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☆ U.S. Midwest grid operator flags urgent need for market reforms
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-18 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The reforms are needed "to maintain reliability and send the right pricing signals to the market," said Clair Moeller, president and CEO at Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO). For the zone which covers most of Louisiana and southeast Texas, the clearing prices for fall and winter were $59/MW-day and $19/MW-day, respectively. Market participants who postpone the retirement of resources and import additional capacity this year may not be able to repeat those measures in the future, said Moeller. "We continue to see uncertainty and volatility in the auction results year-over-year, and managing the system in real-time is becoming more challenging," Moeller added. Reporting by Deep Vakil in Bengaluru; Editing by Aurora EllisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ No respite for wildfire-hit Alberta as conditions set to worsen
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-18 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/3] Leslie Kramer walk her dogs as some 90 wildfires are active in Alberta, with 23 out of control, according to the provincial government, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Record-high temperatures and tinder-dry vegetation have led to an intense, early start to wildfire season in western Canada this year. Alberta has been the worst-hit, with about 91 wildfires burning, including 27 out of control, as of Wednesday. On Wednesday, consultancy firm Rystad Energy said nearly 2.7 million barrels per day (bpd) of Alberta oil sands production in May is at risk in "very high" or "extreme" wildfire danger rating zones. Of estimated May production volumes, about 60% are subject to extreme wildfire danger levels, with the remaining 40% subject to very high danger, Oslo-based Rystad said.

☆ Alberta wildfires hit gas flow out of Canada to US, spiking prices
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-18 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/4] Smoke rises above the southeast perimeter of the Paskwa fire (HWF030) as it burns near Fox Lake, Alberta, Canada May 16, 2023. Alberta Wildfire/Handout via REUTERSOTTAWA, May 18 (Reuters) - Alberta officials on Thursday warned more wildfires could spread in next few hot and dry days, even as firefighters make progress in tackling widespread blazes that have slowed the outflow of natural gas from Canada into the United States, spiking prices. There were about 92 active wildfires and over 10,000 people out of their homes as of Thursday, Alberta officials told a daily briefing. "Firefighters can experience challenging conditions in hot, dry and windy weather, but progress has been made on many active wildfires," said Christie Tucker, information unit manager at Alberta Wildfire. "We are expecting and preparing for more active wildfire behavior today and over the next few days," she said.

[1/2] A smoke column rises from wildfire WCU001 near Wildwood, Alberta, Canada May 5, 2023. Alberta Wildfire/Handout via REUTERS/File PhotoTORONTO, May 16 (Reuters) - Tinder-dry weather and shifting winds in Alberta on Tuesday elevated the risk of spreading wildfires in the Canadian oil-producing province where thousands have already been forced from their homes. Some 90 wildfires are active in Alberta, with 23 out of control, according to the provincial government. Judy Levesque, 50, stood outside in the central Alberta town of Drayton Valley on the night of May 4 as ash rained down. The change in wind direction can pose a problem for firefighters as the path of the fires changes suddenly, said Christie Tucker, spokesperson for the Alberta Wildfire agency.

☆ Inside Canada's polar bear 'jail' where bears go without food and are kept behind bars — but it's not what you might think
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-13 | by ( Crystal Raypole | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +10 min

The town's Polar Bear Holding Facility, aka "jail", helps bears and humans live harmoniously. It's the only town in the world where people and polar bears live in close proximity — and the only town that has a polar bear "jail", aka the Polar Bear Holding Facility. Humans generally don't make up part of a polar bear's diet, but a starving bear won't be picky. Its second main goal is protecting polar bears, currently classified as a vulnerable species. What to do if you encounter a polar bearA polar bear on one of the last shards of ice in Hudson Bay.

Prior to Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February last year, Ukraine ran its nuclear reactors on Russian fuel, producing 55% of the country's electricity. Cameco, like Energoatom, can adjust how much uranium it delivers on two years' notice, Kotin said. Contracted uranium prices are typically higher than spot prices, meaning that Cameco may take a discount if Ukraine purchases less uranium due to the war's impact, Carter said. Kotin said Energoatom will buy Cameco's uranium at a price based equally on a fixed price and a market price. BIG POTENTIAL REWARDSWhile Ukraine will rely on Cameco for uranium, it has struck separate deals for further processing.

☆ Opinion | Talking With Patients About Death
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-23 | by ( ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

To the Editor:Re “As a Doctor, I Know Being Ready to Die Is an Illusion,” by Dr. Sunita Puri (Opinion guest essay, April 2):Many doctors, including me, have faced Dr. Puri’s dilemma about how to talk to dying patients. My early years as a specialist were besmirched by my failure to inform patients, in a timely fashion, that they were dying. Used to playing the role of a problem solver, I had no skills in consoling an explosion of grief. Indeed, several courts have found doctors at fault for nondisclosure of proximate death. Research has shown that the vast majority of people surveyed would want their doctor to inform them, without prompting, if they were dying.

☆ Canadian dealmakers expect low-carbon shift will drive mining M&A
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-20 | by ( Maiya Keidan | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

TORONTO, April 20 (Reuters) - Canadian advisors to mergers and acquisitions (M&A) expect a shift toward low-carbon technologies and government subsidies for them will spur dealmaking in mining for years to come and some are already gearing up for it. Clients are hiring mining people within dealmaking teams, and boutique M&A advisory firms are adding talent, mostly in mining, he said. Canada this year expanded an investment tax credit to equipment needed by mining companies - and any other companies in the EV supply chain - to extract or process critical minerals. For copper and nickel deals, it was the best quarter on record since at least 1990, the data showed. "Mining is one of those sectors where you really want to be prepared for the inevitable market pickup."

REUTERS/Blair GableOTTAWA, April 14 (Reuters) - Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's top aide on Friday refused to say when Trudeau first learned about allegations that China tampered with recent elections, citing security concerns. Canadian authorities have started several investigations into the allegations of interference in Canada's 2019 and 2021 elections, accusations that Beijing denies. Trudeau's chief of staff, Katie Telford, spoke in Ottawa to a parliamentary committee looking into alleged Chinese election interference in the 2019 and 2021 elections, which Trudeau's Liberals won. Telford later said it was "quite possible" that Trudeau was briefed around January 2022 about alleged China interference in the 2019 election. Canadian media outlets have published detailed reports, citing anonymous intelligence sources, alleging schemes run by the Chinese government to interfere in Canada's last two elections.

☆ Canada unveils revised C$23 bln compensation deal for Indigenous children
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-05 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The tribunal ruled in 2016 that the federal government allocated fewer funds for child and family services of Indigenous people than for others, pushing more Indigenous children into foster care. The federal government is responsible for funding child welfare services for children on First Nations reserves. Individual provinces fund child welfare services for non-native children and native children who do not live on reserves, creating a two-tiered system. Canada's Indigenous people have higher levels of poverty and a lower life expectancy than other Canadians, and are more often the victims of violent crime, addiction and incarceration. "This agreement represents real work towards Canada's commitment to First Nations children past, present and future," Canada's Justice Minister David Lametti said in the statement.

☆ A cross between domestic pigs and wild boars was intentionally bred in Canada. The resulting 'super pigs' escaped captivity and could be invading the US.
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-04 | by ( Kelsey Vlamis | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

When the market collapsed, the "super pigs" escaped and have spread rapidly across the country. The environmentally destructive pigs may be invading the US, where feral pigs already pose problems in the South. Then the boar market peaked, collapsing in 2001, and many of the super pigs were simply let go. Others escaped, as the super pigs were stronger and more adept at getting under or over fencing. But the super pigs from Canada could easily survive the frigid winters of places like Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, or Minnesota.

☆ Police identify two among eight dead trying to enter U.S. from Canada
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-02 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

April 1 (Reuters) - Police in Canada on Saturday identified two victims among eight bodies recovered from two families who died this week trying to enter the United States from Canada by boat across the St. Lawrence River. Deputy Chief Lee-Ann O'Brien said Friday the victims appeared to be from two families, one Indian and one Romanian, who were trying to the reach the United States illegally. Akwesasne police said the agreement closing all unofficial border entries, including Roxham Road in Quebec, should not have factored here because the families were seeking to go to the United States, not Canada. Last year an Indian family of four froze to death in Canada's province of Manitoba as they were trying to cross into the United States. More people have been using Akwesasne territory to furtively try to enter the United States, with 80 interceptions recorded this year, and the majority have been Indians or Romanians, said Dulude.

SummarySummary Companies Plant to supply 1.2-1.4 mln tonnes of ammonia per yearYara attracted by low US gas prices, carbon capture costProduction start up set for 2027-28OSLO, March 31 (Reuters) - Norwegian fertiliser maker Yara (YAR.OL) and Canadian pipeline company Enbridge (ENB.TO) plan to invest up to $2.9 billion to build a low-carbon blue ammonia production plant in Texas, they said on Friday. Blue ammonia, rather than green ammonia derived from renewable energy, refers to ammonia produced from natural gas, with the carbon dioxide (CO2) byproduct captured and stored. The plant will supply 1.2 million to 1.4 million tonnes of low-carbon ammonia per year. High gas prices in Europe have made the case to build in the U.S. stronger, Ankarstrand said. Many similar facilities are in development and demand for low-carbon ammonia looks strong, said Vince Paradis, Enbridge's vice president of business development.

Police recovered six bodies on Thursday and believe the tragedy may have occurred on Wednesday night. The Akwesasne reserve straddles both sides of the St. Lawrence River, with land in Ontario and Quebec on the Canadian side, and New York. To fight smuggling of people and goods, local police monitor the river full-time with funds from Quebec. On Wednesday night, when the families likely sought to cross the river, the weather was poor. Reporting by Christinne Muschi in Akwesasne and Steve Scherer in Ottawa; Editing by Josie KaoOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Yet congenital syphilis is easily preventable if an infected person gets access to penicillin during their pregnancy. There were 2,677 cases of congenital syphilis in the U.S. in 2021 for a population of 332 million, according to preliminary CDC data. Canada had 96 cases for a population of 38 million, according to Health Canada. Health Canada told Reuters it has dispatched epidemiologists to help provinces contain the increase in congenital syphilis. The province had an incidence of 185 cases of congenital syphilis per 100,00 live births in 2021.

☆ Factbox: Canada clears Rogers-Shaw deal but with conditions
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-31 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

March 31 (Reuters) - Canada on Friday granted the final approval for Rogers Communications Inc's (RCIb.TO) C$20 billion ($15 billion) buyout of Shaw Communications Inc (SJRb.TO), clearing the deal that will create the country's No. 2 telecoms company. Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry Francois-Philippe Champagne agreed to the transfer of wireless licenses held by Shaw's Freedom Mobile unit to Quebecor Inc's (QBRb.TO) Videotron under some conditions. CONDITIONS ACCEPTED BY ROGERS* Will have to create 3,000 new jobs in Western Canada and maintain them for a minimum of 10 years after the closing date* Invest at least C$2.5 billion to enhance its 5G network in Western Canada, and C$3 billion in additional network service expansion projects* Expand access to low-cost broadband internet plans and launch a new low-cost mobile offering for low-income Canadians* Invest C$1 billion to expand broadband internet access, at speeds of at least 50/10 megabits per second, and 5G mobile service in areas where it is not currently available* Establish a western headquarters in Calgary and maintain it for a minimum of 10 years after the closing date* To report to Innovation, Science and Economic Department and to the public every year on specific progress it has made towards commitments in the agreement* Will have to offer wireless plans to Shaw Mobile customers at Shaw's current prices for 5 years after deal close* To pay C$100 million for every year in which any "material element" of any commitment is not metCONDITIONS ACCEPTED BY VIDEOTRON* Will need to offer plans that are comparable to those currently available in Quebec, and offer options at least 20% cheaper than that of major players* Cannot transfer Freedom Mobile licenses for 10 years* Will have to expand its 5G wireless network in Freedom Mobile's pre-existing operating territory within 2 years* Will increase data allotments of existing Freedom Mobile customers by 10% as a near-term bonus, while investing to bring down prices overall* Will expand mobile service into the Canadian province of Manitoba via the use of a signed Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) agreement and offer plans comparable to what it offers in Quebec* To pay C$25 million for every year in which any "material element" of any commitment is not metCompiled by Eva Mathews in Bengaluru; Edited by Shounak DasguptaOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

"Police believe one infant from the Romanian family has not been located and we'll continue searching. All are believed to have been attempting illegal entry into the U.S. from Canada," O'Brien added. Both the deceased and the missing children "were associated with the Romanian family" and had Canadian passports, which were found, O'Brien said. On Wednesday night, when the families likely sought to cross the river, the weather was poor. Reporting by Christinne Muschi in Akwesasne and Steve Scherer in Ottawa; Editing by Josie KaoOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Many of the arrivals abandoned plans to seek asylum in the United States, deterred by long processing times and restrictive definitions for asylum, according to aid officials and interviews with asylum seekers. "We want to help asylum seekers stabilize their lives whether in New York City or elsewhere." REUTERS/Christinne Muschi Acquire Licensing RightsThe Quebec government has said the increase in asylum seekers is straining its capacity to house people and provide basic services. The federal government said it has relocated more than 5,500 asylum seekers to other provinces since June, the first time it has done so. Immigration experts said closing off the border to asylum seekers could push migrants to take even riskier routes.

Persons: Zulema Diaz, Maryangel Diaz, Carlos Osorio, Diaz, Justin Trudeau, Joe Biden, Sean Fraser, Alejandro Mayorkas, Trudeau, Biden, Zulema, Eric Adams, Kate Smart, Fabien Levy, Smart, Ilze Thielmann, Raymond Theriault, Theriault, Christinne, Pierre, Luc Bouchard, You’re, Jamie Chai Yun Liew, Anna Mehler Paperny, Ted Hesson, Denny Thomas, Suzanne Goldenberg Organizations: REUTERS, New, . Homeland, Washington , D.C, Ottawa, New York City, Department of Homeless Services, U.S . Department of Homeland Security, Reuters Graphics Canada, United, Colombian, Immigration, Refugee Board, Canadian, Reuters, U.S, . Citizenship, Immigration Services, TLC, Border Patrol, University of Ottawa, Thomson Locations: U.S, Quebec, Niagara Falls , Ontario, Canada, CHAMPLAIN , New York, WASHINGTON, Peru, United States, New York City, Plattsburgh, Washington ,, New York State, New York, Haitian, Syracuse, El Paso, West Virginia, Niagara Falls, Guatemala, Champlain , New York, Montreal, Canada's province, Manitoba, Washington

[1/5] Asylum seekers board a bus after crossing into Canada from the U.S. in Champlain, New York, U.S., February 28, 2023. Many of the arrivals abandoned plans to seek asylum in the United States, deterred by long processing times and restrictive definitions for asylum, according to aid officials and interviews with asylum seekers. "We want to help asylum seekers stabilize their lives whether in New York City or elsewhere." The Quebec government has said the increase in asylum seekers is straining its capacity to house people and provide basic services. Immigration experts said closing off the border to asylum seekers could push migrants to take even riskier routes.

☆ Bank of Canada says it needs more evidence that rates are high enough
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-09 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

By Steve Scherer and David LjunggrenOTTAWA, March 9 (Reuters) - The Bank of Canada needs more evidence to gauge if interest rates are high enough to tame inflation, in part because the economies of major trading partners are doing better than forecast, senior deputy governor Carolyn Rogers said on Thursday. She spoke a day after the central bank left its key overnight interest rate on hold at 4.50%, becoming the first major central bank to suspend its tightening campaign as inflation eases. "If evidence accumulates suggesting inflation may not decline in line with our forecast, we're prepared to do more." The economic growth and inflation outlooks for both the United States and Europe are higher than the bank had expected in January. (Additional reporting by Fergal Smith in Toronto)((Reuters Ottawa bureau; david.ljunggren@tr.com))Keywords: CANADA CENBANK/Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Our quest to make AI love us back is futile — and dangerous
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-06 | by ( Cheryl Teh | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

But that's futile, experts say, because the AI of today can't feel empathy, let alone love. We've spent years trying to get AI to love us back. Experts told Insider that it's futile to expect the AIs that exist right now to love us back. During a simulation in October 2020, OpenAI's GPT-3 chatbot told a person asking for psychiatric help to kill themselves. Halpern, the UC Berkeley professor, told Insider AI-based relationships are perilous also because the entity can be used as a money-making tool.

☆ A new generation of airships is taking to the skies
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-03 | by ( Rebecca Cairns | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

It’s an airship, and French aeronautics company Flying Whales hopes its hybrid-electric, helium-lift vessel will change the shape of sustainable transport. Flying Whales' airships, pictured here in a render, could access remote locations without roads, railways or airports. That’s why most companies, including Flying Whales and LTA Research, are using helium, which is non-flammable. Prentice is also the founder and president of BASI, a Manitoba-based company specializing in airships adapted for cold climates. Flying Whales expects to test its first airship at the end of 2025, with commercial operations beginning in 2027 once the airship is certified.

Persons: ”, Romain Schlack, Sergey Brin, It’s, Barry Prentice, Prentice, “, Schlack Organizations: CNN, Flying Whales, ” Airship, Research, Google, LTA Research, Moffett, American Chemical Society, Asper School of Business, University of Manitoba, Prentice ., FAA, European Aviation Safety Agency, Libre de Bruxelles, Prentice, Companies, Akron Airdock, Vehicles, Air Vehicles Locations: San Francisco, California, Manitoba, Prentice . California, Belgium, Laruscade, Bordeaux, France, Ohio, San Francisco Bay, England, Quebec, Asia, Canada

☆ Canadian premiers accept C$46-bln federal govt healthcare funding offer
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-13 | by ( Nia Williams | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Feb 13 (Reuters) - Canada's provincial and territorial premiers on Monday said they will accept an additional C$46.2 billion ($34.64 billion) in healthcare funding from the federal government over the next 10 years, but warned the amount falls short of what is needed. In return for additional funding, the federal government has asked the provinces to commit to some conditions, including better data gathering and sharing. "We have accepted this for now...This is not a long-term solution to the healthcare funding that is needed within this country and by no means is a panacea to fix healthcare," Stefanson said. As a next step Ottawa will hold bilateral meetings with each province to finalize individual funding agreements. ($1 = 1.3336 Canadian dollars)Reporting by Nia Williams Editing by Marguerita ChoyOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Canadian groundhog Fred la marmotte found dead before Groundhog Day
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-02 | by ( Ismail Shakil | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

OTTAWA, Feb 2 (Reuters) - A beloved Canadian groundhog, Fred la marmotte, was found dead before he could complete a North American tradition of predicting the onset of spring on Groundhog Day on Thursday. "In life, the only thing that's certain is that nothing is certain," Blondin said at la Jour de Fred, or Fred's day, event. In North American folklore, if the solitary rodent sees his shadow on Groundhog Day, then frigid, winter weather will persist for six weeks. Groundhog Day, which falls on Feb. 2, evolved from an ancient ritual brought to the United States by German immigrants who settled in what is now the state of Pennsylvania. The first official celebration of Groundhog Day was in 1886, according to the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club.

☆ Explainer: Spilt milk? Why are the US and Canada fighting over dairy?
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-01 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

HOW DOES CANADA'S DAIRY SYSTEM WORK? The Canadian Dairy Commission, a government corporation, sets a milk price annually that dairy processors pay to farmers. A WTO panel ruled in 2002 that Canada breached its trade obligations through its dairy support, siding with the United States. WHAT IS THE VALUE OF CANADA'S DAIRY SECTOR? Canada's 9,739 dairy farmers form one of the most influential lobbies in the country.

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