Technology

Government of Canada Announces Cabinet Directive for Clean Growth Projects

Published

3 months ago

July 5, 2024

OTTAWA, ON, July 5, 2024 /CNW/ – Today, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and member of the Ministerial Working Group on Regulatory Efficiency for Clean Growth Projects, announced a new Cabinet Directive on Regulatory and Permitting Efficiency for Clean Growth Projects at the Energy and Mines Ministers’ Conference in Calgary, Alberta.

Getting clean growth projects built is how we create and support good, well-paying jobs, grow our economy and fight climate change. The government is taking concrete steps to get good projects built faster and help Canadians take advantage of these opportunities.

At its core, the Cabinet Directive will ensure clean growth projects get built faster by providing whole-of-government direction to federal officials to accelerate decision-making. This is the first major deliverable from the government’s Action Plan, announced two weeks ago, Building Canada‘s Clean Future. As federal departments work together to implement items outlined in the Action Plan, this Cabinet Directive establishes governance and accountability structures to improve coordination across federal entities and provide investors and project proponents with the certainty they need to build.

The Ministerial Working Group on Regulatory Efficiency for Clean Growth Projects has been exploring ways to improve federal assessment and permitting processes for clean growth projects since 2023. The Working Group has heard from internal and external stakeholders to seek input and recommendations on enhancing system efficiency and predictability, including industry experts, labour leaders and Indigenous Peoples. This Cabinet Directive is the result of that work.

The Cabinet Directive will help get clean growth projects built faster by removing duplication and red tape, and ensuring coordinated consultations with Indigenous rights-holders, without compromising environmental and biodiversity protections. It outlines four concrete steps to improve efficiency:

Establishing a Federal Permitting Coordinator on clean growth projects within the Privy Council Office’s Clean Growth Office to coordinate activities across all federal entities responsible for reviewing clean growth projects.Standing up a new Federal Permitting Dashboard that will provide a public snapshot of the status of clean growth projects which require federal assessment and permitting decisions, to improve predictability and transparency from start to finish.Setting assessment and permitting targets of 5 years for federally designated projects, 2 years or less for non-federally designated projects, and 3 years for nuclear projects.Establishing a Crown Consultation Coordinator to ensure meaningful Crown consultation with Indigenous Peoples on the issuance of federal authorizations.

The Government of Canada is taking action to help Canadian businesses, workers, communities, and Indigenous Peoples seize the economic opportunities ahead, fight climate change, and make life more affordable. By making sure assessment and permitting processes are more efficient and timelier, we will secure investments, attract and accelerate clean growth projects, and build the projects that position us for success now and for generations to come.

Quotes

“The global race is on to build the projects, technologies, and industries of the future – today. We are securing Canada’s place as a leader. This Cabinet Directive is an important step forward in getting everyone on board to seize the enormous economic opportunities in front of us. Regulatory permitting reform is unlocking more projects, faster, on the path to a strong, sustainable, and prosperous future for all Canadians.”

— The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, and member of the Ministerial Working Group on Regulatory Efficiency for Clean Growth Projects

“We need to build big things in this country. And we can, because we’ve got the resources, we’ve got the people, and we’ve got the wherewithal. This is our plan to give industry, investors and workers the certainty and confidence they need to build.”

— The Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Labour and Seniors, and Chair of the Ministerial Working Group on Regulatory Efficiency for Clean Growth Projects

Quick Facts

Budget 2023 committed to improving the efficiency of assessment and permitting processes for clean growth projects, with the goal of heightening investor confidence and advancing the net-zero economy. As regulatory processes for clean growth projects implicate many federal government departments, the Ministerial Working Group on Regulatory Efficiency for Clean Growth Projects was formed in 2023 to lead this work.On June 20, 2024, the Ministerial Working Group on Regulatory Efficiency released Building Canada‘s Clean Future: A plan to modernize federal assessment and permitting processes to get clean growth projects built faster. Measures outlined in the plan will reduce duplication, improve predictability and transparency, and overall increase the efficiency of our regulatory system for clean growth projects, to ensure timely decisions and faster accomplishments – without cutting corners.The action plan and Cabinet Directive are part of new measures for regulatory efficiency announced in Budget 2024. This includes an additional $9 million over three years to the Privy Council Office for the Clean Growth Office to oversee federal coordination of major clean growth projects, including implementation of the action plan on regulatory efficiency for clean growth projects.

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Cabinet Directive on Regulatory and Permitting Efficiency for Clean Growth Projects Clean Growth — Getting major projects done Ministerial Working Group on Regulatory Efficiency for Clean Growth Projects Budget 2024: Fairness for every generation 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan: Clean Air, Strong Economy Sustainable Jobs Plan

SOURCE Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

Technology

PEAC Institute Launches “24 Hour Pause for Peace: A Global Concert”

Published

49 mins ago

September 21, 2024

24 Hour Pause for Peace Will Be the Largest Peace Initiative Ever Worldwide, Unifying 96 Countries on Six Continents Through Music

MONTCLAIR, N.J., Sept. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — On this International Day of Peace, PEAC Institute, part of the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize winning team, has launched “24 Hour Pause for Peace: A Global Concert,” the largest peace initiative ever organized worldwide through music.

“Now, we need companies, government entities, other nonprofits and donors who care about our cause for peace to join us in lifting up the biggest event of this generation.”

On October 4, 2025, this ground-breaking program will activate a massive network of youth ensembles that spans 96 countries and territories across six continents and host two 24-hour commercial festivals featuring some of the biggest acts in music and entertainment. This extraordinary day-long event will be live-streamed globally, allowing millions to participate simultaneously.

“It has been 40 years since Live Aid and We Are the World historically unified and changed the world through music,” said Rebecca Irby, president and CEO of PEAC Institute. “With our planet riddled with post-pandemic fatigue, climate chaos, unsettling wars and more, we believe it is time to create a new trajectory for humanity by inviting everyone around the globe to a 24 hour pause for peace to enjoy the sounds of music and feel the transformative power of human connection,” Irby explained.

Additionally, 24 Hour Pause for Peace plans to amass more than 100 million ambassadors to sign an appeal to the United Nations calling for a 24 hour ceasefire during the children’s concerts and commercial music events. All countries are welcome to participate with no exceptions. One of Pause for Peace’s core beliefs is everyone has the right to be equally respected and heard, particularly in collectively calling for peace.

“Achieving this ambitious global endeavor requires the support and participation from the most impactful brands, organizations, and influential leaders, artists and celebrities,” said Jennifer McKenna, 24 Hour Pause for Peace CEO.

Pause for Peace is a $165 million global initiative. Currently, it is in its first phase of raising seed capital through consumer brand-aligned sponsorships and private donors. Funding for the program is tax-deductible through PEAC’s 501(c)(3) status.

“We have assembled an exceptional executive team of change agents in entertainment, production, consumer marketing, charitable development and global security to make this extraordinary, worldwide peace event happen.” McKenna added. “Now, we need companies, government entities, other nonprofits and donors who care about our cause for peace to join us in lifting up the biggest event of this generation.” To become involved in 24 Hour Pause for Peace: A Global Concert as a sponsor, partner or donor, sign up to be an Ambassador, or for more information, go to www.24hourpauseforpeace.org.

About PEAC Institute

PEAC Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in the United States. PEAC stands for peace, education, art and communication. It was formed in 2016 through a campaign with partner organization, International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), which garnered a 2017 Nobel Peace Prize. PEAC now holds special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations and has a global presence working with countries and territories worldwide to reach the most marginalized youth through art and communication activities to help them explore and express. For more information on PEAC Institute, go to www.peacinstitute.org.

Media Contact

Chadwick Boyd, Pause for Peace, 1 4046060611, chadwick@24hourpauseforpeace.org, www.24hourpauseforpeace.org

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/peac-institute-launches-24-hour-pause-for-peace-a-global-concert-302254527.html

SOURCE Pause for Peace

Technology

Global Times: China opens 12 nuclear research facilities to global scientists

Published

2 hours ago

September 21, 2024

The involved facilities span areas such as basic nuclear research, isotope production, nuclear environment simulation, equipment testing, and radioactive waste treatment and disposal.

VIENNA, Sept. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — China will open 12 nuclear research facilities and testing platforms to international scientists and institutions to enhance global cooperation, a senior Chinese official said here on Monday.

These include the China Advanced Research Reactor, the new-generation tokamak device Huanliu-3, and the Beishan Underground Research Laboratory, Liu Jing, vice chairman of the China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA), said at a meeting on the sidelines of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) annual general conference.

The facilities span areas such as basic nuclear research, isotope production, nuclear environment simulation, equipment testing, and radioactive waste treatment and disposal.

Monday’s meeting, themed “Share for Development,” was organized by the CAEA to promote international cooperation in nuclear technology research and development, as China marks the 40th anniversary of its accession to the IAEA.

Yu Jianfeng, chairman of China National Nuclear Corporation, said at the event that the company aims to deepen cooperation with the IAEA and expand international collaboration. He expressed hope that opening China’s nuclear research facilities will contribute to advancing nuclear technology globally.

IAEA’s Deputy Director General Mikhail Chudakov commended China’s remarkable achievements in nuclear energy development and highlighted the long-standing, fruitful relationship between the IAEA and the CAEA.

Welcoming China’s decision to open up more of its nuclear research and development facilities, Chudakov said the move will further strengthen the agency’s technical capacity to support its member states.

On Monday evening, the CAEA and China’s permanent mission to the United Nations (UN) and other international organizations in Vienna jointly held a reception at the UN headquarters in Vienna to celebrate the 40th anniversary of China’s accession to the IAEA. More than 200 participants, including IAEA representatives and foreign envoys to Vienna, attended the event.

Li Song, China’s permanent representative to the UN and other international organizations in Vienna, said at the reception that China and the IAEA have expanded practical cooperation and jointly promoted the development of nuclear energy over the past 40 years.

China, he said, will continue to strengthen collaboration with the IAEA and its member states to address emerging challenges in international security, safeguard the global non-proliferation regime, and promote the use of nuclear energy and technology for the benefit of the Global South.

At the reception, Liu, Li and IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi jointly unveiled a bronze statue of Qian Sanqiang, a renowned Chinese nuclear physicist and one of the founders of China’s nuclear industry.

The statue, donated by China, will be permanently displayed at the IAEA headquarters, alongside sculptures of Polish-French physicist Marie Curie and other prominent figures who have made significant contributions to the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Contact: xutianshu@globaltimes.com.cn

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-times-china-opens-12-nuclear-research-facilities-to-global-scientists-302254830.html

SOURCE Global Times

Technology

The Ar-King of Spirits: Ed Arking’s Impact on the Liquor Industry

Published

3 hours ago

September 21, 2024

In the interest of providing luxury liquors in a convenient and stress-free format, Served Neat was born. When asked about his intentions for the company, Ed states, “My goal with Served Neat is to create a one-stop shop where customers can easily discover these rare gems.”

MOORESTOWN, N.J., Sept. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Served Neat is an emerging online platform with a curated selection of some of the world’s most popular luxury spirits. The website offers daily flash deals that highlight a variety of high-end international brands including Pappy Van Winkle, Buffalo Trace, Clase Azul, and more.

“While there are websites selling spirits, none have the decades of experience that we bring from WTSO. Served Neat will offer not only incredible bottles but also the best customer service in the industry.”

Ed and Joe Arking, the father-son team behind the concept of Served Neat, have decades of experience hand-selecting and supplying sought-after liquors. Ed Arking, CEO of New Jersey’s Roger Wilco, grew up in the world of wine and spirits and formed his own business aspirations.

“Growing up, I watched my father navigate and succeed in the ever-evolving wine and spirits industry,” Ed explains. “While I always aspired to create something similar, I knew I needed to wait for the right moment.” Ed has gone on to manage his own liquor store and lead projects for up-and-coming brands, such as the vodka-infused and non-carbonated Smooth Water.

As he evolved in his career, Ed discovered the perfect time to make his lifelong vision a reality. He recalls, “I noticed a gap in the market—especially for whiskey and tequila. These categories have surged in popularity, making it difficult for the everyday consumer to find those elusive sought-after allocated bottles.”

When it comes to Served Neat, quality and knowledge is key. Ed adds, “While there are websites selling spirits, none have the decades of experience that we bring from WTSO. Served Neat will offer not only incredible bottles but also the best customer service in the industry.”

Served Neat is the sister company to WTSO and The Wine Market, two online platforms dedicated to sourcing and distributing top-notch wines from every corner of the globe.

At The Wine Market, an online marketplace for the world’s most popular wine brands, convenience and quality are key. Each bottle in their curated collection is a testament to exceptional flavor and craftsmanship.

Since 2006, WTSO has enjoyed creating a unique wine experience and sharing it with new beginners and seasoned connoisseurs alike. Using an extensive network of wineries and wine makers, WTSO connects customers to thousands of brands from top wine appellations around the globe. The strong relationships they’ve formed within the wine world allow the business to deliver authentic and high-quality bottles to homes across the United States.

Wine and spirits lovers alike are invited to explore Served Neat, WTSO, and The Wine Market to find their next favorite bottle. Visit their websites to learn more about these one-of-a-kind online marketplaces!

Media Contact

Julie Blount, WTSO, 1 8669572795, marketing@wtso.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/the-ar-king-of-spirits-ed-arkings-impact-on-the-liquor-industry-302254517.html

SOURCE WTSO