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Europe Scorched by Record Heatwave: France and Italy Take Emergency Measures

As a blistering heatwave tightens its grip on Europe, countries are scrambling to protect citizens from soaring temperatures and mounting health risks. France has shuttered over 1,350 schools  and closed the top floor of the Eiffel Tower as temperatures surged past 40°C (104°F)  in several regions. Sixteen French departments are now under the highest heat alert, with authorities urging people to stay hydrated and indoors during peak hours. Meanwhile, Italy has imposed restrictions on outdoor work , particularly in agriculture and construction, during the hottest parts of the day. Cities like Rome, Milan, and Venice are under red alerts, with hospitals reporting a spike in heat-related illnesses. The Mediterranean Sea has also hit record highs, with waters in Spain’s Balearic Sea reaching 30°C , up to 6 degrees above average. Scientists warn that Europe—already warming at twice the global average —is facing increasingly frequent and intense heatwaves due to climate change. New ...
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Government Bars ArriveCan Contractor from Federal Contracts for Seven Years

Ottawa has officially banned GC Strategies, the largest contractor involved in the development of the ArriveCan app, from securing government contracts for the next seven years. The decision follows an assessment by Public Services and Procurement Canada, which deemed the company "ineligible" due to concerns over its conduct.

GC Strategies was awarded more than $19 million for its role in the ArriveCan project, which was initially valued at just $2.35 million but later ballooned to $60 million. The federal government launched the app in April 2020 to track health and contact information for travelers entering Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, a report by Auditor General Karen Hogan criticized the government's record-keeping and reliance on external contractors, highlighting significant financial mismanagement.

In addition to GC Strategies, two other companies involved in the project—Dalian Enterprises and Coradix Technology Consulting—have also been barred from participating in federal procurement opportunities. The government has stated that it remains committed to strengthening the integrity of its procurement processes. 

This latest development underscores growing scrutiny over government spending and contract management, particularly in high-profile projects like ArriveCan. Auditor General Hogan is expected to release further findings on whether the contracts awarded provided good value for taxpayers.

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