Good morning, It’s Friday, August 23rd. In today’s news, Canada is on track for record asylum claims in 2024, Scientists claim that Net Zero policies will have almost no effect on global temperatures, Canadian children are struggling with mental health despite record levels of prescription drugs, Liberals end railway lockout with binding arbitration, and much more.
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Canada is On Track for Record Asylum Claims This Year—Here’s Why
The closure of Roxham Road in 2023 significantly reduced the number of asylum-seekers crossing into Quebec from New York by land. However, this has not curbed the overall increase in asylum claims in Canada, which has seen a notable shift toward arrivals by air. Immigration experts attribute this rise to multiple factors, with a significant one being the increase in travel visa approvals. Once in Canada on a travel visa, many individuals choose to seek asylum, contributing to the growing numbers.
Between January and June 2024, Canada processed over 92,000 asylum claims, a substantial increase from approximately 57,000 in the same period the previous year. This surge has reversed the long-standing trend where land arrivals, especially through unofficial crossings like Roxham Road, were more common than air arrivals.
This change in arrival methods has also altered the profile of asylum-seekers. India has emerged as the top country of origin, with around 6,000 claimants in the first quarter of 2024, followed by Mexico, Nigeria, and Bangladesh. This is a shift from previous years when countries like Haiti and Colombia, whose nationals frequently crossed via Roxham Road, topped the list. The data suggests that Canada’s asylum policies are perceived as lenient and easy to abuse, attracting claimants who would face rejection elsewhere.
Ontario has now overtaken Quebec as the primary destination for asylum-seekers, receiving around 48,000 claimants in the first half of 2024, compared to Quebec's 33,000. This shift has intensified discussions about the distribution of asylum-seekers across provinces and the allocation of federal support.
The backlog of asylum cases in Canada continues to grow, with more than 186,000 cases pending as of March 31, 2024, compared to just 10,000 in 2015. The time to process a refugee claim is now estimated at two years, with an additional year for appeals. Despite the backlog, the approval rate for asylum claims is on the rise, with 82% of claims approved in the first quarter of 2024, up from 79% in 2023 and significantly higher than the 60% approval rate in 2013. This increasing approval rate, combined with the rise in claimants, underscores the growing pressure on Canada’s immigration system. More
Net Zero Policies Will Have a Trivial Effect on Temperature, But Disastrous Effects on People Worldwide
Governments worldwide are pushing for Net Zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050, based on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's (IPCC) assertion that CO2 is the main driver of climate change. However, career physicists specializing in radiation physics—experts in how CO2 affects heat flow in Earth's atmosphere—challenge this view. They argue that CO2's ability to warm the planet rapidly decreases as its concentration rises, making it a weak greenhouse gas at current levels (around 420 parts per million).
The primary scientists behind the claims challenging mainstream climate views are Dr. William Happer and Dr. Richard Lindzen.
Dr. Happer is a physicist from Princeton University with expertise in radiation physics. He argues that CO2's role in global warming is overstated.
Dr. Lindzen is an atmospheric physicist from MIT, known for his work in climate modelling. He believes that the climate's sensitivity to CO2 is much lower than often claimed.
These scientists explain that additional CO2 has a diminishing impact on global temperatures, meaning the common belief that CO2 is the primary driver of climate change is scientifically flawed. They assert that increasing CO2 levels further will have only a minimal effect on warming, contrary to the catastrophic predictions often cited.
Their research shows that the global effort to reach Net Zero by 2050 would result in only a trivial temperature reduction—0.02°F in the U.S. and 0.13°F globally—despite massive economic costs. These physicists warn that eliminating fossil fuels, as required by Net Zero policies, would cause severe economic harm, including job losses and reduced access to affordable energy, particularly in developing countries.
Additionally, they argue that more CO2 is beneficial, as it enhances food production, particularly in drought-prone areas. They believe reducing CO2 emissions would reduce global food supplies without providing significant climate benefits. Therefore, they advocate for stopping all Net Zero regulations and subsidies to prevent disastrous global consequences. More
Canadian Children Are Struggling With Mental Health—More Prescription Drugs Aren’t the Solution
The longest-running school survey of adolescents in Canada, the Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey, revealed a concerning decline in mental health among Ontario students in 2023. Conducted by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, the survey included over 10,000 students from grades 7 to 12 across 235 schools. The results, based on anonymous self-reports, show that almost one in five students attempted suicide in the past year, with 18% experiencing serious suicidal thoughts and 19% engaging in self-harm.
The survey highlighted a sharp increase in mental health issues over time. Since monitoring began in 2007, the percentage of students rating their mental health as fair or poor has risen from 11% to 38%. Stress levels have also surged, with 37% of students reporting elevated stress, up from 29% in 2015. Moreover, the ability of students to cope with stress has worsened, with 31% reporting difficulties in handling unexpected problems, up from 23% in 2019.
Despite an increase in the use of medications for ADHD, anxiety, and depression, mental health issues have not improved. The percentage of students using these medications has significantly increased, yet the problems persist.
Interestingly, while the use of prescription drugs has risen, recreational drug use has declined. Cannabis use, vaping, alcohol consumption, and cigarette smoking have all decreased over recent years. However, the survey noted that, for the first time, females are more likely than males to use certain substances, including cannabis, vaping, and alcohol.
A troubling 33% of students reported feeling the need for professional mental health support but did not seek it, often due to fears of stigma or lack of time. Experts like Dr. Hayley Hamilton and Dr. Leslie Buckley stress the need for increased investment in youth mental health and the importance of breaking down barriers to seeking support. More
Liberals End Railway Lockout With Binding Arbitration
After a day of disruption, the Liberal government intervened to end a massive rail strike by sending the parties to binding arbitration. Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon announced that negotiations between CPKC Rail, CN Rail, and the Teamsters had reached an impasse, and the country's rail lines could not be stalled any longer. The government ordered the Canada Industrial Relations Board to extend current agreements, mandate a return to work, and resolve remaining issues through arbitration. NDP leader Jagmeet Singh criticized the move as anti-worker and pro-corporate. More
Venezuela's Top Court Ratifies Maduro Election Win as Government Tightens Control
Venezuela's Supreme Justice Tribunal confirmed President Nicolas Maduro's victory in the disputed July 28 presidential election. The opposition rejects the Tribunal’s decision, arguing it lacks constitutional authority over elections. They assert their candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez, was the rightful winner and criticize the government for its actions, citing the deaths of at least 23 protesters and the arrest of approximately 2,400 people since the election.
Maduro is now in position to rule for another six-year term, starting in January, as international reactions remain divided. The US is considering sanctions against about 60 Venezuelan officials, while countries like Russia and China have congratulated Maduro. Despite international pressure for transparency, the Venezuelan government has largely ignored or rejected external solutions to the crisis. More
FDA Approves New COVID-19 Vaccines
The US FDA approved new COVID-19 vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech, designed to target the KP.2 strain. The vaccines use mRNA technology and are intended to address waning immunity from prior vaccinations. Despite FDA claims of rigorous standards for safety and effectiveness, no clinical trial data has been released, leading to criticism from some groups. Previous vaccines showed reduced protection over time, prompting this update. The new vaccines will be available soon, with recommendations for various age groups and a plan to clear new vaccines annually. More
Fluoride in Water Shown to Lower IQ in Children in Landmark Study
A new government study by the National Toxicology Program has identified a significant link between high fluoride levels in drinking water and lower IQ in children. This marks the first instance where a federal agency has suggested that elevated fluoride exposure could lead to cognitive decline. The study reviewed research from several countries, including Canada, concluding that children exposed to fluoride levels above 1.5 milligrams per liter consistently had lower IQ scores, with some studies indicating a drop of 2 to 5 points. The findings challenge current federal guidelines and have sparked renewed debate on the safety of water fluoridation. More
Oregon Man Faces up to 155 Years in Prison for Bomb Threats Against NY Jewish Hospitals
Domagoj Patkovic, 31, was arrested in Portland, Oregon, on August 20, 2024, and charged with making multiple bomb threats against Jewish hospitals in New York. The threats, which began in May 2021, included calls claiming bombs were planted in hospitals, causing evacuations and lockdowns. Patkovic is accused of live-streaming some of these calls and faces up to 155 years in prison. The US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York stated that Patkovic's actions were driven by antisemitic motives, creating significant disruption and danger to patients and staff. More
Loblaw Piloting Ultra-discount No Name Grocery Stores in Ontario
Loblaw is launching a new ultra-discount grocery store format in Ontario under its No Name brand, with the first three locations opening in Windsor, St. Catharines, and Brockville in September. These stores aim to offer even lower prices by simplifying the shopping experience, with reduced operating costs and a limited product range of about 1,300 items. The stores will have shorter hours, no self-checkouts, and minimal marketing, focusing on basic essentials while avoiding refrigerated items. Prices are expected to be up to 20% lower than other discount stores. The initiative reflects Loblaw's effort to adapt to rising food prices and increasing consumer demand for cost-effective options. More
Air Canada Pilots Vote in Favour of a Strike if Contract Negotiations Aren’t Reached
Air Canada pilots have approved a strike mandate with a 98% vote, potentially leading to work stoppages as early as September 17th if a new contract isn't secured. The pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, are seeking better pay, retirement benefits, and quality-of-life improvements. Negotiations began in June 2023 and have involved mediation and conciliation, but have not yet reached a new agreement. More
Ford Announces Shift Away From Electric Vehicle Production as Interest Declines
Ford Motor Company is shifting its electric vehicle strategy due to decreased market interest. The company will cancel its three-row SUV and delay its next-generation pickup truck, replacing them with a new mid-size pickup and a van. This change will cost Ford around $400 million, potentially leading to $1.5 billion in additional losses. The company plans to develop more affordable EVs and focus on hybrid vehicles. Ford's Canadian operations will pivot from EVs to building super duty trucks, despite previous commitments and subsidies for electric vehicle production. More
Will Our Galaxy Collide With Andromeda? The Odds are 50-50
A new study challenges the long-held belief that the Milky Way will collide with the Andromeda galaxy. Previous estimates predicted a collision in about 4 billion years, but updated data from the Gaia and Hubble telescopes suggest that the merger is now a 50-50 chance. Including other nearby galaxies like M33 and the Large Magellanic Cloud further affects the odds, with potential collision probabilities ranging from 33% to 66%. These updated simulations highlight that while a merger is still possible, it is not as certain as once thought. More
Tiny Thought: It's wild to think how important life feels, but then you realize our planet is just one of 100 to 400 billion in the Milky Way, and that our galaxy will inevtiably collide with another one in about 4 billion years. When that happens, chaos will reign for billions of years, shredding everything we know into a trillion pieces as it hurtles through space.
Living Plastics: A New Solution for Plastic Degradation Through Synthetic Biology
A study in *Nature Chemical Biology* introduces a breakthrough in sustainable plastics by embedding spores programmed to secrete plastic-degrading enzymes under specific conditions. These spores remain dormant during normal use, ensuring stability, but activate when triggered by factors like erosion or composting, leading to complete plastic degradation. This innovative approach builds on previous discoveries, like bacteria that consume PET plastic, and represents a significant advancement in creating environmentally friendly plastics that degrade efficiently and could be applied to various types of commercial plastics. More
CrossFit Games Under Fire: Athlete’s Death Raises Safety Concerns
The atmosphere at the CrossFit Games closing ceremony was somber due to the death of competitor Lazar Dukic during the event's first day. Dukic, a 28-year-old Serbian athlete, died during an 800-meter open-water swim, marking the first death in the Games' 17-year history. This tragedy has sparked renewed concerns about the safety of CrossFit as both a workout and a competitive sport. Some athletes withdrew in protest of the Games continuing after Dukic’s death, while others, like seven-time champion Tia-Clair Toomey, chose to compete, believing it would honor Dukic. The incident has led to calls for greater accountability and safety measures in the sport. More
Sean “Diddy” Combs Revealed to Be Among Investors in Elon Musk’s X Launch
After being compelled by a federal court, Elon Musk's X Corp. disclosed its shareholder list for its parent company. The document revealed investors such as Sean "Diddy" Combs, Bill Ackman, Larry Ellison, Marc Andreessen, and Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal. Sean Combs' investment is particularly notable. Since investing in X in 2022, Combs has faced numerous lawsuits, including allegations of sexual assault and battery, and is under federal investigation for sex trafficking, which he denies. The disclosure is tied to a lawsuit by former Twitter employees alleging Musk violated their arbitration agreements. The court ruled that X must reveal its investors, emphasizing public interest in understanding the financial influences on the widely used social media platform. More
Lionsgate Apologizes for New Coppola Film Trailer Containing Fake Quotes from Dead Critics
Lionsgate recalled its new trailer for Francis Ford Coppola's Megalopolis on Wednesday after it was revealed that quotes from critics were fabricated, and most of the critics cited were deceased. The trailer, released earlier that day, included quotes supposedly from renowned critics like Pauline Kael, Roger Ebert, Andrew Sarris, John Simon, and Stanley Kauffmann—none of whom are alive. The quotes did not actually appear in their reviews of Coppola's other films. The intent seemed to be to draw parallels between the initial mixed reactions to now-classics like The Godfather and Apocalypse Now and the divisive reception of Megalopolis. More
German Warship Blasts Darth Vader Anthem in Heart of London. 'No Deeper Message,' Navy Says - Germany's navy says there was "no deeper message" behind blasting Darth Vader’s theme, the "Imperial March," from its warship, the Braunschweig, as it sailed down the Thames in London. The song, which went viral, was part of the commander’s tradition of playing John Williams’ scores during foreign port visits.
Connecticut Woman's Tattoos, Body Modifications Break World Records - A Connecticut woman earned two Guinness World Records by covering 99.98% of her body in tattoos and having 89 body modifications.
Botswana Unearths 2,492-carat Diamond, Second Largest Ever Uncovered - The stone, recovered by Canadian company Lucara Diamond Corp. using X-ray technology, is noted for its exceptional quality.
