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Category: Agriculture

  • MIL-OSI USA: A Proclamation on National Forest Products Week,  2024

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
         Our forests are central to our country’s heritage, history, and economy.  Forests support livelihoods across Tribal Nations, rural towns, and big cities — from foresters and loggers to mill workers and carpenters — while also sustaining the health of our environment and our communities.  During National Forest Products Week, we recognize that conserving our bountiful forests is critical to sustaining our economy and ensuring that Americans can enjoy the wonder of our forests for generations to come.
         As a Nation, we rely on our forests for so much — from cleaning the air we breathe and the water we drink to providing the lumber and paper we use every day.  But the existential threat of climate change endangers our forests, putting those jobs, livelihoods, and critical products at risk.  After decades of fire suppression and ignoring climate change, wildfire seasons have become wildfire years, burning down communities, destroying forest ecosystems, and upending people’s lives.
         My first year in office, I launched the “America the Beautiful” initiative to conserve at least 30 percent of all our Nation’s lands and waters by 2030 through local, voluntary efforts across the country while empowering foresters and farmers to advance sustainable practices to keep working lands productive.  These efforts will help strengthen our economy and pass on a healthier planet to our children and grandchildren.
         When I came into office, I was determined to conserve our forests while protecting the people who rely on them for jobs.  My Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is creating jobs managing our forests, restoring ecosystems, and preventing catastrophic fires.  It is investing in the removal of overgrown vegetation near homes and power lines, preparing evacuation routes in areas at risk of wildfires, removing invasive plant species from forests that can cause fire to spread, and planting native tree species that are more resilient to the changing climate.  And my Inflation Reduction Act made the largest climate investment ever, putting people to work planting trees, sustainably managing our forests, and working on fire prevention.  Together, these actions are producing new jobs that help us care for our forests and keep all of us safe from wildfires.
         At the same time, my Administration is working to support the American workers and rural communities producing our forest products.  We have awarded millions of dollars in grants to American businesses that support forest conservation, expand the sustainable use of American wood products, and find innovative ways to use our wood waste materials, including to build strong and sustainable buildings.  I also take pride in having raised the Federal firefighter minimum wage to $15 per hour — an important first step in ensuring the people who run into flames to keep all of us safe are paid what they deserve.
         Conserving our forests is good for our economy, the planet, and the soul of our Nation.  This week, may we recommit to responsibly stewarding our forests and the abundant resources they provide so that we may all enjoy their benefits and beauty for years to come.
         To recognize the importance of the many products generated by our Nation’s forests, the Congress, by Public Law 86–753 (36 U.S.C. 123), as amended, has designated the week beginning on the third Sunday in October of each year as “National Forest Products Week” and has authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this week.
         NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 20 through October 26, 2024, as National Forest Products Week.  I call upon the people of the United States to join me in this observance and in recognizing all Americans who are responsible for the stewardship of our Nation’s beautiful forested landscapes.
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.                               JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Problem Solvers Caucus Endorses the Dignity Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar’s (FL-27)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus in the House of Representatives announced its official endorsement of the Dignity Act (H.R. 3599), the groundbreaking immigration bill introduced by Reps. María Elvira Salazar (R-FL), Veronica Escobar (D-TX), and several of their colleagues in 2023.

    The Problem Solvers Caucus is a group of more than 60 Members of Congress who are committed to advancing common-sense solutions to key issues facing the United States. Problem Solvers Caucus endorsements are often a critical threshold to pass before advancing major bipartisan legislation. The bill was brought forward for Caucus endorsement by Representatives Salazar and Hillary Scholten (D-MI), an original co-lead of the bill.

    “The United States desperately needs an immigration solution, and the Dignity Act is the best and most viable bill to secure our border and solve our nation’s immigration problems,” said Rep. María Elvira Salazar. “I am proud that the bipartisan Dignity Act received the endorsement of the Problem Solvers Caucus – a critical group of lawmakers in Congress who are willing to advance solutions that prioritize national security, practical reforms, and economic growth.”

    “For far too long, our immigration system has been a glaring failure, and Americans are suffering as a result,” said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair, Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick. “The Dignity Act stands as a historic, bipartisan solution that decisively ends illegal immigration, secures our borders, and drives economic prosperity in the United States. I am proud the Problem Solvers Caucus has endorsed this critical bill and is garnering support from both sides of the aisle.”

    The bipartisan Dignity Act fully secures our border and fixes America’s immigration system once and for all. By sealing the border, pioneering the Dignity and Redemption programs for undocumented immigrants, investing in American workers, re-thinking high-skilled legal immigration, and overhauling the abused asylum system with new Humanitarian Centers at our ports of entry, the Dignity Act is Congress’ only serious bill to resolve the migrant crisis and build mutual consensus around immigration.

    “For years, I’ve been working to pass commonsense immigration reform that protects our borders and lives up to our values as a nation. I’m proud the Problem Solvers Caucus came together to endorse the bipartisan Dignity Act which will support American workers, stop cartels from exploiting migrant families, and finally end the uncertainty they face by establishing a clear path for success while also securing our border,” said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair, Rep. Josh Gottheimer.

    “As an attorney who has worked on all aspects of the immigration problem, including employment, helping asylum seekers, and enforcement at the DOJ, I have seen firsthand how our system is failing, and it is past time we take charge to fix what’s broken,” said Rep. Hillary Scholten. “The bipartisan Dignity Act aims to repair our immigration system and restore humanity and justice to our process. I’m grateful to my colleagues in the Problem Solvers Caucus for recognizing the power rehabilitating our immigration system will have on our nation.”

    Since introduction, the Dignity Act has gained significant support from both parties in Congress and secured major endorsements from prominent national and local advocacy groups. Leading experts and policy groups commend the legislation for addressing the many inefficiencies and backlogs afflicting the current immigration regime and creating the conditions necessary to grow our economy by trillions of dollars, one of the largest expansions of the economy in American history. The innovative legislation also eliminates labor shortages in the healthcare industry, and helps save Social Security and Medicare from insolvency. Critically, the Dignity Act implements the funding for personnel, infrastructure, and equipment required to secure our borders and keep American citizens safe, at no expense to the taxpayer.

    The Dignity Act has been covered extensively in the press. Read some of more than 100 articles written about the bill here, and learn more about the bill on Congresswoman Salazar’s website here. A non-exhaustive list of every endorsement the Dignity Act has received from federal legislators and organizations across the United States can be found below and their statements of support can be found here. Statements come from prominent stakeholders, including from immigration groups, businesses, the agricultural sector, the faith community, educators, economists, national security experts, community leaders, Ambassadors, and United States Senators.

    A detailed summary of the Dignity Act can also be found below.

    Sponsors and Cosponsors (38): *María Elvira Salazar (FL), *Veronica Escobar (TX), *Jenniffer González Colon (PR), *Hillary Scholten (MI), *Lori Chavez-DeRemer (OR), *Kathy Manning (NC), *Michael Lawler (NY), *Adriano Espaillat (NY), John Duarte (CA), Susan Wild (PA), Mario Díaz-Balart (FL), Susie Lee (NV), David Valadao (CA), Darren Soto (FL), Dan Newhouse (WA), Colin Allred (TX), Abigail Spanberger (VA), Jake Auchincloss (MA), Mike Levin (CA), Marilyn Strickland (WA), Matt Cartwright (PA), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA), Dean Phillips (MI), Chris Pappas (NH), Elissa Slotkin (MI), Pat Ryan (NY), Joe Courtney (CT), Lori Trahan (MA), Chrissy Houlahan (PA), Christopher DeLuzio (PA), Eric Sorensen (IL), Nikki Budzinski (IL), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL), Emilia Sykes (OH), Val Hoyle (OR), Jared Moskowitz (FL), Greg Landsman (OH), and Mary Peltola (AK).

    The following organizations have weighed in with endorsements, statements of support, and/or positive comments about the Dignity Act:

    Organizations (50+): Agriculture Workforce Coalition, Alliance for a New Immigration Consensus (ANIC), American Action Forum, American Business Immigration Coalition, American Families United, American Immigration Lawyers Association, American Podiatric Medical Association, American Senior Housing Association, Americans for Prosperity, BDV Solutions, Behring Co., Bipartisan Policy Center, Brick Industry Association, Business Roundtable, Catholic Charities USA, Casa de Venezuela, Chris Coons, U.S. Senator (D-DE), Cleaning Coalition of America, Essential Worker Immigration Coalition, Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, Florida Farm Bureau Federation, Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association, Florida Tomato Exchange, FWD.us, Hispanic Leadership Fund, Ideaspace, Immigration Hub, Improve the Dream, Invest in the USA (IIUSA), Ken Salazar, U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, LIBRE Initiative, Mason Contractors Association of America, National Association of Counties, National Association of Evangelicals, NAFSA: Association of International Educators, National Association of Landscape Professionals, National Immigration Forum, National Latino Evangelical Coalition, National Retail Federation (NRF), Niskanen Center, Outdoor Amusement Business Association (OABA), Power & Communication Contractors Association, Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans, Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida, TechNet, TESOL International Association, Texas Border Coalition, Texas Impact, The Legal Immigration and Border Enforcement Reform this Year (LIBERTY) Campaign, UnidosUS, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), U.S. Hispanic Business Council, U.S. Travel Association, and World Relief.

    KEY PROVISIONS OF THE DIGNITY ACT

    Securing the Border and Restoring Law and Order

    • Provides $25 billion to fully secure the border.
    • Mandates 100% nationwide E-verify to ensure all American businesses are hiring legal workers.
    • Achieves operational control and advantage of the Southern Border by employing a comprehensive Southern Border Strategy.
    • Constructs enhanced physical barriers and deploys the most up-to-date technology at the border.
    • Hires thousands of new Border Patrol agents, CBP officers, and border intelligence units.
    • Implements new policies to stop criminals crossing the border illegally, including new authorities to track cartel spotters, and raises penalties on human traffickers and child sex traffickers.
    • Authorizes DHS to officially designate an organization as a criminal street gang, making any alien involved in a criminal gang inadmissible and deportable.
    • Designates Mexican cartels as Special Transnational Criminal Organizations.
    • Directs DHS to complete and implement biometric exit at all air, land, and sea ports-of-entry for international travelers.
    • Provides DHS the authority to use DNA testing to verify family relationships.
    • Enhances port-of-entry security by expanding surveillance and intrusion detection systems.
    • Improves legal commerce and trade by expanding inspection lanes and investing in X-ray technology to safely inspect commercial vehicles.

    Fixing our Asylum System

    • Expedites processing and ends catch-and-release policies.
    • Establishes at least five Humanitarian Campuses (HC) that will receive individuals and families arriving at the southern border for immediate processing.
      • Asylum-seekers will remain at an HC until their case is decided.
      • They will have freedom of movement within the HC, access to state-of-the-art facilities, medical personal, legal counsel, and non-governmental organizations.
    • Decides asylum cases within 60 days. Asylum-seekers will undergo an initial credible fear interview within 15 days of their arrival and further screening by trained asylum officers for final determination within an additional 45 days.
      • *Complex cases may be referred to case management to await a hearing before an Immigration Judge.
    • Creates five additional immigration centers in Latin America to stop migrant caravans and prevent individuals from making the dangerous land journey to the United States.
      • The centers will offer asylum pre-screening, child reunification services, and employment counsel to determine eligibility for work visas in the United States.
    • Implements a security and development strategy to address instability in Central America. This will help bring stability and economic development to Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras.
    • Increases U.S. authorities to target transnational criminals, smugglers, human traffickers, drug traffickers, and gangs like MS-13.
    • Cracks down on asylum fraud by increasing penalties for those that make false statements or provide false documentation.
    • Establishes a new two-strike policy for anyone caught crossing at a non-port-of-entry, to ensure legitimate asylum seekers are processed appropriately while bad actors are apprehended.

    Giving Dignity and Redemption to Undocumented Immigrants

    • Creates immediate protected status and streamlined path for Dreamers and TPS recipients, as outlined in the Dream and Promise Act.
    • Establishes the Dignity Program, a practical solution for undocumented immigrants who have been in the U.S. for more than five years.
      • Recipients will be offered a chance to work, pay restitution, get right with the law, and earn legal status.
      • Applicants must comply with all federal and state laws, pass a criminal background check, and pay outstanding taxes or debts.
      • Dignity participants will also pay $5,000 in restitution during the seven years of the program, check in with DHS every two years, and remain in good public standing.
      • Individuals in the Dignity Program will not have access to federal means-tested benefits or entitlements.
    • Establishes two options after successful completion of the Dignity Program – Dignity Status or the Redemption Program:
      • Dignity Status: Dignity recipients who choose this option will immediately receive a five-year Dignity Status, which provides full work authorization, the ability to live in the U.S., and travel authorization outside the U.S. They will also remain ineligible for citizenship, means-tested benefits, and entitlements. Dignity Status can be renewed an indefinite number of times as long as the individual remains in good standing with the law.
      • Redemption Program: The Redemption Program (+5 years) requires completion of the seven-year Dignity Program. It offers Dignity recipients a chance to redeem themselves and earn permanent legal status. Redemption Program participants must learn English and U.S. civics and contribute to their local community either through community service or an additional $5,000 in restitution payments. Successful completion of the Redemption Program provides legal permanent resident status and eligibility for existing pathways to citizenship. Participating individuals would go to the back of the line.

    Dignity for American Workers

    • Creates a new American Worker Fund, using restitution payments from the Dignity and Redemption Programs. This fund will provide workforce training, upskilling, and education for unemployed American workers.
      • For every participant in the Dignity Program, their restitution payments will be able to train or retrain at least one American worker.
      • The American Worker Fund provides grants for workforce education initiatives, apprenticeship programs, higher education, and Career and Technical Education to give opportunities for Americans to enter new careers.
        • *This will ensure Americans can secure employment in in-demand careers.

    American Agricultural Dominance

    • Streamlines the H-2A application process by allowing employers to file with relevant agencies in a single platform, reducing regulatory burden for farmers and businesses.
    • Creates a year-round Agricultural workforce, removing “seasonal” requirements on the H-2A program and expanding it to year-round labor.
    • Combats price hikes so families can access affordable groceries and a large variety of U.S.-based produce.
    • Repeals the complicated and unpredictable Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) formula to calculate wages for farmers set by the Department of Labor. It replaces it with either 125% of the federal minimum wage or the applicable state/local minimum wage.
    • Allows Staggered Entry for advanced planning so employers can have workers start at different dates of the year to meet their specific needs.
    • Opens the H2A program to apple cider pressing on farms, aquaculture, the equine industry, forestry activities, conservation, forest management, and wild fish and shellfish processors.
    • Includes special procedures regulations for shepherding and goat herding, shearing, bee keeping, and custom combining.
    • Creates a Certified Agricultural Workers (CAW) program, as established in the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, with renewable five-and-a-half year visas available only to undocumented workers that have been working in agriculture for several years previously.
      • Foreign workers could apply for lawful permanent residence (LPR) after successfully maintaining either eight years of CAW status or four years of CAW status plus ten years of previous agricultural work experience in addition to making restitution payments and paying owed back taxes.
    • Includes the Returning Worker Exception Act, which Reforms the H-2B program by exempting returning workers from the visa caps of the three previous fiscal years. It also improves the H-2B application process, requiring the DOL to maintain a publicly accessible online job registry, and strengthening program integrity measures and anti-fraud provisions to protect American workers and guest workers.

    Unleashing American Prosperity and Competitiveness

    • Modernizes our legal immigration system and fixes backlogs.
      • Cuts the legal immigration backlog at ten years, ensuring anyone that has been waiting for a legal visa (either family-based or employment-based) for ten years or more (calculated by priority date) will be provided with that visa.
      • Raises the per-country cap set in the Immigration Act of 1990 from 7% to 15%.
      • Allows STEM PhD graduates from American universities, including medical students, to be eligible for an O visa. This allows “Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement” to stay and work in the U.S. if they choose to.
      • Increases high-skilled employment visas opportunities by only counting the principal applicant and excluding derivatives (children and spouses) from counting towards the annual Employment-Based visa caps. It does not raise the caps.
      • Includes the H-4 Work Authorization Act, allowing spouses of H-1B immigrants to automatically be granted work authorization upon receiving their H-4 visa.
      • Includes the American Families United Act, which authorizes discretion if an undocumented child or spouse of a U.S. citizen is denied a visa or has received a deportation order, affording families relief on a case-by-case basis.
      • Includes the Temporary Family Visitation Act, which creates a new, 90-day visitor visa that can be used by foreigners to travel to the United States for business, pleasure, or family purposes.
      • Ensures that children legally present in the United States do not age out of receiving certain visas due to USCIS processing delays.
      • Requires students working in the United States as part of the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program to pay FICA (Social Security and Medicare) taxes.
      • Modernizes student visas by changing the F visa to be “dual intent.”
      • Creates an Immigration Agency Coordinator position to oversee and streamline immigration functions at USCIS, the State Department, and the Department of Labor.
      • Surges resources to USCIS operations, the Bureau of Consular Affairs and Visa Service at the State Department, and the Office of Foreign Labor Certification at DOL to reduce delays and improve visa processing.

    No taxpayer funds will be used to pay for the Dignity Act.

    • The border infrastructure, improved ports of entry infrastructure, new humanitarian campuses, increased personnel, and all other associated costs in this bill are paid for by an “Immigration Infrastructure Levy.”
      • A 1.5% levy will be deducted from the paychecks of individuals given work authorization under the Dignity Program. These levies will be deposited into the Immigration Infrastructure Fund to be used to carry out the provisions of this act.
    • The American Worker Fund, used to provide workforce development for American workers, will be funded by restitution payments from the Dignity and Redemption Programs.

    For a link to the full press conference, click here.

    For a one-pager on the Dignity Act, click here.

    For a more detailed summary of the Dignity Act, click here.

    For a section-by-section breakdown of the Dignity Act, click here.

    For the full text of the bill, click here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare to organise National Conference on Agriculture for Rabi Campaign

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 18 OCT 2024 6:22PM by PIB Delhi

    The Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare is organising a one day National Conference on Agriculture for the Rabi Campaign, scheduled tomorrow i.e. 19th October 2024. The event will take place at the Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Auditorium, NASC Complex, PUSA, New Delhi, under the esteemed chairmanship of Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Ram Nath Thakur will also be present in the event.

    This important conference will bring together officers from various Ministries, States, Union Territories, and organizations to discuss key initiatives and strategies for the upcoming Rabi season. Notable speakers will include the Secretary (DARE) & DG (ICAR), Secretary (Fertilizer) and Secretary (Agriculture & Farmers Welfare), who will provide valuable insights during the event.

    The conference will adopt a participative format, featuring breakout sessions on the following topics:

    • Session 1: NFSM – Focus on Oilseeds & Pulses
    • Session 2: Focus on Clean Plant Programme
    • Session 3: NPSS & IPMS
    • Session 4: Digital Agriculture
    • Session 5: Seeds – Focus on SAATHI Portal and Seeds Disbursement

    Following these sessions, there will be an interactive discussion with the Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan and MoS Shri Ram Nath Thakur, addressing specific issues pertinent to their respective States.

    This conference aims to foster collaboration and innovation in agricultural practices, ensuring a successful Rabi campaign for all stakeholders involved.

    *****

    SS

     

    (Release ID: 2066160) Visitor Counter : 86

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Outbreak of bluetongue virus in southern France – E-002019/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    10.10.2024

    Question for written answer  E-002019/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Julien Leonardelli (PfE), Julie Rechagneux (PfE), Pierre Pimpie (PfE), Marie Dauchy (PfE), Mélanie Disdier (PfE), Valérie Deloge (PfE), Marie-Luce Brasier-Clain (PfE), Jean-Paul Garraud (PfE)

    EU Member States, and France in particular, are being hit by a serious bluetongue virus (BTV) epidemic.

    It has reached especially alarming levels in Hauts-de-France and Bourgogne-Franche Comté, but also in Occitania.

    In view of the above:

    • 1.Will the vaccines against BTV, and serotype 8 in particular (which is not covered in France), be fully or at least partly paid for by the EU? Is the EU planning to ramp up BTV prevention and improve alerts whenever an outbreak of the virus occurs?
    • 2.Will farmers who have lost some of their livestock be compensated for their losses and lost earnings? Will efforts be made to protect sheep species (like the Tarasconnais) that are threatened by the disease?
    • 3.As the epidemic spread from Spain to France, what steps does the Commission intend to take to improve the exchange of health information among Member States in the future?

    Supporter[1]

    Submitted: 10.10.2024

    • [1] This question is supported by a Member other than the authors: Aleksandar Nikolic (PfE)
    Last updated: 18 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Governments of Canada and Manitoba Announce Healthy Meals for Kids in Manitoba

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    October 18, 2024

    Governments of Canada and Manitoba Announce Healthy Meals for Kids in Manitoba

    Today, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland and Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew, alongside Families, Children and Social Development Minister Jenna Sudds and Northern Affairs Minister Dan Vandal, announced the governments of Canada and Manitoba have reached an agreement to expand school food programs in Manitoba.

    This agreement, made possible by the federal government’s $1-billion National School Food Program, will enhance and expand Manitoba’s existing school food programs to provide meals to about 19,080 more kids every year, starting this school year. 

    When children have access to healthy food, they do better in school and are set up to succeed, noted Freeland. The federal government’s generational investments like the Canada Child Benefit, which provides families with up to nearly $8,000 per child, per year, help cover the costs of essentials children need. The federal government is building on this support by providing healthy meals at school, so children have what they need to learn, grow and succeed – regardless of their family’s circumstances. 

    Manitoba is the second province, after Newfoundland and Labrador, to sign an agreement with the federal government for the new National School Food Program. Today’s agreement includes an initial federal investment of approximately $17.2 million over the next three years to ensure more kids get the nutritious food they need to thrive.  

    The federal government invites all provinces and territories to help more kids get access to school food by reaching these agreements. It is one of the best investments governments can make to lower costs, support families and care for the next generation, noted Freeland. 

    With an investment of $1 billion over five years, the National School Food Program will feed up to 400,000 more kids across Canada every year. This is a generational investment, especially in the most vulnerable children, who are most impacted by a lack of access to food. Through today’s agreement, the federal government is helping children across Manitoba reach their full potential. 

    Quotes

    “Giving our children the best start in life is an essential part of fairness for every generation. Today’s agreement with Manitoba will ensure that over 19,000 more children get the food they need at school, starting this year, while saving a family with two kids up to $800 on groceries annually. Our National School Food Program will cut costs for families and help build a Canada where every child is set up to succeed.” – Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland 

    “Kids can’t learn on an empty stomach. We made a commitment to Manitoba families that we’d make sure kids across our province had access to food when they go to school, and we’ve delivered on that promise. Kids across Manitoba can now get a meal or a snack when they need one, so they can concentrate, learn and reach their full potential.” – Premier Wab Kinew 

    “It’s wonderful to see another province partner with us to deliver our National School Food Program. This agreement with the Government of Manitoba means that more of the top-quality, local food that our hardworking farmers produce will reach kids who need it and help set them up for success in the classroom and beyond.”  – Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay 

    “Today, we’re delivering a promise to the kids and parents of Manitoba—a promise that every child will have access to the healthy meals they need to succeed. It’s simple: when kids eat well, they learn better, play harder, and feel good. And for parents, it gives them peace of mind, knowing that their kids are getting the fuel they need to focus on just being kids. We will keep working to make sure that every family across Canada benefits from this program.” – Families, Children and Social Development Minister Jenna Sudds 

    “Every child deserves the best start in life. And that begins with ensuring that no one goes to school on an empty stomach. I’m incredibly proud that Manitoba is the second province to sign onto our National School Food Program, so we can fill the gap and make sure every child has the chance to thrive.” – Northern Affairs Minister Dan Vandal 

    Quick Facts

    • $15 million directly to Manitoba’s 37 school divisions;
    • $6 million to 50 schools in communities with high socioeconomic need; and,
    • $9 million in grants to community partners.
    • To give every child the best start in life, the federal government is also:
    • Giving families more money through the Canada Child Benefit http://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/canada-child-benefit-overview.html to help with the costs of raising children and make a real difference in the lives of kids in Canada. The Canada Child Benefit, which is providing up to nearly $8,000 per child in 2024-25, is indexed annually to keep up with the cost of living and has helped lift hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty since its launch in 2016.
    • Building a Canada-wide system for $10-a-day child care, which has already cut fees for regulated child care to an average of $10-a-day or less in over half of all provinces and territories, and by 50 per cent or more in all others.
    • Rolling out the Canadian Dental Care Plan, which is already available for children under 18, with family incomes under $90,000, because no one should have to choose between taking care of their kids’ teeth and putting food on the table. Families are encouraged to apply online at http://www.Canada.ca/dental. 

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    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis and Department of Revenue to Announce Relief for Hurricanes Helene, Milton

    Source: US State of Colorado

    Colorado has also provided emergency management and response support to states impacted by both hurricanes

    DENVER – Today, Governor Jared Polis Colorado Department of Revenue announced today that taxpayers impacted by hurricanes Helene and Milton now have until May 1, 2025, to file various individual and business tax returns and make tax payments.

    This decision mirrors the IRS decision to provide similar relief at the federal level.

    “We want to ensure that Coloradans impacted by these terrible storms, who are part time Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina, and parts of Tennessee and Virginia residents or who have property or business there, have the support and relief they need during this challenging time. Tax deadlines should be the last thing that families impacted by these natural disasters are worried about. This relief will help allow families to prioritize their safety and recovery from these storms without being unnecessarily penalized for missing a deadline,” said Governor Polis.  

    Individuals and households affected by hurricanes Helene and Milton that reside or have a business anywhere in the state of Florida, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and parts of Tennessee and Virginia qualify for tax relief. The decision permits the Colorado Department of Revenue to postpone certain tax-filing and tax-payment deadlines for taxpayers who reside or have a business in the disaster area. Deadlines falling on or after September 23, 2022, and before February 15, 2023, are postponed through May 1, 2025 for impacted taxpayers.

    Impacted individuals who had an automatic extension to file their 2023 return, due on October 15, 2024, will now have until May 1, 2025, to file. This extension does not relieve the taxpayer from penalties and interest, as tax payments related to the 2023 return were due on April 15, 2024.  

    Colorado agrees to honor any waiver of interest granted by Florida for affected International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) motor carriers based in Florida if payments are received by the extension deadline.

    Affected Colorado sales tax licensees who file and pay by the extension deadline of May 1, 2025, will still be considered as “timely filing” and eligible for any vendor fee (discount) that applies.

    Department exemptions do not apply to home-rule jurisdictions who collect their own taxes. CDOR will not automatically apply this tax deadline waiver. Affected taxpayers who reside or have a business located in the covered disaster area must call the tax information hotline at 303-238-SERV (7378) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to request the extended deadline after they receive a bill.

    Colorado has contributed to disaster preparation and response in many ways. Governor Polis directed the state of Colorado and the National Guard to send a Chinook Helicopter (1CH47) and its eight crew members to Florida to assist with Hurricane Milton preparation and relief. DHSEM continues to coordinate Colorado’s emergency response to hurricane Helene and Milton, under the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). DHSEM’s Incident Management Team (IMT) coordinator coordinated national IMT response to Florida in Tallahassee, FL at the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) and a four member IMT in Columbia, SC supported the South Carolina State Emergency Operations Center. DHSEM’s Strategic Communications Director was in Raleigh supporting the North Carolina SEOC’s Joint Information Center. The IMT coordinator and DHSEM Communications Director have returned home. A Voluntary Agency Liaison is deployed to Chesterfield, VA. FEMA has also deployed Colorado Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Task Force One, which has approximately 200 highly trained members, that include firefighters, paramedics, physicians, structural engineers, hazardous materials technicians, heavy rigging specialists and canine handlers. These team members have completed their mission and are headed home. Additionally, two incident management teams completed deployments with a six member team at the Columbia County EOC in Lake City, FL and a five member team in Conover, NC.

    DHSEM mobilized a nine-person Emergency Management Assistance Team to Tallahassee, FL to support evacuations as well as  Colorado National Guard aviation resources. That team later became two Emergency Management Assistance Teams, one in Sarasota County and one in Hillsborough County. Coloradans can view this map to see resources deployed through the Emergency Management Conference.

    The Department of Agriculture’s Emergency Coordinator was deployed for 11 days as an EOC deputy manager for a Colorado Incident Management Team that responded to Columbia County, Florida. The team supported five shelters and seven distribution points for water, ice, food, and sanitation stations.

    ###
     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Partnerships Climate Expo

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    USDA leadership, governmental and non-governmental partners hosted an expo featuring Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities, a historic $3 billion investment in approximately 140 projects nationwide through which the U.S. Department of Agriculture is delivering on the promise of positioning American agriculture as a global leader in delivering voluntary, incentives-driven, market-based climate solutions.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXTIERfZ0LQ

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: This Week at Interior October 18, 2024

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    This Week: Secretary Haaland visits New Mexico and Colorado to highlight how President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is restoring public lands and waters and strengthening Indian Country; Interior, the California Natural Resource Agency and other stakeholders break ground on the latest phase of the Salton Sea Species Conservation Habitat Project; Interior announces significant strides in expanding geothermal energy on public lands; Interior signs three landmark agreements with Alaska Native Tribes and Corporations to advance co-stewardship and safeguard salmon within the Yukon, Kuskokwim, and Norton Sound regions; Interior and the Department of Agriculture announce a final rule to strengthen Alaska Tribal representation on the Federal Subsistence Board; the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service awards more than $6.4 million to federally recognized Tribes to benefit fish and wildlife resources and their habitats; we celebrate the great outdoors during National Wildlife Refuge Week; and it’s big, it’s hairy, and it’s our social media Picture of the Week! Make sure you follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube!

    http:/www.facebook.com/usinterior
    http:/www.instagram.com/usinterior
    http:/www.twitter.com/Interior

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruhGbvP4sgU

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Visits Edwardsville, KS Lineage Logistics Warehouse

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Edwardsville, KS – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. visited Edwardsville, KS to tour Lineage Logistics’ innovative temperature-controlled warehouse. 
    Lineage Logistics has three locations in Kansas: Edwardsville, Olathe and Dodge City. The Kansas sites support regional and national supply chains with cold storage, especially important for Kansas’ significant agricultural and food processing industries. Lineage Logistics’ innovative and cutting-edge technologies have boosted Kansas’ agricultural and food processing supply chain capabilities, reducing food waste and energy consumption and streamlining operations throughout the state. 
    “Innovation is the key to the Kansas agriculture industry’s success, and remains vital to helping our farmers feed America- making more with less,” said Senator Marshall. “Lineage Logistics has reinforced Kansas’ role as a leader in agricultural innovation and logistics, and I look forward to their continued work and success.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Disaster Assistance for Virginia Survivors Tops $5 Million

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Disaster Assistance for Virginia Survivors Tops $5 Million

    Disaster Assistance for Virginia Survivors Tops $5 Million

    BRISTOL, Va.— More than $5 million in federal disaster assistance has been approved for homeowners and renters in Virginia following the impacts of Tropical Storm Helene. 

    This milestone is accompanied by other important moments in disaster assistance and recovery in the commonwealth. Over 1,200 people have visited one of the six DRCs located throughout southwest Virginia. And more than 6,200 Virginians have now registered with FEMA for assistance. 

    “As we pass another milestone in assistance to survivors, we are reminded that Tropical Storm Helene left behind significant devastation.” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Timothy Pheil. “We are here to help and are grateful to work alongside our federal, commonwealth and local partners to continue assisting survivors.” 

    In addition to support for survivors including assistance towards disaster-related essential needs, home repairs and personal property losses, Disaster Unemployment Assistance is now available for Virginians whose work, including self-employment, was directly impacted by Tropical Storm Helene. This program provides unemployment assistance to those who do not otherwise qualify for Virginia’s unemployment insurance. More information on this program can be found on the Virginia Employment Commission website here: Disaster Unemployment Assistance | Virginia Employment Commission

    The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is also standing by to assist producers as they work to recover their operations in the wake of Hurricane Helene through a suite of programs. For more information, visit the USDA Disaster Resource Center website here: Hurricane Helene | USDA

    Impacted individuals in Bedford, Bland, Carroll, Giles, Grayson, Pittsylvania, Russell, Montgomery, Pulaski, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise, and Wythe counties and cities of Galax and Radford can apply today by visiting http://www.disasterassistance.gov, using the FEMA mobile app, calling 1-800-621-3362, or visiting a DRC.

    If you have already applied for FEMA assistance and have questions about the status of your application or any FEMA letters you have received, call the FEMA helpline at 1-800-621-3362 or visit a DRC. FEMA staff are ready to help answer your questions.

    SBA Business Recovery Centers (BRCs) are now up and running to help businesses get back on their feet from damage they sustained during the storms. More information about BRCs can be found here: Recovery Center locations | U.S. Small Business Administration (sba.gov).

    FEMA has set up a rumor response webpage to clarify our role in the Helene response. Visit Hurricane Helene: Rumor Response | FEMA.gov. 

    For more information on Virginia’s disaster recovery, visit vaemergency.gov,  the Virginia Department of Emergency Management Facebook page , fema.gov/disaster/4831 and facebook.com/FEMA.  

    ###

    FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. FEMA Region 3’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. Follow us on X at x.com/FEMAregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3.

    To apply for FEMA assistance, please call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362, visit https://www.disasterassistance.gov/, or download and apply on the FEMA App. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish and 3 for other languages). Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status.

    erika.osullivan

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: A Friend of the Farm Bureau: Rep. Jim Costa Honored by the American Farm Bureau Federation with National Award

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

    FRESNO, Calif. – Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21), a senior member of the House Agriculture Committee, was awarded the “Friend of the Farm Bureau” award for the 118th Congress by the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF).

    “It is an honor to receive the Friend of the Farm Bureau award for my unwavering commitment to our nation’s agricultural industry, the backbone of this economy. We have made significant strides in implementing policies that empower farmers and drive economic growth here at home and nationally. I will continue to champion the needs of our farmers, ranchers, dairymen, and women as we work to get a robust, bipartisan Farm Bill done.” said Rep. Jim Costa.

    “The American Farm Bureau’s Friend of Farm Bureau Award honors members of Congress with a strong record of supporting the nation’s farmers and ranchers. Congressman Costa was selected by AFBF for this term due to his leadership on the House Agriculture Committee and his efforts to address key challenges facing the agricultural community.” said Ryan Jacobsen, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Fresno County Farm Bureau. 

    BACKGROUND
    The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) awards the Friend of Farm Bureau award to members of Congress who elevate the needs of farmers, ranchers, dairymen, and women in the United States Congress as demonstrated by their voting records. Awardees are nominated by their respective state Farm Bureaus and approved by the National Board of Directors.

    Costa serves as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry. He also serves as co-chair of the Congressional Agricultural Trade Caucus and Specialty Crops Caucus.

    Learn more about Costa’s achievements HERE.

    Find photos and video from the ceremony HERE. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Church Brothers Farms Recall Green Onions Due to Possible Health Risk

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    Summary

    Company Announcement Date:
    FDA Publish Date:
    Product Type:
    Food & Beverages
    Foodborne Illness
    Reason for Announcement:

    Recall Reason Description

    Salmonella

    Company Name:
    Church Brothers, LLC
    Brand Name:

    Brand Name(s)

    Multiple brand names

    Product Description:

    Product Description

    Green Onions

    Company Announcement

    Salinas, CA, October 18, 2024 (For Distribution) – Church Brothers, LLC (“Church Brothers Farms”) is voluntarily recalling 1271 cases of green onions because of the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

    Distribution was limited to a small number of retail and foodservice customers in Canada and USA (Alabama, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia). Church Brothers Farms has notified these customers and is working with them to ensure rapid compliance with the recall.

    Canada

    Brand

    Item Description

    Lot Code
    Imperial Fresh Green Onion Iceless 4x2lb Reg CB272378

    USA

    Brand

    Item Description

    Lot Code

    Container Type and Lot
    code location
    Church Brothers Green Onions Iceless 4x2lb Reg Church Brothers Mexico CB272378 Clear bag, product code located in front of the
    bag.
    Trader Joe’s Green Onion Iceless 24x6oz
    Reg Trader Joe’s Mexico    		 CB272378,
    Pack Date
    092524    		 Brand retail bag with pack
    date label on back of bag
    Imperial Fresh Green Onion Iceless 4x2lb Reg CB272378 Clear bag, product code
    located in front of the
    bag

    This recall is the result of a single product sample collected by Canadian Food Inspection Agency that indicated the presence of Salmonella. The Company promptly reported this issue to Food & Drug Administration. To the knowledge of Church Brothers Farms, no illnesses have occurred or been reported to date.

    Only those products that are named in this announcement are being recalled. No other products are affected by the recall.

    In the event customers or consumers have the recalled product in their refrigerators, they should be discarded and not consumed.

    Consumers with questions or concerns may contact Church Brothers Farms Consumer Hotline 1-877-590-0428 8:00am to 4:00pm PST Consumer Email: consumerinfo@churchbrothers.com.

    Company Contact Information

    Product Photos

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Africa – ITE Group, Leading Business-to-Business (B2B) Exhibition Organiser, Highlights Multibillion-Dollar Business Opportunities for BRICS+ Nations in the Russian Market

    SOURCE: ITE Group

    As Russia continues to deepen its economic ties with BRICS+ countries, new opportunities are emerging for businesses to tap into one of the most promising markets

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, October 18, 2024 – Industry Growth in Russia Projected to Surge by 30% in the Next 5 Years
    Expanded Market to Generate Over $250 Billion in Building, Design, and Construction Sectors

    ITE Group (https://ITE.Group), the premier B2B exhibition organiser in Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), is forecasting a surge in business opportunities for BRICS+ nations, with industry growth in Russia projected to increase by over 30% by 2030. This rapid expansion is expected to generate more than $250 billion across key building, design, and construction sectors.

    As Russia continues to deepen its economic ties with BRICS+ countries, new opportunities are emerging for businesses to tap into one of the most promising markets. ITE Group’s role in hosting large-scale exhibitions, including MosBuild, has been instrumental in driving this development. These platforms provide BRICS+ companies with direct access to Russia’s evolving industrial landscape, fostering international trade and collaboration.

    Over the 2022-23 period, ITE Group recorded an impressive 36% increase in visitor numbers year-on-year, with attendees from over 100 countries, reflecting the growing interest and confidence from across the region. This surge in attendance highlights the expanding reach of ITE Group’s exhibitions, which continue to attract both established industry players and new entrants seeking to capitalise on the burgeoning opportunities within BRICS+ countries.

    “BRICS+ Nations are carving out larger roles in the Russian market through greater collaboration and trade. Our exhibitions are pivotal in facilitating these vital business connections,” said Dmitry Zavgorodniy, CEO of ITE Group.

    “By hosting 26 events each year, we ensure that businesses from all industries have the opportunity to connect, collaborate, and thrive. With over 500, 000 visitors per year, we’re excited for the future. We are proud to be pivotal in driving economic growth and fostering meaningful connections among BRICS+ countries.”

    ITE Group serves multiple industries including Building & Interior Design, Chemicals & Pharmaceutical Production, Food & Agriculture, Commercial & Urban Transport and IT & Technology sectors. In September 2024, Crocus Expo hosted one of ITE Group’s flagship events, World Food Moscow, where F&B manufacturers, service providers, and industry innovators come together from retail giants to wholesale distributors.

    “Our experience at the World Food Forum was nothing short of extraordinary. Exhibiting at this prestigious event opened the door to unparalleled international networking opportunities, connecting us with industry leaders and innovators from around the globe. The exposure and connections we’ve gained have been instrumental in our plans to expand into new markets. We are excited about the future and confident that the relationships and insights developed here will propel our business to new heights.” Yaseem Saif, Development and Foreign Markets Manager, Bawabt Liwa Group

    In 2025, MosBuild, one of ITE’s headline shows will take place, celebrating its 30th anniversary. The show is expected to surpass all previous records with an estimated 60,000 visitors and 1,400 exhibitors from over 20 countries.

    “Last year’s MosBuild was an exceptional experience for our business. The event exceeded our expectations, providing us with invaluable connections and opportunities that directly contributed to our growth. The organisation, the quality of attendees, and the networking possibilities were top-class. The quality of the visitors we met was very high and through the show, we expect them to have a lasting impact on our business. We’re already looking forward to 2025, excited to meet even more potential clients and continue building on the success we’ve enjoyed.” Fabio Venezia, Export Manager, Cemom

    With a robust portfolio of exhibitions spanning various sectors, ITE Group remains at the forefront of facilitating business growth and international partnerships. The group’s ongoing efforts to create high-impact, industry-specific events are expected to enhance the competitive landscape further, driving sustained economic development well into the next decade.

    ITE in Numbers:

    Over 500,000+ visitors per year
    1,700+ regional and international media in attendance
    Over 2 million business contacts in our database
    10,000+ exhibitors per year

    ITE Group Sectors: Building & Interior Design, Food & Agriculture, Transport & Logistics, Water Supply & HVAC, Chemicals & Pharmaceutical, Travel & Hospitality, Welding & Hardware, Commercial & Urban Transport, IT & Technology, Warehousing Solutions, Woodworking, Consumer Goods, Laboratory Equipment, Dairy Manufacturing, Electronics & Components, Mining, Printing & Packaging.      
    About ITE Group:
    ITE Group is Russia’s leading B2B exhibition organiser, renowned for its commitment to fostering international trade and business development. With a robust portfolio of 26 high-profile events annually, ITE Group also creates bespoke Digital Connect platforms for all major events helping to drive economic growth and collaboration. Established in 1991, ITE Group has organised Russia and CIS’s largest industry exhibitions for over three decades, providing transformative platforms for essential dialogue between businesses and government, ensuring substantial outcomes.

    Event Calendar:
    For more information on our events and to view the full calendar, please visit http://apo-opa.co/4f9up9e

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Canada settles Agricultural Benefits specific claims with nine First Nations under Treaties 5, 6, and 10

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    News release

    October 18, 2024 — Treaty 5, Treaty 6, and Treaty 10 Territories — Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

    The Government of Canada is renewing relationships between the Crown and First Nations by addressing Canada’s failure to provide First Nations with the agricultural provisions promised under Treaties 5, 6, and 10. 

    Through these Treaties, Canada promised ploughs, seeds for important crops, livestock such as cows and bulls, and other farming necessities. These agricultural benefits were meant to facilitate the economic transition, and as a result of Canada’s failure to fulfil Treaty promises, these First Nations did not have the equipment needed to support their members. 

    Over the past several days, the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, met with Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation, Buffalo River Dene Nation, Cumberland House Cree Nation, Enoch Cree Nation, Heart Lake First Nation, Kehewin Cree Nation, and Sturgeon Lake First Nation to acknowledge the settlements of their Agricultural Benefits specific claims, otherwise known as Cows and Plows claims.

    Minister Anandasangaree was also able to visit with community leaders from Frog Lake First Nation and Lac La Ronge Indian Band to discuss the progress of their Agricultural Benefits specific claims under the expedited framework process.

    Once fully settled, these claims will represent almost $1.4 billion in combined compensation to these First Nations under an expedited resolution strategy for agricultural benefit claims. Under this framework, Canada has provided a total of $1,937,805,226 to First Nations in the western provinces since May 2023.

    The socio-economic gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples in Canada are the result of decades of colonial policies, which often led to the denial and dispossession of land and resources. Honouring Canada’s legal obligations and properly compensating Indigenous Peoples for what was unlawfully taken or withheld from them is fundamental to advancing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in order to rebuild trust with Indigenous communities.

    The successful resolution of specific claims is a key step in Canada’s reconciliation with First Nations—one that acknowledges and addresses the wrongs of the past and helps to build a better future. These settlements represent Canada’s commitment to addressing historical wrongs for the past, current and future generations of the affected Nations.

    Quotes

    “It’s important to acknowledge what the Agricultural Benefits settlements represent. Treaty has always been a way of living together with respect. In the past, Canada has failed to honour that spirit and intent and treated us as an obstacle to its own goals. We acknowledge that Canada has taken an important step today toward making amends for its past failures. This is a step in the right direction, and we hope that Canada can continue to take positive action toward fulfilling the promises made to our Nations a century and a half ago.”

    Chief Cody Thomas
    Grand Chief of the Confederacy of Treaty No. 6 First Nations, and Chief of Enoch Cree Nation

    “This settlement recognizes the original promises made under Treaty No. 6 in 1877 and acknowledges the inadequate agricultural benefits that were provided to our people. It is a victory for our Nation and a testament to the determination of those who first established these rights. Through close work with our people and effective negotiations with the ministry, this settlement marks a significant step forward, ensuring that these long-standing commitments are finally addressed for the benefit of future generations.”

    Chief Tony Alexis
    Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation

    “This is an emotional day for our Nation. For generations, our community has carried the weight of broken promises—promises that could have helped us grow and prosper. We watched our land, our families, and our traditions suffer, waiting for justice that seemed so far away. But today, I stand here, proud and grateful, knowing that our ancestors’ sacrifices were not in vain. This settlement is a symbol of justice, dignity, and renewal for our people. It’s a chance to rebuild trust and provide hope for future generations. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Minister Anandasangaree for his support, and we remain dedicated to the ongoing journey of healing, reconciliation, and ensuring that our Treaty rights are fully honoured and respected.” 

    Chief Christine Longjohn 
    Sturgeon Lake First Nation

    “Too many of our young people still suffer from a lack of hope and opportunity that leads them into poor academic achievement, substance abuse, lateral violence, over-incarceration, and worse. We are addressing these and other issues as best we can. 

    The Cows and Plows compensation was distributed to help all members alive today to make big plans and explore their dreams, dig themselves out of a hole and pay off debt, or just make it easier to meet daily needs. For a good example, some members have pooled their money and bought homes.” 

    Chief Rene Chaboyer
    Cumberland House Cree Nation

    “Working in partnership with First Nations, Canada has resolved over 720 specific claims since 1973. From April 1, 2024, to September 30, 2024, 18 claims were settled for $1.1 billion in compensation. I’m grateful for the partnership of Treaty 5, 6, and 10 First Nations to expedite our work and resolve these outstanding treaty violations, as they have waited too long already for justice.”

    The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree
    Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations

    “Today’s announcement is reconciliation in action for these communities. Once fully settled, the $1.4 billion in compensation is a further step in rebuilding trust between Canada and Indigenous communities.” 

    The Honourable Randy Boissonnault
    Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages

    Quick facts

    • Treaty 5, also known as the Winnipeg Treaty, was signed in 1875–76 by the federal government, Ojibwe peoples and the Swampy Cree of Lake Winnipeg. Treaty 5 covers much of present-day central and northern Manitoba, as well as portions of Saskatchewan and Ontario.

    • Treaty 6 is an agreement between the Crown and the Plains and Woods Cree, Assiniboine, and other band governments at Fort Carlton and Fort Pitt, representing most of the central area of the current provinces of Saskatchewan and Alberta. Treaty 6 signings began on 18 August 1876 and ran until 9 September 1876.

    • Treaty 10 was established beginning 19 August 1906 between King Edward VII and various First Nation band governments in current northern Saskatchewan and a portion of current eastern Alberta, covering nearly 220,000 square kilometres

    Associated links

    Contacts

    For more information, media may contact:

    Bahoz Dara Aziz
    Director, Communications and Issues Management
    Office of the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree
    Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
    bahoz.daraaziz@rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca

    Media Relations
    Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
    819-934-2302
    RCAANC.media.CIRNAC@sac-isc.gc.ca

    Tina Pelletier
    Communications Consultant, Sturgeon Lake First Nation
    306-941-7120
    indigenouscreaturecomms@gmail.com

    Steffen Knippel
    Communications Advisor, Cumberland House Cree Nation
    204-299-8875
    media.relations@chcn.ca

    Stay connected

    Join the conversation about Indigenous Peoples in Canada:

    X: @GCIndigenous
    Facebook: @GCIndigenous
    Instagram: @gcindigenous

    You can subscribe to receive our news releases and speeches via RSS feeds. For more information or to subscribe, visit http://www.cirnac.gc.ca/RSS.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI: Altus Group’s Innovation Recognized in the 2024 Power Proptech List

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Oct. 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Altus Group Limited (“Altus”) (TSX: AIF), a leading provider of asset and fund intelligence for commercial real estate (“CRE”), is proud to announce that its CEO Jim Hannon and Executive Vice President, Rich Sarkis have been named to Commercial Observer’s annual Power Proptech list for the third consecutive year.

    The Power Proptech list recognizes the most influential leaders in the CRE proptech space who are driving change and innovation within the CRE industry. Altus remains at the forefront of transforming the CRE landscape, helping clients leverage advanced analytics to maximize performance and manage risk. Having built one of the most extensive and unified data platforms for CRE, Altus is tapping into its incredibly rich dataset to bring new performance insights to its customers. One of Altus’ recent innovations leveraging this platform includes its new ARGUS Intelligence product which enables users to dynamically drill into data to quickly analyze and compare performance metrics.

    “This recognition is a testament to our talented team, which brings together leading data scientists, technologists, and CRE market experts,” said Jim Hannon, CEO of Altus. “Our efforts and investments have positioned Altus to lead the CRE data revolution. As we close the year, we’re proud to have delivered new data analytics innovations and raised the bar for what clients can expect from Altus Group.”

    For more information about Commercial Observer’s Power Proptech list, click here.

    About Altus Group

    Altus Group is a leading provider of asset and fund intelligence for commercial real estate. We deliver intelligence as a service to our global client base through a connected platform of industry-leading technology, advanced analytics, and advisory services. Trusted by the largest CRE leaders, our capabilities help commercial real estate investors, developers, proprietors, lenders, and advisors manage risks and improve performance returns throughout the asset and fund lifecycle. Altus Group is a global company headquartered in Toronto with approximately 2,900 employees across North America, EMEA and Asia Pacific. For more information about Altus Group (TSX: AIF) please visit altusgroup.com.

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

    Elizabeth Lambe
    Director, Global Communications, Altus Group
    (416) 641-9787
    Elizabeth.Lambe@altusgroup.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Changes to AgriStability program saving Alberta farmers time and money

    Source: Government of Canada News

    News release

    October 17, 2024 – Edmonton, Alberta – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

    Changes to Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC)’s AgriStability program will reduce paperwork and lower costs for producers.

    Farmers are vital to Alberta’s economy, providing essential food resources and driving rural prosperity, yet they often face burdensome paperwork and high accounting fees that hinder their productivity. Governments are making changes to the AgriStability program to address these challenges.

    A new option to align AgriStability reporting with tax filing in 2025 will result in less paperwork, reduce accounting fees, and make enrolment and participation in the program much easier. An accelerated deadline to submit program forms to AFSC will lead to earlier payment. Enrolling in AgriStability can also provide producers access to other credit options like the federal Advance Payments Program, which offers low-cost cash advances. 

    AgriStability is an individual, whole-farm, margin-based program that helps producers who experience margin declines greater than 30% due to production loss, adverse market conditions and increased costs. In 2023, AgriStability also increased compensation for margin declines exceeding 30%, offering 80 cents per dollar of decline, up from the previous rate of 70 cents.

    Producers rely on business risk management programs to offset the financial impact of many challenges. AgriStability provides income stabilization protection to help producers manage large margin declines that threaten their farm’s viability.

    Risk management is critical in farming and each producer needs to examine their situation and the tools available before making decisions. AFSC has a robust suite of lending, business risk management and insurance options that producers can access.

    Quotes

    “Farmers can often face uncertainty, and programs like AgriStability help them to protect their operations. To make things a little bit easier, we’ve made changes to the AgriStability program that will reduce paperwork, so our farmers can get the support they need, faster, and continue producing top-quality products.”

    –  The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food 

    “We value the dedication and adaptability of our province’s farmers. These changes to the AgriStability program will better respond to each producer’s unique situation, making the program more predictable, timely and simpler to access, which is what producers have been asking for.”

    – RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation 

    “Through our risk management programs, AFSC plays an important role in sustaining the agriculture industry. By making enrolment and participation in the AgriStability program easier it allows us to support Alberta producers more effectively.”

    – Darryl Kay, CEO, Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC)

    Quick facts

    • AgriStability protects Canadian producers against large declines in farming margins for reasons such as production loss, increased costs and market conditions.

      • AgriStability is one of the Business Risk Management programs under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP).

    • For more than 80 years, AFSC, a provincial Crown corporation, has provided loans, crop insurance and farm income disaster assistance programs to farmers, agribusinesses and other small businesses.

    • AFSC provides leading, innovative, client-focused financial and risk-management solutions to grow agriculture in Alberta. 

    • The deadline to apply for 2025 program coverage is April 30, 2025. 

    Associated links

    Contacts

    For media:

    Annie Cullinan
    Director of Communications
    Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
    annie.cullinan@agr.gc.ca

    Media Relations
    Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
    Ottawa, Ontario
    613-773-7972
    1-866-345-7972
    aafc.mediarelations-relationsmedias.aac@agr.gc.ca
    Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn
    Web: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

    Darby Crouch
    darby.crouch@gov.ab.ca
    587-335-6934
    Press Secretary, Agriculture and Irrigation

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: “Protecting Places of Worship Forum” to be held in Memphis on October 24, 2024

    Source: United States Department of Justice (Hate Crime)

    Public Invited to Learn Strategies for Protecting Faith-Based Institutions from Hate Crimes

    Memphis, TN — Faith-based leaders, law enforcement, and community members will gather on Thursday, October 24, 2024 for the Protecting Places of Worship Forum in Memphis, Tennessee. Hosted by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Community Relations Service (CRS) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee, this vital forum will address the growing concern over hate crimes targeting places of worship.

    What:                       Protecting Places of Worship Forum

    When:                      Thursday, October 24, 2024, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM CT

    Where:                     FedEx Event Center at Shelby Farms Park – 415 Great View Dr. E. – Cordova, TN 38018

    Why Attend:

    As the frequency of hate crimes and violent threats against religious institutions increases, this forum offers an essential opportunity for faith-based leaders, security personnel, and community members to learn how to protect places of worship. Participants will receive expert advice on federal and state hate crime laws, as well as tools and resources for assessing safety and preventing violence. Key highlights of the event include:

    • Overview of Hate Crimes Laws: Learn about the latest federal and state protections.
    • Active Shooter Training: Prepare for emergency situations with practical insights from law enforcement.
    • Best Practices for Prevention: Explore strategies to safeguard your congregation from threats and ensure the safety of your community.

    Speakers and Partners:

    Experts from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Shelby County Sheriff’s Department, Memphis Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), and other local and federal agencies will lead sessions. This forum is also supported by the Governor’s Office, the City of Memphis, and several community organizations, including the Memphis Baptist Ministerial Alliance and the National Black Prosecutors Association.

    How to Register: Attendance is free, but registration is required. Visit the registration link to secure your spot.

    Contact Information:  

    For more information about this forum and how you can participate, please contact Cherri Green in the U.S. Attorney’s Office at Cherri.Green@usdoj.gov. 

    ________________________________________

    This forum serves as an essential platform for protecting vulnerable spaces and ensuring that places of worship remain safe, inclusive environments for all. Don’t miss this important opportunity to engage with experts and strengthen the security of your faith community.

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Healthy meals for kids in Manitoba

    Source: Government of Canada News

    News release

    October 18, 2024 – Winnipeg, Manitoba – Department of Finance Canada

    When children have access to healthy food, they do better in school and are set up to succeed.

    The federal government’s generational investments like the Canada Child Benefit, which provides families with up to nearly $8,000 per child, per year, help cover the costs of essentials children need. We’re building on this support by providing healthy meals at school, so children have what they need to learn, grow, and succeed—regardless of their family’s circumstances.

    Today, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, and the Honourable Wab Kinew, Premier of Manitoba, alongside the Honourable Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, announced that the governments of Canada and Manitoba have reached an agreement to expand school food programs in Manitoba. This agreement, made possible by the federal government’s $1 billion National School Food Program, will enhance and expand Manitoba’s existing school food programs to provide meals to about 19,080 more kids every year, starting this school year.

    Manitoba is the second province, after Newfoundland and Labrador, to sign an agreement with the federal government for the new National School Food Program. Today’s agreement includes an initial federal investment of approximately $17.2 million over the next three years to ensure more kids get the nutritious food they need to thrive. 

    The federal government invites all provinces and territories to help more kids get access to school food by reaching these agreements. It is one of the best investments we can make to lower costs, support families, and care for the next generation.

    With an investment of $1 billion over five years, the National School Food Program will feed up to 400,000 more kids across Canada every year. This is a generational investment, especially in the most vulnerable children, who are most impacted by a lack of access to food. Through today’s agreement, the federal government is helping children across Manitoba reach their full potential.

    Quotes

    “Giving our children the best start in life is an essential part of fairness for every generation. Today’s agreement with Manitoba will ensure that over 19,000 more children get the food they need at school, starting this year, while saving a family with two kids up to $800 on groceries annually. Our National School Food Program will cut costs for families and help build a Canada where every child is set up to succeed.”

    – The Honourable Chrystia Freeland,
    Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance

    “Kids can’t learn on an empty stomach. We made a commitment to Manitoba families that we’d make sure kids across our province had access to food when they go to school, and we’ve delivered on that promise. Kids across Manitoba can now get a meal or a snack when they need one, so they can concentrate, learn and reach their full potential.”

    – The Honourable Wab Kinew,
    Premier of Manitoba

    “It’s wonderful to see another province partner with us to deliver our National School Food Program. This agreement with the Government of Manitoba means that more of the top-quality, local food that our hardworking farmers produce will reach kids who need it and help set them up for success in the classroom and beyond.”

    – The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay,
    Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

    “Today, we’re delivering a promise to the kids and parents of Manitoba—a promise that every child will have access to the healthy meals they need to succeed. It’s simple: when kids eat well, they learn better, play harder, and feel good. And for parents, it gives them peace of mind, knowing that their kids are getting the fuel they need to focus on just being kids. We will keep working to make sure that every family across Canada benefits from this program.”

    – The Honourable Jenna Sudds,
    Minister of Families, Children and Social Development

    “Every child deserves the best start in life. And that begins with ensuring that no one goes to school on an empty stomach. I’m incredibly proud that Manitoba is the second province to sign onto our National School Food Program, so we can fill the gap and make sure every child has the chance to thrive.”

    – The Honourable Dan Vandal,
    Minister of Northern Affairs

    Quick facts

    • In Budget 2024, the federal government launched a new National School Food Program, providing $1 billion over five years, to provide meals for up to 400,000 more kids each year, ensuring all children have the food they need to have the best start in life, regardless of their family circumstances.

      • The Program is expected to save the average participating family with two children $800 per year in grocery costs, with lower-income families benefitting the most.
      • Budget 2024’s investment of $1 billion over five years includes distinctions-based funding for First Nations on-reserve, as well as Inuit, Métis, and Modern Treaty and Self-Government agreement holders. The federal government is working directly with Indigenous partners to rollout that funding, with more information to come.

    • On June 20, 2024, the federal government released the National School Food Policy, as the foundation for collaborative and complementary action by all orders of government to improve access to food at school. 

    • In addition to the National School Food Program, the federal government launched the new School Food Infrastructure Fund in September, which will deliver $20.2 million to help not-for-profit organizations invest in infrastructure and equipment to support school food programming across Canada. 

    • In addition to today’s $17.2 million federal investment, the Government of Manitoba is investing $30 million to create a Universally Accessible School Nutrition Program for 2024-2025, which will deliver funding through three streams:

      • $15 million directly to Manitoba’s 37 school divisions;
      • $6 million to 50 schools in communities with high socioeconomic need; and,
      • $9 million in grants to community partners.

    • To give every child the best start in life, the federal government is also:

      • Giving families more money through the Canada Child Benefit to help with the costs of raising children and make a real difference in the lives of kids in Canada. The Canada Child Benefit, which is providing up to nearly $8,000 per child in 2024-25, is indexed annually to keep up with the cost of living and has helped lift hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty since its launch in 2016.
      • Building a Canada-wide system for $10-a-day child care, which has already cut fees for regulated child care to an average of $10-a-day or less in over half of all provinces and territories, and by 50 per cent or more in all others.
      • Rolling out the Canadian Dental Care Plan, which is already available for children under 18, with family incomes under $90,000, because no one should have to choose between taking care of their kids’ teeth and putting food on the table. Families are encouraged to apply online at Canada.ca/dental.

    Associated links

    Contacts

    Media may contact:

    Katherine Cuplinskas
    Deputy Director of Communications
    Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance
    Katherine.Cuplinskas@fin.gc.ca

    Media Relations
    Department of Finance Canada
    mediare@fin.gc.ca
    613-369-4000

    General enquiries

    Phone: 1-833-712-2292
    TTY: 613-369-3230
    E-mail: financepublic-financepublique@fin.gc.ca

    Stay Connected

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New Chair appointed to lead Senior Salaries Review Body

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Lea Paterson announced as Chair of the Senior Salaries Review Body.

    Today, Thursday 17 October 2024, the Government has announced that Lea Paterson will be the new Chair of the Senior Salaries Review Body (SSRB).

    Lea brings extensive experience from public policy, regulation, HR and financial journalism. She has held a number of senior roles at the Bank of England, including serving as the Bank’s Executive Director of People & Culture, and as the organisation’s first Director of Independent Evaluation. 

    Lea is currently a Board Member at the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, an independent member of Warwick University’s Remuneration Committee, and a Civil Service Commissioner. She also holds a number of voluntary and community roles. 

    As Chair of the SSRB, Lea will provide strong leadership at a senior level and a clear direction of the policy, financial and operational levers that impact on remuneration decisions, especially in the public sector. 

    The SSRB provides independent advice to the Prime Minister and senior ministers on the pay of many of the nation’s top public servants. 

    The SSRB’s remit covers senior civil servants, the judiciary, the senior military, certain senior managers in the NHS, Police and Crime Commissioners and chief police officers.

    This is a Prime Ministerial appointment with Cabinet Office being the sponsoring department. The appointment process for this role was in full accordance with the Commissioner for Public Appointments’ Code of Practice.

    The Rt Hon Pat McFadden, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, said: 

    Congratulations to Lea on her appointment as Chair of the Senior Salaries Review Body. 

    This role requires someone with financial expertise, strong leadership skills and dedication to public service, and Lea’s skills and experience across many relevant fields will be invaluable. 

    I wish her the best of luck in her new role.

    Lea Paterson, incoming Chair of the Senior Salaries Review Body, said: 

    I’m delighted to have been appointed as Chair of the Senior Salaries Review Body.  

    I’m looking forward to working with colleagues to deliver independent, evidence-based advice that not only helps to attract and retain great talent for our public services, but also ensures value for money for the taxpayer.   

    I would also like to thank the outgoing Chair Pippa Lambert for her sterling leadership of the SSRB.

    Ends

    Updates to this page

    Published 17 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Secures Sentencing of Repeat Domestic Violence Offender

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – A Bosque Farms man has been sentenced to three years in prison for domestic assault by a habitual offender.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    According to court documents, on August 9, 2022, Daniel Vincent Olguin, 38, an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Isleta, assaulted his intimate partner by striking her in the head, causing a concussion. The assault occurred on the Isleta Pueblo. Olguin had previously been convicted by the Isleta Tribal Court of aggravated assault against an intimate partner in 2012 and in federal court of assault against an intimate partner in 2016.

    Upon his release from prison, Olguin will be subject to 3 years of supervised release.

    U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez made the announcement today.

    The Isleta Police Department investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Robert James Booth II is prosecuting the case.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Griffith Announces $10 Million USDA Loan to Support Broadband in Craig, Giles and Montgomery Counties

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

    U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development has awarded Pembroke Telephone Cooperative a $10 million loan. The funding will support the deployment of a fiber-to-the-premises network benefiting Craig, Giles and Montgomery Counties. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

    “Investments in broadband infrastructure prepare rural communities for access to high-speed internet.

    “This USDA Rural Development loan for $10 million helps Pembroke Telephone Cooperative deliver reliable broadband to individuals, businesses and farms in the rural communities they serve.”

    BACKGROUND

    The funding is made available through the USDA Rural Development Broadband Reconnect Program, which furnishes loans and grants to provide funds for the costs of construction, improvement, or acquisition of facilities and equipment needed to provide broadband service in eligible rural areas.

    In 2022, Pembroke Telephone Cooperative received a USDA Rural Development loan guarantee of $5 million to construct fiber-to-the-premises facilities.

    Congressman Griffith has advocated for greater access to broadband in the Ninth District, recently speaking in a Communications & Technology Subcommittee hearing with an official from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) as well as monitoring and encouraging approval of Virginia’s Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program submitted by Governor Youngkin.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: DAERA launches £1.55 million rural micro business development grant aid fund

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    DAERA launches £1.55 million rural micro business development grant aid fund

    17 October 2024

    Small businesses in the Derry City and Strabane Council area are being encouraged to stake their claim for development grant funding worth up to £4,999.00.
    DAERA’s Rural Business Development Grant Scheme will deliver a total of £1.55 million in capital grants to support rural micro businesses across Northern Ireland.
    The programme is funded through the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Rural Business Development Grant Scheme (RBDGS)  and is delivered in partnership with local Councils. 
    Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Lilian Seenoi-Barr, encouraged local businesses to find out more about the application process and avail of the opportunity to give their business a competitive edge.
    “This programme offers rural micro businesses the opportunity to take their enterprise to the next level,” she said,
    “It is an opportunity to invest in equipment and machinery that can streamline your business and give you a competitive edge in the marketplace
    “I would urge applicants to book their attendance at the Pre Application workshops now as these are mandatory for a successful application,” she added.
    Eligible rural businesses can apply for capital assistance of 50% up to the value of £4,999 for the purchase of capital equipment that will help their business to enhance sustainability or lead to growth opportunities and the creation of employment opportunities which in turn strengthen the rural economy.
    Launching the scheme, Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir, MLA, said: “I am pleased to announce the opening of the £1.55 million Rural Business Development Grant Scheme.
    “This fund is important in delivering on the Department’s priority of building strong sustainable and diverse rural communities and the draft Programme for Government priority of growing a globally competitive and sustainable economy with a focus on addressing regional balance”.
    Minister Muir continued: “I urge all eligible rural businesses to go online and apply as soon as possible.
    “Rural Businesses continue to play a vital role in our rural communities and I want to support them at this challenging time and provide them with opportunities that will maximise their potential and stimulate business growth”.

     Only online applications can be accepted for this scheme. 
    The Scheme opens for applications at 9.00am on 16 October 2024 and closes at 12 noon on 8 November 2024.

    For more details on pre-application workshops and link to the Application visit http://www.derrystrabane.com/businesssupport
    The workshops will take place on Wednesday October 23rd at 6pm (Online), Wednesday 30th October at 1pm (Glenelly Room, Strabane) and Tuesday November 5th at 1pm (Online).

    Details of the Rural Business Development Grant Scheme are on the DAERA website at Rural Business Development Grant Scheme (RBDGS) 2024/2025 | Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (daera-ni.gov.uk). 

    Only online applications can be accepted for this scheme. 
    The Scheme opens for applications at 9.00am on 16 October 2024 and closes at 12 noon on 8 November 2024.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Governments strengthening mental health services for international agricultural workers

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    News release

    Federal-provincial investment will provide new mental health resources

    Oct. 17, 2024 – Toronto, Ontario  –  Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

    The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing nearly $1.8 million over 2 years to provide international agricultural workers (IAWs) in Ontario with enhanced access to mental health supports in Spanish, Tagalog, French and English.

    Delivered by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Ontario Division, in close partnership with its Windsor-Essex and Brant-Haldimand-Norfolk regional branches, the International Agricultural Worker Wellness Program will support IAWs with managing stress, homesickness and isolation. The program will provide referrals to free local services, including recreational activities, primary care, counselling, support groups, in-person workshops, and more.

    The program will launch in early 2025 and be delivered over 2 years, with resources available in Spanish, French and English in year 1, expanding to include Tagalog in year 2. The program will focus on the Windsor-Essex region first and then expand to Brant-Haldimand-Norfolk in year two. Both regions have high populations of IAWs. In the second year, the program will also offer support to farm operators with workshops on how to create safer workplaces.

    This investment recognizes the critical contribution IAWs make in Ontario’s agricultural economy. It builds on the success of the IAW Welcome Centre and the IAW Welcoming Communities Initiative.

    This program is funded through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), a 5-year (2023-2028), $3.5-billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of Canada’s agriculture, agri‐food and agri‐based products sector. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5 billion commitment that is cost-shared 60% federally and 40% provincially/territorially for programs designed and delivered by the provinces and territories.

    Quotes

    “Working far from home can be tough, and it’s so important that our international agricultural workers have access to the mental health supports they need. Through the IAW Wellness Program, we can better support these workers with tailored programs and services so they can continue to help us deliver top-quality products to Canadians, and the world.”  

    – The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

    “Ontario respects and appreciates the international agricultural workers who call our province home and who contribute so much to our almost $51 billion agri-food sector. The IAW Wellness Program will help these important workers access the supports and services needed to improve their quality of life and better integrate into our dynamic agri-food workforce of over 871,000 men and women.”

    – Rob Flack, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness

    “International agricultural workers are integral to Ontario’s agriculture industry and food supply, so it’s critical that this population has mental health support while they’re living and working in our province. Since 2022, CMHA’s team at Agriculture Wellness Ontario has been working to reduce mental health stigma and meet the needs of the agricultural community. We’re delighted to work with our branches to offer this new program for international agricultural workers.”

    – Camille Quenneville, Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario Division

    “Mental health care plays a crucial role in supporting the well-being of migrant workers, who often face unique challenges like family separation and cultural transitions. It’s heartening to see the governments of Canada and Ontario develop the IAW Wellness Program. By offering services in their first languages, this initiative ensures that migrant workers feel understood and supported, which is vital for their mental health. This empowers individuals to navigate daily challenges and fosters a more inclusive and compassionate community for everyone. Such efforts are essential for building a society that values the well-being of every migrant worker.”

    – Martin Varela, Chairman, Migrant Worker Community Program

    Quick facts

    •  In 2023, Ontario launched the Virtual Welcome Centre, a web page of resources for IAWs available in English, Spanish and French. It includes information and links about worker rights and responsibilities, adjusting to life in Ontario, health care, human and labour trafficking, and living and working safely in the community. 

    • The IAW Welcoming Communities Initiative, announced in September, supports municipalities and not-for-profits in creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for international agricultural and food workers. Eligible activities include introducing or enhancing translation supports and transportation services.   

    • The governments of Canada and Ontario also recently announced a $178,000 expansion of the Farmer Wellness Initiative to include delivery of services in Spanish for Ontario farm workers.

    • For more information about OMAFA programs and services, contact the Agricultural Information Contact Centre (AICC) at 1-877-424-1300 or at ag.info.omafa@ontario.ca.

    Associated links

    Contacts

    For media:

    Annie Cullinan
    Director of Communications
    Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
    annie.cullinan@agr.gc.ca

    Media Relations
    Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
    Ottawa, Ontario
    613-773-7972
    1-866-345-7972
    aafc.mediarelations-relationsmedias.aac@agr.gc.ca
    Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn
    Web: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

    Makena Mahoney
    Minister’s Office
    Makena.Mahoney@ontario.ca

    Meaghan Evans
    Communications Branch
    OMAFRA.media@ontario.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New Zealand takes next step in dairy dispute with Canada

    Source: New Zealand Government

    New Zealand has today notified the Canadian Government and other Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) members that it has triggered mandatory negotiations in a dairy dispute with Canada, Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced today. 

    In September last year, a Panel of Arbitrators ruled in favour of New Zealand, finding that Canada had breached its obligations under the CPTPP by blocking New Zealand dairy access. Canada has failed to comply with the ruling and under the Agreement the next step is for New Zealand to request formal negotiations.

    “New Zealand takes its obligations under trade agreements seriously. The CPTPP is one of the highest quality agreements signed by a group of like-minded economies,” Mr McClay says.

    “Parties to the agreement understood the commitments they were making when the agreement was signed, and it is important that they honour them.

    “As a matter of principle, the New Zealand Government expects our trade partners to treat our exporters fairly and within the rules of our agreements. Canada is not doing that in respect to the dairy quotas that were negotiated and agreed with New Zealand.”

    Mr McClay says New Zealand has decided to further pursue Canada for breaching its obligations under the CPTPP by blocking New Zealand dairy exporters’ access to the Canadian market.  

    “Canada can end this dispute by meeting its CPTPP obligations to us. If they continue to choose not to, they owe us compensation.

    “Now, more than ever, it is vital that international agreements and the obligations they contain are honoured. As an exporting nation New Zealand relies on trade commitments and market access that were negotiated in good faith.”

    Under the CPTPP dispute settlement process, negotiations must commence within 15 days of notification. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: County Durham man sentenced for illegal waste dumping

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A man described as ‘arrogant’ by a judge has been sentenced for arranging waste to be illegally dumped on his rural land near Consett.

    Peter Snailum, 64, from Whitworth, Spennymoor, appeared at Durham crown court for sentencing on Wednesday 16 October after previously pleading guilty to two offences of depositing waste without an environmental permit.

    He was sentenced to a 12-month community order with a requirement to complete 90 hours of unpaid work.

    The court heard that between January and March 2020, excavation waste was transported from a construction site in Consett to Snailum’s land at School House Farm, Kiln Pit Hill, and illegally dumped.

    Snailum had a registered waste exemption for his land at School House Farm. This means that low level waste activity could take place at the site for construction purposes, with limits on the amount and type of waste allowed.

    During the Environment Agency investigation, it transpired that more than 5,000 tonnes of waste had been dumped at School House Farm – five times the 1,000 tonnes allowed under the exemption.

    It was also clear that the waste was not to be used for construction but in an attempt to level land, activity that would require an environmental permit.

    In passing sentence, judge Joanne Kidd criticised Snailum for his arrogance, after hearing that he had twice taunted the Environment Agency officers speaking with him about the illegal activity, saying that they should prosecute him as he would only receive a fine.

    The judge was also critical of his insistence on initially denying the charges and taking the case to the crown court, all in the face of overwhelming evidence.

    Warned he was ‘breaching the law’

    Gary Wallace, area environment manager for the Environment Agency in the North East, said:

    Waste crime such as this has a negative impact on the environment and local communities and Snailum was warned he was breaching the law.

    His actions also undermined legitimate businesses as he made financial gains by not properly and legally disposing of the waste.

    I hope this case sends out the message to others that we take waste crime seriously and those involved can expect to be put before the courts for their actions.

    Prosecuting, Holly Clegg told the court that in January 2020, Environment Agency officers attended the site in response to reports of wagons tipping waste there.

    Checks showed metal and timber mixed with soils and stone. It was estimated the stockpile was close to the 1,000 tonne exemption limit and Snailum was told to stop accepting further waste to the site.

    He said he was importing soils to level around the trees and filling in hollows around the site – he was told the exemption restrictions meant it could only be used for construction.

    While the officers were there a wagon arrived which was moving waste from a construction site in Consett to Snailum’s land.

    The officers then visited a care home construction site and spoke to the site manager, who told them that to date 871 tonnes had been taken to School House Farm.

    Follow up visits revealed further deposits

    A month later follow up visits to both the construction site and School House Farm revealed further deposits had taken place which would exceed the limits of the exemption. On 2 March, Snailum was instructed to cease accepting further waste.

    Environment Agency officers were later supplied with and assessed the waste transfer documentation, which showed more than 5,000 tonnes of waste soil and stone had been taken to School House Farm between January and March 2020.

    Then, in early 2021 Snailum allowed another large deposit of waste, this time tonnes of supposedly crushed MDF but this was contaminated with various other waste types.

    Previously sentenced at Peterlee magistrates’ court on 23 April 2024 for their part in the case were:

    • Jonathan Mann Developments, of Sandhu House, Delves Lane, Consett, which owned land there that was being developed for the construction of new care homes. It pleaded guilty  for its involvement in the illegal waste deposits and were ordered to pay a fine and costs totalling £3,832.

    • Groundworks Direct Ltd excavated and loaded the waste material from the construction site onto wagons supplied by the hauliers. It was ordered to pay a fine and costs of £5,000 in total. 

    In addition, G O’Brien & Sons Ltd, which collected the waste material and transported it to Snailum’s land, agreed to an enforcement undertaking, paying £5,000 to Durham Wildlife Trust to go towards environmental improvements, and a further £1,600 in costs.

    Updates to this page

    Published 17 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: BENIN: IMF Reaches Staff-Level Agreement on Fifth Review of Extended Fund and Extended Credit Facilities and the Second Review of Resilience and Sustainability Facility

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    October 17, 2024

    End-of-Mission press releases include statements of IMF staff teams that convey preliminary findings after a visit to a country. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF’s Executive Board for discussion and decision.

    • IMF has reached staff-level agreement with Benin on the Fifth Review of Benin’s EFF/ECF and the Second Review of the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF).
    • There are signs of economic transformation in Benin, with higher value-added goods’ exports and momentum in information technology and tourism.
    • The authorities recently submitted to Parliament a draft 2025 budget that targets compliance with the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) fiscal deficit norm of 3 percent of GDP, with significant increases in social spending.

    Washington, DC: An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team led by Constant Lonkeng visited Cotonou during October 8–17, 2024 to hold discussions on the Fifth Review of Benin’s economic program under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and Extended Credit Facility (ECF) and the Second Review of the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) arrangement.

    At the end of the mission, Mr. Lonkeng issued the following statement:

    “IMF staff and Beninese authorities have reached a staff-level agreement on policies to complete the Fifth Review of Benin’s 42-month blended EFF/ECF and the Second Review of the RSF. Subject to approval by the IMF Executive Board, Benin will receive a disbursement of SDR 31.2 million (about $42 million) under the ECF and EFF arrangements and up to SDR 39.6 million (about $53 million) under the RSF arrangement, bringing the total disbursement under the EFF/ECF to SDR 431 million (about $576 million).

    “There are signs of economic transformation in Benin, with higher value-added goods’ exports and momentum in information technology and tourism. Economic activity is estimated to have expanded by 6.5 percent year-over-year in the first half of this year; growth is expected to remain strong in the near-term. The balance of payments has deteriorated temporarily, due to large investments, including related to the special economic zone (SEZ). It is expected to recover gradually as the transformation of local commodities at the SEZ boosts exports. 

    “Program performance has been strong—all quantitative targets for end-June 2024 were met, with fiscal consolidation well underway, supported by robust tax collection. 

    “The authorities recently submitted to Parliament the 2025 draft budget which targets compliance with the WAEMU overall deficit norm of 3 percent of GDP. Fiscal consolidation is set to be revenue-based (drawing on the Medium-Term Revenue Strategy), with significant increases in social spending (education, health, and social protection). Updating regularly and fully operationalizing the social registry will improve the targeting of expanded social assistance programs. 

    “The mission discussed next steps in strengthening Benin’s anti-corruption framework further, complementing the recently operationalized anti-corruption agency, as well as mechanisms to safeguard hard-won macroeconomic gains over the political cycle. 

    “The authorities are advancing their climate finance agenda following the climate finance roundtable that took place in Cotonou in July. They have mainstreamed climate change in the draft 2025 budget. The mission discussed next steps in advancing water tariff reform and a fuel subsidy reform that accounts for the specificities of Benin’s local fuel market.  

    “The mission met with Senior Minister of Economy and Finance Wadagni, Senior Minister of Development and Government Action Bio Tchane, National Director of the BCEAO (the regional central bank) Assilamehoo, and other senior government officials. The team also met with the Head of Opposition, the Finance Commission of the National Assembly in Porto Novo, the civil society, university students, the association of women entrepreneurs and a farmers’ association, the donor community, and other stakeholders.

    “The IMF team would like to thank the authorities and various stakeholders for their warm hospitality and open and constructive dialogue.”

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Julie Ziegler

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    @IMFSpokesperson

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2024/10/17/pr24377-benin-imf-reaches-sla-5th-rev-eff-ecf-2nd-rev-rsf

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NCDHHS Supports Child Care Facilities Impacted by Hurricane Helene to Reopen Safely, Return to Serving Families

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: NCDHHS Supports Child Care Facilities Impacted by Hurricane Helene to Reopen Safely, Return to Serving Families

    NCDHHS Supports Child Care Facilities Impacted by Hurricane Helene to Reopen Safely, Return to Serving Families
    rmbeck

    The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is supporting child care facilities to reopen as safely and quickly as possible after Hurricane Helene to ensure families in storm-impacted communities have access to child care services. More than 200 facilities in the 25 major disaster counties in western North Carolina were impacted by the storm, with 55 centers having damage that will prevent them reopening for the foreseeable future.

    “Even before Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina, our child care facilities were in financial crisis,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “Quality child care is a critical resource not only for children in storm-impacted counties, but for parents working to rebuild their homes and lives. Work is underway to get programs reopened quickly, but we will need additional funding from the General Assembly to address both the immediate Hurricane impacts and also ensure the long-term viability of North Carolina’s child care system.”

    State and local efforts to safely reopen child care facilities align with Governor Cooper’s recently announced Executive Order, which allows regulatory flexibilities in storm-impacted counties so that critical services can resume supporting families, even as facilities recover and rebuild. These flexibilities are especially important as the North Carolina child care system faces a drastic cut in state funding. Without additional funding to assist child care programs, facilities across the state, and particularly in Western North Carolina, will struggle to remain open and serve families and their communities. 

    “As our friends, neighbors and communities in Western North Carolina begin to recover, we are committed to helping child care facilities reopen safely,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley. “We want children to have access to quality early care and learning, and parents to return to work confident their children are safe and cared for.”

    NCDHHS is helping child care facilities reopen so they can support the children and families in their communities. Regulated child care facilities who lack their usual sources of power, drinking water, wastewater treatment, etc., or have lost records, documents or other paperwork may be able to reopen under an Emergency Operations Plan developed with their child care licensing consultant from the NCDHHS Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE). DCDEE is collaborating with the Division of Public Health (DPH) to develop environmental health guidance for child care facilities to reopen quickly and operate safely. 

    Additionally, the department is collaborating with the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) to align North Carolina’s child care facility rules and regulations with disaster flexibilities allowed under the federal program. The CACFP is administered by U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to ensure eligible children receive nutritious meals through qualifying child care facilities. Disaster flexibilities in the program after Hurricane Helene will help to simplify the delivery of nutrition assistance, make these benefits more accessible to families impacted by the storm, and prevent a lapse in food security for children currently served by the program.

    For families impacted by Hurricane Helene seeking child care options, NCDHHS has partnered with Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies to activate the Find Child Care NC hotline. Families can call 1-888-600-1685 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for help finding an open child care facility near you.

    El Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte está apoyando a las instalaciones de cuidado infantil para que vuelvan a abrir de la manera más segura y rápida posible después del huracán Helene para garantizar que las familias en las comunidades afectadas por la tormenta tengan acceso a los servicios de cuidado infantil. Más de 200 instalaciones en los 25 condados con desastres mayores en el oeste de Carolina del Norte se vieron afectadas por la tormenta, y 55 centros sufrieron daños que evitarán su reapertura en el futuro previsible.

    “Incluso antes de que el huracán Helene devastara el oeste de Carolina del Norte, nuestros centros de cuidado infantil estaban en crisis financiera”, dijo el gobernador Roy Cooper. “El cuidado infantil de calidad es un recurso fundamental no solo para los niños en los condados afectados por la tormenta, sino también para los padres que trabajan para reconstruir sus hogares y sus vidas. Se está trabajando para que los programas se reabran rápidamente, pero necesitaremos fondos adicionales de la Asamblea General para abordar los impactos inmediatos del huracán y también garantizar la viabilidad a largo plazo del sistema de cuidado infantil de Carolina del Norte”.

    Los esfuerzos estatales y locales para reabrir de manera segura las instalaciones de cuidado infantil se alinean con la Orden Ejecutiva recientemente anunciada por el gobernador Cooper, que permite flexibilidades regulatorias en los condados afectados por la tormenta para que los servicios críticos puedan reanudar el apoyo a las familias, incluso mientras las instalaciones se recuperan y reconstruyen. Estas flexibilidades son especialmente importantes ya que el sistema de cuidado infantil de Carolina del Norte se enfrenta a un recorte drástico en la financiación estatal. Sin fondos adicionales para ayudar a los programas de cuidado infantil, las instalaciones en todo el estado, y particularmente en el oeste de Carolina del Norte, tendrán dificultades para permanecer abiertas y servir a las familias y sus comunidades.

    “A medida que nuestros amigos, vecinos y comunidades en el oeste de Carolina del Norte comienzan a recuperarse, nos comprometemos a ayudar a que las instalaciones de cuidado infantil vuelvan a abrir de manera segura”, dijo el secretario de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte, Kody H. Kinsley. “Queremos que los niños tengan acceso a atención y aprendizaje tempranos de calidad, y que los padres regresen al trabajo confiados de que sus hijos están seguros y cuidados”.

    El Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte (NCDHHS, por sus siglas en inglés) está ayudando a los centros de cuidado infantil a reabrir para que puedan apoyar a los niños y las familias en sus comunidades. Las instalaciones de cuidado infantil reguladas que carecen de sus fuentes habituales de energía, agua potable, tratamiento de aguas residuales, etc., o que han perdido registros, documentos u otros documentos pueden reabrir bajo un Plan Operativo de Emergencia desarrollado con su consultor de licencias de cuidado infantil de la División de Desarrollo Infantil y Educación Temprana (DCDEE, por sus siglas en inglés) del Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte. DCDEE está colaborando con la División de Salud Pública (DPH, por sus siglas en inglés) para desarrollar una guía de salud ambiental para que las instalaciones de cuidado infantil vuelvan a abrir rápidamente y operen de manera segura.

    Además, el departamento está colaborando con el Programa de Alimentos para el Cuidado de Niños y Adultos (CACFP, por sus siglas en inglés) para alinear las reglas y regulaciones de las guarderías de Carolina del Norte con las flexibilidades por desastre permitidas por el programa federal. El CACFP es administrado por el Servicios de Alimentos y Nutrición (FNS, por sus siglas en ingles), del Departamento de Agricultura de los Estados Unidos para garantizar que los niños elegibles reciban comidas nutritivas a través de instalaciones de cuidado infantil calificadas. Las flexibilidades para desastres en el programa, después del huracán Helene, ayudarán a simplificar la prestación de asistencia nutricional, hacer que estos beneficios sean más accesibles para las familias afectadas por la tormenta y evitar un lapso en la seguridad alimentaria de los niños actualmente atendidos por el programa.

    Para las familias afectadas por el huracán Helene que buscan opciones de cuidado infantil, el NCDHHS se ha asociado con las Agencias de Recursos y Referencias de Cuidado Infantil para activar la línea directa de Búsqueda de Cuidado Infantil en Carolina del Norte (Find Child Care NC). Las familias pueden llamar al 1-888-600-1685 de lunes a viernes de 8:00 a.m. a 5:00 p.m. y pedir ayuda para encontrar un centro de cuidado infantil abierto cercano.

    Oct 17, 2024

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chavez-DeRemer, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill Paving the Way for Affordable Homeownership in Rural Areas

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Lori Chavez-DeRemer (OR-05)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (OR-05), Jim Costa (CA-21), and Doug LaMalfa (CA-01) have introduced the Rural Homeownership Continuity Act (H.R. 9814), a bipartisan proposal that would help families attain federal loans at lower interest rates. The goal is to make homeownership more affordable in rural America.

    “Oregon is ranked the fifth-most unaffordable state for local homebuyers, and all of our communities – urban, suburban, and rural – have felt the effects of this affordability crisis. Too many Oregonians are forced to work multiple jobs just to afford their mortgages,” Chavez-DeRemer said. “That’s why I’ve been working to find bipartisan solutions that will make a direct, lasting impact. I’m honored to help introduce the Rural Homeownership Continuity Act, which will improve housing affordability and access in our rural communities.”

    “The Rural Homeownership Continuity Act represents a vital step forward towards strengthening communities in the San Joaquin Valley and rural America,” said Costa. “By helping families take advantage of lower interest rates, we’re not just making homeownership more attainable, but fostering stability and economic growth. Every family deserves the chance to build a future in a home they can afford.”

    “As we face a growing rural housing crisis in California and across the country, I’m happy to support this bill that removes bureaucratic barriers to low-income residents’ ability to achieve homeownership. By streamlining the process of loan transfer, this legislation makes it easier for rural families to get the financing they need to own a home,” said LaMalfa. 

    The Section 502 Single Family Housing Loan Guarantee Program is a mortgage assistance program within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that helps with lending for low- and moderate-income households buying homes located in eligible rural areas. 

    In rural communities, where access to affordable housing is often limited, the Rural Homeownership Continuity Act would amend the Housing Act of 1949 to permit loan assumption under Section 502 to release departing borrowers from liability when their loans are assumed by new borrowers. 

    Right now, when someone sells a home that has a USDA Section 502 Guaranteed Loan, the buyer can’t transfer the seller’s low interest rate. Instead, they often must settle for higher rates from private lenders. In contrast, existing USDA loans can offer rates as low as 3-4.5 percent, and even down to 1 percent for very low-income buyers. This difference can save families a lot of money over time.

    Full text of the bill is available HERE.

    Last month, Chavez-DeRemer introduced a bipartisan bill to ensure more people experiencing homelessness can access the resources they need to get back on their feet. She recently helped secure a $5 million federal grant to help Bend build more affordable homes. Chavez-DeRemer is also leading the bipartisan Choice in Affordable Housing Act to help more low-income families access affordable housing. Additionally, she has backed bipartisan legislation like the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act and the Neighborhood Homes Investment Act that would help build more affordable homes.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Canada to announce support for Stratford Waterfront

    Source: Government of Canada News

    The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Member of Parliament for Cardigan, will make an announcement on behalf of the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA.

    Connor Burton
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
    Connor.Burton@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why many Poles are not as supportive of Ukraine’s war effort as their leaders in Warsaw

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Chris Hann, Emeritus Director, Max Planck Institute for Social Anthropology

    Consumers of western media could be forgiven for supposing that Ukraine, the state whose sovereignty was violated so brutally with the Russian invasion of February 2022, enjoys unstinting support from its western neighbour Poland. The support of the Polish government has been unambiguous. Donations of military equipment and humanitarian support for refugees have been second to none in Europe.

    The election of a new government at the end of 2023 made no discernible difference to the Polish commitment. Antipathy towards Russia in Poland has strong roots, dating back even before the days when much of the country (including Warsaw) was formally incorporated into the Romanovs’ Russian empire.

    Observers in the west take it for granted that the pro-Ukrainian policies of successive Polish governments – endorsed by the Catholic churches – reflect views shared by citizens throughout the country.

    But after more than two years of war, as I found during a recent research trip, doubts are being voiced in some segments of society.

    Farmers have been angry for years. Ukraine has rich soils and its agribusiness is free from EU regulations. In the exceptional conditions created by the invasion, with the government desperately in need of revenue, Ukraine has been allowed to export its cheap grain to the EU. This has undermined the market for Polish farmers. Some Poles event believe that, since much Ukrainian farmland is owned by foreign capital, the prolongation of the war has been orchestrated by the west for economic reasons.

    Similar arguments can be heard concerning energy. The end of cheap gas from the Russian Federation promises a bonanza for the producers of alternative supplies, notably in the United States at the expense of higher prices for Polish households. I also heard in plenty of conversations that Poland is the only ally of Ukraine to provide military hardware free of charge – whereas other Nato states insist on full payment or offer credits that will theoretically have to be repaid one day.

    The resentments run deep and they affect large sections of the population. Why do I have to wait months for my hospital appointment, people ask – is it because of increased demand for health services from the millions of Ukrainian refugees? Why should my taxes pay for generous financial grants to Ukrainians who turn up at the border, claim the cash, and promptly return home?

    A tangled history

    Most educated citizens dismiss such allegations with scorn. Those who complain and exaggerate isolated abuses are often written off as gullible victims of Russian propaganda. But Poles are unlikely dupes. Monuments to communist crimes are everywhere – above all the Katyń massacres of 1940, when the Soviet security forces murdered thousands of Polish officers. More recently, many Poles still suspect the Kremlin’s complicity in the plane crash that killed their then president, Lech Kaczyński in Smolensk in 2010.

    Yet hatred of Russia does not translate into unconditional support for Ukraine.

    The enduring reason for friction between the two states has to do with diverging interpretations of violence which took place during and after the second world war. Ukrainian ministers have the undiplomatic habit of pointing out that large areas of present-day Poland were formerly occupied by Ukrainians. According to the historical ethno-linguistic and religious criteria generally considered central in the formation of peoples, Ukraine might indeed have a stronger claim to sections of the Polish Carpathians than it has to Crimea or Donbas.

    Does this help explain why the Polish government upholds the sanctity of Ukraine’s border with Russia? They want Ukraine’s border with their country to be equally sacrosanct.

    The typical Polish response to Ukrainian nationalist goading is to point out that Poles used to form the majority in most towns of western Ukraine – and that Lviv itself was a Polish city until Stalin redrew the borders in 1944 and the Polish population was deported westwards. These eastern borderlands are known to Poles as the Kresy. They are the focus of strong emotions and mythology. The Kresy is imagined as a harmonious realm in which, for many centuries, cultivated Poles ruled benignly over all other nationalities.

    This multiculturalism came to an abrupt end in the 1940s. These days, Poles with family roots in Volhynia and Galicia, much of which is now in western Ukraine, are incensed by Kyiv’s refusal to admit that Ukrainian nationalists were responsible for the ethnic cleansing of the Polish population. Poland’s prime minister, Donald Tusk, recently made it clear that Poland’s continued support for admitting Ukraine to the EU will depend on coming to terms with this dark past.

    Western complicity

    During my recent visit, I was sometimes asked why the BBC and other influential western media never probed behind the slick public face of Volodymyr Zelensky’s team to report on the real conditions and opinions of ordinary Ukrainians. Instead, Russians are demonised and Ukrainians hailed for their “European values” and their sacrifices on behalf of the west.

    Coverage in Polish state media conveys a similar message – but I found many citizens have become sceptical. There is pity for conscripts, sorrow for the loss of young lives on both sides and fear for where all this dehumanising violence is leading. But few of the people I spoke with believed that Russians are the only party violating the Geneva Conventions.

    Often, the conversation turned to Boris Johnson. I was asked to explain why the then prime minister advised Zelensky in April 2022 that Ukraine should continue the fighting. Did Johnson, as has often been rumoured, sabotage proposals for a negotiated peace carefully drawn up in Istanbul shortly before his visit? Was it the spontaneous whim of a western politician who knew nothing about regional history, a clown playing macho games with Zelensky for the sake of his own image? Did he not care at all about the hundreds of thousands who would suffer and die if this war continued? Was he pursuing a devious strategy agreed with EU leaders and Nato partners, above all Washington?

    I did not have answers to any of these questions.

    Chris Hann does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Why many Poles are not as supportive of Ukraine’s war effort as their leaders in Warsaw – https://theconversation.com/why-many-poles-are-not-as-supportive-of-ukraines-war-effort-as-their-leaders-in-warsaw-240562

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –