MONTMAGNY, QC, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Montel Inc., Canada’s leading manufacturer of high-density mobile systems, is proud to announce a strategic partnership with researchers from Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) to support the development of a groundbreaking pollinator-independent indoor berry production.

This initiative is made possible through major support from the Weston Family Foundation, via the Homegrown Innovation Challenge Scaling Phase, which invests in innovative Canadian solutions to enable reliable, year-round berry production.

As part of this collaboration, Montel will build and host a dedicated pilot farm named MoFarm, where TMU’s new airflow-based pollination technology will be tested and evaluated under controlled, real-world growing conditions.

A National Effort to Reinvent Food Production

In June 2025, TMU researchers Professor Habiba Bougherara and Professor Lesley Campbell were awarded a grant that will provide up to $5 million to advance their work on a novel system that enables raspberries — and potentially other berries — to be grown indoors without bees. Their innovation centers on a patented airflow and microclimate system capable of autonomously transferring pollen between flowers, addressing one of the most persistent challenges in controlled-environment agriculture.

The Weston Family Foundation’s commitment to strengthening Canada’s domestic food production ecosystem has been instrumental in propelling this work forward. Montel is honored to contribute to this national vision by providing the infrastructure where scientific discovery and engineering excellence converge.

Montel’s Role: Enabling Real-World Innovation

Montel joins the project as a recognized leader in indoor vertical farming systems, bringing engineering expertise and a purpose-built testing environment to support TMU’s scientific leadership.

MoFarm, located adjacent to Montel’s manufacturing facility in Montmagny, Québec and designed by Montel, will serve as a pivotal site to:

• Assess the performance of the pollination technology
• Run continuous, year-round growing cycles
• Provide a research environment that mirrors real vertical farming conditions
• Strengthen collaboration between TMU scientists and Montel experts

This pilot farm embodies the shared commitment to building a more resilient, sustainable, and self-sufficient food future for Canada.

“Montel’s mission has always been to help growers ‘grow more’ with less space. Collaborating with TMU allows us to push the boundaries of what indoor agriculture can achieve when advanced science and engineering work hand in hand.”

— Yves Bélanger, VP Sales – Vertical Farming, Montel Inc.

A Breakthrough in Pollinator-Independent Indoor Farming

TMU’s research targets a critical barrier in indoor berry cultivation: achieving effective pollination without bees. By uniting plant science, mechanical engineering, and precise microclimate control, the project aims to:

• Support pollinator-independent fruit set
• Reduce reliance on vulnerable pollinator populations
• Improve yield predictability in indoor environments
• Enable multi-layer berry production through compact plant architecture
• Advance sustainable, Canadian-grown berries year-round

“This funding allows us to build and test a system that could transform indoor berry production in Canada. Partnering with Montel gives us the ability to validate our technology under real indoor growing conditions.”

— Professor Habiba Bougherara, Toronto Metropolitan University

About Montel Inc.

Founded in 1924 in Montmagny, Québec, Montel is a North American leader in high-density mobile storage and vertical farming systems. With a legacy of engineering excellence, Montel designs turnkey vertical farming solutions that help organizations maximize space, efficiency, and sustainability. Learn more at montel.com.

Montel Inc.

sales@montel.com

1-877-935-0236
montel.com/mofarm

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2903388/Montel_Montel_Partners_with_TMU_Researchers_to_Advance_Pollinato.jpg

CARIBPR WIRE, Toronto, ON, Fri. Aug. 1, 2025: The CaribbeanTales International Film Festival (CTFF), North America’s premier event showcasing Caribbean and diaspora cinema, proudly announces its 20th anniversary edition, taking place Wednesday September 3rd to Saturday September 13th, 2025, in Toronto and online worldwide from September 3rd to October 3rd, 2025.

Under the theme “Resilience in Motion,” this milestone festival will celebrate two decades of transformative storytelling from across the Caribbean region and its global diaspora with 49 incredible films. Programming will include premieres, retrospectives, talkbacks, tributes, and a global virtual component, underscoring CTFF’s enduring commitment to elevating underrepresented voices in film.

Founded in 2006 by Frances-Anne Solomon, an award-winning filmmaker and advocate for diverse cinema, CTFF has grown into an internationally recognized platform for Caribbean filmmakers. Over the past two decades, the festival has screened more than 1000 films, supported hundreds of creators, and played a critical role in shifting how Caribbean narratives are represented on screen.

“This 20th anniversary is both a celebration and a call to action,” says Frances-Anne Solomon, Founder and Executive Director of CaribbeanTales Media Group (CTMG). “We look back on a generation of groundbreaking films and look ahead to a vibrant future where Caribbean stories continue to redefine the global cinematic landscape.”

Festival Highlights Include:

●     20th Anniversary | 49 Films | Canadian premieres | 15+ Countries represented

●     Opening Night Film: Bankie Banx: King of the Dune (Nara Garber, Anguilla/USA, 2024), featuring reggae icon Bankie Banx (aka Anguillan Bob Dylan), singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffet, actor Kevin Bacon, Stephen “Cat” Coore (founding guitarist with Third World)

●     Closing night Film: The Last Meal (Maryse Legagneur, Canada/DR, 2024)

●     September 6th – Honouring Our Legends: Celebrating the 88th Birthday of The Honourable Dr. Jean Augustine at The Harbourfront Centre Theatre, film screenings and the presentation of the Jean Augustine Excellence Award to Steelpan Ambassador Wendy Jones

●     September 7th – Canadian Premiere of Nomad in No Man’s Land (Hester Jonkhout, Netherlands/Curaçao, 2024), a film about pioneering director Felix de Rooy, who is an openly gay celebrated artist in the Caribbean

●     Virtual CTFF from September 3rd – October 3rd, an extensive online platform accessible to global audiences.
Over the years, CTFF has been a launchpad for acclaimed works that have gone on to receive international recognition, while also serving as a cultural bridge between the Caribbean and broader international film communities.

The full festival lineup and ticketing details will be announced on August 3, 2025, via the festival website: www.caribbeantalesfestival.com.

Festival Director Diana Webley is available for Radio, Television and Digital Media outlet interviews.

CTFF Film Trailers Link

Built over 20 years, CTMG is the only media group in Canada that provides an ecosystem of screen-based activities that serve Black Canadian, and culturally diverse audiences. CTMG provides a pipeline of activities from creation to distribution that aims to uplift, enrich, promote and monetize Black and culturally diverse film and television content for audiences.

CTMG is home to the CaribbeanTales International Film Festival (CTFF), now in its 20^th year. CTFF celebrates the talents of established and emerging filmmakers of Caribbean and African heritage who practice their art across the Caribbean Diaspora worldwide.

For more information, visit https://caribbeantalesfestival.com/ or follow us on

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This year’s UWI Toronto Benefit Awards Theme: Bridging the Gap

For Immediate Release

CARIBPR WIRE, TORONTO, CANADA, Weds. January 29, 2025: The highly anticipated University of West Indies (UWI) Toronto Benefit Awards is proud to announce its 2025 honourees for the 16th annual evening of recognition in support of scholarships for Caribbean students. The prestigious event will take place on Saturday April 26th, 2025 at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, 181 Wellington Street, Toronto at 5:30pm EST.

Hosted by The University of the West Indies (UWI), top ranked among the world’s best universities, this year’s theme, Bridging the Gap, reflects the UWI’s unwavering promise to Caribbean students and their communities.

“This is a proud night for the Caribbean diaspora, and it does more than just bridge gaps; it builds and strengthens communities, uniting us in a shared vision of education, empowerment, and recognition of leaders and mentors who guide the way forward,” says Dr. Donette Chin-Loy Chang, UWI Toronto Benefit Awards Co-Patron.

This not-to-be-missed night on the Toronto social calendar cultivates a high-profile guestlist of corporate executives, public personalities and community members committed to giving back to the Caribbean.

Here are the 2025 Honourees:

●     Luminary Award: Dr. Jason Drew Harrow (Kardinal Offishall) – Multi-platinum rapper and producer, Def Jam – Global A&R, Canada’s Got Talent judge

●      G. Raymond Chang Award: Mr. Myron Garron and Mrs. Berna Garron – Canadian philanthropists, who have contributed millions to paediatric health and Canadian healthcare institutions

●     Chancellor’s Award: Onyx Initiative - a non-profit organization founded by Wayne and Nigela Purboo designed to expand the recruitment pipeline and close the systemic gap in the hiring, retention and promotion of Black college and university students, and recent graduates for roles in corporate Canada

●      Vice Chancellor’s Award:

○        Mr. Mark Beckles, Community Investment Initiatives – RBC Royal Bank, President & CEO of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund (Canada)

○        Ms. Patricia DeGuire - Chief Commissioner of the Ontario Human Rights Commission, , co-founder of the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers and the Black Law Students’ Association of Canada

○     Ms. Leslie Woo, CEO at CivicAction, Founder of shebuildscities.org

Headlining the night’s entertainment is The Voice (season 5) winner, Jamaican singer-songwriter Tessanne Chin, who was also a UWI Toronto Benefit Luminary Honouree in 2014.  Also performing are Thunder Dome Sounds featuring Eddie Bullen, Quincy Bullen, Tré-Michael Bullen and Belinda Brady, along with saxophonist Jesse Ryan.

The UWI Toronto Benefit Awards has awarded more than 1,000 scholarships to Caribbean students.  For the 16th consecutive year, Scotiabank is the lead chair and sponsor.  Primary sponsors for this year’s event are Dr. Donette Chin-Loy Chang, Sprott Inc., the Hibbert Family Foundation, BDO and the Raymond Chang Foundation.

The Patrons of the UWI Toronto Benefit Awards are Dr. Donette Chin-Loy Chang, Mr. Kevin Hibbert and Mrs. Ann-Marie Hibbert, all passionate supporters of higher education and the UWI Student Scholarship Fund.

Media Availability: 6:00pm – 6:30pm – 4th Floor (Honourees, Patrons and select VIPs)

MEDIA ACCREDITATION HERE

Honourees, Tessanne Chin, Donette Chin-Loy Headshots HERE

Red Carpet Cocktail Hour – 5:30pm – 7:00pm – 2nd Floor

Dinner, Awards Program, Entertainment – 7:00pm – 10:00pm – 2nd Floor

Air Canada Lyme (After Party) – 10:00pm – Midnight

Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

About The UWI

The UWI has been and continues to be a pivotal force in every aspect of Caribbean development; residing at the centre of all efforts to improve the well-being of people across the region. In 75 years, the University of the West Indies has given birth to hundreds of brilliant leaders across dozens of sectors, worldwide.  Many have gone on to enrich the Caribbean Diasporas, including Canada which has benefited greatly.

From a university college of London in Jamaica with 33 medical students in 1948, The UWI is today an internationally respected, global university with nearly 50,000 students and five campuses: Mona in Jamaica, St. Augustine in Trinidad and Tobago, Cave Hill in Barbados, Five Islands in Antigua and Barbuda and its Open Campus, and 10 global centres in partnership with universities in North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa and Europe.

The UWI offers over 800 certificate, diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate degree options in Culture, Creative and Performing Arts, Food and Agriculture, Engineering, Humanities and Education, Law, Medical Sciences, Science and Technology, Social Sciences, and Sport. As the Caribbean’s leading university, it possesses the largest pool of Caribbean intellect and expertise committed to confronting the critical issues of our region and wider world.

Ranked among the top universities in the world, by the most reputable ranking agency, Times Higher Education, The UWI is the only Caribbean-based university to make the prestigious lists. In 2020, it earned ‘Triple 1st’ rankings—topping the Caribbean; and in the top in the tables for Latin America and the Caribbean, and global Golden Age universities (between 50 and 80 years old).  The UWI is also featured among the top universities on THE’s Impact Rankings for its response to the world’s biggest concerns, outlined in the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Good Health and Wellbeing; Gender Equality and Climate Action.

2025 Honourees: Left to Right: Dr. Jason Harrow (Kardinal Offishall), Mr. Mark Beckles, Ms. Patricia DeGuire, Onyx Initiative, Ms. Leslie Woo, Mrs. Berna and Mr. Myron Garron

Coalition Against Workplace Discrimination presser

(Photo credit: Blair Gable) Ottawa – Coalition Against Workplace Discrimination holds press conference releasing internal report on Privy Council Office

CARIBPR WIRE, OTTAWA, Canada July 29, 2024 — Today, the Coalition Against Workplace Discrimination released an internal report obtained through the Access to Information Act, which revealed blatant and widespread discrimination at the Privy Council Office (PCO). The federal government is Canada’s largest single employer, and it relies on the Privy Council Office to manage the public service, while also supporting the Prime Minister and the federal Cabinet. As such, the findings are extremely troubling, and a concern to all Canadians.

Through interviews with staff conducted over the course of six months, Dr. Rachel Zellars discovered a workplace where racial stereotyping, microaggressions, and verbal violence was regularly practiced and normalized, including at the executive level, and a culture that discouraged reporting, and lacked accountability mechanisms. Further, Dr. Zellars found that white employees and executives detailed career-advancing opportunities that were in stark contrast to those of Black, Indigenous, and racialized employees, who were clustered in temporary and lower-level positions.

In 2021, the then Clerk of the Privy Council, Ian Shugart, issued a Call to Action to public service leaders to take specific and meaningful actions to address racism, equity, and inclusion. But in the report, Black and racialized employees at PCO describe its Corporate Services department as a key barrier to that Call to Action.

The PCO provided the Coalition with an update on the steps they have taken since this report was released internally. While its list of initiatives show some attempt to implement the report’s recommendations, they lack the depth required to fully tackle the systemic issues identified, and there are still many key recommendations that have not been addressed.

The Coalition Against Workplace Discrimination is calling for:

• The resignation of Deputy Clerk Natalie Drouin, who was responsible for the discrimination file since 2021; and the resignation of Assistant Secretary to the Cabinet, Ministerial Services and Corporate Affairs, Matthew Shea, the head of Corporate Services since 2017.
• The federal government to appoint a Black Equity Commissioner to address systemic anti-Black racism across all levels of government (similar to the two representatives appointed to address Antisemitism and Islamophobia)
• The federal government to establish a department of African Canadian Affairs to centralize and give priority anti-Black racism work.
• The federal government to immediately implement the Employment Equity Act amendments it promised in December 2023, to add Black Canadians as an employment equity group.
• The federal government to provide restitution to Black public sector workers who have launched a class action lawsuit based on years of discrimination, as identified in multiple federal reports.

QUOTES

“It is shocking that this level of blatant discrimination occurred in one of Canada’s highest offices. Once again, those who have been perpetrators of discrimination are being tasked with implementing change. This approach has consistently failed, and it’s time for real arms-length accountability mechanisms, and structural changes to meaningfully address anti-Black discrimination.” Nicholas Marcus Thompson, President, Black Class Action Secretariat.

“This report underscores the urgent need for the federal government to immediately table the Employment Equity Act amendments, in line with the Task Force’s recommendations. Additionally, the government must swiftly settle the class action filed by Black public service workers to address the systemic discrimination they have endured.” Larry Rousseau, Executive Vice President, Canadian Labour Congress.

“As representatives of professionals working within PCO, we are outraged that such discriminatory practices have been allowed to persist. It is clear that significant, structural changes are urgently needed to create a fair and inclusive workplace for all employees. The federal government must act decisively to implement the necessary reforms and ensure accountability at all levels.” Nathan Prier, President, Canadian Association of Professional Employees.

ABOUT:
The Coalition Against Workplace Discrimination consists of: The Black Class Action Secretariat (BCAS), the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), The Canadian Association of Professional Employees (CAPE), the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE), the Canadian Black Nurses Alliance (CBNA), The Enchanté Network, the Red Coalition, the Federation of Black Canadians (FBC), 613-819 Black Hub, the Black Canadians Civil Society Coalition (BCCSC). The Coalition previously highlighted discrimination at the Canadian Human Rights Commission, which is currently being investigated by an international accreditation body.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/18fc6358-7910-4230-9764-4ccc8268e748

Impactante informe interno expone discriminación desenfrenada en la jefatura de la administración pública de Canadá

CARIBPR WIRE, OTTAWA, Canada, July 29, 2024: Hoy, la Coalición contra la Discriminación en el Lugar de Trabajo publicó un informe interno obtenido a través de la Ley de Acceso a Información, que reveló una discriminación flagrante y generalizada en la Oficina del Consejo Privado (PCO). El gobierno federal es el mayor empleador individual de Canadá, y depende de la Oficina del Consejo Privado para administrar el servicio público, mientras que apoya al primer ministro y al gabinete federal. Como tal, los hallazgos son extremadamente preocupantes y una preocupación para todos los canadienses.

A través de entrevistas con el personal conducidas en el transcurso de seis meses, la Dra. Rachel Zellars descubrió un lugar de trabajo donde los estereotipos raciales, microagresiones y violencia verbal se practicaban y normalizaban regularmente, incluso a nivel ejecutivo, y una cultura que desalentaba que se denuncien y carecía de mecanismos de responsabilidad. Además, el Dr. Zellars descubrió que los empleados y ejecutivos blancos detallaban oportunidades de avance en la carrera estaban en rotunda contradicción con las de los empleados negros, indígenas y racializados, que estaban agrupados en puestos temporales y de nivel inferior.

En 2021, el entonces secretario del Consejo Privado, Ian Shugart, emitió un llamado a la acción a los líderes del servicio público para que tomen medidas específicas y significativas para abordar el racismo, equidad e inclusión. Sin embargo, en el informe, los empleados negros y racializados de PCO describen su departamento de servicios corporativos como una barrera clave para ese llamado a la acción.

El PCO proporcionó a la Coalición una actualización sobre los pasos que se tomaron desde que este informe fue publicado internamente. Si bien su lista de iniciativas muestra algún intento de implementar las recomendaciones del informe, carecen de la profundidad necesaria para abordar completamente los problemas sistémicos identificados, y todavía hay muchas recomendaciones decisivas que no han sido abordadas.

La Coalición contra la Discriminación en el Lugar de Trabajo pide:

• La renuncia de la secretaria adjunta Natalie Drouin, responsable del expediente de discriminación desde 2021; y la renuncia del subsecretario del gabinete, servicios ministeriales y asuntos corporativos, Matthew Shea, jefe de servicios corporativos desde 2017.
• El gobierno federal nombrará a un comisionado de equidad negra para abordar el racismo sistémico contra los negros en todos los niveles de gobierno (similar a los dos representantes nombrados para abordar el antisemitismo y la islamofobia)
• El gobierno federal establecerá un departamento de asuntos afro-canadienses para centralizar y dar prioridad a los esfuerzos contra el racismo negro.
• El gobierno federal implementará de inmediato las enmiendas a la Ley de Equidad en el Empleo que prometió en diciembre de 2023, para agregar a los canadienses negros como un grupo de equidad en el empleo.
• El gobierno federal debe proporcionar restitución a los trabajadores negros del sector público que iniciaron una demanda colectiva basada en años de discriminación, como se identifica en múltiples informes federales.

CITAS

“Es impactante que este nivel de discriminación flagrante haya ocurrido en una de las oficinas más importantes de Canadá. Una vez más, los que han sido perpetradores de discriminación tienen la tarea de implementar el cambio. Este enfoque ha fracasado constantemente, y es hora de contar con mecanismos reales de rendición de cuentas y cambios estructurales para abordar de manera significativa la discriminación contra los negros”. Nicholas Marcus Thompson, presidente, Black Class Action Secretariat (Secretaría de Acción de Clase Negra).

“Este informe subraya la necesidad urgente de que el gobierno federal presente inmediatamente las enmiendas a la Ley de Equidad en el Empleo, de acuerdo con las recomendaciones del Grupo de Trabajo. Además, el gobierno debe resolver rápidamente la demanda colectiva presentada por los trabajadores negros del servicio público para abordar la discriminación sistémica que han sufrido “. Larry Rousseau, vicepresidente ejecutivo del Congreso Laboral Canadiense.

“Como representantes de los profesionales que trabajan dentro de PCO, nos indigna que se haya permitido que persistan tales prácticas discriminatorias. Está claro que se necesitan con urgencia cambios estructurales significativos para crear un lugar de trabajo justo e inclusivo para todos los empleados. El gobierno federal debe actuar con decisión para implementar las reformas necesarias y garantizar la rendición de cuentas en todos los niveles”. Nathan Prier, presidente, Asociación Canadiense de Empleados Profesionales.

ACERCA DE:
La Coalición contra la Discriminación en el Lugar de Trabajo consiste en: The Black Class Action Secretariat (BCAS), Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), The Canadian Association of Professional Employees (CAPE), National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE), Canadian Black Nurses Alliance (CBNA), The Enchanté Network, Red Coalition, Federation of Black Canadians (FBC), 613-819 Black Hub, Black Canadians Civil Society Coalition (BCCSC). La Coalición destacó anteriormente la discriminación en la Comisión Canadiense de Derechos Humanos, que actualmente está siendo investigada por un organismo de acreditación internacional.

Una foto asociada con este comunicado de prensa está disponible en https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/18fc6358-7910-4230-9764-4ccc8268e748

]]> https://caribpr.com/shocking-internal-report-exposes-rampant-discrimination-at-the-head-of-canadas-public-service/feed/ 0 https://caribpr.com/canada-under-investigation-by-un-partner-for-anti-black-discrimination/ https://caribpr.com/canada-under-investigation-by-un-partner-for-anti-black-discrimination/#comments Wed, 12 Jun 2024 20:04:05 +0000 caribpr http://caribpr.com/?p=15653 CARIBPR WIRE, TORONTO,  Canada , Weds. June 12, 2024: In a landmark decision, the international body that hands out human rights accreditations has concluded that there is enough basis to review Canada’s “A” status – an unprecedented move that puts it among the ranks of countries like Russia, Iraq, and Venezuela.

The Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) — a United Nations partner — has launched a “Special Review” of the accreditation of the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC). This comes as the result of a complaint by a coalition of Canadian human rights organizations, which submitted federal findings of anti-Black discrimination at the Canadian Human Rights Commission as evidence.

Despite admitting to human rights violations, the Canadian government is currently vying for a seat in the United Nations Human Rights Council from 2028-2030, with a vote happening in 2026.

“With this international review, the Canadian government is now on notice,” says Nicholas Marcus Thompson, with the Black Class Action Secretariat, the coalition lead. “It cannot claim to be a global leader in human rights, while discriminating against its own at home.”

If the international body finds there are grounds to downgrade the CHRC to “B” status, for the first time ever, it will no longer have independent participation rights at the UN Human Rights Council, its subsidiary bodies, and some General Assembly bodies and mechanisms. Further, it will lose the right to vote and hold governance positions at GANHRI.

“The implications of this decision are very serious as Canada has never had its status reviewed in its more than 30 years as a GANHRI member,” says Ketty Nivyabandi, Secretary General for Amnesty International Canada. “We urge the Canadian government and the Commission to take all necessary measures to guarantee the integrity of the Commission and its critical role for Canadians.”

In line with the International Decade for People of African Descent, the coalition is calling for:

• JUSTICE: Creating a properly funded direct-access model to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (removing CHRC’s role as a gatekeeper with the power to dismiss claims before they reach the Tribunal).
• RECOGNITION: Expediting Employment Equity Act amendments to include Black people as an employment equity group.
• DEVELOPMENT: Appointing a Black Equity Commissioner to address discrimination in the public service.

WATCH PRESS CONFERENCE AND ACCESS PHOTOS HERE: https://www.bcas-srcn.org/post/chrc-under-special-review-for-discrimination

BACKGROUND INFO:

On Feb 26, 2024, a coalition of human rights organizations submitted a complaint to the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI).

The coalition consists of: The Black Class Action Secretariat (BCAS), the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE), the Canadian Black Nurses Alliance (CBNA), The Enchanté Network, the Red Coalition, the Federation of Black Canadians (FBC), 613-819 Black Hub, the Black Canadians Civil Society Coalition (BCCSC) and The Canadian Association of Professional Employees (CAPE)

The group provided as evidence: the findings of the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat’s and the Senate Human Rights Committee’s findings of anti-black discrimination.

The complaint highlighted: violations to international human rights laws, and the Paris Principles, internationally agreed upon minimum standards which member human rights institutions are required to adhere to.

The Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) is one of the largest human rights networks worldwide, representing more than 110 National Human rights institutions. It is a recognised, and trusted partner, of the United Nations. GANHRI’s Sub-Committee on Accreditation is responsible for reviewing and accrediting national human rights institutions in compliance with the Paris Principles. The SCA met March 26-28 and published its report and recommendations on June 7, 2024. It decided to initiate a review of Iraq and Canada.

Canada has been a member of GANHRI since its inception in 1993, through the Canadian Human Rights Commission. Its last accreditation review period was from 2016-2022, with its next review slated for 2027. This unprecedented “Special Review”, which Canada has never been subject to in its member history, will investigate the five year period preceding its most recent “A” status accreditation in 2022.

GANHRI members are reviewed every 5 years. As of December 2023, GANHRI is composed of 120 members: 88 “A” status accredited NHRIs and 32 “B” status accredited NHRIs.

There are currently two levels of accreditation:
Status “A” (Fully compliant with the Paris Principles): Institutions participate fully in the international and regional work and meetings of national institutions as voting members, and they can hold office in the Bureau of the International Coordinating Committee or any sub-committee the Bureau establishes. They are also able to participate in sessions of the Human Rights Council and take the floor under any agenda item, submit documentation and take up separate seating.
Status “B” (Partially compliant with the Paris Principles): Institutions may participate as observers in the international and regional meetings of the national human rights institutions. They cannot vote or hold office with the Bureau or its sub-committees. They are not given NHRIs badges, nor may they take the floor under agenda items and submit documentation to the Human Rights Council.

Countries that have previously been under Special Review: Burundi, Madagascar, Nigeria, Chile, Ecuador, Honduras, Mexico, Indonesia, Jordan, Nepal, Great Britain, Panama, Venezuela, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Russia, Iraq.

Special Review Process and timeline: GANHRI will conduct Canada’s Special Review in the fall of 2024, with a decision in the ensuing months. It will examine the five year period from 2016-2022 that led to its most recent “A” status accreditation. If Canada is downgraded to “B” status, it will no longer have independent participation rights at the UN Human Rights Council, its subsidiary bodies and some General Assembly bodies and mechanisms, and will lose the right to vote and hold governance positions at GANHRI.

ADDITIONAL FILES:

VIDEO: GANHRI Meeting
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzjpWKcJGhX/?igsh=ajk2dHlmcWVnZmd6

MAP: Countries subjected to Special Review
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8e4f35_458bc54c3f894c6690c810cb81e9b376~mv2.jpg

MAP: GANHRI countries with A/B certifications
https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/Documents/Issues/HRIndicators/NHRI_map.pdf

Canadá bajo investigación por socio de la ONU por discriminación contra los negros

CARIBPR WIRE, TORONTO,  Canada , Weds. June 12, 2024: En una decisión histórica, el organismo internacional que otorga acreditaciones de derechos humanos concluyó que hay suficiente fundamento para una revisión del estatus “A” de Canadá, una medida sin precedentes que la posiciona Canadá entre los rangos de países como Rusia, Irak y Venezuela.

La Alianza Global de Instituciones Nacionales de Derechos Humanos (GANHRI), un socio de las Naciones Unidas, lanzó una “Revisión Especial” de la acreditación de la Comisión Canadiense de Derechos Humanos (CHRC). Esto ocurre como resultado de una denuncia de una coalición de organizaciones canadienses de derechos humanos, que presentaron conclusiones federales sobre discriminación contra los negros como prueba ante la Comisión Canadiense de Derechos Humanos.

A pesar de admitir violaciones a los derechos humanos, el gobierno canadiense actualmente compite por un puesto en el Consejo de Derechos Humanos de las Naciones Unidas para el período de 2028 a 2030, la votación se realizará en 2026.

“Con esta revisión internacional, el gobierno canadiense ahora está bajo aviso”, dice Nicholas Marcus Thompson, de la Black Class Action Secretariat (Secretaría de Acción de Clase Negra), líder de la coalición. “No puede pretender ser un líder mundial en derechos humanos, mientras discrimina a su propia gente en su país”.

Si el organismo internacional comprueba que hay fundamentos para degradar la CHRC a estatus “B”, por primera vez en la historia, ya no tendrá derechos de participación independiente en el Consejo de Derechos Humanos de la ONU, sus órganos subsidiarios y algunos órganos y mecanismos de la Asamblea General. Además, perderá el derecho a votar y ocupar posiciones gubernamentales en GANHRI.

“Las implicaciones de esta decisión son muy graves, ya que Canadá nunca tuvo que someter su estatus a revisión en sus más de 30 años como miembro de GANHRI”, dice Ketty Nivyabandi, Secretaria General de Amnistía Internacional Canadá. “Instamos al gobierno canadiense y a la Comisión a tomar todas las medidas necesarias para garantizar la integridad de la Comisión y su papel fundamental para los canadienses”.

Alineada con el Decenio Internacional para los Afrodescendientes, la coalición pide:

• JUSTICIA: Crear un modelo de acceso directo adecuadamente financiado al Tribunal Canadiense de Derechos Humanos (eliminando el papel de CHRC como guardián con el poder de desestimar las reclamaciones antes de que lleguen al Tribunal).
• RECONOCIMIENTO: Agilizar las enmiendas a la Ley de Equidad en el Empleo para incluir a las personas de la raza negra como un grupo de equidad en el empleo.
• DESARROLLO: Nombrar a un Comisionado de Equidad Negra para abordar la discriminación en el servicio público.

VEA LA CONFERENCIA DE PRENSA Y ACCEDA FOTOS AQUÍ: https://www.bcas-srcn.org/post/chrc-under-special-review-for-discrimination

INFORMACIÓN DE ANTECEDENTES:

El 26 de febrero de 2024, una coalición de organizaciones de derechos humanos presentó una denuncia ante la Alianza Global de Instituciones Nacionales de Derechos Humanos (GANHRI).

La coalición consiste en: The Black Class Action Secretariat (BCAS), the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE), the Canadian Black Nurses Alliance (CBNA), The Enchanté Network, the Red Coalition, the Federation of Black Canadians (FBC), 613-819 Black Hub, the Black Canadians Civil Society Coalition (BCCSC) y The Canadian Association of Professional Employees (CAPE)

El grupo proporcionó como evidencia: los hallazgos de la Secretaría de la Junta del Tesoro de Canadá y los hallazgos del Comité de Derechos Humanos del Senado sobre la discriminación contra los negros.

La denuncia destacó: violaciones de las leyes internacionales de derechos humanos y los Principios de París, acordaron internacionalmente estándares mínimos que las instituciones de derechos humanos miembros deben cumplir.

La Alianza Global de Instituciones Nacionales de Derechos Humanos (GANHRI) es una de las mayores redes de derechos humanos en todo el mundo, que representa a más de 110 instituciones nacionales de derechos humanos. Es un socio reconocido y de confianza de las Naciones Unidas. El Subcomité de Acreditación de GANHRI se encarga de la revisión y acreditación de las instituciones nacionales de derechos humanos de conformidad con los Principios de París. El SCA se reunió del 26 al 28 de marzo y publicó su informe y recomendaciones el 7 de junio de 2024. Decidió iniciar una revisión de Irak y Canadá.

Canadá ha sido miembro de GANHRI desde sus inicios en 1993, a través de la Comisión Canadiense de Derechos Humanos. Su último período de revisión de la acreditación fue de 2016-2022, y su próxima revisión está programada para 2027. Esta “Revisión Especial” sin precedentes, a la que Canadá nunca ha estado sujeta en su historia de miembro, investigará el período de cinco años anterior a su acreditación de estatus “A” más reciente en 2022.

Los miembros de GANHRI se someten a revisión cada cinco años. A diciembre de 2023, GANHRI está compuesta por 120 miembros: 88 INDH acreditadas con estatus “A” y 32 INDH acreditadas con estatus “B”.

Actualmente existen dos niveles de acreditación:
Estado «A» (Totalmente conforme con los Principios de París): Las instituciones participan plenamente en el trabajo y las reuniones internacionales y regionales de las instituciones nacionales como miembros con derecho a voto, y pueden ocupar cargos en la Oficina del Comité Internacional de Coordinación o en cualquier subcomité que establezca la Oficina. También pueden participar en las sesiones del Consejo de Derechos Humanos y tomar la palabra en relación con cualquier tema de la agenda, presentar documentación y ocupar posiciones separadas.
Estatus “B” (parcialmente conforme con los Principios de París): Las instituciones pueden participar como observadores en las reuniones internacionales y regionales de las instituciones nacionales de derechos humanos. No pueden votar ni ocupar cargos en la Oficina o sus subcomités. No se les dan insignias de INDH, ni pueden tomar la palabra en relación con los temas de la agenda y presentar documentación al Consejo de Derechos Humanos.

Países que han estado previamente bajo Revisión Especial: Burundi, Madagascar, Nigeria, Chile, Ecuador, Honduras, México, Indonesia, Jordania, Nepal, Gran Bretaña, Panamá, Venezuela, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Afganistán, Rusia, Irak.

Proceso de revisión especial y cronograma: GANHRI llevará a cabo la Revisión Especial de Canadá en el otoño de 2024, con una decisión en los meses posteriores. Examinará el período de cinco años de 2016-2022 que condujo a su acreditación de estatus “A” más reciente. Si Canadá pasa a la categoría “B”, ya no tendrá derechos de participación independiente en el Consejo de Derechos Humanos de la ONU, sus órganos subsidiarios y algunos órganos y mecanismos de la Asamblea General, y perderá el derecho de voto y ocupar cargos de gobernanza en GANHRI.

ARCHIVOS ADICIONALES:

VIDEO: Reunión de GANHRI
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzjpWKcJGhX/?igsh=ajk2dHlmcWVnZmd6

MAPA: Países sometidos a Revisión Especial
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8e4f35_458bc54c3f894c6690c810cb81e9b376~mv2.jpg

MAPA: Países GANHRI con certificaciones A/B
https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/Documents/Issues/HRIndicators/NHRI_map.pdf

]]> https://caribpr.com/canada-under-investigation-by-un-partner-for-anti-black-discrimination/feed/ 0 https://caribpr.com/parkland-enters-into-agreement-to-sell-its-canadian-propane-business/ https://caribpr.com/parkland-enters-into-agreement-to-sell-its-canadian-propane-business/#comments Wed, 05 Jun 2024 22:54:51 +0000 caribpr http://caribpr.com/?p=15646

For Immediate Release

CARIBPR WIRE, Toronto, ON, March 7, 2024 (Toronto, ON) – The 15th Annual University of West Indies (UWI) Toronto Benefit Awards celebrates the 2024 Honorees of its fundraiser in support of scholarships for Caribbean students on Saturday April 20th, 2024 at the prestigious Ritz-Carlton Hotel, 181 Wellington Street, Toronto at 5:30pm EST. The sold-out gala affair is hosted by The University of the West Indies (UWI), top ranked among the world’s best universities, with Scotiabank as Lead Sponsor for the 15^th consecutive year.

“The UWI Toronto Benefit Awards has provided 850 scholarships and bursaries to Caribbean students over the years” exclaimed Elizabeth Buchanan-Hind, Executive Director of University’s Institutional Advancement Division. “We know that education is the pathway to success as is evident with those who graduated and have gone onto great careers because they were able to attend The University of West Indies and get a world class education.”

Primary sponsors for this year’s event include Dr. Donette Chin-Loy Chang, Sprott Inc., The Hibbert Family Foundation, and BDO.

Under this year’s theme, Lighting the Way Together, this not-to-be missed night on the Toronto social calendar cultivates a high-profile guest list of corporate executives, public personalities and  community members committed to giving back to the Caribbean diaspora.

The distinguished 2024 Honourees are:

●     Luminary Award: The Honourable Mr. Justice Hugh L. Fraser, O.C., FCIArb., CollArb, OLY - Mediator, Arbitrator and Human Rights Activist

●     G. Raymond Chang Award: Mr. Raj Kothari, FCPA, FCA, MBA – Business Leader and Humanitarian

●     Chancellor’s Award: Air Canada - Global Organization serving the Caribbean

●     Vice Chancellor’s Award: Dr. Pamela Appelt, OD - Court of Canadian Citizenship Justice (Ret.), Humanitarian; Mr. Stanley J. Julien - Head, Special Accounts Management Unit – Canada, BMO Bank of Montreal, Business and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Leader; Mr. Deland Kamanga, CFA - Group Head, BMO Wealth Management, Financial Specialist and Philanthropist; Dr. Claudette McGowan – Chief Executive Officer, Protexxa, Global Cybersecurity Leader and Human Rights Activist, Business Leader and Philanthropist

The Patrons of the UWI Toronto Benefit Awards are Dr. Donette Chin-Loy Chang, Mr. Andrew Chang, Ms. Brigette Chang, and joining them this year are Mr. Kevin Hibbert and Mrs. Ann-Marie Hibbert, both passionate supporters of higher education and the UWI Student Scholarship Fund. Mr. Hibbert was a recipient of the 2023 Vice Chancellor’s Award.

Lighting the Way Together demonstrates how together, community donations, financial support and inspiration provides a lifeline to students eager to fulfill their educational dreams.

Media Availability: 6:00pm – 6:30pm – 4th Floor (Honourees, Patrons and select VIPs)

MEDIA ACCREDITATION HERE

Honouree Headshots

Red Carpet Cocktail Hour – 5:30pm – 7:00pm – 2nd Floor

Dinner, Awards Program, Entertainment – 7:00pm – 10:00pm – 2nd Floor

Air Canada Lyme (After Party) – 10:00pm – Midnight

Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

EDITOR’S NOTE: An image for use with this article is available HERE

Addresses letter received today from activist Engine Capital

CALGARY, AB, March 22, 2023 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Parkland Corporation (”Parkland”, “we”, the “Company”, or “our”) (TSX: PKI), today announced it has entered into an agreement dated March 21, 2023 (the “Agreement”) with its largest long-term shareholder Simpson Oil Limited (”Simpson Oil”).   The Agreement furthers the longstanding and successful relationship between Parkland and Simpson Oil. The Agreement provides Simpson Oil, holder of over 19% of the issued and outstanding Parkland shares, the right to designate up to two nominees for election to the Board of Directors of Parkland and includes customary voting support obligations in favour of the Board.

“We appreciate the confidence that Simpson Oil has shown in the Parkland Team and the Company’s strategic direction,” said Jim Pantelidis, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Parkland. “Since Simpson Oil became our largest shareholder, we have continued to advance our strategy and strengthen our growth platform through prudent acquisitions, while increasing our dividend each year. Through this agreement we have secured our largest shareholders’ ongoing support for our Board of Directors and Management. We look forward to our continued relationship with Simpson Oil, and our mutual confidence and commitment in the long-term strategy and future of our business.”

Under the terms of the Agreement, two nominees of Simpson Oil will be nominated for election at the Company’s upcoming annual and special meeting of shareholders. “The Board will be recommending shareholders vote in favour of the nominees’ election at the upcoming shareholder meeting and we look forward to welcoming them to the Board should they be elected,” said Pantelidis. Additional details on the Agreement will be included in the Management Information Circular for the meeting that will be published in the coming days.

As part of the Board’s ongoing refreshment process, David Spencer and John Bechtold will not be standing for re-election at the meeting, a decision which has been planned for some time. “I want to thank David and John for their service to the Board and their tireless work on behalf of shareholders. Their vision, expertise, and guidance have helped us navigate complex challenges and achieve remarkable success,” said Pantelidis.

The full Agreement is available at www.sedar.com.

Separately, the Company wishes to acknowledge receipt of a letter this morning from activist Engine Capital LP (”Engine Capital”).  The company will not speculate on the coincidental timing of activist Engine Capital’s letter in conjunction with today’s announced agreement with Simpson Oil.

As  previously announced, having purposefully accelerated acquisitions over the past two years, Parkland is focused on delivering value from the unique and integrated business it has built. The Company is focused on integrating its recent acquisitions, capturing synergies, lowering leverage, and enhancing shareholder returns. The company is also examining opportunities for dispositions where it creates strong returns for the Company’s shareholders.

Parkland actively communicates with all of its shareholders on an ongoing basis and will continue to do so.

Parkland is an international fuel distributor and retailer with operations in 25 countries. Our purpose is to Power Journeys and Energize Communities, and every day, we provide over one million customers with the essential fuels, convenience items and quality foods on which they depend.

With approximately 4,000 retail and commercial locations across Canada, the United States, and the Caribbean region, we have developed supply, distribution, and trading capabilities to accelerate growth and business performance. In addition to meeting our customers’ needs for essential fuels, we provide a range of choices to help them lower their environmental impact. These include carbon and renewables trading, solar power, renewables manufacturing and ultra-fast electric vehicle charging.

Our proven business model is centered around organic growth and our supply advantage, and is driven by scale, our integrated refinery and supply infrastructure, and focus on acquiring prudently, and integrating successfully. Our strategy is focused on developing the existing business in resilient markets, growing our food, convenience, and renewable energy businesses, and helping customers to decarbonize. Our business is underpinned by our people, and our values of safety, integrity, community, and respect, which are deeply embedded across our organization.

Advisors

Parkland Corporation has retained Kingsdale Advisors as strategic shareholder advisor.  Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP is acting as legal counsel and Teneo is acting as strategic communication advisor.

Certain statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking information and statements (collectively, “forward-looking statements”). When used in this news release the words “expect”, “will”, “continue”, “strategy”, “focus” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking statements with respect to, among other things: Parkland’s business objectives, projects and plans and the execution and impact thereof; and its long-term strategy and relationship with its significant shareholder.

These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. No assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included in this news release should not be unduly relied upon. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this news release. Parkland does not undertake any obligations to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements except as may be required by securities law. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of numerous risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to: general economic, market and business conditions; competitive action by other companies; refining and marketing margins; the ability of suppliers to meet commitments; actions by governmental authorities and other regulators including but not limited to increases in taxes or restricted access to markets; changes and developments in environmental and other regulations; and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of Parkland. See also the risks and uncertainties described in “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information” and “Risk Factors” included in Parkland’s Revised Annual Information Form dated March 21, 2023, and “Forward-Looking Information” and “Risk Factors” included in the Q4 2022 MD&A dated March 2, 2023 , each filed on SEDAR and available on the Parkland website at www.parkland.ca.

To listen to the live webcast and watch the presentation, please use the following link:

https://app.webinar.net/91L3lBVlvgx

Analysts and investors interested in participating in the question and answer session of the conference call may do so by calling 1-888-390-0546 (toll-free) (Conference ID:58680945). International participants may call 1-800-389-0704 (toll free) (Conference ID:58680945).

Please connect and log in approximately 10 minutes before the beginning of the call. The webcast will be available for replay two hours after the conference call ends at the link above. It will remain available for one year and will also be posted to www.parkland.ca.

Financial Statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis will be posted to www.parkland.ca and www.sedar.com after the results are released.

About Parkland Corporation

Parkland is an international fuel distributor and retailer with operations in twenty-five countries. Our purpose is to Power Journeys and Energize Communities, and every day, we provide over one million customers with the essential fuels, convenience items and quality foods on which they depend.

With approximately 4,000 retail and commercial locations across Canada, the United States, and the Caribbean region, we have developed supply, distribution, and trading capabilities to accelerate growth and business performance. In addition to meeting our customers’ needs for essential fuels, we provide a range of choices to help them lower their environmental impact. These include carbon and renewables trading, solar power, renewables manufacturing and ultrafast Electric Vehicle charging.

Our proven business model is centered around organic growth, our supply advantage, driven by scale and our integrated refinery and supply infrastructure, acquiring prudently, and integrating successfully. Our strategy is focused on developing our existing business in resilient markets, growing our food, convenience, and renewable energy businesses, and helping customers to decarbonize. Our business is underpinned by our people, and our values; safety, integrity, community, and respect, which are deeply embedded across our organization.

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2004303/Parkland_Corporation_Parkland_Announces_Date_of_2022_Fourth_Quar.jpg

From 5 to 7 December 2022 the government of Canada will provide biometric processing of visa applications in St Kitts and Nevis. This comes as positive news as nationals of St Kitts and Nevis are normally required to travel abroad to centers in Barbados, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent, and the Grenadines, or even Trinidad and Tobago, to have their biometric information collected for Canadian visa applications.

The processing will be conducted by Canadian officials and this special arrangement is aimed at visa applicants that fall within one of the following categories:

1. St Kitts and Nevis nationals who anticipate travel to Canada;
2. Persons who have already applied online or by mail for a visa, work or study permit or for
   permanent residence for Canada and have received their Biometric Instruction Letter; and
3. Nationals of other countries residing in St Kitts and Nevis are also required to provide their biometric information for planned travel to Canada.

When applying for a Canadian visa, whether for visitation, work, study, or for residence purposes, nationals of St Kitts and Nevis, as well as nationals from other countries, must provide biometric information such as fingerprints and an identity photograph.

Visa applicants are encouraged to complete an online visa application as soon as possible, in order to take advantage of this December opportunity. This could be of benefit to applicants planning to travel for educational purposes, business, tourism, family reunifications, and more.

Monday, November 28, 2022, is the last day to schedule an appointment for the available period in December. Appointment requests that are received after this date will not be accommodated unless appointments that have already been made are cancelled and a booking space becomes available.

Visa applicants must have a scheduled appointment and must bring along the required Biometrics Instruction Letter to their appointment. Officials will not collect applications or biometric information from applicants who have not received this letter.

The schedule for the collection of biometric information collection will take place from 08:30 to 17:30 on Monday to Wednesday, 5 to 7 December 2022, at the St Kitts Marriott Resort. Directions to the precise location within the hotel will be provided upon arrival.

In order to book an appointment for biometrics collection, please write to BDGTN-VISA@international.gc.ca.

The governments of Canada and St Kitts and Nevis partner on a number of important issues, with an emphasis on matters of economic resilience and climate. St Kitts and Nevis has a High Commission in Ottawa and a consulate in Toronto, while Canada is represented in St Kitts and Nevis by the High Commission of Canada in Barbados, all of which help to strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries.

According to the government of Canada, Canada’s merchandise exports to St Kitts and Nevis totaled CA$5.2 million and merchandise imports from St Kitts and Nevis totaled CA$2.9 million in 2021. During this period, Canada’s main exports to St Kitts and Nevis included live animals and animal products, food products, and metals.

Even before the recent COP27, Canada announced the CA$100 million pledge for Caribbean Reconstruction and Economic and Climate Resilience to support St Kitts and Nevis and the region in reconstruction and climate resilience, following the disastrous 2017 hurricane season in the Caribbean. According to the Canadian government, this included strengthening natural disaster planning and response through organizations such as the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency.

At the CARICOM Intersessional Meeting in February 2020, Canada announced an additional CA$61.5 million in new commitments for resilience, technical assistance, and education exchanges for the Caribbean. This includes, for example, the Canada-CARICOM Expert Deployment Mechanism, which provides technical assistance to CARICOM governments, including St Kitts and Nevis, to help diversify and strengthen the economy, build climate-resilient communities, and reduce gender and economic inequalities.

Canada is the largest contributor to the International Monetary Fund’s Caribbean Regional Technical Assistance Centre, which has provided technical assistance to St Kitts and Nevis in internal audit, and tax and customs administration.

St Kitts and Nevis also works closely with Canada in multilateral domains such as the Commonwealth, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the Organization of American States (OAS), the World Trade Organization (WTO), and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

St Kitts and Nevis also benefits from the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives, and Canada’s partnership with non-governmental organizations and regional institutions, such as St Kitts and Nevis-based Eastern Caribbean Central Bank and the Caribbean Development Bank. Canada represents St Kitts and Nevis and other Caribbean nations on the Board of Governors of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

Many investors from Canada and other wealthy nations have participated in citizenship by investment programme offered by the government of St Kitts and Nevis. This programme is the oldest and one of the most trusted programmes of its kind in the world. Since 1984, it has allowed investors and their families to legally obtain citizenship in one of the Caribbean’s most idyllic places. Through this programme, foreign investors to St Kitts and Nevis can obtain citizenship for life, with the right to live and work in the island country, the ability to share citizenship with future generations, and taking advantage of having more global mobility. St Kitts and Nevis also offers investors a fair tax regime, with no worldwide income, inheritance, or gift tax for tax residents.

There are two main ways in which an applicant can apply for citizenship under St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment programme: by donating to the country’s Sustainable Growth Fund or by investing in pre-approved real estate.

The country’s CBI programme is also undergoing an upgrade under the leadership of the new St Kitts and Nevis prime minister, Dr. Terrance Drew. The new changes will ensure strengthened legislative and administrative oversight of the programme to ensure that it meets the needs of a changing investor whilst also being beneficial to the local citizens. Prime Minister Drew is determined to retain the country’s CBI status – which is one of the best in the world.