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  • Nearly One-Quarter of Canadians Work in the Gig Economy: Poll

    Nearly One-Quarter of Canadians Work in the Gig Economy: Poll

    A recent report from insurance provider Securian Canada reveals a significant trend among Canadians turning to gig work as a means to supplement their income amid rising living costs. The poll, conducted in collaboration with the Angus Reid Institute, indicates that nearly 25% of respondents are engaged in gig work, which is characterized by short-term jobs or tasks that do not provide steady employment.

    This shift toward gig employment suggests that traditional jobs may be struggling to keep pace with financial pressures, prompting many to seek additional income sources. Cheryl Loh, a freelance graphic designer from Vancouver, exemplifies this trend. She transitioned from the traditional workforce to freelance graphic design, stating, “I get to determine how I spend my day, and there’s no limit to the income I want to make. It’s all up to me.”

    Initially, Loh entered the gig economy to pursue a passion project of designing greeting cards, which she sold in her spare time. However, during the pandemic, she shifted her focus to freelance work, finding that it has become more profitable than a standard full-time job. “It’s very difficult for me to imagine going back to a traditional job because I feel like I have so much more ownership of my time,” she noted.

    Statistics Canada defines gig workers as individuals engaged in casual work arrangements with employers, such as short-term contracts or specific task agreements, often facilitated through apps for ride-hailing and food delivery services. The Securian survey, which involved 1,515 Canadians from the Angus Reid Forum, sought to determine how many individuals earn income outside of conventional employer-employee relationships.

    “This is a rapidly emerging segment of the workforce that isn’t well understood,” commented Nigel Branker, CEO of Securian Canada. The survey revealed that younger individuals are more likely to participate in gig work, with 30% of respondents aged 18 to 34 engaged in the gig economy. Conversely, only 16% of those over 55 reported participation.

    Additionally, the survey highlighted disparities among racialized populations, with 32% of racialized respondents participating in gig work compared to 20% of white respondents. A follow-up survey of 505 Canadian gig workers found that 30% offered specialized services such as consulting or photography, while 26% sold items on platforms like Amazon or Etsy, and 21% provided freelance services like graphic design or tutoring. Notably, food delivery workers made up 8% of respondents, and ride-hailing drivers constituted 3%.

    Branker expressed surprise at the number of gig workers also holding traditional jobs, noting that over half of those surveyed indicated they took on gig work alongside a full-time or part-time position.

    Source: Swifteradio

  • Geoffrey Hinton and John Hopfield were Awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics for Machine Learning Breakthroughs

    Geoffrey Hinton and John Hopfield were Awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics for Machine Learning Breakthroughs

    In a landmark achievement for artificial intelligence, Geoffrey Hinton of the University of Toronto and John Hopfield of Princeton University have been awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics. This prestigious recognition is bestowed upon them for their groundbreaking discoveries and inventions that enable machine learning within artificial neural networks, according to an announcement from the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.

    Geoffrey Hinton, a British-born scientist, has dedicated over a decade to advancing AI technologies while balancing his role as a computer science professor at the University of Toronto and working with Google’s deep-learning team. In 2023, Hinton announced his resignation from Alphabet, citing ethical concerns over AI’s potential risks. Expressing his astonishment at receiving the Nobel Prize, he stated, “I’m flabbergasted. I had no idea this would happen. I’m very surprised.”

    Ellen Moons, a member of the Nobel committee, highlighted the significant contributions of both laureates, stating that they utilized fundamental concepts from statistical physics to develop artificial neural networks that serve as associative memories capable of discerning patterns within large datasets. She noted the profound impact of these networks on various fields, including advancements in physics, facial recognition technology, and language translation systems.

    Hopfield’s work focused on creating an associative memory capable of storing and reconstructing images and other data patterns, while Hinton developed methods for autonomously identifying properties in data, such as pinpointing specific elements in images.

    Reflecting on the future of AI, Hinton compared its transformative effects to the Industrial Revolution, predicting substantial productivity gains and efficiencies across multiple sectors, including healthcare. “It’s going to be fantastic, which is why progress is not going to be stopped,” he remarked. However, he cautioned against the potential unintended consequences of AI technologies, particularly those that possess the capability to write their computer code. “We have no experience of what it’s like to have things smarter than us,” he warned.

    With numerous accolades, Hinton previously received the prestigious A.M. Turing Award for his exceptional contributions to computer science and was appointed a companion of the Order of Canada for developing innovative learning algorithms that enable machines to recognize speech and interpret complex data structures.

    The Nobel Prize carries a cash award of 11 million Swedish kronor (approximately CAD 1.44 million), which will be shared between the winners. The awards will be presented during a ceremony on December 10, coinciding with the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death.

    As the Nobel Prize announcements continue, anticipation builds for upcoming categories, including the chemistry and literature prizes, followed later this month by the Nobel Peace Prize and the economics award.

    Source: Swifteradio

  • Israel Expands Ground Offensive in Southern Lebanon Amid Rising Tensions with Iran

    Israel Expands Ground Offensive in Southern Lebanon Amid Rising Tensions with Iran

    Israel’s military has intensified its ground operations in southern Lebanon, marking a critical escalation in its ongoing conflict with Hezbollah. This new phase of the military campaign comes after a year of increasing hostility, triggered by an initial attack from the Palestinian armed group Hamas on southern Israel.

    Ground Incursions Target Hezbollah Strongholds

    On Tuesday, Israeli forces launched a series of ground operations in southwest Lebanon, extending beyond earlier incursions at the southeast border. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) described the operations as “localized and targeted,” focusing on eliminating Hezbollah militants embedded near the border. Israel’s airstrikes in Beirut’s southern suburbs have already claimed the life of senior Hezbollah operative Suhail Hussein Husseini, responsible for the group’s budgeting and logistics.

    The Lebanese militant group Hezbollah has been one of Israel’s main adversaries in the region. The conflict between the two escalated over the past year, with Hezbollah supporting Hamas in its fight against Israel. The targeted killing of Husseini follows a string of assassinations, including the death of Hezbollah’s leader Hassan Nasrallah in a recent Israeli airstrike.

    Iran Warns of Retaliation Amid Regional Tensions

    Iran has entered the fray, sending a strong message to Israel following its barrage of missiles last week. On Tuesday, Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araqchi, warned Israel against any attack on Iranian infrastructure. Tehran’s missile strikes have heightened tensions, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calling it a “big mistake,” vowing retaliation.

    Araqchi plans to visit Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern nations in a diplomatic push to halt Israeli “crimes” in Gaza and Lebanon, according to Iran’s ISNA news agency. Meanwhile, Gulf states have reassured Iran of their neutrality in the conflict, aiming to avoid entanglement in the ongoing hostilities.

    Calls for Ceasefire Grow as Hezbollah Signals Possible Shift

    Hezbollah’s deputy leader, Naim Qassem, supported ceasefire efforts in Lebanon. In a televised address, he backed the efforts of Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri to secure a halt to the escalating violence, omitting any mention of a Gaza truce deal as a precondition for stopping Hezbollah’s attacks on Israel.

    The United Nations has also expressed concern over the escalating conflict, noting the severe humanitarian toll. In a joint statement, UN officials said their calls for restraint over the past year have gone unheeded, with Israeli airstrikes displacing over 1.2 million people in Lebanon. The situation in the region is becoming increasingly dire as Israeli operations ramp up along the Lebanese coast and inland.

    Conclusion

    As the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah deepens, with Iran’s involvement intensifying the stakes, regional diplomacy efforts are struggling to keep pace with the military escalation. The future of this ongoing conflict remains uncertain, as the humanitarian crisis worsens and global attention turns to the volatile situation in the Middle East.

     

    Source: Swifteradio

  • (VIDEO) Nigerians Urged to Support Girls’ Menstrual Hygiene

     

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    Nigerians have been called to support adolescent girls from less privileged homes as they strive to maintain good menstrual hygiene.

    This call was made by the Framazaaz Foundation during the distribution of sanitary kits to the female students of the Government Secondary School Kubwa, located at the Bwari Area council of Abuja, Nigeria’s federal capital.

    The gesture which received commendation from students and staff of the school is expected to help the girls avoid days out of school due to the high costs of Sanitary pads, occasioned by the rise in the cost of goods in the country

    Source: Swifteradio.com

  • Hurricane Milton Intensifies to Category 3, Threatens Major Impact on Florida as State Recovers from Helene

    Hurricane Milton Intensifies to Category 3, Threatens Major Impact on Florida as State Recovers from Helene

    Hurricane Milton rapidly strengthened into a Category 3 storm early Monday, packing maximum sustained winds of 120 mph (193 kph) as it heads toward Florida. Officials are bracing for what could be the largest evacuation in seven years, with population centers like Tampa and Orlando in the storm’s path. The National Hurricane Center in Miami has issued hurricane watches for parts of Florida and a hurricane warning for the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico as the storm continues to grow in intensity.

    Florida, still reeling from Hurricane Helene less than two weeks ago, is facing a new threat from Milton, which is expected to make landfall as early as Wednesday. The storm’s potential path suggests landfall in the Tampa Bay area, followed by a trek across central Florida and into the Atlantic Ocean. Despite variations in forecast models, the consensus is clear: Milton is on track to cause significant damage, adding to the devastation left behind by Helene, which claimed over 230 lives across Florida and the southeastern United States.

    Emergency management teams are preparing for a massive evacuation, focusing on lessons learned from past hurricanes like Irma in 2017. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has urged residents to finalize their hurricane preparedness plans, emphasizing that even though the exact landfall location is uncertain, the state is set to experience widespread impacts. “You have time to prepare — all day today, all day Monday, probably all day Tuesday,” DeSantis said. “If you’re on that west coast of Florida, barrier islands, just assume you’ll be asked to leave.”

    Florida’s Preparations
    To mitigate the effects of Hurricane Milton, Florida’s Division of Emergency Management is already staging emergency supplies, including fuel for gas vehicles and charging stations for electric vehicles along evacuation routes. Kevin Guthrie, the agency’s executive director, stressed that the state is preparing for a mass evacuation and that additional shelters and resources are being put in place as a “refuge of last resort” for those unable to evacuate in time. Meanwhile, National Guard troops have been mobilized to assist in debris removal and support rescue operations as Milton approaches.

    The St. Petersburg-Tampa Bay area, which suffered extensive storm surge damage from Helene, is again under threat. Twelve people died in the aftermath of Helene as flooding devastated coastal communities, particularly the narrow barrier islands stretching from St. Petersburg to Clearwater. Schools in Pinellas County have preemptively closed through Wednesday, and Tampa city officials have opened garages free of charge for residents looking to protect their vehicles from potential floodwaters.

    FEMA Response and Federal Aid
    Federal agencies are also mobilizing resources in anticipation of Milton’s impact. FEMA, which has already distributed over $137 million in disaster relief following Hurricane Helene, is actively preparing for the aftermath of Milton while continuing to assist communities still recovering from the previous storm. President Joe Biden has assured the public that no resources will be spared in helping families rebuild, stating, “We will continue working hand-in-hand with local and state leaders — regardless of political party and no matter how long it takes.”

    With nearly 7,000 federal workers, 6,100 National Guardsmen, and over 1,500 active-duty troops on the ground, FEMA is ready to deploy millions of meals, gallons of water, and essential supplies to affected areas. Mobile feeding operations and shelters continue to support those displaced by Helene, and FEMA is prepared to sustain relief efforts through the impending disaster.

    Multiple Hurricanes in the Atlantic
    Hurricane Milton’s formation marks a rare meteorological event, with three simultaneous hurricanes in the Atlantic after September, according to hurricane scientist Phil Klotzbach. This is the first time such a phenomenon has occurred since 2017. With weather patterns becoming more volatile, experts are urging residents across the southeastern United States to remain vigilant and follow evacuation orders as Milton approaches.

    Florida’s experience with past storms like Irma and Helene has provided valuable insights into managing large-scale evacuations and emergency response efforts. However, Milton’s arrival at a time when the state is still grappling with the aftermath of Helene adds another layer of complexity to the situation. As the storm continues to intensify, all eyes are on Florida’s Gulf Coast and the central region as residents brace for another potential disaster.

    Source: Swifteradio

  • Could American Voters in Canada Sway the 2024 U.S. Election?

    Could American Voters in Canada Sway the 2024 U.S. Election?
    With the upcoming U.S. election on November 5, 2024, gaining significant attention both domestically and internationally, the role of American expats has been thrust into the spotlight. A sizable population of American citizens resides outside the U.S., with Canada being home to an estimated 600,000 eligible voters. These citizens, while living across the northern border, maintain the right to participate in U.S. elections, raising questions about the potential impact they could have on this tightly contested race. As political analysts predict an exceptionally close result, many are wondering whether the American voters in Canada could play a pivotal role in determining the outcome.
    The U.S. Consulate in Toronto has been working actively to encourage voter registration among the American population in Canada. With many of these voters hailing from battleground states, their absentee ballots could be decisive in an election where every vote counts. Dual citizen Steve Winters, a linguistics professor who has lived in Canada for 17 years, is one of these voters. Winters, who has voted in four previous U.S. presidential elections, describes himself as politically independent, having cast ballots for Democrats, Republicans, and independent candidates over the years. As the election nears, Winters emphasizes the importance of participation, stating, “Democracy is a great thing, and the more people get represented, the better.”
    Political Influence of Expats in Canada
    According to Erin Kotecki Vest, the chair of Democrats Abroad Canada, the actual number of eligible voters in Canada could exceed 600,000, with estimates ranging up to a million when considering factors such as students and young adults. Democrats Abroad, the official Democratic Party organization for Americans living outside the U.S., has been actively mobilizing voters, highlighting the significant influence they could have in swing states. “This is going to be a tight election,” Kotecki Vest said in a recent interview, underscoring the potential impact of American expats on the election.
    While many American voters in Canada lean Democratic, the political landscape remains complex. Georganne Burke, the leader of Republicans Overseas in Canada, points out that there are also a significant number of Republican voters, although they tend to be harder to quantify due to the lack of a federal voter registration system in the U.S. “It doesn’t matter if it’s a swing state or not, it matters that they vote,” Burke emphasized. “Every vote matters, every vote counts.”
    The Importance of Overseas Voting
    Voting from abroad presents unique challenges, but it also carries considerable weight in certain circumstances. Historically, overseas voters have not been seen as a decisive factor in U.S. elections. However, this could change in 2024, with tight polling numbers between the Republican candidate Donald Trump and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris. Political analysts, like CTV News’ Eric Ham, have suggested that overseas voters from key battleground states, such as Pennsylvania, could tip the balance in what might become one of the closest elections in U.S. history.
    American voters abroad have been a significant force in past elections. For example, Democrats Abroad claimed that overseas votes played a pivotal role in swing states such as Arizona and Georgia during the 2020 presidential election. With over 77% of voters using Democrats Abroad’s support tool leaning left, according to data from 2020 to 2024, Kotecki Vest believes that expat voters will be crucial in the upcoming election as well.
    Challenges and Motivation for Expat Voters
    For many American expats, voting from abroad is a complex, often daunting task. The U.S. Electoral College system can make voters in non-battleground states feel their votes hold little weight. Jodie Turner, a physician living on Vancouver Island, will be voting in her fifth U.S. presidential election this year. While she doesn’t believe her vote will change the outcome in Texas, where she last lived, she still feels it’s important to participate in the democratic process. “As a taxpaying U.S. citizen, with many family members living south of the border, I take the time to vote,” Turner said. “It might rightly be considered a waste of time, but I think it’s important to participate in the democratic process nonetheless.”
    For others, the significance of voting goes beyond personal impact. Winters expressed disbelief at people who consider voting a chore, stating, “This is the way to really register your opinion so that somebody hears it.” His sentiments are echoed by Kotecki Vest, who highlighted the broader implications of voting, not just for the individual but for the future of friends, family, and the world. “America tends to affect the rest of the world, and there’s sort of nothing we can do about it,” she said.
    What’s at Stake in 2024
    As the 2024 U.S. election approaches, both Democratic and Republican expats in Canada are ramping up their efforts to encourage voter turnout. The political climate is more polarized than ever, with voters energized by issues such as trade, immigration, and healthcare. Democrats Abroad has been focusing on promoting Vice-President Kamala Harris’s message of unity, with Kotecki Vest stating that Harris’s stance against political division resonates with many Americans living abroad. Meanwhile, Republican voters, led by figures like Burke, are driven by their belief in economic policies and conservative values that align with former President Trump’s platform.
    The stakes are particularly high in 2024, as analysts predict razor-thin margins in key states. Swing states such as Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin are expected to play a critical role, and overseas voters from these regions could be the deciding factor in the election’s outcome. According to Ham, “Every vote will matter in this year’s race. Data suggests the Nov. 5 election may become the closest race in history.”
    Conclusion: Will U.S. Voters in Canada Make a Difference?
    While it’s unclear just how much of an impact American expats in Canada will have on the 2024 U.S. election, one thing is certain: their votes matter more than ever before. With both political parties vying for every vote, overseas voters are being reminded of their power to influence the election’s outcome. Whether casting a ballot from a swing state or a traditionally one-party state, U.S. citizens in Canada have the opportunity to participate in a historic election that could shape the future of both nations.
    As the election approaches, the message is clear: every vote counts, no matter where you are.
    SOURCE: Swifteradio