Minister Anand held a meeting with President Alexander Stubb of Finland to promote cooperation between Canada and Finland, as well as broader cooperation within the Nordic region, in response to global issues. Canada and Finland have established strong democratic relations, reinforced through strategic dialogue, defense collaboration, and initiatives focused on the northern regions.

Lieutenant Governor Marie Joan; 
This morning at Government House, in partnership with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada, Her Honour administered the oath of citizenship to 19 individuals who are now part of the Canadian community. 

These new citizens have selected Canada as their home and their official status as Canadians has been granted. 

Government House is pleased to host these in-person citizenship ceremonies, celebrating this significant milestone for those who have opted to make this country their home. 

Congratulations to the new citizens, and welcome.

Pierre Poilievre has won the by-election, enabling him to return to the House of Commons. The journey toward success can be complex, but the Conservative Party is committed to working towards revitalizing the country and advocating for a stronger and more liberated Canada.

The Governor-General faces a significant dilemma. Her active participation in a politically contentious lobby, particularly one focused on transgender issues, raises concerns about the sustainability of her role. As Australia's Head of State, she is expected to remain above political conflicts rather than engage in them. This situation presents her with a decision: either withdraw from the lobby or resign from her position as Governor-General.

In her role as Patron of the Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA), the Governor-General celebrated the council's 80th anniversary by presenting the 2025 Book of the Year Awards during Book Week festivities held at the National Library of Australia.

She extended her congratulations to the award winners for the 2025 Book of the Year, which included:

- Older Readers: "I'm Not Really Here," by Gary Lonesborough
- Younger Readers: "Laughter is the Best Ending," by Maryam Master and Alstred Hicks
- Early Childhood: "The Wobbly Bike," by Darren McCallum and Craig Smith
- Picture Book: "The Truck Cat," by Danny Snell and Deborah Frenkel
- Eva Pownall Award: "Always Was Always Will Be," by Aunty Fay Muir and Sue Lawson
- New Illustrator: "Grow Big, Little Seed," by Sarah Capon

These books will be displayed at Government House.

The Governor-General and the audience enjoyed insights from enthusiastic students participating in the Shadow Judging Book of the Year program.

This year's Book Week, happening from August 16 to 23, revolves around the theme 'Book an Adventure,' encouraging communities to engage in storytelling and related activities while celebrating the joy of literature.

The Governor-General expressed gratitude to all authors, illustrators, library staff, teachers, parents, and particularly students for their dedication to reading. She also shared her personal connection to literature by mentioning the book she always carries with her—the Australian Constitution.

She acknowledged Aunty Selina Walker for her Welcome to Country and recognized several individuals, including CBCA's National Board Chair Jo Panckridge, ACT Branch President Julie Long OAM, Dr. Mary-Louise Ayres & Luke Hickey from the National Library of Australia, Dr. Belle Alderman ME, Director of the National Centre for Australian Children's Literature, and Emily Martin, Acting CEO of the Royal Australian Mint.

Strengthening Mental Health Care in Fiji

The Ministry of Health has observed a consistent increase in the utilization of mental health services over the past five years. To address this growing demand, the Government is focused on:

- Improving infrastructure
- Strengthening professional development
- Reviewing processes
- Increasing financial support at St. Giles Hospital

Budget support for Mental Health Services:

Fiji Government


2023–2024: $3.4M 
2024–2025: $4.6M 
2025–2026: $6.4M 

Additionally, five minor works projects were finalized in 2023, which included road upgrades, hospital gate enhancements, water tank base installation, and renovations to the Outpatient, SOPD, and Emergency Departments, amounting to a total of $113,000.

These investments indicate a commitment to prioritizing mental health and enhancing the support available for the community.

The Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

As we continued our productive day in Merrickville-Wolford, accompanied by MPP Clark and Mayor Cameron, we had the privilege of visiting Voltari Electric, a pioneering company revolutionizing the marine transportation sector in Ontario. Cam Heaps, the Founder and CEO, graciously demonstrated the innovative strides Voltari is making in developing and constructing fully electric boats. These vessels are not only emission-free but also produce no underwater noise pollution, opening up new possibilities for patrol and defense operations.


It's exciting to see innovative thinkers like Cam Heaps pushing the boundaries of what's possible in Ontario, and we're proud to support their efforts. This commitment to innovation is reflected in our government's recent support for Canada's Ranovus, which will receive over $2 million from the Invest Ontario Fund to expand semiconductor manufacturing in Ottawa. This investment is expected to create 125 well-paying jobs, reshore production, and enhance Ontario's semiconductor supply chain.

As we strive to position Ontario as a competitive location within the G7 for investment and growth, we recognize the importance of investing in our critical technologies sector. This is why our government is dedicated to supporting innovative businesses like Voltari Electric and Ranovus, driving progress and creating opportunities for Ontarians.

However, we also acknowledge the challenges posed by U.S. tariffs and their impact on Ontario jobs. To mitigate this, Premier Ford and our government are taking decisive action by investing $70 million to support workers. This investment will establish new rapid-response POWER Centres and enhance Better Jobs Ontario, enabling workers to retrain quickly for good-paying jobs and contribute to a stronger, more resilient Ontario.

Throughout our day in Merrickville-Wolford, we've seen firsthand the power of innovation and collaboration. We're committed to continuing our efforts to create an environment that fosters growth, supports businesses, and benefits Ontarians.

"The Steinbach RCMP is currently investigating two break and enter incidents that occurred at a business located on Highway 1 East in Richer. The first incident took place on July 26, 2025, at 4:24 am, when a male suspect, clad in a black balaclava, gloves, a dark jacket, a red buttoned shirt, dark pants, and a hat, was seen entering the business. He was observed carrying a yellow crowbar and made off with an undisclosed amount of Canadian currency in a blue van.

In a strikingly similar incident, a suspect was spotted breaking into the same business on August 18, 2025, at 3:50 am. The individual wore similar footwear, a black balaclava, and was again carrying a yellow crowbar. Unfortunately, the suspect managed to steal an undisclosed amount of Canadian currency during this incident as well.

Based on the evidence, it is believed that the same individual is responsible for both break-ins. The Steinbach RCMP is urging anyone with information regarding the suspect's identity to come forward and assist in the investigation. If you have any information, please contact the Steinbach RCMP at 204-326-1234 or reach out to Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477. You can also submit a secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com. The investigation is ongoing, and your help is crucial in bringing the perpetrator to justice."

"A New Era of Ownership: Dangote Refinery to List on Nigerian Stock Exchange

In a groundbreaking move, Aliko Dangote, Africa's wealthiest entrepreneur, has announced plans to list the multi-billion-dollar Dangote Refinery on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). This monumental initiative is set to democratize access to one of Africa's largest industrial projects, allowing all Nigerians, regardless of socioeconomic status, to become shareholders in the esteemed refinery.

Scheduled to open to public ownership by 2026, this historic listing will empower citizens to own a direct stake in the refinery, providing a unique opportunity for individuals to invest in a project that is poised to revolutionize Nigeria's energy landscape. For the first time, every Nigerian will have the chance to be a part of this monumental industrial undertaking, fostering a sense of national pride and shared prosperity.

Furthermore, Dangote Fertilizer, another flagship project of the Dangote Group, is also slated to be listed by the end of 2025, offering Nigerians an additional opportunity to invest in a thriving sector. This bold move is expected to deepen financial inclusion, promote economic growth, and instill confidence in the Nigerian capital market.

By extending ownership to the general public, Dangote Refinery is poised to become a beacon of hope for the Nigerian economy, inspiring a new wave of entrepreneurship and innovation. As the largest oil refinery in Africa, this listing is expected to have far-reaching implications, not only for Nigeria but for the entire continent."

James Smith with a significant amount of wealth derived from Africa. However, the concept of wealth accumulation from Africa during colonial times is a historical reality. Many European nations and individuals became wealthy through the exploitation of African resources and labor during the period of colonialism and the transatlantic slave trade.

Colonization refers to the process by which a country or group of people establish control over another territory and its inhabitants. This often involved the extraction of resources, the imposition of political and economic systems, and the forced labor or displacement of the indigenous population.

The wealth of European colonialists was frequently built on the backs of Africans through:

1. The Transatlantic Slave Trade: European powers captured and sold millions of Africans into slavery, primarily in the Americas, which generated immense profits for slave traders and plantation owners. The labor of enslaved Africans was crucial in producing crops such as sugar, cotton, and tobacco, which fueled European economic growth.
2. Resource Extraction: Colonizers extracted valuable minerals and resources from African territories, including gold, diamonds, and later, oil and other minerals. These resources were often sent back to Europe, contributing to the industrial revolution and the economic prosperity of colonial powers.
3. Agricultural Commodities: Crops like rubber, palm oil, cocoa, and coffee were cultivated in Africa for export to European markets. This led to the creation of plantations and the exploitation of local labor, often under harsh conditions.
4. Infrastructure and Trade: Building railroads, ports, and other infrastructure in Africa served European economic interests by facilitating the extraction and transport of resources. Control over trade routes allowed colonial powers to monopolize markets and impose unfavorable trade terms on Africans.
5. Taxation and Land Seizure: Africans were often taxed heavily under colonial rule, and in some cases, their land was seized for European settlement. This economic burden contributed to the wealth of the colonizers.

While specific individuals like "James Smith" may not be historical figures, many European families and companies did amass significant wealth through these means. This wealth, however, came at a tremendous cost to Africa and its people in terms of lives lost, cultural destruction, economic underdevelopment, and long-lasting social inequalities. The legacy of colonialism continues to impact African nations and their relationships with the global community today.

China has launched seven satellites using the Lijian 1 rocket as part of its efforts to compete with Starlink in the areas of 5G and 6G technology.

In a celebratory ceremony last night, the Chicago Sky recognized the outstanding achievement of their coach, Rena Wakama, who made history by becoming the first female coach to win back-to-back AfroBasket Women's Championships. This remarkable feat was accomplished with the Nigerian national team, solidifying Wakama's position as a trailblazer in the world of women's basketball. The Chicago Sky organization is proud to have Wakama at the helm, and this honor serves as a testament to her dedication, expertise, and leadership.

Trump has reiterated his criticism of the Smithsonian for emphasizing the negative aspects of slavery.

In a move that has sparked controversy, US President Donald Trump has targeted the esteemed Smithsonian Institution, alleging that its museums place too much emphasis on the darker aspects of American history, particularly slavery. Trump took to Truth Social, his go-to platform, to express his discontent, stating that the institution's focus on past injustices necessitates a thorough review of its funding. Instead, the President believes that the museums should shift their attention to celebrating the nation's successes and achievements.

According to Trump, his legal team has been instructed to scrutinize the Smithsonian's museums, employing a similar approach to the one used to reform colleges and universities. This move has been met with skepticism, as many are worried that the President's initiative may compromise the institution's autonomy and distort the historical narrative.

The Smithsonian Institution, which comprises 21 museums, galleries, and the National Zoo, has remained silent on the matter, refusing to comment on the President's remarks. Meanwhile, the White House has announced plans to conduct an internal review of select Smithsonian museums, a decision that has raised concerns among civil rights advocates.

When questioned about the possibility of funding cuts, a White House official hinted that all options would be explored to address the perceived issues within the Smithsonian. Trump's crusade against the institution has sparked a heated debate, with many arguing that his efforts are an attempt to sanitize the nation's troubled past and undermine the Smithsonian's independence. As the situation unfolds, one thing is certain – the future of the Smithsonian Institution hangs in the balance, and the stakes have never been higher.

His Excellency, FPN Goodluck Elebe Jonathan, has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Government of the Republic of Uganda, the Vice Chancellor of Cavendish University Uganda (CUU), Dr. Olive Sabiiti, the university staff, and officials from the Nigeria High Commission for the warm welcome he received upon his arrival in Kampala this morning.

As the esteemed Chancellor of CUU, Dr. Jonathan is in Uganda to participate in the university's 14th Graduation Ceremony, slated to take place on Thursday, August 21, 2025. He took the opportunity to acknowledge the significant progress and innovative advancements that CUU continues to achieve as a leading private university in Uganda. Dr. Jonathan's presence is a testament to his commitment to promoting quality education and fostering international cooperation.

During his stay, Dr. Jonathan is expected to engage with the academic community, share his insights, and impart his wisdom to the graduating class. His participation in the graduation ceremony is a demonstration of his dedication to empowering the next generation of leaders and change-makers. As a respected statesman and educational leader, Dr. Jonathan's involvement is set to elevate the stature of CUU's graduation ceremony and inspire the students to strive for excellence.

Congratulations to Olivia Smith for winning the PFA Young Player of the Year award.

Money influences behavior... I can't even find it funny. #Trending#

"Angel Reese's highly anticipated return to the court remains uncertain, with no confirmed date set for her comeback. According to Sky head coach Tyler Marsh, the primary focus lies in ensuring Reese's optimal health and well-being before cleared to play again. Marsh emphasized that the team wants Reese to be 'as healthy as possible when she is ready,' prioritizing her long-term fitness over a hasty return."

"In a bid to maintain peak physical fitness, Nigerian female football sensation, Azeezah Oshoala, was spotted putting in extra effort at a gym center. As she sweated it out on the treadmill, it was clear that the four-time African Women's Footballer of the Year was committed to staying ahead of the game."

"Meet Angel Reese, affectionately known as Bayou Barbie, a rising star in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA).


This talented American professional basketball player has taken the court by storm with her impressive skills, playing for the Chicago Sky. With her fiery passion and dedication to the game, Reese is an inspiration to many young athletes, solidifying her position as a force to be reckoned with in the WNBA."