Latest news with #PICS
Associated Press
03-07-2025
- General
- Associated Press
Siila Watt-Cloutier Offers Radical Hope in a New Podcast Series
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA, July 3, 2025 / / -- The Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions (PICS) at the University of Victoria is proud to present A Radical Act of Hope, a new podcast featuring the story of Inuk climate and human rights advocate Siila (Sheila) Watt-Cloutier, PICS' inaugural Indigenous Climate Fellow. This limited series podcast explores the life, work, and wisdom of one of the world's leading voices on climate change, human rights, and Indigenous ways of knowing and being. Watt-Cloutier calls her approach to climate advocacy 'conscious leadership', which she developed through her experience as an Inuk woman rooted in tradition and culture, and refined as she became a global thought leader on environmental issues and climate change. 'Indigenous wisdom is the medicine the world needs,' says Watt-Cloutier. 'Our values, experience, and relationship to the natural world help us to imagine and tell a different story for humanity and the planet, which can guide us towards a more sustainable and equitable future for all,' she says. The podcast blends memoir and advocacy, showing how lived experience can be a powerful tool for both personal transformation and policy change. It is hosted by Watt-Cloutier, along with PICS Executive Director Ian Mauro, her longtime colleague and friend, and Gitxsan and Cree-Métis climate researcher Janna Wale, PICS' Indigenous research and partnerships lead. 'Siila Watt-Cloutier's pioneering work to connect climate change and human rights changed the way the world thinks about and addresses climate change; her message comes from the Arctic and has global impact,' says PICS Executive Director Ian Mauro. 'In this podcast, we take a deep dive into Siila's leadership, how it developed, and how it can be a model for current and future generations.' Over its four episodes, the trio of hosts are joined by Indigenous women leaders and changemakers Leena Evic, Nicole Redvers, and Aleqa Hammond. Together, they discuss climate conscious leadership as Watt-Cloutier models it — an approach that prioritizes consensus, intergenerational wisdom, and long-term stewardship. Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, the PICS website, or wherever you listen to podcasts. 'Working alongside Siila Watt-Cloutier and the PICS team to bring this story to life has been one of the most impactful projects of my career. Siila's voice is a beacon — clear, grounded, and profoundly needed in today's world. This podcast is more than a series — it's a movement built on respect, wisdom, and the power of storytelling to change hearts and minds.' — Jennifer Smith, President & CEO, Everything Podcasts A Radical Act of Hope is produced by the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions and Everything Podcasts, with support from The Gordon Foundation and the University of Victoria. Watt-Cloutier's work with PICS, including the podcast, supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically #3 (Good Health and Well-Being), #5 (Gender Equality), #10 (Reduced Inequalities), and #13 (Climate Action). Learn more about the SDGs at UVic. The Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions (PICS) catalyzes and mobilizes research, partnerships, and knowledge that generate climate action. PICS is hosted and led by the University of Victoria (UVic) in collaboration with Simon Fraser University, the University of British Columbia, and the University of Northern British Columbia. Media contacts: Cindy MacDougall (PICS Communications) at 250-853-3626 or [email protected] About the University of Victoria The University of Victoria is a leading research-intensive institution, offering transformative, hands-on learning opportunities to more than 22,000 students on the beautiful coast of British Columbia. As a hub of groundbreaking research, UVic faculty, staff and students are making a significant impact on issues addressing challenges that matter to people, places and the planet. UVic consistently publishes a higher proportion of research based on international collaborations than any other university in North America. Our commitment to advancing climate action, addressing social determinants of health, and supporting Indigenous reconciliation and revitalization is making a difference—from scientific and business breakthroughs to cultural and creative achievements. About Everything Podcasts Launched in 2019, Everything Podcasts delivers innovative, creative, and award-winning audio production and global distribution. It features strategic planning infused by research, and partnerships designed to launch, grow, and accelerate the expansion of content across multiple platforms. Everything Podcasts is a world-class podcast production and media company dedicated to enabling businesses to harness the power of podcasting for communication, engagement, and growth. Everything Podcasts offers comprehensive podcasting solutions and strategies that empower brands to connect with their audience in a meaningful and memorable way. Led by Founder & CEO Jennifer Smith, and fueled by their team of passionate storytellers and award-winning media experts, Everything Podcasts brings innovation and expertise to a new media frontier. Everything Podcasts is also the recipient of numerous accolades including 2023's Quill Award for Best Podcast Agency, Most Creative Branded Podcast and Best B2B Branded Podcast. And the 2024 Quill Awards for Most Creative Branded Podcast, Best Business Podcast, Best News Podcast, Best Interview Podcast, and Best Medical Podcast. Plus, the bronze Circle of Excellence from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) for Podcasts (Occasional) and the gold 2024 Prix d'Excellence from the Canadian Council Advancement of Education (CCAE) for Best Podcast. Media Contact: Theodora Jean Coldwater Communications Inc. [email protected] Jennifer Smith Everything Podcasts +1 604-377-7922 [email protected] Visit us on social media: YouTube LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Bluesky X Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Hamilton Spectator
22-06-2025
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
‘It's the first place we've felt safe': Mississauga opens first dedicated refugee reception centre
Mississauga's first dedicated refugee reception centre officially opened its doors Friday, marking a shift from a hotel-based resettlement model to a purpose-built facility offering housing and integration services. The shelter is also intended for government-assisted refugees (GARs) — refugees resettled by the Canadian government who are identified as convention refugees by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. The Polycultural Reception House at 73 King St. W. will provide temporary housing, school enrolment support and employment assistance to newcomers, addressing a long-standing gap in Peel Region's refugee infrastructure. It will also provide a foundation for newcomers to transition into permanent housing. The site was first acquired in October 2024. Ever since the Polycultural Immigrant & Community Services (PICS) began welcoming GARs in January 2025, transitioning away from the hotel-based model. Adam Altmid, chair of PICS' board, said the transition was important. 'This is a more efficient way. It provides a service, it provides all the services in one location, as opposed to a hotel,' Altmid said. He also mentioned having one centre was more cost-effective. 'This new centre is our building, so we're not paying hotel rates to a private enterprise,' he said. At the opening, Mayor Carolyn Parrish said the centre would be a 'vital resource' for these refugees. 'As our city continues to grow, it's so important that we have the right supports in place,' she said. 'Ours is one of the most diverse cities in Canada and we're proud of that. People come here from all over the world to build new lives.' For families like Saraah Baha's, who fled Afghanistan via Pakistan before arriving in Canada on June 11, the centre has been a lifeline. 'It's the first place we've felt safe. The staff have been so kind so far and supportive,' said Baha. 'We're learning how to live in Canada here, with orientations and seminars.' She said her and her family also appreciate the assistance in finding permanent housing, which she said has been challenging so far. Another challenge has been filling out various immigration and health-related documents, with which PICS staff have helped. 'They just guide us with everything,' said Baha. The facility currently has 75 rooms. Depending on the room, each can hold up to three individuals, meaning the facility can hold up to approximately 200 people. It is a short-term facility, intended for an average stay time of three weeks. It aims to be the refugees' first stop from the airport. They provide health and clinical services, meals and mental health counselling, as well as orientations on culture shock, family needs, Canadian law and banking — among various other wraparound services. It also includes services to assist children in enrolling in local schools, while adults receive assistance navigating employment and language services. Razan Omar, the centre's resettlement program co-ordinator, said her favourite part about working there is simply having the opportunity to help others. 'When clients arrive, they're exhausted mentally and physically and so being able to provide that service — we really do set the foundation for successful resettlement,' she said. She mentioned the work is especially meaningful for her as she was once a new immigrant to Canada, and didn't receive the same level of care. 'So I feel like I'm doing it for everyone else like me who wasn't able to receive these services,' she said. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Pink Villa
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Where is Izabelle Leite now? Here's everything you need to know about Brazilian actress who dated Virat Kohli for 2 years
In the era of social media, several celebrities maintain an online presence to keep in touch with their fans and followers. Izabelle Leite also maintains an active social media presence. However, despite the same, many still do not know much about her personal life. A few years back, she was in the news for reportedly dating Virat Kohli. She was last seen in Vijay Deverakonda's movie World Famous Lover, which was released in 2020. Since then, Leite has not been involved in any projects and her life soon took a private turn. Can you guess what she is currently up to? Where is Izabelle Leite? Izabelle Leite is currently residing in Doha, Qatar, with her family. She is married and has two daughters. Izabelle Leite with her husband Izabelle Leite's PICS with her daughters Izabelle continues modelling and conducts brand shoots for several brands. Instead of movies, she is currently focusing on personal projects. She has also been fulfilling her passion for travelling the world. Izabelle Leite and Virat Kohli's relationship Izabelle once dated Virat Kohli for 2 years before he married Anushka Sharma. Virat met Leite in Singapore, where the two came together for an ad shoot. As Virat was one of Izabelle's first Indian acquaintances upon her arrival, they became friends and dated secretly. Izabelle and Virat were often spotted together in various locations, although they shied away from the spotlight. Their chemistry quickly developed into a romantic relationship which they chose to keep private. They dated each other for two years but decided to mutually break up in 2012. While they remained silent about their relationship for the longest time, it was around 2014 when Izabelle Leite confirmed that she dated Virat back in time during an interview with Bollywood Hungama. Izabelle is from João Pessoa, which is in north-east Brazil. She started working when she was 14 years old. She was 23 years old when she arrived in Mumbai. Izabelle made her debut in the Hindi film industry with the Aamir Khan starrer, Talaash: The Answer Lies Within. She also appeared in a few other movies, such as Puraani Jeans and Sixteen, along with several prominent advertisement campaigns for top brands. She gained massive visibility after featuring in Guru Randhawa's hit music video Lahore, which crossed over 1 billion views on YouTube and expanded her global fanbase. Izabelle diversified her filmography with successful roles in Telugu films, showcasing her acting abilities across regional cinema beyond Bollywood. She has been a part of the Vijay Deverakonda-led World Famous Lover in 2020 and Akhil Akkineni-led Mr. Majnu in 2019.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Pa. reaches reciprocity agreement with Virginia for concealed carry permit holders
Pistols for sale a Kentucky gun shop. (Courtesy Louder than Guns) Virginians who hold a permit to carry a concealed handgun will be able to keep it on their persons or in their cars when visiting Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced a reciprocity agreement with Virginia that allows people with Licenses to Carry Firearms to do so in both states. 'Shortly after taking office, I asked my staff to review opportunities to maximize reciprocity agreements with willing states, and ensure all existing and future agreements protect and respect standing law and constitutional rights,' Sunday said. 'Our research of law in both states revealed nothing conflicting that would disallow permit holders to carry in both states.' The legal staff in Sunday's office reached out to Virginia State Police leaders in early April about renewing a Memorandum of Agreement that provides 'mutual recognition of a license to carry a firearm' issued by Pennsylvania and a license or permit to carry a gun issued by another state. The permitting process is different in each state. In Pennsylvania, applicants apply through their county sheriff's office and a background check is conducted through the Pennsylvania Instant Check System (PICS). The application process in Virginia goes through the clerk of the circuit court of the county or city where the person lives and requires proof of handgun competency. That could include things like completing a hunter safety course or any National Rifle Association or United States Concealed Carry Association firearms safety or training course. The agreement, which applies only to handguns, allows a license holder from Virginia to carry a concealed handgun on their person or in a vehicle, in Pennsylvania, and vice versa, with a Pennsylvania license holder able to do the same in Virginia. It requires permit holders to be at least 21-years-old, carry photo ID, display the permit when asked by law enforcement, and not have a concealed carry permit previously revoked. According to Virginia State Police Superintendent Colonel Matthew D. Hanley, his state has recognized all out-of-state permits, including from Pennsylvania, since July 2016. In a May 21 letter to Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares, he noted the execution of the agreement serves to expand the rights of Virginians since their concealed carry permits will now be recognized in the Keystone State. Pennsylvania now has concealed carry reciprocity agreements with 30 states, including Ohio and West Virginia. State police say as of June 2, nearly 1.7 million people have a license to carry permit in Pennsylvania. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Co-Production Boost and Sturdy Funding System Fuel a Healthy Crop of Swiss Films at Visions du Réel
Those looking for homegrown talent and stories at the largest documentary film festival in Switzerland, Visions du Réel, will be spoiled for choice in 2025. This year's edition, which runs April 4-13, features a whopping 31 Swiss productions or co-productions, including the festival's opening film, Christian Frei's 'Blame.' Veteran Frei, the first-ever Swiss filmmaker to be nominated for an Oscar back in 2002 for 'War Photography,' stands alongside a crop of new talent in feature debuts such as Agostina Di Luciano and Leon Schwitter's 'The World Upside Down.' On the healthy crop of Swiss productions and co-productions this year, Charlotte Ducos, documentary and marketing strategies consultant at the country's national agency Swiss Films, says it is 'incredibly important to have Swiss films across the program and to have the opening film of the festival not only be Swiss but also a very expected title by a renowned filmmaker.' Ducos also emphasizes how 43% of Swiss films are currently co-productions, a testament to the importance of collaborating with their European neighbors such as Italy, Germany and Austria. Last year, Switzerland was the Country in Focus at Cannes's Marché du Film, another possible booster. More from Variety Diana Taurasi Docuseries Set at Amazon Prime Video Following WNBA Star and Olympic Gold Medalist's Life and Career (EXCLUSIVE) Sundance Award-Winning Documentary 'Zodiac Killer Project' Acquired by Music Box (EXCLUSIVE) COVID Conspiracies, RFK Jr. Discussed by Christian Frei as 'Blame' Opens Visions du Réel: 'In a World Where Nothing Is True, Everything Becomes Possible' Frei praised the support available to filmmakers in his home country, saying that he is 'deeply grateful for the subsidy system we established in Switzerland.' It was thanks to that that the director raised enough to spend the time needed on such an ambitious project as his denouncement of COVID-19 misinformation. 'I was able to do so without having to speculate on box office or commercial interest,' he highlights. Financing-wise, Switzerland offers various sources of funding at national and regional levels and from the private sector. The main avenue is the Film Investment Refund Switzerland (PICS), which primarily focuses on Swiss-international co-productions and is administered by the Federal Office of Culture. PICS refunds between 20-40% of eligible film production expenses if a project shoots for a minimum of five days in the country. With topics that range from AI's relationship with human creativity to the woes and joys of modern fatherhood, the Swiss films at this year's Visions du Réel look into the world of yesterday, today and tomorrow through classic journalistic investigations, hybrid docu-fiction, and first-person narratives to showcase the best of national talent. With such a wealth of titles, Variety has selected a handful of films to look out for, which you can find below: 'Blame,' dir. Christian Frei Frei, who made history as the first Oscar-nominated Swiss filmmaker with his searing investigation of war photography in the eponymous 2002 doc, returns to Visions du Réel with just as controversial of a proposition: a deep dive into the wave of misinformation that turned the scientists fighting the spread of SARS and subsequent COVID-19 pandemic into social pariahs. The festival's opening film, 'Blame,' poses a vital investigation into the relationship between politics, science and the media. Rise and Shine handles world sales. 'The World Upside Down,' dir. Agostina Di Luciano and Leon Schwitter This Swiss-Argentinian co-production taps into magical realism, mysticism and popular folklore to blend documentary and fiction as it follows the inhabitants of a small village nestled in the Argentine countryside. It is there that Omar, a village elder and farmer, witnesses a strange light in the sky. Curious, he embarks on an inquisitive journey alongside his grandson, just as Roxane and Lily prepare a holiday home for a family in Buenos Aires, where they make a discovery that will open a path to new forms of knowledge. Indox Films handles festival sales. 'Wider Than the Sky,' dir. Valerio Jalongo Veteran Italian filmmaker Jalongo, whose work has played widely at festivals such as Venice and Rome and who has collaborated with the likes of Brendan Gleeson and Valeria Golino, returns to Visions du Réel with a film looking at how AI interacts with human emotion and creativity. 'Wider Than the Sky' parades scientific labs and artists' studios with those working close to the intersection of AI and neuroscience to pose the question: can AI positively shape the future of humanity? 'Colostrum,' dir. Sayaka Mizuno Mizuno's 2016 mid-length documentary 'Kawasaki Keirin' won the Prix du Jury at Visions du Réel for most innovative Swiss film of all competitive sections. She returns to the festival with 'Colostrum,' a look at the relationship between a farmer in the Swiss Alps and his seasonal volunteer, a thirty-something woman from the city who is passionate about animal welfare and ecofeminism. The film zooms into the characters' differences to find their commonalities, as well as pay homage to the rhythms of traditional farming. Stranger Films Sales handles world sales. 'Dads,' dir. David Maye After screening his feature debut 'Les Grandes Traversées' at Visions du Réel in 2017, Maye is back at the festival with a close look at modern fatherhood. The film follows four fathers or fathers-to-be as they talk through expectations, fears and taboos around fatherhood, such as questions about abandonment, raising daughters, and perpetuating harmful masculine stereotypes. 'Sons of Icarus,' dir. Daniel Kemény On his third feature documentary, Kermény goes personal by sharing the story of his family: the director is European, and his brother is Cuban, with their father having left West Germany in the 1970s to escape the ghosts of fascism and finally settling in Cuba years later. In 'Sons of Icarus,' the filmmaker sets off to North America in search of his family, eventually struggling to connect with his reserved father. Through the medium of film, Kermény finds a space to mend old wounds and tell a visual story where words would fail. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week What's Coming to Disney+ in April 2025 The Best Celebrity Memoirs to Read This Year: From Chelsea Handler to Anthony Hopkins
