 2024

By

GR0 Co-Founder and CEO Kevin Miller Honored for Excellence in Leadership, Innovation, and Industry Impact

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Kevin Miller, Co-Founder and CEO of GR0, was awarded CEO of the Year for brand optimization from the prestigious C-Suite Leadership Awards Program. This recognition underscores Miller’s outstanding leadership, innovation, and transformative impact in the digital marketing industry.

Recognized for celebrating excellence in senior executives, the C-Suite Leadership Awards Program highlights remarkable achievements in business. Emphasizing the importance of exceptional leadership, innovation, and industry impact, the program honors high-performing executives who inspire success while shaping the future of their companies.

As Co-Founder and CEO of GR0, Kevin Miller has propelled his company to the forefront of the digital marketing industry. Leveraging extensive expertise from roles at Google and Open Listings, Miller has spearheaded notable successes for GR0, including accolades such as a Platinum dotCOMM award in 2024 and a Best SEO Company award from Clutch in 2021.

Assisting both D2C and B2B clients, GR0 is known for delivering measurable growth and impactful results as a trusted agency for businesses seeking transformative omnichannel digital marketing solutions.

Miller’s dedication to his team and commitment to fostering an exemplary working environment have not gone unnoticed. He was recognized with a Best CEO Award from Glassdoor and was instrumental in GR0 being named a Best Company for Women by Great Place to Work in 2024. These achievements underscore Miller’s holistic approach to leadership, focusing on business success and employee well-being.

For further details on Miller’s remarkable achievements and to explore GR0’s transformative digital marketing strategies, visit GR0’s website.

About GR0: A leading omnichannel digital marketing agency based in Los Angeles, GR0 delivers exceptional growth and impactful results for a diverse clientele. With a record of innovation and recognition in digital marketing, GR0 sets benchmarks and drives success stories for businesses worldwide.

Media Contact

GR0 Agency, GR0, +1 (310) 439-1887, performancepr@gr0.com, gr0.com 

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/gr0-ceo-kevin-miller-snags-c-suite-insiders-ceo-of-the-year-award-for-brand-optimization-302253897.html

SOURCE GR0

Continue Reading

Technology

First Pacific Bank expands its instant payments offerings with Finastra, driving growth

Published

48 mins ago

on

September 23, 2024

By

With Finastra Payments To Go, the bank enhances its payments infrastructure and unlocks new opportunities 

LAKE MARY, Fla., Sept. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Finastra today announced that First Pacific Bank, a Southern California-based community bank that offers custom financial solutions for individuals and businesses, has selected Finastra Payments To Go to modernize its payments infrastructure. The cloud-based, SaaS payments hub solution will help the bank to deliver FedNow send and receive services 24/7, support ISO 20022 compliance, and enable its projected growth. 

As part of Finastra’s commitment to Open Finance, Payments To Go offers seamless connectivity to other software providers, fintechs, and financial institutions, giving banks the flexibility needed to deploy modern and agile payment solutions quickly and efficiently.

“Our selection of Payments To Go was driven by the need for a robust instant payments platform that supports our growth and innovation plans, particularly as we expand our commercial business,” said Sharokin Badal, SVP, Director of Deposit and Treasury Services at First Pacific Bank. “With Finastra, our customers will benefit from additional payment offerings, enabling better cash flow and financial management. The modernity and scalability of Payments To Go, along with its seamless integration with our existing vendors, make it the ideal solution.”

Deployed on Microsoft Azure cloud, Payments To Go provides the bank with the agility needed to offer new and innovative payments rails, including FedNow Service. As one of the first software providers in the industry to complete certification for the FedNow Service and ISO 20022 compliance, Finastra is well-positioned to provide financial institutions with the ability to deliver instant payment services around the clock, with more than 200 customers across the US able to launch FedNow Service through its solutions.

“Our payments as a service solution provides First Pacific Bank with a modern infrastructure that enables scalability and an enhanced customer experience,” said Radha Suvarna, Chief Product Officer, Payments at Finastra. “We’re pleased that the bank selected us to not just prepare them for regulatory and compliance requirements, but to support the team as they meet the moment to unlock new opportunities in payments innovation.”

“Readiness for both ISO 20022 messaging standards for Fedwire and the FedNow Service are critically important for community-based financial institutions to stay competitive and compliant as the instant payments space continues to evolve,” said Erika Baumann, Director Commercial Banking and Payments at Datos Insights. “By aligning with global standards and embracing new payment rails, community banks are well positioned to improve their offerings.”

To learn more about Payments To Go, visit Finastra at Sibos 2024 on stand G30.

About Finastra
Finastra is a global provider of financial services software applications across Lending, Payments, Treasury and Capital Markets, and Universal (retail and digital) Banking. Committed to unlocking the potential of people, businesses and communities everywhere, its vision is to accelerate the future of Open Finance through technology and collaboration, and its pioneering approach is why it is trusted by ~8,100 financial institutions, including 45 of the world’s top 50 banks. For more information, visit finastra.com.

About First Pacific Bank
First Pacific Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of First Pacific Bancorp (OTC Pink: FPBC) and is a growing community bank catering to individuals, professionals, and small-to-medium sized businesses throughout Southern California. With a history that spans 17 years, the Bank offers a personalized approach, access to decision makers, a broad range of solutions, and a commitment to delivering an exceptional customer experience. First Pacific Bank operates locations in Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Diego County, and the Inland Empire. For more information, visit firstpacbank.com or call 888.BNK.AT.FPB.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1916021/4923875/FINASTRA_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/first-pacific-bank-expands-its-instant-payments-offerings-with-finastra-driving-growth-302254356.html

Continue Reading

Trending