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Global News
18-07-2025
- Science
- Global News
UFO data collection, analysis by feds could dispel misinformation: report
Systematic government collection and analysis of data about mysterious sightings in the sky could help Canada better prepare for incidents like the sudden appearance of several high-altitude balloons over North America two years ago, says a report from the federal science adviser. One of the balloons, which wafted above western Canada in early 2023 before being shot down off the U.S. coast, apparently originated from China and carried sophisticated equipment. The balloon episodes generated intense public speculation before fading from the headlines. The final report of the science adviser's Sky Canada Project says the incidents highlight the importance of government investigation of what appears in the sky and how difficult it is to distinguish between natural occurrences, common technological devices and potential security concerns. The report, released this week, says Ottawa should assign a federal department or agency to manage public data on celestial sightings and set up a service to collect testimonies, investigate cases and release analyses. Story continues below advertisement The report explores the public's decades-long fascination with unidentified flying objects and their association with extraterrestrial life, noting a recent shift to the more nuanced concept of unidentified aerial (or anomalous) phenomena, known as UAPs. The report says the evolution in terminology has the potential to reduce the skepticism and ridicule that has sometimes greeted UFO sightings. 0:44 Nothing to suggest UFOs shot down in US were related to China spy balloon, Biden says 'Stigmatization can have significant consequences, such as discouraging witnesses from coming forward and hindering scientific inquiry,' the report says. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'The new, more encompassing UAP terminology can help promote greater transparency, credibility and acceptance of research in professional and scientific circles and in the wider public.' The report says while many sightings can be attributed to optical illusions, atmospheric phenomena or human activity, a minority remain unexplained for a myriad of reasons, including a lack of reliable data that prevents rigorous scientific analysis. Story continues below advertisement Unexplained sightings generate interest and can be the source of misinformation or disinformation, diminishing public trust, the report adds. 'When people are repeatedly exposed to false narratives, they may become skeptical of credible sources, including scientists, journalists and government institutions.' Unusual sightings have drawn the attention of various federal agencies since the early days of the Cold War, with the Defence Research Board establishing a committee called Project Second Storey in 1952 to examine occurrences of 'flying saucers' over Canada. 1:51 White House says 3 downed objects likely harmless The report notes Transport Canada currently maintains the Civil Aviation Daily Occurrence Reporting System for incidents affecting aviation safety, including UAP sightings, while the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Department of National Defence may also receive reports through their operational networks. In addition, police forces sometimes hear from witnesses, and civil society organizations, such as Ufology Research of Manitoba and MUFON Canada, compile and analyze data from citizens, the report notes. Story continues below advertisement However, there is no 'cohesive and standardized system' for reporting and follow-up in Canada. The report points to the United States, France and Chile as interesting examples of co-ordinated, transparent and scientifically driven approaches to UAP reporting. It says the federal government should choose a trusted and recognized scientific organization, such as the Canadian Space Agency, to manage public data about sightings. The report also recommends the lead organization play a significant role in dispelling misinformation and disinformation by responding to public and media inquiries related to sightings, and by documenting and communicating common misinterpretations of observations. In addition, data should be made available to the public for transparency and to support research. The space agency did not respond to a query about the report in time for publication, and the Innovation, Science and Economic Development Department said UAPs fall outside its mandate. The report says adopting robust scientific methods and communicating more transparently about sightings would amount to 'a significant step forward in promoting public understanding and combating misinformation.'
Scoop
30-04-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Decommissioning Of The Aratere Ferry
Press Release – Ferry Holdings Limited The removal of this berth will mean that the Aratere ferry will no longer be able to deliver services across the Cook Strait. The construction of temporary port infrastructure for the Aratere is not part of the Ferry Holdings work programme. Following the announcements made by the Minister of Rail on 31 March 2025, Ferry Holdings Limited has initiated discussions with KiwiRail, Port Marlborough New Zealand Limited and CentrePort Limited to understand the infrastructure required to meet the Ministers deadline of 2029 for the new Cook Strait ferries to enter operations. To deliver this programme of work, Ferry Holdings is engaging with Port Marlborough and CentrePort to agree detailed port infrastructure plans in quarter 4, 2028. As part of this process work is required to decommission and/or demolition of the Aratere berth. Port Marlborough has advised that the demolition of the Aratere berth is a critical first step to meet the required port infrastructure requirements ahead of the commissioning of the new ferries in 2029. The removal of this berth will mean that the Aratere ferry will no longer be able to deliver services across the Cook Strait. The construction of temporary port infrastructure for the Aratere is not part of the Ferry Holdings work programme. We will continue working closely with both ports to finalise the specifications of the infrastructure required. The ongoing delivery of Cook Strait ferry services provided by KiwiRail is a commercial decision and they will work to manage this with the demand for freight and passenger services. Ferry Holdings Limited Background: • The Government is committed to safe, reliable and affordable Cook Strait ferry services. In March 2025, the Minister for Rail announced plans for the procurement of two new ferries that will serve people, cars, trucks, and rail across the Cook Strait, as well as straightforward infrastructure in Wellington and Picton which maximise reuse and minimise cost. • In December 2023, the Government cancelled Project iReX which sought to replace the Interislander ferries and upgrade the infrastructure. The costs for this Project had grown substantially to $3.1 billion and was forecast to go to $4.0 billion. The Government has established Ferry Holdings to deliver a markedly cheaper deal for taxpayers by 2029. • Ferry Holdings was incorporated in March 2025 to lead from 1 April 2025 the contractual negotiations with shipyards, ports, and any other party required to deliver safe, reliable and affordable inter-island asset replacements to serve the future. • Ferry Holdings is responsible for entering commercial shipyard procurement contracts and port agreements on infrastructure with CentrePort Wellington Limited (CentrePort Wellington), Port Marlborough New Zealand Limited (Port Marlborough) and any other party to enable the affordable delivery of ferries to enter service in 2029. Affordable means markedly cheaper than the cancelled Project iReX.
