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Hamilton Spectator
30-07-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Police, MPs meet behind closed doors to discuss bail reform in St. Thomas
Local police chiefs had a closed-door meeting to discuss bail reform with two Conservative Members of Parliament who sit on Canada's House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights in St. Thomas on July 24. The 'Round Table on Crime and Justice', organized by St. Thomas Police Chief Marc Roskamp and held at that station, included Deputy Chief Steve Bogart; Aylmer's Police Chief Kyle Johnstone and Deputy Chief Chris Johnson; and MPs Andrew Lawton (Elgin–St. Thomas–London South) and Larry Brock (Brantford-Brant South-Six Nations). Journalists were not permitted to attend the round table session, but were allowed a 20-minute interview afterwards. MP Lawton said the police leaders at the meeting linked current bail policies to repeat offending and expressed concern about the impact of what he described as 'revolving‑door bail.' 'One thing that was pointed out from the Aylmer context is that problems that they used to see as big-city problems are in every community of every size in Canada: rampant property crimes, just the feeling of not being safe in your own community,' he added. 'This is what police were telling us consistently this morning, that they're getting a small number of people that they're re-arresting over and over and that they're causing all of the problems, taking up almost all of their police time, and accounting for all their interactions,' explained MP Lawton. He said that information from the police underlined the importance of bail reform, stating, 'When the justice committee reconvenes hopefully soon, we'll be able start moving some tangible action on that.' Chief Roskamp said in a statement after the round table meeting, 'This isn't just a policing issue, it's a community issue. 'When a small number of individuals are responsible for a high volume of crime, we must take a coordinated approach that spans the justice system, health care, and social supports.' Chief Roskamp said the meeting with local Members of Parliament 'recognized the multi-sectoral nature of the challenge, involving not only police and the courts, but also corrections, mental health services, and community organizations. 'Leaders (MPs Lawton and Brock) reaffirmed their commitment to working collaboratively to protect the public and support a justice system that balances accountability with rehabilitation,' Chief Roskamp's statement added. 'The meeting reflects ongoing efforts to ensure that legislative, enforcement, and support frameworks are equipped to address chronic criminality and its ripple effects on safety and well-being in communities of all sizes.' MP Brock, MP Lawton's Conservative caucus colleague and standing committee vice-chair, said he plans to present a bail reform petition when Parliament reconvenes on Sept. 15. The standing committee studies bills, policies, programs and spending of the Department of Justice and six related federal agencies. A former Crown prosecutor with 20 years of experience in Brantford, MP Brock said he believes a small number of repeat offenders are responsible for a disproportionate share of crime. 'Too many prolific repeat offenders who represent a very small percentage of the overall number of people who get involved in the criminal justice system are largely responsible for 80 percent of all crimes being committed in this country,' he said. He criticized a 2019 amendment to the Criminal Code introducing the 'principle of restraint,' which directs judges to release accused parties 'at the earliest opportunity on the least restrictive conditions.' MP Brock said this has contributed to what he called a 'catch‑and‑release system.' 'Don't get me wrong,' he said. 'People are still being detained. Not everybody who commits a criminal offense in this country today is being released … but I'm telling you the vast majority of people who should be detained – off our streets to protect our communities and our victims – are laughing at police enforcement right now because they know, 'arrest me, I'm going to be out of there in a couple of hours because of the principle of restraint'.' Given anecdotal evidence and references to non-specific numbers, the Express inquired about statistics and sources to support this call for reform were directed to Statistics Canada. 2020 Government of Canada research on recidivism in the criminal justice system states: 'The prevalence of recidivism varies from nine percent to 90 percent … this is largely due to differences in how recidivism is defined,' the research paper continues. 'Recidivism rates are not available at a national level since there is no national consensus on the operational definition of recidivism and there are significant variations in how recidivism is defined and counted in different jurisdictions: re-contact, re-arrest, re-incarceration, or reconviction.' Statistics Canada reported that the volume and severity of police‑reported crime in Canada, as measured by the Crime Severity Index (CSI), decreased four percent in 2024, following three consecutive years of increases. The 2024 CSI was just over one‑third lower than its peak in 1998. As well, in 2024, crime trend highlights over 2023 included, 'Rates of breaking and entering (-11%) and motor vehicle theft (-17%) decline, while rate of shoplifting rises (+14%).' A 2020 Department of Justice report titled, 'Recidivism in the Criminal Justice System' included the following: 'A 2019 study by Statistics Canada 12 examined re-contact 13 with the Ontario CJS. The study used a population of 53,003 individuals who came into contact at least once with the police because they were accused of a crime in 2008/2009. The study found that of the 53,003 individuals, 46% had at least one re-contact with the police, proportionally higher among men (48%) than women (39%). Of those that came in contact with police, 10% were chronic offenders.' Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a law-and-order action plan on April 10. Among a series of far-reaching initiatives slated for implementation this fall, PM Carney's plan includes strengthening bail laws for violent and organized crime, home invasions, car thefts, and human trafficking, 'including and especially for repeat offenders.' Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . 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United News of India
20-07-2025
- Business
- United News of India
ED summons Google & Meta officials for questioning under PMLA Act
New Delhi, July 19 (UNI) The ED or Enforcement Directorate issued a legal notice to tech giants Meta and Google in an illegal betting app probe. ED summoned representatives from both companies to appear at its Delhi headquarters on July 21 2025. The Enforcement Directorate is a law enforcement agency of the Government of India. It is a watchdog of economic laws and combat financial crimes. The Enforcement Directorate alleged that both Google and Meta platforms played an important role in promoting the betting apps, which are under observation for financial crimes. The Enforcement Directorate is going to question these two tech giants due to the accusation of hawala transactions and violations of the PMLA (Prevention of Money Laundering) Act. The PMLA Act is enacted by the Indian Government for preventing money laundering activities. Some apps, including Junglee Rummy, A23, JeetWin, Parimatch, and Lotus365, are already under the scrutiny of the ED. The summon orders for Google and Meta make another mark in the agency's observation on digital platforms. UNI SAS BM More News 19 Jul 2025 | 11:28 PM Bhubaneswar, July 19 (UNI) Odisha has handled its largest ever imported coking coal parcel, with a massive 1,86,782 metric tonnes (MT) received at Adani-operated Dhamra Port, the port officials said today. see more.. ED summons Google & Meta officials for questioning under PMLA Act 19 Jul 2025 | 6:05 PM New Delhi, July 19 (UNI) The ED or Enforcement Directorate issued a legal notice to tech giants Meta and Google in an illegal betting app probe. see more.. Reliance Industries Ltd Posts Q1 FY26 Consolidated Profit Of Rs 26,994 Crore 19 Jul 2025 | 5:51 PM Mumbai, July 19 (UNI) Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) officially announced that it has posted a consolidated net profit of Rs 26,994 crore for the first quarter which ended in June 2025 (Q1) of the financial year 2026 (FY26), marking a sharp 78.3% rise from Rs 15,138 crore in the same period last year. see more.. DPE organised a workshop for adoption of Industry 4 0 in CPSEs 19 Jul 2025 | 4:59 PM New Delhi, July 19 (UNI) Department of Public Enterprises (DPE), Ministry of Finance, Government of India organized a day-long workshop on Industry 4.0 here. see more.. Sund Fin hosts Customer Round Table in Salem 19 Jul 2025 | 4:33 PM Salem, July 19 (UNI) In a rare and heartfelt gathering that transcended conventional industry events, Sundaram Finance hosted a special Customer Round Table here today, The event brought together a select group of its most longstanding customers — along with the next generation of their families — for an evening of reflection, learning, and emotional connection. see more..
United News of India
19-07-2025
- Business
- United News of India
Sund Fin hosts Customer Round Table in Salem
Salem, July 19 (UNI) In a rare and heartfelt gathering that transcended conventional industry events, Sundaram Finance hosted a special Customer Round Table here today, The event brought together a select group of its most longstanding customers — along with the next generation of their families — for an evening of reflection, learning, and emotional connection. Curated with care, this one-of-its-kind initiative was not about business pitches or product showcases. It was about people. About relationships built over decades — some even generations — rooted in mutual respect, shared values, and a deeply personal sense of trust. The Round Table served as an intimate platform to welcome the next generation of customer families into the Sundaram fold, helping them understand not just financial fundamentals, but the spirit of partnership that defines the Sundaram experience. The session was inaugurated by Mr. Kulkarni M J, National Head, Medium & Heavy Commercial Vehicles – Sundaram Finance, who set the tone for the event by reflecting on the company's legacy of walking alongside its customers through changing times. He emphasized that Sundaram's real strength lies not in numbers, but in the depth of its relationships — relationships that are nurtured quietly, consistently, and with sincerity. 'We are here not just to do business, but to stand by our customers — to understand, to guide, and above all, to care. This event is a celebration of the unquestionable loyalty between Sundaram Finance and our customers — a bond that cannot be bought, only built over time with care and integrity", a company release said. In an industry where interactions are often transactional, this kind of event is virtually unheard of. What made it even more powerful was its resonance with the company's core — Sundaram was born out of the desire to serve the underserved, to offer dignity in finance to those often overlooked. Many of the families present at the Round Table began their journey with Sundaram decades ago as first-generation entrepreneurs. Today, they have grown in stature, as has Sundaram. This growth has not been accidental — it has been a shared journey, powered by trust, fairness, and a quiet determination to do things the right way. UNI GV 1615
Ya Biladi
19-07-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
A US think tank credits Algeria with a role in resolving the Sahara issue
An American think tank with close ties to Israel is lobbying in favor of Algeria's interests under the Trump administration. The Washington Institute for Near East Policy, founded in 1985, stated in a recent report that «Algeria can serve as a key U.S. security partner in an increasingly volatile region». In January, Algiers and Washington even signed a military memorandum of understanding. The think tank encourages U.S. officials to «capitalize on Algeria» eagerness to restore its global image as a capable peace broker on the continent. However, that «eagerness» has been met with rejection by Sahel countries. Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—united since September 2023 under the Alliance of Sahel States—have strongly denounced what they described as «Algerian interference in their internal affairs». Beyond the instability in the Sahel, the think tank also acknowledges Algeria's «crucial role» in resolving the Western Sahara conflict. «Boosting Algeria's self-perception as a valued partner will be critical given the unprecedented Western alignment behind Morocco's plan to negotiate a resolution to the Western Sahara conflict at the UN Security Council, and what appears to be an irreversible U.S. position of recognizing Moroccan sovereignty over the territory». The report suggests that «Algiers might even conceivably play a role in persuading the Polisario to accept a negotiated model of self-governance, with the Moroccan autonomy plan as the starting framework. But this unlikely development would have to be premised on U.S. respect for Algeria». Despite claiming only «observer status» similar to Mauritania, Algeria has officially rejected the most recent UN Security Council resolutions calling for the resumption of the Round Table process, which has been stalled since March 2019. On Thursday, Algeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated its support for a resolution allowing the Sahrawi people «to exercise their inalienable and imprescriptible right to self-determination, in accordance with the relevant resolutions of international legality emanating from the General Assembly or the Security Council». For the record, Algeria hired U.S. lobbying firm BGR Group in September 2024 to defend its interests in Washington. The firm is known for its strong ties to Israel. Notable figures such as John Bolton, a staunch supporter of both the Polisario Front and Israel, the late Republican Senator James Inhofe (who passed away on July 9, 2024), and former UN envoy for Western Sahara James Baker, all voiced support for Algeria's position. In December 2020, all three welcomed the resumption of diplomatic relations between Rabat and Tel Aviv but simultaneously condemned President Donald Trump's recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara.
Wales Online
10-07-2025
- Wales Online
Bungalow comes with a whole lot more than you'd expect in pretty market town
If a pretty market town location and the chance to update a much-loved home into a house that reflects your style and personality sounds like a dream combination, there's a detached property for sale that is worth considering as it can deliver both. But there's more to this dated bungalow than might first appear as it comes with a surprise in the garden - not an outbuilding or a swimming pool - although there's plenty of room for one - but a large paddock. How many three-bed market town bungalows in Wales can boast that extra land? According to the estate agent, the paddock, large garden and enclosure total approximately an acre so there's the possibility of bringing the ponies to live at the property, as well as people. The perimeter of the paddock has a secure boundary consisting of stone walls and post and rail fencing. For more property stories sent to your inbox twice a week sign up to the property newsletter here . READ MORE: Inside Wales' most popular houses for sale The cars will be happy too as the home can offer them a wide front drive with oodles of off-road parking and a garage that includes lighting and power which could become a workshop or home office if required. This brilliant bungalow boasting masses of potential both inside and out is located in the popular town of Caerleon, a charming historic town just outside Newport packed with period character properties and a variety of pubs, restaurants and tea-rooms and access to a section of the national Route 88 cycle path that runs along the river between Caerleon and Newport. It is considered to be a lovely place to call home, and has been for thousands of years because it is one of Wales' most historic locations. Caerleon was one of the most significant military sites in Britain under the Roman Empire and was home to the 2nd Augustan Legion and visitors and residents can still visit the remains of the baths and barracks. Arguably the most impressive Roman remains is the amphitheatre - it might not rival Rome's Colosseum but it is incredible just the same, and it is located right next to the renovation bungalow - another unique aspect of this property that no other can claim. Constructed around AD 90 to entertain the legionaries stationed at Caerleon (called Isca in Roman times), this remarkable amphitheatre was the Roman equivalent of a modern multiplex cinema. Wooden benches provided seating for up to 6,000 spectators who would gather to watch thrilling displays featuring gladiatorial combat and exotic wild animals. Long after the Romans departed, the amphitheatre gained a new life in Arthurian legend. Geoffrey of Monmouth, a somewhat imaginative scholar from the 12th century, wrote in his 'History of the Kings of Britain' that Arthur was crowned in Caerleon and that the ruined amphitheatre was actually the remains of King Arthur's Round Table. The bungalow that can boast a duo of delightful bonuses as well as the chance to modernise and add value, is on the market for offers in excess of £550,000 with Crook & Blight, Newport, call 01633 222333 to find out more. For more property stories and home content join our Amazing Welsh Homes Facebook group here.
