Latest news with #MOUs
CBC
23-07-2025
- Business
- CBC
Manitoba signs agreements with 4 provinces to improve trade and labour mobility
The Manitoba government has signed agreements with four other Canadian provinces to loosen trade barriers and increase labour mobility from coast to coast. Premier Wab Kinew said the province has signed four separate memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with Saskatchewan, British Columbia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island during the Council of the Federation meeting in Huntsville, Ont. The agreements outline a shared commitment to remove internal trade barriers between Manitoba and each province, while ensuring workers' credentials are recognized across the provinces to increase job mobility. They also include a promise to expand direct-to-consumer alcohol sales from Manitoba producers in each of the four provinces. "It feels good as a Canadian to see that the leaders from all regions and at the highest level are working together. It feels good as a premier to know that we're walking in lockstep with our colleagues," Kinew said during a virtual press conference Tuesday. Manitoba also signed a separate memorandum of understanding with Saskatchewan and Arctic Gateway Group to expand Arctic trade via the Port of Churchill. Kinew told reporters that he also had a productive meeting with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, where they discussed shared economic priorities. "We're definitely all on the same page in terms of definitely wanting to build up Canada and build up our economy," he said, calling the meetings in Huntsville "Team Canada's huddle" before the Aug. 1 deadline to reach a trade deal with the U.S. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Mark Carney said his government "will not accept a bad deal" and is working toward a trade agreement that's "in the best interest of Canadians." Kinew told CBC's David Cochrane on Power and Politics Tuesday afternoon that Canadians should remain patient as provincial and federal leaders work to build local economies and try to secure a deal with an often-volatile trading partner to the south. "Given the way the Trump administration has continuously moved the goalposts, has continuously put different issues on the table, taking them off, I think we should maybe just let go of the Aug. 1 deadline as a fixation. And the fixation that we should have is a good deal," he said. On Tuesday, the premiers of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario also signed memorandums of understanding to build new pipelines, railroads and energy infrastructure to move oil, gas and critical minerals between the provinces. Manitoba did not sign the agreement. Kinew said Manitoba's major infrastructure projects must first have a consensus from Indigenous stakeholders before putting shovels in the ground. The Council of the Federation meeting continues in Huntsville on Wednesday.
CTV News
22-07-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Sask. signs trade MOUs with Manitoba, PEI
Regina Watch WATCH: Saskatchewan has inked two new MOUs, this time with Manitoba and Prince Edward Island.
Time Business News
15-07-2025
- Health
- Time Business News
How Addiction Recovery Centres Are Partnering with Local Governments for Safer Communities
The Intersection of Public Health and Public Safety Historically, addiction was addressed through punitive means, often handled exclusively by law enforcement and the judicial system. Recovery centres and public health agencies operated in parallel, rarely intersecting with policing or criminal justice protocols. This fragmented approach has proven insufficient against the rising tide of substance use disorders. In recent years, addiction has been reframed as a public health emergency rather than a criminal issue. This evolution has led to a pivotal alliance: addiction recovery centres are now working closely with local governments to create multifaceted strategies that prioritize both health outcomes and community safety. Together, these stakeholders are developing holistic models that blend care, accountability, and prevention. Finding a Path to a Healthier Tomorrow Taking the first step toward recovery can be one of the most difficult yet rewarding decisions in a person's life. The journey is often marked by emotional hurdles, setbacks, and personal transformation. A combination of therapy, medical support, and community can create a strong foundation for lasting change. Drug Addiction Treatment typically involves detoxification, behavioral counseling, and long-term follow-up to prevent relapse. Every individual's experience is unique, requiring personalized strategies and compassionate care. With the right support system, healing is not only possible—it becomes a new way of living filled with hope and resilience. Strategic Alliances: Building the Framework The foundation of effective collaboration begins with strategic alignment. Recovery centres and municipalities are formalizing their partnerships through Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), which clarify roles, responsibilities, and resource-sharing mechanisms. These agreements establish a roadmap for joint operations, setting clear expectations for both governmental and clinical actors. Joint task forces, often composed of city officials, public health experts, recovery centre directors, and law enforcement personnel, are increasingly common. These interdisciplinary bodies convene regularly to assess ongoing challenges, share data, and adapt policy. Their presence signals a shift from siloed decision-making to unified, community-first governance. Shared Resources and Coordinated Funding One of the most powerful benefits of partnership lies in shared resourcing. Funding for addiction recovery services often originates from a labyrinth of sources—federal grants, state allocations, and local budgets. When governments and recovery centres pool their financial and logistical resources, they gain access to a broader spectrum of tools. Joint funding models now support the expansion of detox facilities, mobile outreach teams, and crisis stabilization units. In several jurisdictions, local governments help subsidize the salaries of peer support workers and case managers, acknowledging that long-term recovery requires sustained human connection, not just clinical intervention. By coordinating fiscal strategies, both parties can maximize their impact while minimizing redundancy. Community-Based Intervention Programs A hallmark of these partnerships is the development of community-centric intervention programs. Instead of defaulting to arrest and incarceration, many cities now deploy pre-arrest diversion programs. These initiatives allow individuals struggling with substance use to be directed toward recovery centres rather than jail cells. In tandem, municipalities are embedding licensed clinicians within law enforcement agencies. These professionals respond alongside officers to calls involving mental health or substance crises, providing immediate triage and connection to care. This symbiotic model reduces the burden on emergency rooms and correctional facilities while fostering safer, more humane responses to addiction. Rehabilitation Over Incarceration: A Shift in Policy Progressive jurisdictions are moving away from punitive sentencing models toward rehabilitation-first frameworks. Specialized drug courts offer eligible offenders the option of entering a structured treatment program rather than serving traditional jail time. This shift not only addresses the root causes of addiction but significantly lowers the likelihood of reoffending. Statistical evidence supports this pivot. Participants in court-mandated recovery programs report lower recidivism rates compared to those who undergo standard incarceration. These outcomes reinforce the argument that therapeutic intervention is not just a compassionate approach—it's a pragmatic one. Education, Awareness, and Public Engagement Beyond clinical and judicial reform, public awareness is a critical pillar of these collaborations. Recovery centres and local governments are jointly spearheading community engagement campaigns aimed at destigmatizing addiction and promoting available services. Town hall meetings, school outreach programs, and multimedia campaigns are being leveraged to build trust and transparency. Highlighting local success stories has proven especially effective. When community members witness the tangible transformation of neighbors, colleagues, and family members, perceptions begin to shift. Recovery becomes not a hidden struggle, but a shared civic triumph. Conclusion: A Future Forged in Unity The fusion of recovery centres and local government entities is forging a resilient framework for healthier, safer communities. These partnerships are dismantling outdated binaries—health vs. justice, care vs. control—and replacing them with cohesive strategies grounded in empathy, science, and shared accountability. As the social landscape evolves, this synergy will become increasingly indispensable. Together, municipalities and treatment providers are not merely responding to addiction—they are reshaping the societal architecture that once enabled its neglect. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Time of India
05-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Mumbai businessman accused in bank fraud and money laundering case denied bail
Mumbai: Observing that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) collected sufficient material to prima facie conclude that the applicant was actively involved in the offence of money laundering, a special PMLA court on Friday rejected the bail plea of businessman Vijay Gupta. He is accused in a Rs 764.44 crore fraud involving the State Bank of India (SBI). Gupta, founder of the Vindhyavasini Group of Companies, which operates in steel manufacturing, real estate development, and infrastructure services, remains in judicial custody. The ED strongly opposed the bail, submitting that Gupta is a "habitual economic offender" actively involved in money laundering. Given the gravity and seriousness of the offences, the court concluded that Gupta is not entitled to bail. While the defence claimed that the accused was in jail for over 12 months, the court noted that he was arrested in the money laundering case only in March this year. The court said that the period of custody in the predicate offence cannot be considered since the offence under section PMLA is a different and distinct offence. The ED's case stems from six FIRs registered by the CBI and EOW, Mumbai, against six companies of the Vindhyavasini Group. It is submitted that these companies, promoted and managed by Gupta, are accused of defrauding the SBI's Eastern Express Highway Branch in Thane of approximately Rs 764.44 crores. According to the ED, the accused used 57 shell entities and 117 bank accounts for the placement, integration, and layering of the proceeds of crime. The ED detailed a systematic scheme of fraud, including the submission of fabricated and inflated Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), Technical Economic Viability (TEV) reports, and highly inflated valuation reports of mortgaged properties to secure maximum loan sanctions from SBI. It was further alleged that the accused colluded with Vishwas Kadam, a then relationship manager for Medium Enterprises (RMME) at SBI, Thane branch, and loan consultant Vijay Patil, to process and approve loans based on these forged documents. The ED claims Gupta paid a bribe of Rs 59 lakh to Vishwas Kadam. It was further submitted that there was a diversion of approximately Rs 164 crore from cash credit limit accounts of group companies to Gupta's personal accounts and shell entities owned by him and his brothers, Ajay Gupta and Sanjay Gupta. These funds were allegedly routed multiple times for unauthorised purposes. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai The ED also submitted that around Rs 42.77 crore were withdrawn in cash from August 2010 to July 2013 from the bank accounts of the Vindhyavasini Group, shell entities, and personal accounts of family members. Allegations include the purchase of flats in Borivali and Kandivali using illicit funds, with one flat reportedly purchased in the name of his children's caretaker. It was also alleged that Gupta siphoned off a significant portion of Rs 13.20 crore received as compensation from NHAI for land acquisition, some of which was already mortgaged with SBI. Gupta's lawyer argued that he was falsely implicated and that the case was lodged with ulterior motives. It was also contended that the transactions are civil in nature, with recovery proceedings already initiated by SBI pending before civil courts. It was also submitted that sufficient collateral was provided to the bank, and the remaining dues of Rs 321 crores (out of a total loan of Rs 805 crores, with Rs 486 crores already recovered) could be covered by auctioning mortgaged properties, including the Solaris Building at Powai, valued at approximately Rs 400 crore in 2013. The defence highlighted Gupta's incarceration of over 12 months and the unlikelihood of a speedy trial given hundreds of witnesses and over fifty thousand pages of documentary evidence.
CNA
16-06-2025
- Business
- CNA
Green economy a promising new area for Singapore-Indonesia cooperation, says PM Wong
SINGAPORE: The green economy is one promising new area of cooperation for Singapore and Indonesia to 'help ourselves, help each other and help the world', Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said on Monday (Jun 16). 'We know that climate change will have an outsized impact on small island and archipelagic states like ours, but we can turn our vulnerabilities into opportunities,' he said during a joint press conference with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at Parliament House. The Indonesian leader arrived in Singapore on Sunday evening for a two-day state visit - his first here since taking office last October - and was welcomed upon arrival by Mr Wong. The two leaders met on Monday for the 8th Singapore-Indonesia Leaders' Retreat, their first in their current capacities. The retreat is the highest-level platform between the two countries. Mr Wong said that both sides have signed three memoranda of understanding (MOUs) on cross-border electricity trade, carbon capture and storage and the sustainable industrial zone 'Working together, we can create new opportunities for growth while realising our green and sustainability goals,' he said. The partnership was marked with a Milestone Ceremony for Project Development, representing 'both countries' shared commitment to implement the MOUs, by supporting decarbonisation projects that will realise our shared ambitions and yield win-win benefits', the Trade and Industry Ministry said in a press release. Mr Wong said that both countries' work on the green economy 'reinforces our already robust and multifaceted economic ties'. In his remarks, Mr Prabowo congratulated Mr Wong on his re-election at the recent General Election and also thanked him for attending his inauguration ceremony last year. He added that Singapore has initiated many successful policies, some of which he wanted to 'copy with pride', such as Singapore's housing policy and its sovereign wealth fund model. 'I spent some years as a boy here. I witnessed the early days of Singapore. And to be very frank, I've always admired the success of Singapore, and especially the success of the early leaders of Singapore, the leadership, statesmanship,' said Mr Prabowo. He called the leaders' retreat 'very productive and very successful', with 19 deliverables produced across various sectors. On Monday, both leaders witnessed the exchange of various agreements for cooperation between the countries. Among them was the Joint Report to Leaders on the Six Bilateral Economic Working Group (6WG) Ministerial Meeting. The 6WG is a key economic platform between both sides focused on economic cooperation in six areas: The Batam, Bintan and Karimun region and other Special Economic Zones, investments, manpower, transport, agri-business and tourism. Both countries also exchanged MOUs on food safety and agriculture technology; cross-border electricity interconnection and trading, renewable and low-carbon energy technologies, energy efficiency and conservation; and cooperation in cross-border carbon capture and storage. Mr Prabowo said he invites Singapore's active participation in Indonesia's efforts to transform its health sector. 'I plan to open more medical colleges and more nursing colleges, and this is, I think, an area where Singapore's experience can benefit us,' he said. He added that he welcomes 'the opportunity for Indonesian migrant workers to work here in a good and friendly environment'. 'Prime Minister Wong and I agreed there's great potential to strengthen cooperation in the placement of skilled caregivers from Indonesia and Singapore,' added Mr Prabowo. REGIONAL AND GLOBAL MATTERS Both leaders also discussed regional and global affairs during Monday's meetings. 'We expressed deep concern over the situation in Gaza and the escalation in the Israel-Iran conflict,' said Mr Prabowo. 'We emphasised the importance of peaceful solution negotiation, and we call for an immediate ceasefire.' He added that both sides agreed that efforts must continue to be focused towards achieving engagement and a peaceful outcome in Myanmar. 'As founding members of ASEAN, we will continue to work closely with our fellow ASEAN member states to strengthen our region and to uphold the rules-based multilateral system,' said Mr Wong. He added that Singapore supports Indonesia's bid to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Indonesia had in September applied to join the trading bloc, of which Singapore is a founding member. 'We are in the midst of profound global change, but for nearly 60 years, Indonesia and Singapore have stood shoulder to shoulder as partners in the face of multiple challenges,' said Mr Wong. He also took stock of the Expanded Framework Agreements (EFA) between both sides – on key areas of airspace management, defence and extradition – which entered into force in March last year. Both countries have signed a joint update on defence cooperation, while the Flight Information Region agreement has been successfully implemented, said Mr Wong. 'Indonesian personnel are stationed in Singapore. We welcome them, and they are working smoothly with the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore to ensure safe and efficient traffic and air traffic management,' he said. Mr Wong added that the first case under the extradition treaty is now before the Singapore courts, made possible through the close collaboration between both sides' legal and law enforcement agencies. 'The successful implementation of the three agreements is testament to Singapore and Indonesia's ability to work through complicated issues with respect and trust for one another,' said Mr Wong. He said that both countries' trade and investment links remain strong, noting that Singapore has been Indonesia's top source of foreign investments for more than a decade. Last year, Singapore accounted for over a third of foreign investment into Indonesia, said Mr Wong. He noted the importance of people-to-people exchanges between both sides, including internship opportunities for youths to work in one another's countries. This would be enabled by improvements in connectivity between both countries, said Mr Wong. NAMING ORCHID AFTER LATE MOTHER On Monday, Mr Prabowo received a ceremonial welcome at Parliament House and called on President Tharman Shanmugaratnam. He was also presented with a new orchid hybrid, the Paraphalanthe Dora Sigar Soemitro, named after his late mother. 'I was given the honour of nominating a name, and I nominated the name of my mother to give respect to her for having raised me, for having raised maybe a difficult boy in his younger days, but finally, he became president of Indonesia,' said Mr Prabowo. Mr Tharman then hosted a state banquet for his Indonesian counterpart at the Raffles Hotel. In his speech during the lunch, Mr Tharman said that Singapore and Indonesia have 'opened a new era in our relationship' over the past few years. 'But there is more that we can and must do together. Under Pak President's leadership, we are now making bold strides to push the frontiers of cooperation, such as in the green economy, manufacturing, digitalisation, and education,' he said. 'There is much potential in each of the areas of cooperation that our governments have embarked on."
