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Hamilton Spectator
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
The Association for Responsible Aquaculture Reports Allegations of Bid-Rigging in Nova Scotia Aquaculture Expansion
ARGYLE, Nova Scotia, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Association for Responsible Aquaculture (ARA) reports that the coastal community of Argyle is facing a political storm amid serious allegations of conflict of interest, bid-rigging, and a lack of public consultations related to the expansion of aquaculture facilities along the region's coastline. Documents obtained through Freedom of Information requests suggest that municipal staff and local oyster operators worked behind the scenes to fix the locations of Aquaculture Development Areas (ADAs) -placing them adjacent to residential properties without engaging affected residents or conducting meaningful consultation. The controversial site selection has prompted accusations of favouritism and secrecy, with constituents questioning why certain locations were chosen and who benefited. Despite repeated calls for transparency and accountability, the municipality has ignored these concerns. 'People feel betrayed,' said Susan Savriga, an Argyle resident. 'This wasn't a transparent process. It feels like the decisions were made behind closed doors to benefit a few, while the broader community was left in the dark.' Further compounding the issue, The Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture (DFA) is reported to have approved the contested ADA locations based on the municipality's recommendations-recommendations now mired in claims of improper influence. During a June 2024 council meeting, the Municipality of Argyle confirmed that no meaningful public consultation had been conducted on the site selections-further fuelling community frustration. Top Right to Left: Nolan Deon, and Colton Deon from Deon's Oysters sit behind Deputy Warden Ted Saulnier, Warden Nicole Albright, and CAO Alain Muise during the March 20 session for the municipality of Argyle NS. Evidence and Escalating Concerns Residents allege that municipal councillors and staff enabled specific oyster farmers to secure preferential treatment under the ADA program. In response, the municipality has hired an independent third-party investigator. Simultaneously, the Nova Scotia Ombudsman has launched a separate investigation into the municipality's failure to conduct proper consultation. Despite these developments, the Municipality and DFA have refused to address or resolve the reported conflicts and continue to resist public calls for a reset of the ADA process to perform fair and open public consultations. Rising Barriers to Transparency In what residents describe as an attempt to stifle public oversight, the municipality has begun imposing excessive fees for FOIPOP requests. Additionally, it is invoking Bill 1, recently passed by the provincial government, to label certain information requests as 'trivial, frivolous, or vexatious,' potentially blocking further disclosures. Community Voices Call for Accountability 'Seeing local councillors refuse to represent and listen to their constituents is extremely alarming,' said Lorelei Murphy, Former Liberal Candidate for MLA Argyle. 'Given the volume of concerns and perceived evidence presented by the residents throughout the area, I think it is council's obligation to hold an open and unbiased review of their decisions to this point and act accordingly moving forward.' 'It's clear now that the farmers cheated,' said Chris Thibedeau, a member of the Argyle Residents Association (ARA). 'The email evidence shows individuals inside the municipality helped them. These are no longer perceived conflicts-they are real, and they must be investigated.' 'I've been respectful in all of my communications,' said ARA member Corey Clamp. 'Yet weeks go by with no reply from my councillor. People are watching. If you can't respond to your constituents, you should step down.' As public pressure builds, residents are calling for a full halt to aquaculture approvals until an independent review is completed. The integrity of the municipal governance, they say is on the line. About the ARA The Association for Responsible Aquaculture (ARA) in Argyle is a community stakeholder group of over 400 residents concerned with the lack of transparency and fairness offered by the Aquaculture Development Area (ADA) Pilot led by the Municipality of Argyle and the NS Dept. of Fisheries and Aquaculture. While the ADA is a government led effort, the ARA represents the public and residents of Lobster Bay who seek fairness and a balance of realizing aquaculture expansion in non residential areas in a manner that promotes Tourism and the local harvesting of seafood. ARA is not anti-aquaculture. The goal is to make sure the ADA achieves balance and offers a win for all stakeholders including industry and the public. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at: Videos accompanying this announcement are available at:
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
The Association for Responsible Aquaculture Reports Allegations of Bid-Rigging in Nova Scotia Aquaculture Expansion
Argyle Municipality Faces Public Backlash over Conflicts of Interest and Lack of Transparency ARGYLE, Nova Scotia, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Association for Responsible Aquaculture (ARA) reports that the coastal community of Argyle is facing a political storm amid serious allegations of conflict of interest, bid-rigging, and a lack of public consultations related to the expansion of aquaculture facilities along the region's coastline. Documents obtained through Freedom of Information requests suggest that municipal staff and local oyster operators worked behind the scenes to fix the locations of Aquaculture Development Areas (ADAs) -placing them adjacent to residential properties without engaging affected residents or conducting meaningful consultation. The controversial site selection has prompted accusations of favouritism and secrecy, with constituents questioning why certain locations were chosen and who benefited. Despite repeated calls for transparency and accountability, the municipality has ignored these concerns. 'People feel betrayed,' said Susan Savriga, an Argyle resident. 'This wasn't a transparent process. It feels like the decisions were made behind closed doors to benefit a few, while the broader community was left in the dark.' Further compounding the issue, The Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture (DFA) is reported to have approved the contested ADA locations based on the municipality's recommendations-recommendations now mired in claims of improper influence. During a June 2024 council meeting, the Municipality of Argyle confirmed that no meaningful public consultation had been conducted on the site selections-further fuelling community frustration. Top Right to Left: Nolan Deon, and Colton Deon from Deon's Oysters sit behind Deputy Warden Ted Saulnier, Warden Nicole Albright, and CAO Alain Muise during the March 20 session for the municipality of Argyle NS. Evidence and Escalating Concerns Freedom of Information (FOIPOP) documents made public via the Argyle Municipality website provide evidence of collusion between select oyster farmers and municipal staff to secure ADA sites and discourage public consultation. (available at this link). Six resident presentations outline detailed conflict of interest claims and are available for public viewing link. At least ten formal complaints from local residents have been filed under Section 12 of the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act, demanding a full investigation. Residents allege that municipal councillors and staff enabled specific oyster farmers to secure preferential treatment under the ADA program. In response, the municipality has hired an independent third-party investigator. Simultaneously, the Nova Scotia Ombudsman has launched a separate investigation into the municipality's failure to conduct proper consultation. Despite these developments, the Municipality and DFA have refused to address or resolve the reported conflicts and continue to resist public calls for a reset of the ADA process to perform fair and open public consultations. Rising Barriers to Transparency In what residents describe as an attempt to stifle public oversight, the municipality has begun imposing excessive fees for FOIPOP requests. Additionally, it is invoking Bill 1, recently passed by the provincial government, to label certain information requests as 'trivial, frivolous, or vexatious,' potentially blocking further disclosures. Community Voices Call for Accountability "Seeing local councillors refuse to represent and listen to their constituents is extremely alarming,' said Lorelei Murphy, Former Liberal Candidate for MLA Argyle. 'Given the volume of concerns and perceived evidence presented by the residents throughout the area, I think it is council's obligation to hold an open and unbiased review of their decisions to this point and act accordingly moving forward." 'It's clear now that the farmers cheated,' said Chris Thibedeau, a member of the Argyle Residents Association (ARA). 'The email evidence shows individuals inside the municipality helped them. These are no longer perceived conflicts-they are real, and they must be investigated.' 'I've been respectful in all of my communications,' said ARA member Corey Clamp. 'Yet weeks go by with no reply from my councillor. People are watching. If you can't respond to your constituents, you should step down.' As public pressure builds, residents are calling for a full halt to aquaculture approvals until an independent review is completed. The integrity of the municipal governance, they say is on the line. About the ARA The Association for Responsible Aquaculture (ARA) in Argyle is a community stakeholder group of over 400 residents concerned with the lack of transparency and fairness offered by the Aquaculture Development Area (ADA) Pilot led by the Municipality of Argyle and the NS Dept. of Fisheries and Aquaculture. While the ADA is a government led effort, the ARA represents the public and residents of Lobster Bay who seek fairness and a balance of realizing aquaculture expansion in non residential areas in a manner that promotes Tourism and the local harvesting of seafood. ARA is not anti-aquaculture. The goal is to make sure the ADA achieves balance and offers a win for all stakeholders including industry and the public. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at: Videos accompanying this announcement are available at: CONTACT: Media Contact: WhatsApp +1-613-884-8162, direct +1-345-938-8162Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Time of India
08-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Big development in medical science: This cheap and the most popular diabetes drug used worldwide could help fight colon cancer
A popular, inexpensive diabetes medication might have a strong new use. Scientists are now investigating a 20-cent wonder drug, metformin 's potential to aid in the combat against colon cancer, and the early findings are encouraging. #Operation Sindoor Live Updates| From Sindoor to showdown? Track Indo-Pak conflict as it unfolds India hits Lahore's Air Defence Radars in proportionate response Pakistan tried to hit military targets in these 15 Indian cities, New Delhi thwarts strikes This surprising turn of events may be a turning point, particularly since the drug is already widely used and fairly affordable. Experts are cautiously optimistic as the research continues. Although not a cure on its own, initial research indicates that it can enhance other treatments, especially for hard-to-treat cancers. The drug's safety profile and low cost make it a good choice. Continue to video 5 5 Next Stay Playback speed 1x Normal Back 0.25x 0.5x 1x Normal 1.5x 2x 5 5 / Skip Ads by Researchers who gave presentations at last week's American Association for Cancer Research conference in Chicago are examining the interactions between metformin, the most widely used diabetes drug globally, and difficult-to-treat colon cancer cells. They are still in the early stages of their research, as per a report by Business Insider. Holli Loomans-Kropp, a gastrointestinal cancer prevention researcher at The Ohio State University who is spearheading the ongoing study, claimed that metformin "seems like it could have a really interesting supplemental approach to therapy." "We're opening up some doors to what this could do, as quoted in a report by Business Insider. Live Events How does metformin affect colon cancer cells? According to earlier studies, colon cancer rates are lower among diabetics taking metformin, which may indicate that the medication is taking some preventative action against the development of cancer. One of the first studies to examine whether metformin may actually combat colon cancer cells after the disease has progressed is this new one. According to what Loomans-Kropp and her colleagues have observed thus far in cell-culture dishes, metformin may eventually prove to be a useful "supplement" to specific cancer treatment plans. It could be used in conjunction with other treatments, but it wouldn't be strong enough to treat cancer on its own. The drug's potential to treat a common type of colon cancer that is often difficult to treat due to a mutated KRAS gene excites Loomans-Kropp. Before human clinical trials can start, more animal testing is necessary, so her research is still in its early phases. Why are researchers optimistic about metformin's potential? The fact that metformin is a medication that is already widely available and reasonably priced makes it a practical choice for treating colon cancer, according to Loomans-Kropp. Millions of people around the world have studied and taken metformin, which is inexpensive as an off-patent generic medication that costs 10 to 20 cents per pill. Because it controls how the body uses energy and promotes autophagy, which enables the body to break down old and damaged cells, some scientists think it may have potential as an antiaging medication. According to Loomans-Kropp, metformin may also prevent colon cancer cells from utilising energy for growth and development. What's next in the study before human trials begin? Metformin as a disease prevention tool excites longitudinal researchers. Metformin may be a "suitable" option for cancer prevention, according to Dr. Nir Barzilai, a renowned longevity researcher who believes the medication may be helpful for healthy ageing. Within a year, she can start testing metformin as a treatment for colon cancer in animals if these preliminary cancer cell results are positive. FAQs Does metformin cure colon cancer? No, but it may supplement other treatments, particularly for aggressive forms of the disease. Why is metformin being considered as a cancer treatment? As it alters how cells use energy, it may slow cancer growth; additionally, it is inexpensive and already widely used.
Asahi Shimbun
22-04-2025
- Business
- Asahi Shimbun
Osaka Expo attendance falls short of opening week estimates
The Osaka Kansai Expo is off to a sluggish start in its first week after daily visitor numbers fell short of initial targets. According to the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition, a total of 524,937 people attended the world's fair during the first seven days, beginning April 13. Additionally, nearly 115,000 accredited personnel, including organizers, stakeholders and journalists, also attended the event. The expo, which runs through Oct. 13, aims to attract 28.2 million visitors overall, a goal that requires an average of 150,000 attendees per day. However, no single day so far has yet reached that target. Still, organizers remain hopeful and Jun Takashina, an executive of the association, noted that operations are steadily improving. 'As entrance staff gain more experience, we'll be able to flexibly raise the admission cap per time slot,' he said on April 21. Organizers also revealed that 9.69 million advance tickets were sold prior to opening day. With additional sales expected—particularly from school trips—the total could rise to 12 million. However, this figure still falls short of the initial goal of 14 million presale tickets.
