
Federal government report on UFOs is expected to be made public by June
A final report on unidentified flying objects should be released by June, the office of the federal government's chief science advisor has confirmed.
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The Sky Canada Project, led by the Office of the Chief Science Advisor of Canada, was launched in the fall of 2022 to review current practices surrounding public reporting of unidentified aerial phenomena or UAPs in Canada.
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Some public sources estimate that Canadians report somewhere between 600 and 1,000 UAP sightings annually, according to a preview report from the Sky Canada Project released earlier this year. That initial report found that one in four Canadians surveyed say they have personally witnessed a UAP in their lifetime. But only 10 per cent reported what they saw.
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'The full report will come out later this spring, most probably in May or early June,' confirmed Luc Gauthier, the chief of staff at the Office of the Chief Science Advisor in Ottawa.
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He told the Ottawa Citizen that the production of the report and preparation to put it online is in the final stages.
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The Sky Canada Project was spurred on by increased public interest and recent developments in other countries, particularly the United States, where formal procedures for addressing UAP sightings are in development. The study explores the current reporting methods, identifies gaps, and provides recommendations to enhance transparency and scientific inquiry on UAP issues in Canada, according to the Office of the Chief Science Advisor.
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The Sky Canada Project team gathered information from federal departments and agencies, stakeholders, experts, and other organizations, on how UAP observations reported by the public are handled in Canada.
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A Sky Canada Project briefing for the Department of National Defence pointed out that among the reasons behind the initiative were support for national security through surveillance activities, as well as to promote more transparency.
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'It is not meant to prove or deny the existence of extraterrestrial life or extraterrestrial visitors,' said the February 2023 briefing, which was obtained by the Ottawa Citizen through an access-to-information request.
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The Province
2 hours ago
- The Province
Opinion: There is no known cure for ALS, but medical tourism exploits desperation for profit
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Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Each year in Canada, approximately two people per 100,000 are diagnosed with ALS, amounting to about 1,000 cases based on the current population. In British Columbia, where we are located, the rate is estimated at just over three per 100,000 or roughly 190 new cases per year. This equates to approximately 4,000 Canadians — and 400 British Columbians — living with ALS at any given time. 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In June, CBC's The National reported on the case of Geoff Sando, a person living with ALS who pursued an unproven intervention for his condition. Sando travelled to Moose Jaw, Sask., to seek treatment at a clinic that claims to provide a cure for ALS. The ALS Society of Saskatchewan and the provincial NDP allege the clinic attended by Sando and several other patients is a form of medical tourism — travelling elsewhere to seek treatment — that can prey on the most vulnerable in society: those whose quality of life is deteriorating, and whose futures are tragically cut short. Medical tourism for a wide variety of other health-related conditions is not new. For example, treatments for cancer, strokes and orthopedic conditions have been available abroad for decades. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. In the United States and Mexico, unfounded stem cell interventions for ALS have been advertised for years. 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Cision Canada
2 days ago
- Cision Canada
Government of Canada to build new national Cultural Heritage Science facility to protect Canada's heritage
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From Franklin expedition relics to iconic artifacts like Maurice "Rocket" Richard's hockey sweater, works by Norval Morrisseau, and a test rocket from the Avro Arrow program, the CHS helps preserve Canada's stories, connecting science with history to protect our Canadian heritage. Located on vacant federal land at 51 Sacré-Coeur Boulevard in Gatineau, Quebec, directly behind the historic National Printing Bureau, the 18,000-square-metre facility will integrate purpose-built laboratories, workshops, offices and specialized technologies designed to meet the complex needs of heritage science, including field investigations, scientific analysis and the preservation of culturally significant objects. Once complete, the facility will position Canada as a leader in heritage science and bring together approximately 170 employees, including scientists and experts in heritage conservation from Parks Canada, the Canadian Conservation Institute (CCI), and the Canadian Heritage Information Network (CHIN). This project will further partnerships with Indigenous Peoples by prioritizing community needs and values. CHS supports Indigenous communities in caring for their cultural objects and in embedding Indigenous knowledge systems with conservation research and practices. The facility's site selection was guided by dialogue with the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation and supported by the Algonquin Anishinabeg Nation Tribal Council. The project aims to create long-term Indigenous economic inclusion opportunities. Advice and guidance from Indigenous Peoples are being thoughtfully woven into early planning and decision making to help guide the future creation of culturally safe spaces for reflection and ceremony. This investment is part of Canada's broader commitment to modernizing federal science infrastructure through the Laboratories Canada strategy. Quotes "Canada has a rich heritage and multilayered history that unites us all. The construction of the Cultural Heritage Science facility in Gatineau, Quebec, demonstrates the Government of Canada's strong commitment to preserving that heritage for future generations. Through this investment, we are modernizing our conservation infrastructure, supporting cutting-edge research, and reaffirming the essential role of federal science in promoting national unity, advancing reconciliation and celebrating what makes Canada unique." 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Cision Canada
4 days ago
- Cision Canada
Praxis Spinal Cord Institute, Technology for Living and MIMIC Systems Vancouver pilot Novel Solid-State Cooling and Heating System Advancing Climate Resiliency for People with Disabilities
Pilot marks Canadian first in climate-resilient, refrigerant-free heating & cooling technology to assess climate equity. VANCOUVER, BC, Aug. 13, 2025 /CNW/ - Through the SCI Climate Futures initiative, Praxis Spinal Cord Institute and Technology for Living (TFL) are advancing innovative solutions to support the health resiliency of individuals vulnerable to rising temperatures. Today, Praxis and TFL are proud to announce the successful installation of the first pilot MIMIC solid-state climate control system in the Vancouver home of an individual living with spinal cord injury (SCI). This milestone was made possible with the generous support of the Gore Mutual Insurance Collaborative Climate and Equity Partnerships grant. For individuals living with SCI, multiple sclerosis (MS), and other chronic conditions that impair the body's natural ability to regulate temperature, prolonged exposure to heat, especially temperatures exceeding 29°C can be life-threatening. Without access to effective cooling technologies, these individuals face daily health risks, including muscle spasms, disorientation, and hospitalization. "At Gore Mutual, we believe that climate resilience must be inclusive. Supporting innovative solutions like the MIMIC system aligns with our commitment to equity and sustainability," said Gaby Polanco Sorto, VP, Purpose, Sustainability and Office of the CEO at Gore Mutual Insurance. "As the founding partner of The Climate and Equity Lab, we remain committed to deepening our collective understanding of how climate change impacts vulnerable communities, and we're proud to partner with organizations that are creating real-world impact for Canadians living with disabilities." MIMiC Systems unveils a solid-state solution for indoor climate control for the built environment, designed to eliminate refrigerants or moving parts. Offering both heating and cooling in a single, compact unit, the system provides a quiet alternative to traditional HVAC, ideal for property owners seeking simplicity, sustainability, and performance. The installation faced several delays due to the complexity of approving novel clean tech in BC, with support from the City of Vancouver essential to the launch of the pilot, highlighting the need for regulatory change to effectively meet the climate resiliency needs of Canadians living with disabilities. "It's been a great experience. The unit is beautiful, and we're really happy our family was chosen for the pilot. Just walking into a cool home makes such a difference. I hope this system helps us stay comfortable while using less energy during the summer"— Pilot PLEX (person with spinal cord injury, lived experience) homeowner. " We're building a new standard for thermal comfort - one that's easy to install, built to last, and aligned with our planet's needs.", said Berardo Matalucci, CEO of MIMiC. "SCI Climate Futures initiative helped us to deploy our first unit to provide heating and cooling to those who need it the most. We're humbled and grateful for all the support. We'd also like to give a huge shoutout to Terra Mechanical Ltd. They've been a fantastic partner for our first install". The installation was completed by Terra Mechanical Ltd., BC HVAC and controls specialists, with support from the MIMIC, Praxis, and TFL teams. It involved close collaboration with the homeowner and building management to ensure compatibility, accessibility, and safety. Valuable feedback gathered during the process is already informing future product refinements. Why It Matters The SCI Climate Futures initiative was launched in response to British Columbia's escalating heat crises, which disproportionately affect people with disabilities. Phase 2 expands the scope to test and validate built-environment technologies that offer year-round thermal regulation. "At Technology for Living, we believe equitable access to assistive technology is essential for the well-being and independence of people with disabilities. This pilot is a powerful example of how inclusive innovation can reduce health risks and support safer, more sustainable living environments." said Ean Price, Innovation Strategist, Technology for Living. "This pilot project is a critical step forward for our SCI Climate Futures initiative," said Bill Barrable, CEO of Praxis Spinal Cord Institute. "The project signifies our dedication to advancing innovative, climate-resilient solutions that protect the health and safety of people with spinal cord injuries and others who are vulnerable to extreme heat. At the core of our mission is improving the lives of individuals living with SCI, especially for those most vulnerable to rising temperatures." Next Steps MIMIC Systems will continue working with the pilot household to monitor performance, energy usage, and user experience, while providing ongoing technical support. A second pilot installation site has already been confirmed and is scheduled for deployment in the coming months. This milestone represents a key step toward a climate-resilient future, one that centers on inclusion, accessibility, and sustainability. About Praxis Spinal Cord Institute Praxis Spinal Cord Institute is a Vancouver-based not-for-profit organization that leads global collaboration in spinal cord injury research, innovation, and care. We accelerate the translation of discoveries and best practices into improved treatments for people with spinal cord injuries. Learn more: About Gore Mutual Built on a foundation of financial strength for more than 180 years, Gore Mutual Insurance Company is one of the oldest property and casualty mutual insurers in Canada. With offices in Cambridge, Toronto and Vancouver, Gore Mutual is a Canadian mutual company offering competitive insurance products through trusted broker partners. Every decision and investment made is anchored in the long-term benefits to customers, members and communities. For more information, please visit About Technology for Living Technology for Living (TFL) supports people with severe physical disabilities in living as independently as possible. TFL provides individuals who experience physical barriers with peer support, innovative technologies, respiratory therapy services, and equipment that address unmet needs and promote independence, inclusion, and well-being. Learn more: About MIMIC Systems MIMiC Systems is pioneering solid-state, refrigerant-free heat pump technology to reduce the climate impact of heating and cooling. Unlike traditional systems that depend on compressors and leak high-GWP refrigerants, MIMiC's solution is a quiet, reliable, and emission-free alternative. Our mission is to accelerate the transition to resilient and sustainable heating and cooling systems in buildings and beyond. Learn more: