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Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: Punxsutawney Phil Predicts Six More Weeks of Winter

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    February 02, 2025 – Punxsutawney, PA

    Punxsutawney Phil Predicts Six More Weeks of Winter

    Pennsylvania’s world-famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, predicted six more weeks of winter after emerging from his Gobbler’s Knob burrow and seeing his shadow.

    To help celebrate the 139-year-old tradition, Governor Josh Shapiro and Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger attended the event, demonstrating its importance to the Commonwealth. Tourism is a key piece of the Governor’s economic development strategy, generating $76 billion and supporting more than 486,000 jobs each year in Pennsylvania.

    “People across the country and around the world have their eyes on Pennsylvania today for Phil’s prognostication for 2025,” said Anne Ryan, DCED Deputy Secretary of Tourism. “Today’s event is one of many that makes our Commonwealth unique. It underscores Governor Shapiro’s continued commitment to elevating the tourism industry by supporting local activities and providing opportunity to businesses statewide by increasing the number of people who visit Pennsylvania.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 3, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Canada-U.S. tariff war: How it will impact different products and industries

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Sylvanus Kwaku Afesorgbor, Associate Professor of Agri-Food Trade and Policy, University of Guelph

    U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed a 25 per cent tariff on most Canadian goods. A senior governmental official said they are expected to come into effect on Feb. 4.

    This tariff will have significant economic consequences on both sides of the border, as the U.S. and Canada share one of the largest bilateral trade relationships in the world.

    A key concern is the highly integrated supply chains between the two countries. Many goods cross the border multiple times as intermediate inputs before becoming final products. Imposing tariffs at any point in this supply chain will raise production costs and increase prices for a wide range of goods traded between the U.S. and Canada.

    For Canada, the tariffs on Canadian products will significantly affect Canada’s competitiveness in the U.S. market by driving up prices. Such tariffs could pose serious challenges for various sectors in Canada, given the country’s heavy reliance on the U.S. economy.

    Effects on different sectors

    The impact of U.S. tariffs on Canadian prices is likely to differ across sectors and products, depending on their reliance on the U.S. market.

    Sectors with a higher dependence on U.S. trade are likely to experience more severe disruptions. If the tariffs make certain products uncompetitive, Canadian producers may struggle to secure alternative markets in the short term.

    Industries such as agriculture, manufacturing and energy will experience varying degrees of impact. Energy products and motor vehicles, which represent Canada’s largest exports to the U.S., are expected to be among the most adversely affected.

    In the agricultural and forestry sector, wood and paper products, along with cereals, are among Canada’s largest exports to the U.S., with the U.S. accounting for 86 to 96 per cent of these exports, according to data from the World Integrated Trade Solution.

    In the energy and mineral sector, crude oil is Canada’s top export, reaching US$143 billion in 2023, with 90 per cent destined for the U.S. Given its critical role as Canada’s largest export across all sectors, it is not surprising that Trump has noted crude oil would subject to a lower tariff of 10 per cent.

    Canada’s dependence on U.S. trade

    When examining the impact on different products, it’s not only the value of trade that matters, but also the share of trade. The share of trade indicates how reliant Canada is on the U.S. compared to other markets.

    A high trade share with the U.S. suggests a product is particularly vulnerable to trade disruptions, as Canada depends heavily on the U.S. market for that product. Conversely, a lower share indicates that Canada has diversified suppliers, which reduces its dependence on the U.S.



    Read more:
    Trump’s tariff threat could shake North American trade relations and upend agri-food trade

    For instance, in 2023, Canada’s top exports to the U.S. included vehicles and parts, nuclear machinery and plastics, according to data from the World Integrated Trade Solution. The U.S. accounted for 93 per cent of vehicle and parts exports, 82 per cent of nuclear machinery exports, and 91 per cent of plastics exports.

    This data highlights Canada’s extreme dependence on the U.S. market, making these industries within the manufacturing sector highly susceptible to the tariff. This could harm jobs in the manufacturing sector, which is vital to employment in Canada, providing jobs for over 1.8 million people.

    Canada’s reliance on the U.S. is also evident in imports. In 2023, vehicle imports totalled US$92 billion, with the U.S. accounting for 58 per cent of that amount.

    The dependence is also evident in the agri-food and forestry sector, where Canada heavily relies on U.S. imports. This suggests that retaliatory tariffs on agricultural goods from the U.S. could have a substantial impact on food prices in Canada.

    Retaliatory tariffs and inflationary pressures

    Canada has announced it’s imposing $155 billion of retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports in response. This could contribute to inflationary pressures within Canada.

    Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says this includes immediate tariffs on $30 billion worth of goods as of Tuesday, followed by further tariffs on $125 billion worth of American products in 21 days’ time to “allow Canadian companies and supply chains to seek to find alternatives.”

    This will include tariffs on “everyday items such as American beer, wine and bourbon, fruits and fruit juices, including orange juice, along with vegetables, perfume, clothing and shoes,” and also on major consumer products like household appliances, furniture and sports equipment, and materials like lumber and plastics.

    Given Canada’s significant dependence on U.S. imports, the retaliatory tariffs will raise the cost of American goods entering the country, further driving up consumer prices and exacerbating inflation.

    In its latest policy rate announcement, the Bank of Canada warned of the severe economic consequences of Trump’s tariffs, highlighting their potential to reverse the current downward trend in inflation.

    What should Canada do now?

    Canada must extend its economic diplomacy efforts beyond the Trump administration, engaging with the U.S. Congress and Senate to advocate for the reconsideration of tariffs on Canadian goods. The Canadian government should persist in leveraging this channel to push for a reversal of the tariffs. This kind of broader negotiation remains the most effective approach to mitigating trade tensions and ensuring stable economic relations with the U.S.

    At the same time, Canada must reduce dependence on the U.S. market by adopting a comprehensive export diversification strategy. While the U.S. remains a convenient and accessible trade partner, expanding into emerging and developing markets would help mitigate risks and create more stable long-term trade opportunities.



    Read more:
    Trump’s tariff threat is a sign that Canada should be diversifying beyond the U.S.

    One effective way to achieve export diversification is by expanding free trade agreements (FTAs) with emerging and developing economies. Currently, Canada has 15 FTAs covering about 51 countries, but there is room for expansion. However, signing FTAs alone is insufficient; Canada must ensure these agreements translate into tangible trade growth with partner countries.

    International politics is increasingly shaping global trade, making it imperative for Canada to proactively manage diplomatic and trade relations. In recent years, tensions have emerged with key partners such as China, India and Saudi Arabia. These countries could all become potential markets for Canadian products. Given that China is Canada’s second-largest export destination, there is significant potential to expand trade ties.

    Additionally, countries like the United Arab Emirates present promising markets, particularly for agricultural products, as the UAE imports about 90 per cent of its food.

    Boosting innovation and productivity

    Canada stands at a critical juncture in its trade relationship with the U.S. While diplomatic efforts remain essential to averting harmful tariffs, they cannot be the country’s only line of defence.

    Boosting productivity is one of the most effective ways for Canada to improve its competitiveness in global markets. Canadian producers should prioritize innovation and the adoption of advanced technologies to enhance efficiency and maintain a competitive edge, particularly as they seek to expand beyond the U.S.

    In response to potential U.S. tariffs, the Canadian government should implement a bailout strategy to provide short-term relief and mitigate revenue losses to firms that will be mostly affected. Additionally, Canada should leverage its embassies and consulates worldwide to promote exports and help affected firms identify and access new market opportunities.

    By doing this, Canada can position itself as a more self-reliant and competitive player in the global economy — one less vulnerable to shifting U.S. policies.

    Sylvanus Kwaku Afesorgbor receives funding from the OMAFRA and the USDA. He is affiliated with the Centre for Trade Analysis and Development (CeTAD Africa).

    Naduni Uduwe Welage and Promesse Essolema do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Canada-U.S. tariff war: How it will impact different products and industries – https://theconversation.com/canada-u-s-tariff-war-how-it-will-impact-different-products-and-industries-248824

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    February 3, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with President of Mexico Claudia Sheinbaum

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    Yesterday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum.

    Prime Minister Trudeau and President Sheinbaum discussed the deep people-to-people ties, the strong trade and investment relationship between Canada and Mexico, and the importance of preserving North American competitiveness and prosperity. They spoke about the imposition of U.S. tariffs on both countries, as well as their respective efforts to enhance border security and combat the production and distribution of illegal drugs. The leaders agreed to continue working together in areas of common interest and to enhance the strong bilateral relations between Canada and Mexico.

    Prime Minister Trudeau and President Sheinbaum agreed to remain in close contact.

    Associated Links

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    February 3, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Statement by the Prime Minister on International Development Week

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on International Development Week, which runs from February 2 to 8, 2025:

    “Today, as we mark the beginning of International Development Week, we reflect on Canada’s efforts to eradicate poverty and foster a more peaceful and prosperous world for everyone.

    “Over the last year, we have made significant investments in key initiatives aimed at improving the lives of people around the world. At the United Nations (UN) General Assembly last September, Canada joined global leaders to adopt the Pact for the Future – an ambitious agreement that will see countries work together to address critical shared challenges. We also committed $200 million to advance comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights for women and girls, enhance our efforts to advance gender equality and pay equity, combat climate change, and respond to humanitarian crises worldwide. Canada remains steadfast in our commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

    “This year’s theme, ‘Building a Better World Together’, is a reminder that there is more work to be done. This International Development Week, let us recognize the extraordinary Canadians who have worked every single day to make the world better, safer, and more prosperous. Let’s keep this progress going.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    February 3, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: G7 Foreign Ministers’ statement on the escalation of violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    G7 Foreign Ministers have issued the following statement strongly condemning the Rwanda-backed M23 offensive in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the the capture of Minova, Saké and Goma.

    We, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America and the High Representative of the European Union, strongly condemn the Rwanda-backed M23 offensive in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, and in particular, the capture of Minova, Saké and Goma. We urge M23 and the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) to cease their offensive in all directions. We call for the urgent protection of civilians.

    We also call for an end to all direct and indirect support to the M23 and all non-state armed groups in the DRC. This offensive constitutes a flagrant disregard for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC. We also condemn M23’s intention to continue expansion into South Kivu.

    This latest M23 offensive has led to a dramatic increase in displaced civilians in Goma and across eastern DRC, on top of the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people since the start of the M23 offensive in January. We deplore the devastating consequences of the renewed M23 and RDF offensive, worsening already difficult humanitarian conditions.

    G7 Foreign Ministers call for the rapid, safe and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief for civilians and reiterate that humanitarian personnel must be provided assurances of safety.

    We urge all parties to return to the negotiating table and honour their commitments under the Luanda Process. We urge the M23 to withdraw from all controlled areas. We also urge all parties to fully commit to a peaceful and negotiated resolution of the conflict.

    We reiterate our full support to the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) to protect civilians and stabilize the region and call on all parties to respect its mandate.

    Attacks against peacekeeping personnel are entirely unacceptable. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the fallen peacekeepers of MONUSCO and the Southern African Development Community Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (SAMIDRC).

    We strongly condemn all attacks against diplomatic missions in Kinshasa. We urge the Congolese authorities to take all appropriate steps to protect diplomats and the premises of diplomatic missions, as is their responsibility in accordance with international law.

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    Published 2 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 3, 2025

  • MIL-Evening Report: Albanese will pitch to blue collar men with heavy warnings on Dutton’s workplace policies

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

    Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in conversation with Michelle Grattan.

    Anthony Albanese has outlined his pitch to improve his and his government’s standing among men, as he insists he can hold onto majority government at the election to be held in April or May.

    In a wide-ranging interview on The Conversation’s Politics podcast, canvassing both his plans and current issues, the Prime Minister addresses the gender voter gap the polls have been showing, which is worrying Labor strategists.

    On a two-party basis, a December Essential poll had the Coalition on 51% among men, and Labor on 44%, with 4% undecided. Among women, Labor was on 49% and the Coalition on 46%, with 5% undecided.

    In a Resolve poll on preferred prime minister, Peter Dutton polled 40% among men, and Albanese 34%. Among women, Albanese was on 36% and Dutton on 31%.

    Albanese tells the podcast: “One of the things that we will be really campaigning very hard on is the impact on blue collar workers of the Coalition promises to get rid of same job, same pay [law], the definition of casual in employment [and] their plan to essentially go back to wages going backwards, not forwards.”

    Targeting younger voters

    As Labor crafts its election policy, Albanese also flags he is looking to do more for young people.

    Asked who he feels is being “left behind” in Australia at the moment, he points to the issue of “intergenerational equity”.

    “I think that young people feel like they’ve got the rough end of the pineapple compared with previous generations,” he says. This is “something I’m really conscious of”.

    Outlining what the government has done or announced already on student debt, housing supply, schools, the universities accord and free TAFE, he suggests there will be further policies targeted towards younger voters.

    The likeliest election dates

    Albanese confirms he has not locked in an election date. “We make decisions when we finalise them and I’ll consult,” he says.

    “But I’ve always said […] one of the problems with three year terms is that they are too short.”

    The speculation is the election will be either April 12, or one of the first three Saturdays in May, with May 17 the last practical date.

    April 12 would mean scrapping the scheduled March 25 budget. “We certainly are working to hand down a budget in March,” Albanese says. “The ERC [Expenditure Review Committee] will be meeting this week, as it met last week.”

    Asked whether he is confident he could still deliver his program if the election resulted in a minority Labor government, Albanese says: “I’m confident that we can achieve an ongoing majority government at this election. I think there are seats that we currently hold that we have good prospects in.”

    He names two Victorian Liberal seats he had just visited – Menzies and Deakin – among those he believes Labor can win from the Coalition. (After the redistribution, Menzies is notionally a Labor seat by a tiny margin.)

    Watching for a rate cut and trade wars

    Asked when Australia might come out of the present per capital recession, Albanese says things are “heading in a positive direction”, but does not nominate a time.

    He sounds confident about interest rates falling soon:

    All of the economic commentators are saying that that is the most likely prediction of markets. It’s not up to me as prime minister to tell the independent Reserve Bank what to do, but I’m certain that we have created the conditions through, as well as our responsible economic management, producing two budget surpluses – the massive turnaround that we have seen, compared with what the Morrison 2022 budget handed down by the Coalition […] was predicting.

    Prompted about the Reserve Bank’s next meeting on February 18, he says “I’m certainly conscious of that date”.

    With United States President Donald Trump slapping tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China while foreshadowing wider tariffs, Albanese recalls his phone conversation after Trump was elected, in which he reminded the incoming president that America has a trade surplus with Australia. Australia would “put our arguments forward very clearly” if it faced the threat of tariffs, Albanese says.

    Looking ahead

    Looking ahead to this fortnight’s parliamentary sitting, Albanese confirmed to The Conversation that he will not proceed with the Nature Positive legislation. It had been strongly opposed by the Western Australian government, which has its election on March 8.

    But he hopes the Senate will pass the legislation for political donation and spending caps, indicating the government is willing to compromise to get the bill through.

    Looking to a second term, Albanese highlights in particular the opportunities presented by the energy transition.

    “We are positioned better than anywhere else in the world to benefit, in my view, from this transition that’s occurring.”

    He contrasts Dutton’s energy plan, which he describes as a “myopic vision” to make Australia smaller.

    “I want Australia to be more successful, to be enlarged in our optimism and our vision. And I want to lead a government that does that.”

    Michelle Grattan 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. Albanese will pitch to blue collar men with heavy warnings on Dutton’s workplace policies – https://theconversation.com/albanese-will-pitch-to-blue-collar-men-with-heavy-warnings-on-duttons-workplace-policies-248851

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    February 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Baldwin Slams Trump’s Tariffs for Raising Prices on Families, and Hurting Farmers and Manufacturers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin
    Published: 02.01.2025
    Baldwin: “Families across the country are going to be paying more out of their wallets from the gas pump and the grocery store – and it will only get worse when retaliation hits”

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) released the following statement on President Donald Trump’s announcement of across-the-board 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico and a 10% additional tariff on imports from China.
    “When it comes to the high-level goals of tackling the fentanyl epidemic and securing our border, President Trump and I agree. We have to do both. Tariffs are an important tool to crack down on other countries’ unfair practices, and one I have long supported using. But the tariffs the President announced today will force Wisconsin families to pay the price. Industries where people grow things and make things – like Wisconsin’s iconic farming and manufacturing sectors – are going to be crushed by this. Families across the country are going to be paying more out of their wallets from the gas pump and the grocery store – and it will only get worse when retaliation hits. If President Trump is going to impose these broad tariffs on our closest trading partners, he needs to do it with a real plan to address retaliation and make sure costs aren’t passed on to hardworking Wisconsinites – but right now, none of those are in place and it’s Wisconsinites and our economy that will suffer the consequences.”
    Senator Baldwin has long worked to crack down on other countries exploiting trade loopholes that undermine our manufacturers, farmers, and producers, and also bring illicit drugs like fentanyl into the United States. Last year, Senator Baldwin led her colleagues in calling on the Biden Administration to support a group of families’ petition under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 to hold China accountable for its role in actively supporting the production and export of fentanyl into the United States. Senator Baldwin also led her colleagues in support of the United Steelworkers Section 301 petition to launch an investigation into China’s unfair trade practices in the commercial shipbuilding industry that undermine American workers and jeopardize our national security.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed Statement On President Trump’s Price-Raising Tariffs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

    PROVIDENCE, RI – Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed issued the following statement on President Trump’s announcement that he will impose tariffs on goods from Canada, Mexico, and China:

    “I am focused on bringing prices down, but Donald Trump isn’t. Trump’s tariffs and economic policies are likely to make things like groceries and construction more expensive and place a burden on working families.  There’s no economic or strategic reason to put 25 percent tariffs on Canada and Mexico, while letting China – an actual economic and strategic challenger – face a 10 percent tariff. It’s just another piece of his chaos agenda.

    “It’s unclear how effective these tariffs will be, but it’s already clear that American consumers will take a financial hit.  This is a de facto ‘Trump tax’ and it will cost Americans in every state. 

    “President Trump should take a smarter, more balanced approach to our economy that focuses on helping American families and creating opportunities for sustainable growth.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Using the taxonomy for indicators related to the SDGs – Virtual Side Event to the 55th session of the UN Statistical Commission

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    The global effort to achieve the 2030 Agenda is in constant need of better data and statistics. The 2030 Agenda encourages complementing the global indicator framework with additional indicators that are particularly relevant in the regional or national context. There are multiple ways of measuring progress towards SDGs, but which indicators to choose and how to measure might prove challenging.

    KS – the Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities initiated the project “A taxonomy for indicators related to the Sustainable Development Goals”. The taxonomy is all about helping users including policymakers, local and national administrations in choosing indicators that could support them in measuring progress towards the SDGs depending on their own context and priorities. The taxonomy was developed in 2021 by Statistics Norway, in a research and development project funded by KS.

    A taxonomy is a system for classification, a set of rules for arranging and creating order, but not just for the sake of sorting. A taxonomy should also provide a context and a purpose for arranging something. As such, the first purpose of this taxonomy is to sort, evaluate and compare different SDG indicators and indicator sets, but more importantly to identify their central properties and characteristics necessary for a user to assess if the indicators are useful in the user’s context. In the taxonomy these central characteristics are organized under three dimensions:

    • Goal; which tells us what an indicator is about, i.e., which SDG goals and targets, and which TBL (Triple Bottom Line) it may be related to.
    • Perspective; which clarifies why or in which context the indicator is used (the user’s perspective).
    • Quality; which measures how useful the indicator is, in other words, if it is fit-for-purpose. 

    The taxonomy is available from Statistics Norway’s website and in this illustration. 

    The UNECE Statistical Division and Statistics Norway, in partnership with the CES Steering Group on Statistics for SDGs, are organizing this virtual side-event to the 55th UN Statistical Commission on 6 February where the taxonomy is presented alongside examples of use at the sub-regional level in Norway presented by KS. 

    The event gave an overview of the taxonomy and its key features. Examples of how different indicators sets have been classified using the taxonomy will be shown and there will be opportunities for the participants to ask questions and discuss technical and conceptual questions about the taxonomy and its use.

    The event had 100 virtual participants.

    Moderator:

    Jonathan Gessendorfer – Associate Statistician, UNECE Statistical Division

    Speakers:

    Anne Romsaas – Chief SDG Adviser, The Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities (KS)

    Li Chun Zhang – Senior Researcher, Statistics Norway and Professor of Social Statistics at University of Southampton

    Luis González Morales – Chief, Data Innovation Section, UNSD

    Geir Graff – Innovation adviser, Asker Municipality, Norway

    Jørn Kristian Undelstvedt – Special adviser, Statistics Norway

    Cara Williams – Assistant director, Statistics Canada and co-chair of the IAEG-SDGs.

    Presentations:

    Complete webinar slide deck

    Webinar recording

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    February 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lt. Gov. Kelly Announces Winners of 2nd Annual New Venture Competition

    Source: US State of Nebraska

    . Gov. Kelly Announces Winners of 2nd Annual New Venture Competition

     

    LINCOLN, NE – Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelly awarded prizes to three teams of aspiring college entrepreneurs through the 2nd Annual Nebraska Governor’s New Venture Competition. Awardees were announced during Thursday’s Nebraska Business Hall of Fame banquet at the Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel. Ten teams were selected as semi-finalists. The winners, prize amounts and a description of each project follow:

     

    First Place: Golden Garden Compost, UNO, $20,000 prize

                Golden Garden Compost creates premium organic compost for home gardeners using efficient production and innovative marketing to maximize profits.

     

    Second Place: brAIn Rot, UNL, $15,000 prize

                brAIn Rot is an educational platform that helps developers enhance their coding skills by solving real world puzzles and competing in coding contests.

     

    Third Place: IndoFilm, UNL, $10,000 prize

                InfoFilm helps share the impactful stories within the agriculture industry through videography, product photography, branding photography and social media management. 

     

    “This program is a great opportunity to publicize and support Nebraska-based ideas with world-changing potential,” said Lt. Gov. Kelly. “This year’s pool of finalists brought a variety of ideas to impact education, healthcare, agriculture, AI and other significant areas. They are risk takers willing to put in the long hours for the potential rewards of starting a new venture and watching it blossom.” 

     

    Governor Jim Pillen created the competition in 2023 to showcase and encourage student-led entrepreneurship. The competition is designed for contemplated and pre-seed businesses. Applicants must designate how their business falls into one of nine industry tracks: Agtech, Fintech/Insurtech, Cleantech, Advanced Manufacturing, Biotech/Healthtech, Emerging Media Arts, Sportstech, General Tech and the Bioeconomy. Submissions must have been received by Dec. 15, 2024. 

     

    This year, 15 teams – including undergraduate and graduate students – submitted proposals. Participating teams hailed from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln (UNL), University of Nebraska – Omaha (UNO), University of Nebraska – Kearney (UNK) and Metro Community College (MCC). The 15 teams made their initial pitch virtually to a panel of judges representing Flyover Capital, Nebraska Innovation Labs, Nelnet Ventures, Redbud VC and Tech Nebraska. Judges evaluated each project and whittled the group to 10 semi-finalists. 

     

    “Starting a business is hard enough but starting a business while also attending college is extremely challenging due to time constraints and academic obligations,” said Dan Hoffman, CEO of Invest Nebraska. “Nebraska’s entrepreneurial ecosystem of startup founders, funders, and service providers are excited to mentor and support these young teams as they begin their entrepreneurial journey.”

     

    Semi-finalist teams were mentored leading up to their final project presentation yesterday during the Nebraska State Chamber of Commerce annual meeting. The judges, from Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development, MOVE Venture Capital, Nelnet, Nave Analytics, Nebraska Public Power District and Workshop, selected the awardees. 

     

    “I appreciate that Governor Pillen is prioritizing entrepreneurship as a key economic development strategy,” said Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) Director K.C. Belitz. “The New Venture Competition is a great way to showcase and encourage the inventiveness of Nebraska’s rising generation. Across the state, we’re building an entrepreneurial ecosystem to support young Nebraskans in turning their ideas into successful businesses.”

     

    “Congratulations to the 15 teams of students who shared their ideas for pursuing an entrepreneurial opportunity and competed in the New Venture Competition,” added Nebraska Chamber President Bryan Slone.  “We’re always excited to support the next generation of Nebraska business professionals and it was exciting to watch these young entrepreneurs reach new heights.”

     

    Sponsors for the New Venture Competition include the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD), Omaha Public Power District (OPPD), Invest Nebraska, Nebraska Diplomats, Nebraska Economic Developers Association (NEDA) and the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED).

     

    For more information about the Governor’s New Venture Competition, visit the contest’s website: https://negovnewventure.com.

     

    First Place Team Golden Garden Compost of the University of Nebraska – Omaha

    Second Place Team brAIn Rot of the University of Nebraska – Lincoln

    Third Place Team InfoFilm of the University of Nebraska – Lincoln

    Photos by Sam Rice

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Imposing Duties to Address the Flow of Illicit Drugs Across Our National Border

    Source: The White House

         By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) (IEEPA), the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.) (NEA), section 604 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (19 U.S.C. 2483), and section 301 of title 3, United States Code,

    I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, find that the sustained influx of illicit opioids and other drugs has profound consequences on our Nation, endangering lives and putting a severe strain on our healthcare system, public services, and communities.

    This challenge threatens the fabric of our society.  Gang members, smugglers, human traffickers, and illicit drugs of all kinds have poured across our borders and into our communities.  Canada has played a central role in these challenges, including by failing to devote sufficient attention and resources or meaningfully coordinate with United States law enforcement partners to effectively stem the tide of illicit drugs.

    Drug trafficking organizations (DTOs) are the world’s leading producers of fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and other illicit drugs, and they cultivate, process, and distribute massive quantities of narcotics that fuel addiction and violence in communities across the United States.  These DTOs often collaborate with transnational cartels to smuggle illicit drugs into the United States, utilizing clandestine airstrips, maritime routes, and overland corridors. 

    The challenges at our southern border are foremost in the public consciousness, but our northern border is not exempt from these issues.  Criminal networks are implicated in human trafficking and smuggling operations, enabling unvetted illegal migration across our northern border.  There is also a growing presence of Mexican cartels operating fentanyl and nitazene synthesis labs in Canada.  The flow of illicit drugs like fentanyl to the United States through both illicit distribution networks and international mail — due, in the case of the latter, to the existing administrative exemption from duty and taxes, also known as de minimis, under section 1321 of title 19, United States Code — has created a public health crisis in the United States, as outlined in the Presidential Memorandum of January 20, 2025 (America First Trade Policy) and Executive Order 14157 of January 20, 2025 (Designating Cartels and Other Organizations as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists).  With respect to smuggling of illicit drugs across our northern border, Canada’s Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre recently published a study on the laundering of proceeds of illicit synthetic opioids, which recognized Canada’s heightened domestic production of fentanyl, largely from British Columbia, and its growing footprint within international narcotics distribution.  Despite a North American dialogue on the public health impacts of illicit drugs since 2016, Canadian officials have acknowledged that the problem has only grown.  And while U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) within the Department of Homeland Security seized, comparatively, much less fentanyl from Canada than from Mexico last year, fentanyl is so potent that even a very small parcel of the drug can cause many deaths and destruction to America families.  In fact, the amount of fentanyl that crossed the northern border last year could kill 9.5 million Americans.

    Immediate action is required to finally end this public health crisis and national emergency, which will not happen unless the compliance and cooperation of Canada is assured.

    I hereby determine and order:

         Section 1.  (a)  As President of the United States, my highest duty is the defense of the country and its citizens.  A Nation without borders is not a nation at all.  I will not stand by and allow our sovereignty to be eroded, our laws to be trampled, our citizens to be endangered, or our borders to be disrespected anymore.

    I previously declared a national emergency with respect to the grave threat to the United States posed by the influx of illegal aliens and illicit drugs into the United States in Proclamation 10886 of January 20, 2025 (Declaring a National Emergency at the Southern Border).  Pursuant to the NEA, I hereby expand the scope of the national emergency declared in that Proclamation to cover the threat to the safety and security of Americans, including the public health crisis of deaths due to the use of fentanyl and other illicit drugs, and the failure of Canada to do more to arrest, seize, detain, or otherwise intercept DTOs, other drug and human traffickers, criminals at large, and drugs.  In addition, this failure to act on the part of Canada constitutes an unusual and extraordinary threat, which has its source in substantial part outside the United States, to the national security and foreign policy of the United States.  I hereby declare and reiterate a national emergency under the NEA and IEEPA to deal with that threat.  This national emergency requires decisive and immediate action, and I have decided to impose, consistent with law, ad valorem tariffs on articles that are products of Canada set forth in this order.  In doing so, I invoke my authority under section 1702(a)(1)(B) of IEEPA and specifically find that action under other authority to impose tariffs is inadequate to address this unusual and extraordinary threat.

         Sec. 2.  (a)  All articles that are products of Canada as defined by the Federal Register notice described in subsection (e) of this section (Federal Register notice), and except for those products described in subsection (b) of this section, shall be, consistent with law, subject to an additional 25 percent ad valorem rate of duty.  Such rate of duty shall apply with respect to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern time on February 4, 2025, except that goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, after such time that were loaded onto a vessel at the port of loading or in transit on the final mode of transport prior to entry into the United States before 12:01 a.m. eastern time on February 1, 2025, shall not be subject to such additional duty, only if the importer certifies to CBP as specified in the Federal Register notice. 

    (b)  With respect to energy or energy resources, as defined in section 8 of Executive Order 14156 of January 20, 2025 (Declaring a National Energy Emergency), and as otherwise included in the Federal Register notice, such articles that are products of Canada as defined by the Federal Register notice shall be, consistent with law, subject to an additional 10 percent ad valorem rate of duty.  Such rate of duty shall apply with respect to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern time on February 4, 2025, except that goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, after such time that were loaded onto a vessel at the port of loading or in transit on the final mode of transport prior to entry into the United States before 12:01 a.m. eastern time on February 1, 2025, shall not be subject to such additional duty, only if the importer certifies to CBP as specified in the Federal Register notice.  

    (c)  The rates of duty established by this order are in addition to any other duties, fees, exactions, or charges applicable to such imported articles. 

    (d)  Should Canada retaliate against the United States in response to this action through import duties on United States exports to Canada or similar measures, the President may increase or expand in scope the duties imposed under this order to ensure the efficacy of this action.

    (e)  In order to establish the duty rate on imports of articles that are products of Canada, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall determine the modifications necessary to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) in order to effectuate this order consistent with law and shall make such modifications to the HTSUS through notice in the Federal Register.  The modifications made to the HTSUS by this notice shall be effective with respect to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern time on February 4, 2025, and shall continue in effect until such actions are expressly reduced, modified, or terminated.

    (f)  Articles that are products of Canada, except those that are eligible for admission under “domestic status” as defined in 19 CFR 146.43, which are subject to the duties imposed by this order and are admitted into a United States foreign trade zone on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern time on February 4, 2025, except as otherwise noted in subsections (a) and (b) of this section, must be admitted as “privileged foreign status” as defined in 19 CFR 146.41.  Such articles will be subject upon entry for consumption to the rates of duty related to the classification under the applicable HTSUS subheading in effect at the time of admittance into the United States foreign trade zone. 

    (g)  No drawback shall be available with respect to the duties imposed pursuant to this order. 

    (h)  For avoidance of doubt, duty-free de minimis treatment under 19 U.S.C. 1321 shall not be available for the articles described in subsection (a) and subsection (b) of this section.

         (i)  Any prior Presidential Proclamation, Executive Order, or other Presidential directive or guidance related to trade with Canada that is inconsistent with the direction in this order is hereby terminated, suspended, or modified to the extent necessary to give full effect to this order. 

         (j)  The articles described in subsection (a) and subsection (b) of this section shall exclude those encompassed by 50 U.S.C. 1702(b).

         Sec. 3.  (a)  The Secretary of Homeland Security shall regularly consult with the Secretary of State, the Attorney General, the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, and the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security on the situation at our northern border.  The Secretary of Homeland Security shall inform the President of any circumstances that, in the opinion of the Secretary of Homeland Security, indicate that the Government of Canada has taken adequate steps to alleviate this public health crisis through cooperative enforcement actions.  Upon the President’s determination of sufficient action to alleviate the crisis, the tariffs described in section 2 of this order shall be removed.

    (b)  The Secretary of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Secretary of State, the Attorney General, the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, and the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security, shall recommend additional action, if necessary, should the Government of Canada fail to take adequate steps to alleviate the illegal migration and illicit drug crises through cooperative enforcement actions.

         Sec. 4.  The Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, the Attorney General, and the Secretary of Commerce, is hereby authorized to take such actions, including adopting rules and regulations, and to employ all powers granted to the President by IEEPA as may be necessary to implement this order.  The Secretary of Homeland Security may, consistent with applicable law, redelegate any of these functions within the Department of Homeland Security.  All executive departments and agencies shall take all appropriate measures within their authority to implement this order.

         Sec. 5.  The Secretary of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Secretary of the Treasury, the Attorney General, the Secretary of Commerce, the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, and the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security, is hereby authorized to submit recurring and final reports to the Congress on the national emergency under IEEPA declared in this order, consistent with section 401(c) of the NEA (50 U.S.C. 1641(c)) and section 204(c) of IEEPA (50 U.S.C. 1703(c)).

         Sec. 6.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

    (i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department, agency, or the head thereof; or

    (ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

    (b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

    (c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

    THE WHITE HOUSE,

        February 1, 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: US imposes 10 percent tariff on Chinese goods

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Saturday to impose a 10-percent tariff on goods imported from China. The latest U.S. trade protectionist measure has drawn widespread opposition both domestically and internationally.

    The White House said the 10-percent tariff is on all imports from China on top of existing tariffs. Trump says the tariffs dovetail with his embrace of protectionist measures.

    Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning has said that China always believes that there is no winner in a trade war or tariff war, and remains steadfast in safeguarding its national interests. Spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce He Yadong said China’s position on the tariff issue is consistent. Tariff measures are not conducive to the interests of either China or the United States, nor to the rest of the world, He said.

    According to the executive order, the United States also imposed a 25-percent tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada. For energy products from Canada, the administration imposed a 10-percent tariff. 

    MIL OSI China News –

    February 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Shaheen Condemns President Trump’s Sweeping Tariffs on Canada and Mexico that Will Raise Costs for Americans and Businesses

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen
    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today released the following statement in response to President Trump imposing sweeping 25 percent tariffs on imported goods from Canada and Mexico, which economists have warned could stoke further inflation, slow economic growth and raise prices on consumers: 
    “Putting far-reaching tariffs on our neighbors and close trading partners is going to spike costs for our families, businesses and workers. It’s a fact that hardworking American consumers and small businesses will be forced to foot the bill of the President’s price hikes, not foreign countries. 
    “Because of this misguided, politically motivated action, the cost of everything from cars and gas to housing and groceries will increase—and Americans struggling to make ends meet will be hit the hardest. While that might not matter to Donald Trump and his entourage of billionaires, it matters deeply to the people in my state. 
    “As always, I stand ready to work with anyone to make life more affordable. It’s a shame that the President has chosen to play politics instead of delivering for the families we serve.” 
    Yesterday, Shaheen led the New Hampshire Congressional delegation in urging the President not to place sweeping tariffs on imports, especially from our Canadian and Mexican neighbors, citing how it would dramatically increase costs for families and small businesses across the Granite State.  
    Earlier this year, Shaheen introduced new legislation with U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) to shield American businesses and consumers from rising prices imposed by tariffs on imported goods into the United States. The Senators’ legislation would keep costs down for imported goods by limiting the authority of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA)—which allows a President to immediately place unlimited tariffs after declaring a national emergency—while preserving IEEPA’s use for sanctions and other tools.   
    After the November election, a multitude of business leaders warned that if the President placed sweeping tariffs as promised, they’d be forced to raise prices on consumers. The CEO of Best Buy said, “the vast majority of that tariff will probably be passed on to the consumer as a price increase.” The CFO of Walmart said, “there will probably be cases where prices will go up for consumers.” The CEO of Columbia Sportswear said, “we’re set to raise prices” and “it’s going to be very, very difficult to keep products affordable.” The CEO of AutoZone said, “if we get tariffs, we will pass those tariff costs back to the consumer.” The President of Texas-based Lipow Oil Associates said, “The prices at the pump are going to go up.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Imposes Tariffs on Imports from Canada, Mexico and China

    Source: The White House

    ADDRESSING AN EMERGENCY SITUATION: The extraordinary threat posed by illegal aliens and drugs, including deadly fentanyl, constitutes a national emergency under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

    • Until the crisis is alleviated, President Donald J. Trump is implementing a 25% additional tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico and a 10% additional tariff on imports from China.  Energy resources from Canada will have a lower 10% tariff.
    • President Trump is taking bold action to hold Mexico, Canada, and China accountable to their promises of halting illegal immigration and stopping poisonous fentanyl and other drugs from flowing into our country.
    • The orders make clear that the flow of contraband drugs like fentanyl to the United States, through illicit distribution networks, has created a national emergency, including a public health crisis. Chinese officials have failed to take the actions necessary to stem the flow of precursor chemicals to known criminal cartels and shut down money laundering by transnational criminal organizations.
      • In addition, the Mexican drug trafficking organizations have an intolerable alliance with the government of Mexico. The government of Mexico has afforded safe havens for the cartels to engage in the manufacturing and transportation of dangerous narcotics, which collectively have led to the overdose deaths of hundreds of thousands of American victims. This alliance endangers the national security of the United States, and we must eradicate the influence of these dangerous cartels.
      • There is also a growing presence of Mexican cartels operating fentanyl and nitazene synthesis labs in Canada.  A recent study recognized Canada’s heightened domestic production of fentanyl, and its growing footprint within international narcotics distribution

    USING OUR LEVERAGE TO ENSURE AMERICANS’ SAFETY: Previous Administrations failed to fully leverage America’s economic position as a tool to secure our borders against illegal migration and combat the scourge of fentanyl, preferring to let problems fester.

    • Access to the American market is a privilege. The United States has one of the most open economies in the world, and the lowest average tariff rates in the world.
    • While trade accounts for 67% of Canada’s GDP, 73% of Mexico’s GDP, and 37% of China’s GDP, it accounts for only 24% of U.S. GDP. However, in 2023 the U.S. trade deficit in goods was the world’s largest at over $1 trillion.
    • Tariffs are a powerful, proven source of leverage for protecting the national interest.  President Trump is using the tools at hand and taking decisive action that puts Americans’ safety and our national security first.
    • Though previous Administrations have failed to leverage America’s combination of exceptional strength and its unique role in world trade to advance the security interests of the American people, President Trump has not.

    PRESIDENT TRUMP IS KEEPING HIS PROMISE TO STOP THE FLOOD OF ILLEGAL ALIENS AND DRUGS: When voters overwhelmingly elected Donald J. Trump as President, they gave him a mandate to seal the border. That is exactly what he is doing.

    • The Biden Administration’s policies have fueled the worst border crisis in U.S. history.
    • More than 10 million illegal aliens attempted to enter the United States under Biden’s leadership, including a rising number of Chinese nationals and people on the terror watchlist.
    • This problem is not confined to the southern border – encounters at the northern border with Canada are rising as well.
    • The sustained influx of illegal aliens has profound consequences on every aspect of our national life – overwhelming our schools, lowering our wages, reducing our housing supply and raising rents, overcrowding our hospitals, draining our welfare system, and causing crime.  
    • Gang members, smugglers, human traffickers, and illegal drugs and narcotics of all kinds are pouring across our borders and into our communities.
      • Last fiscal year, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) apprehended more than 21,000 pounds of fentanyl at our borders, enough fentanyl to kill more than 4 billion people.
      • It is estimated that federal officials are only able to seize a fraction of the fentanyl smuggled across the southern border.  
    • These drugs kill tens of thousands of Americans each year, including 75,000 deaths per year attributed to fentanyl alone.
      • More Americans are dying from fentanyl overdoses each year than the number of American lives lost in the entirety of the Vietnam War.

    BUILDING ON PAST SUCCESS: President Trump continues to demonstrate his commitment to ensuring U.S. trade policy serves the national interest.

    • As President Trump said in the Presidential Memorandum on American First Trade Policy, trade policy is a critical component in national security.
    • President Trump promised in November to “sign all necessary documents to charge Mexico and Canada a 25% Tariff on ALL products coming into the United States, and its ridiculous Open Borders. This Tariff will remain in effect until such time as Drugs, in particular Fentanyl, and all Illegal Aliens stop this Invasion of our Country!”
    • During his first term as President of the United States, President Trump established the President’s Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis and declared the Opioid Crisis a public health emergency.
    • President Trump also has a long record of putting America first on trade. In his first term, President Trump successfully used threats of tariffs on Mexico to help secure our border.
    • When our national security was threatened by a global oversupply of steel and aluminum, President Trump took swift action to protect America’s national security by implementing tariffs on imports of these goods.
    • In response to China’s intellectual property theft, forced technology transfer, and other unreasonable behavior, President Trump acted with conviction to impose tariffs on imports from China, using that leverage to reach a historic bilateral economic agreement.
    • Just last week, President Trump leveraged tariffs to successfully resolve national security concerns with Colombia, swiftly reaching an outcome that prioritizes the safety and security of the American people and the sanctity of our national borders.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Readout of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s Calls With Mexico’s Secretary of National Defense and Secretary of the Navy

    Source: United States Department of Defense

    Department of Defense Spokesman John Ullyot provided the following readout:

    On January 31, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth had constructive introductory calls with Mexico’s Secretary of National Defense, General Ricardo Trevilla Trejo, and Secretary of the Navy, Admiral Raymundo Morales Angeles, to discuss U.S. national security interests and our countries’ defense cooperation. Secretary Hegseth underscored that his top priority is to safeguard the United States and its citizens, to include securing the southern border. The Secretary highlighted the importance of Mexico’s armed forces continuing to disrupt cartel activities that threaten the United States, and for Mexico to continue taking steps to curb illegal migration into the United States. In both calls, the Secretary and his Mexican counterparts reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation between our militaries. They also agreed that they and their staffs will maintain close communication and coordination with each other to protect the citizens and territories of both nations.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Premier announces immediate response, vows to defend B.C. against Trump tariffs

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Premier David Eby is announcing immediate counter-measures to stand up for B.C.’s workers and businesses after the United States announced incoming 25% tariffs on Canadian goods and 10% tariffs on energy.

    “President Trump’s 25% tariffs are a complete betrayal of the historic bond between our countries and a declaration of economic war against a trusted ally,” said Premier Eby. “As British Columbians, and as Canadians, we will stand strong and united in the face of this unprecedented attack.”

    As a first step in response to the tariffs, Premier Eby announced immediate measures, including:

    • directing the BC Liquor Distribution Branch to immediately stop buying American liquor from “red states”, and remove the top-selling “red-state” brands from the shelves of public liquor stores; and
    • directing the B.C. government and Crown corporations to buy Canadian goods and services first.

    The Province is assessing private-sector projects worth $20 billion with the goal of getting them approved as quickly as possible, and issuing their permits faster. These are expected to create 6,000 jobs in remote and rural communities. In addition, the Province has vowed to support and help implement the actions being taken by the federal government.  

    Premier Eby added that additional measures are under consideration by B.C. and could be introduced in the coming days and weeks.

    “We won’t back down or be bullied into becoming another state,” said Premier Eby. “Our province is unified and resolute. We’ll never stop standing up for B.C. and Canada.”

    In January 2025, B.C. released its preliminary assessment of 25% tariffs. That analysis showed that B.C. could see a cumulative loss of $69 billion in economic activity between 2025 and 2028, along with the loss of more than 120,000 jobs. Estimates also indicated 25% tariffs on Canadian mineral exports alone will cost American companies over US$11 billion and have a profound effect on the U.S. defense industry, energy production, and manufacturing.

    The B.C. government has a three-point approach to fight back against the tariffs and protect British Columbians:

    1. respond to U.S. tariffs with tough counter-actions and outreach to American decision-makers;
    2. strengthen B.C.’s economy by expediting projects and supporting industry and workers; and
    3. diversify trade markets for products so British Columbia is less reliant on U.S. markets and customers.

    To support B.C.’s strong tariff response and ensure actions are swift, responsive and co-ordinated, Premier Eby has established a trade and economic security task force to bring together business, labour and Indigenous leadership. The task force is co-chaired by Tamara Vrooman from the Vancouver International Airport, Jonathan Price from Teck, Bridgitte Anderson from the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, and includes B.C.’s largest business organizations.

    A new cabinet committee will act as a day-to-day war room, co-ordinating the whole-of-government approach the Province is taking to protect B.C.’s workers, businesses and economy.

    Quick Facts:

    • 54% of BC exports in 2023 were sent to the United States;
    • Wood, pulp and paper, metallic mineral and energy products combined make up approximately 67% of total goods exports.
    • The top five states for B.C.’s exports were: Washington ($9.8 billion), California ($3.2 billion), Illinois ($2.1 billion), Texas ($1.5 billion), Oregon ($1.3 billion)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    February 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen: “President Trump has effectively enacted a new tax on Americans”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) released the following statement after the Trump Administration announced that President Trump is implementing a 25% across-the-board tariff on imported goods from Mexico and Canada, the top trading partners for the United States.
    “President Trump has effectively enacted a new tax on Americans for anything imported from Canada and Mexico,” said Senator Rosen. “His across-the-board tariffs are going to drive up costs for hardworking families on essential items, including groceries and housing. At a time when Nevadans are already being squeezed by high costs, this action is only going to hurt families.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: IAM Union: U.S. Tariffs on Canada Hurt Workers in Both Countries, Weaken Alliance in Trade Fight Against China, Others

    Source: US GOIAM Union

    WASHINGTON, Feb. 1, 2025 — Brian Bryant, International President of the 600,000-member IAM Union, and David Chartrand, IAM Canadian General Vice President, issued the following statement in response to President Donald Trump imposing a 25% tariff on all Canadian goods imported into the United States:

    “The IAM is a strong advocate of trade policy that helps protect and grow jobs in the United States and Canada. This includes both nations working as allies, not enemies, with regards to policy to combat illegal trade practices by countries such as China.

    “The IAM represents hundreds of thousands of members in the aerospace, defense and other manufacturing sectors in both countries. Many IAM members work at companies that rely heavily on integrated supply chains between the U.S. and Canada.”

    “The blanket 25% tariffs on all Canadian goods imported to the U.S., will result in job losses, increased prices, and a variety of other negative impacts. This trade war action is unjust and should be reconsidered. 

    “As we’ve stated in the past, the IAM supports tariffs when used properly. Tariffs are just one tool in the toolbox to combat wrongdoing by nations, such as China, that cheat global trade rules for an unfair advantage of the U.S. and Canada.

    “The U.S. and Canada have a longstanding history of being close allies and working collaboratively to help level the global playing field. The Trump administration’s imposing across-the-board tariffs on Canadian imports could reverse this partnership and ultimately lead to job losses for both nations.” 

    The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is one of North America’s largest and most diverse industrial trade unions, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries across the United States and Canada.

    goIAM.org | @MachinistsUnion

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    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Statement on American Tariffs

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    NOTE: The following is a statement from Premier Tim Houston.

    It’s remarkable to find ourselves at odds with our best friend and neighbour.

    It will take thoughtfulness and time, but we will get through this. There are things within our control that we must act on. We must ramp up our focus on finding new markets here at home with programs like Nova Scotia Loyal, focus on developing our own resources, eliminate inter-provincial trade barriers and, finally, of course, look for international diversification.

    We will do these things and no matter what, I will do everything I can to protect the interests of hard-working Nova Scotians and their families.

    Nova Scotians are my concern.

    We are anxious to understand the federal government’s plans for programs to support Nova Scotians, and we will also do what we can but it is too early to determine exactly what is necessary.

    In response to U.S. tariffs, the following are the steps we will take.

    First, Nova Scotia will limit access to provincial procurement for American businesses. We will look for opportunities to cancel existing contracts and will maintain the option to reject bids outright because of President Trump’s unlawful tariffs.

    Second, the cost of tolls at the Cobequid Pass will double for commercial vehicles from the United States, effective Monday, February 3.

    Finally, we will direct the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation to remove all alcohol from the United States from their shelves effective Tuesday, February 4.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    February 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Response to U.S. tariffs: Premier Smith

    “I am disappointed with U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to place tariffs on all Canadian goods. This decision will harm Canadians and Americans alike and strain the important relationship and alliance between our two nations.

    “Alberta will do everything in its power to convince the U.S. President and Congress, as well as the American people, to reverse this mutually destructive policy.

    “We note the reduced 10 per cent tariff for Canadian energy. That is partially a recognition of the advocacy undertaken by our government and industry to the U.S. Administration. We’ve pointed outthe substantial wealth created in the U.S. by American companies and tens of thousands of American workers who upgrade and refine approximately $100 billion of Canadian crude into $300 billion of product sold all over the world by those same U.S. companies.

    “It is also worth noting that if oil and gas exports are excluded, the United States actually sells more to Canada than Canada sells to the U.S. As I’ve stated to every American policymaker I’ve met with in these past months, Canada buys more from the U.S. than does any country on earth – more than the U.K., France, Germany, Italy and Vietnam combined. There is, therefore, no economic justification for tariffs imposed on any Canadian goods.

    “Alberta will continue diplomatic efforts in the United States to persuade the U.S. President, lawmakers, administration officials and the American people to lift all tariffs on Canadian goods as soon as possible and to repair our relationship with the United States. I encourage all premiers and federal officials to do the same, especially as the effects of these tariffs begin to take their toll south of the border. Americans need to understand the detrimental consequences of this policy decision.

    “Alberta will also work collaboratively with the federal government and other provinces on a proportionate response to the imposed U.S. tariffs through the strategic use of Canadian import tariffs on U.S. goods that are more easily purchased from Canada and non-U.S. suppliers. This will minimize costs to Canadian consumers while creating maximum impact south of the border. All funds raised from such import tariffs should go directly to benefit the Canadians most harmed by the imposed U.S. tariffs.

    “Alberta will, however, continue to strenuously oppose any effort to ban exports to the U.S. or to tax our own people and businesses on goods leaving Canada for the United States. Such tactics would hurt Canadians far more than Americans.

    “We also continue Alberta’s call for the appointment of a border czar to coordinate the securing of our border against illegal migrants and drugs moving in both directions, and to achieve our nation’s two per cent of GDP NATO commitment by 2027. These things should be done for the safety of all Canadians regardless of our trade dispute with the United States

    “Despite the disappointment of today’s decision there is also an incredible opportunity before us as a nation. Canada can and must come together in an unprecedented effort to preserve the livelihoods and futures of our people and expand our political and trade relationships across the globe. We can no longer afford to be so heavily reliant on one primary customer. We must stop limiting our prosperity and inflicting economic wounds on ourselves.

    “Rather, we must unleash the true economic potential of our country, which possesses more wealth and natural resources than any other nation on earth.

    “To this end, Alberta calls on the federal government and our fellow provinces to immediately commence a national effort to fast track and build oil and gas pipelines to the east and west coasts of Canada, construct multiple LNG terminals on each coast, increase internal refining capacity, unleash the development of critical minerals, lower taxes, reduce red tape, tear down interprovincial trade barriers and re-empower provinces to develop our unique economies without constant federal interference and imposition of anti-resource development laws.

    “Our province and our nation can overcome the formidable economic challenges ahead. But we can only do so if we start acting like a healthy and functional country that supports every province to export their best resources and products to world markets, thereby achieving their unique potential. By so doing, Canada can become one of the most prosperous and powerful nations on earth. Alberta stands ready to do our part if this true Team Canada approach is taken.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    February 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Hochul Marches in Lunar New Year Parade

    Source: US State of New York

    Earlier today, Governor Kathy Hochul marched in the Flushing Chinese Business Association’s Lunar New Year parade.

    B-ROLL of the Governor during the parade can be found on YouTube here and in TV quality (h.264, mp4) format here.

    VIDEO: The event is available to stream on YouTube here and TV quality video is available here (h.264, mp4).

    AUDIO: The Governor’s remarks are available in audio form here.

    PHOTOS: The Governor’s Flickr page will post photos of the event here.

    A rush transcript of the Governor’s remarks is available below:

    Xin nian kuai le! I want to wish everyone a happy Lunar New Year. I just had a wonderful celebration meeting members of the community. We had some dance and celebration of culture, and I’m so proud to be Governor of a state where one out of 10 New Yorkers can claim Asian or AAPI descendance. It’s part of our vibrancy.

    Also, this past week was the first time ever in the history of our state that children could get a day off school to celebrate the Lunar New Year holiday with their families and to continue on embracing these great traditions.

    I also want to convey that we’re continuing our efforts to fight hate crimes against all peoples, but as we saw during the pandemic, there was a spike in Asian hate crimes. We want to make sure people know that we’ll do whatever we can to protect them. We’ve added more money to our Budget to give them the security they need to feel safe in their homes, but also on our streets and in our subways.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth Statement on U.S. Africa Command Strikes in Somalia

    Source: United States Department of Defense

    Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth statement on U.S. Africa Command strikes in Somalia.

    At President Trump’s direction and in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, I authorized U.S. Africa Command to conduct coordinated airstrikes today targeting ISIS-Somalia operatives in the Golis mountains.

    Our initial assessment is that multiple operatives were killed in the airstrikes and no civilians were harmed. This action further degrades ISIS’s ability to plot and conduct terrorist attacks threatening U.S. citizens, our partners, and innocent civilians and sends a clear signal that the United States always stands ready to find and eliminate terrorists who threaten the United States and our allies, even as we conduct robust border-protection and many other operations under President Trump’s leadership.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Eating Disorders Awareness Week: Minister Williams

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    February 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Black History Month: Minister Yaseen

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    February 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: IOM Statement on Rising Demands for Return Assistance

    Source: International Organization for Migration (IOM)

    Washington, 1 February 2025 – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) welcomes the United States’ commitment to resuming life-saving humanitarian activities. Secretary Rubio’s decision reinforces U.S. leadership in global humanitarian response, bringing stability and structure to complex displacement challenges.

    Amid rising demand for return assistance across Latin America and the Caribbean, IOM is expanding efforts to help migrants return home, reintegrate, and rebuild their lives. In Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and Panama, IOM has resumed its regional Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) programs, providing urgent support to vulnerable migrants who are unable or unwilling to remain where they are and need help to return home safely and with dignity. Working closely with governments and humanitarian partners, IOM ensures that returns are voluntary, sustainable and managed in a safe, orderly, and dignified manner. Recent weeks have seen a sharp increase in AVR requests, underscoring the program’s crucial role as a lifeline for stranded migrants.   

    In Haiti, where thousands are returned each week, IOM has long delivered a range of services to returned migrants, including urgent assistance on arrival, temporary shelter, and support to help returnees reintegrate into their communities. These efforts not only address immediate needs but also contribute to stability, security and the creation of alternatives to irregular migration. 

    IOM remains committed to ensuring returnees have access to reintegration opportunities— both individually and at community level – so they can rebuild their lives in their home country.  Over the past decades, IOM has facilitated the voluntary return of more than 1.5 million migrants globally, underscoring its longstanding commitment to sustainable return and reintegration as a cornerstone of sound migration management. 

     With decades of experience partnering with governments—including the United States as a founding member and its largest donor—IOM remains dedicated to addressing migration challenges through effective, principled, and needs-driven solutions. IOM looks forward to deepening its collaboration with the United States in the months and years ahead. 

    END

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    February 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Canada: New self-registration system for Sunshine Coast dock, boathouse owners goes live

    A new self-registration system is now available for private dock and boathouse owners in the marine area of the shíshálh swiya, offering a simple way to secure temporary authorization for existing structures.

    The system ensures that owners can continue to enjoy uninterrupted water access, while the Province and shíshálh Nation work on finalizing the shíshálh swiya Dock Management Plan (DMP) for the region.

    The self-registration system provides a seamless, straightforward process for residents to register their existing docks and boathouses quickly. Upon completion, owners will receive an interim general permission authorization, granting them continued use of their water structures during a transition period in which a review of self-registered docks and boathouses will occur before issuing a 20-year, long-term renewable authorization.

    Important information:

    • Eligibility: The self-registration system is mandatory for all existing private dock and boathouse owners in the marine area of the shíshálh swiya, regardless of whether their structures currently have tenure.
    • Temporary tenure: The general permission tenure provided upon registration ensures that owners can maintain access to their docks and boathouses during the transition period.
    • Long-term plans: Over the next three years, these temporary authorizations will be reviewed and eligible structures will be transitioned into long-term, 20-year renewable authorizations in alignment with the final DMP.
    • Environmental requirements: Starting September 2024, owners will have 10 years to replace Styrofoam flotation systems and float decking with environmentally friendly alternatives such as encapsulated or non-Styrofoam materials and light-penetrating decking options. In cases where Styrofoam is actively breaking apart, dock and boathouse owners will have two years to replace it with encapsulated Styrofoam or a non-Styrofoam flotation system that ensures light penetration through the structure to the sea floor.

    The self-registration system is only for existing marine private moorage docks and boathouses in the shíshálh swiya.

    Learn More:

    For other forms of moorage and information for those who have applications in queue for new structures, visit the Land use – moorage page.
    https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/crown-land-water/crown-land/crown-land-uses/residential-uses/private-moorage

    For more information about the registration process, future requirements, and the transition to long-term authorizations, refer to the Existing Dock and Boathouse Owners section in the swiya Fact Sheet:
    https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/farming-natural-resources-and-industry/natural-resource-use/land-water-use/crown-land/crown-land-uses/regional-initiatives/shishalh-shared-decision-making/factsheet.pdf  
    and the Frequently Asked Questions:
    https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/farming-natural-resources-and-industry/natural-resource-use/land-water-use/crown-land/crown-land-uses/regional-initiatives/shishalh-shared-decision-making/faqs_dmp.pdf

    To start the registration process, visit the Self-Registration System:
    https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/crown-land-water/crown-land/regional-crown-land-initiatives/pender-harbour-project

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    February 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Lamont Statement on Issuance of Temporary Restraining Order Preventing White House From Withholding Funding Allocated by Congress

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont released the following statement in response to the temporary restraining order issued late Friday afternoon by a federal judge in Rhode Island prohibiting the White House from imposing a blanket freeze on federal funding that has been appropriated by Congress until the court rules on a motion for a preliminary injunction:

    “This temporary court order is the right decision against an unprecedented, disorganized, and chaotic move to unilaterally cut off funding for healthcare, housing, road and bridge repairs, and so much more. I appreciate Attorney General Tong and the coalition of states that are fighting in court to ensure that the funds appropriated by Congress are delivered as intended under the law.”

    The temporary restraining order was issued as part of the lawsuit filed by Connecticut Attorney General William Tong and a coalition of 22 other states.

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren Presses Musk for Answers on His Role in Resignation of FAA Administrator

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    February 01, 2025

    Musk Repeatedly Attacked FAA Head after Agency Fined SpaceX

    “[T]he fact that FAA has no Senate-confirmed Administrator in place to lead the response provides a concrete example of how your self-interest may not be consistent with the public interest.”

    Text of Letter (PDF)

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) sent a letter to Elon Musk, Administrator of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), regarding his role in the resignation of the head of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Michael Whitaker, in the wake of the tragic plane crash in Washington, D.C.

    “This resignation—which you called for after the FAA fined your company for safety issues —has left this critical agency without leadership while facing significant challenges, including the tragic midair crash of American Eagle Flight 5342 and an Army Black Hawk helicopter that killed 67 individuals—including at least six from Massachusetts —on the approach to Washington Reagan National Airport,” wrote Senator Warren. 

    Despite having a term set to run through 2028, Mr. Whitaker resigned from the agency on January 20, 2025, in the aftermath of a series of  public attacks by Musk including calls for, “[Mr. Whitaker] … to resign.”

    “You got what you wanted after President Trump was elected,” wrote Senator Warren.

    Immediately after inauguration day, the Trump Administration took aim at the FAA and at airline safety, announcing a federal hiring freeze that included air traffic controllers, and disbanding the Aviation Safety Advisory Committee.

    “It is not clear what direct or indirect role you played in any of these decisions, but at a moment of crisis, with 67 dead, the FAA is understaffed and was without a Senate-confirmed leader,” continued the senator. “[T]he fact that FAA has no Senate-confirmed Administrator in place to lead the response provides a concrete example of how your self-interest may not be consistent with the public interest.”

    Senator Warren pushed Elon Musk for answers regarding his role in decisions made during the Trump transition or after January 20 about the FAA and airline safety, his current role in the Administration, and the ethics rules governing his actions.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Premier’s, minister’s, parliamentary secretaries’ statements on Black History Month

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Premier David Eby has issued the following statement celebrating Black History Month:

    “Black History Month is an opportunity for us all to learn about and celebrate the many and diverse contributions of Black people to our province.

    “In 1858, more than 800 Black settlers came north from California to Vancouver Island on the invitation of colonial governor James Douglas. They were promised equality under the law, as well as the right to vote and purchase property. Some settlers formed the Victoria Pioneer Rifle Corps, an all-Black police force.

    “One of the settlers, Mifflin Gibbs, was elected to Victoria council eight years later, becoming the first Black person to hold public office in British Columbia. He was a prominent voice in favour of the colony joining the Canadian Confederation. More than a century later, social worker Rosemary Brown became the first Black woman to be elected to the B.C. legislature. Emery Barnes, a former professional football player with the B.C. Lions, served as the province’s first Black Speaker of the legislative assembly.

    “A Black presence has been a constant in the province’s history, including descendants of the original immigrants. From salmon canner John Sullivan Deas to Emma Stark’s contributions as a school teacher to Seraphim Joe Fortes’ celebrated lifesaving to Barbara Howard on the track in the 1930s to Harry Jerome on the track in the 1960s to Eleanor Collins becoming the first Black entertainer in Canada to host her own national television program, the rich and varied achievements of Black British Columbians have helped make the province the place it is today.

    “We should all feel pride in these accomplishments, while acknowledging the unjust barriers Black people face in their daily lives. Government is working to build an inclusive province where everyone feels they belong, as we build a more just and equitable society for all. Taking part in Black History Month enriches everyone.”

    Lisa Beare, Minister of Education and Child Care, said:
    “Students in B.C. have opportunities to learn about the diverse communities that shape our province, including the accomplishments and challenges of historic and contemporary Black British Columbians. Learning about Black History and other cultural histories helps students appreciate our province’s rich cultural heritage and supports the development of school communities where everyone feels safe, included and represented.”

    Jessie Sunner, parliamentary secretary for anti-racism initiatives, said:
    “Black History Month is a time to honour pioneers like Mifflin Wistar Gibbs, Harry Jerome, Eleanor Collins and Rosemary Brown, whose legacies continue to inspire us. This month gives us the chance to reflect on the ongoing fight against anti-Black racism. Legislation like the Anti-Racism Act aims to remove systemic barriers to government programs and services that Black communities face in the province. Let’s recommit to amplifying Black voices. As we celebrate the rich history and resilience of B.C.’s Black communities, we strive to build a welcoming province for everyone.”

    George Anderson, parliamentary secretary for transit, said:
    “Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate the excellence and contributions of Black individuals like John Sullivan Deas, Rosemary Brown, Justice Selwyn Romilly and June Francis, who have enriched every facet of our society, from culture and innovation to leadership and service. Here in British Columbia, we honour the achievements of those who have broken barriers and inspired progress, while recognizing the work still needed to ensure equal opportunity for all. I carry with me the stories of struggle, perseverance and hope paved by so many. By breaking down systemic barriers, we can create a future where everyone, regardless of background, can thrive and contribute to a more just world.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    February 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tillis Statement on the Release of NC Native Keith Siegel

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Carolina Thom Tillis
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Thom Tillis released the following statement on the release of North Carolina native Keith Siegel from Hamas captivity: 
    “Today, after more than a year in the brutal captivity of Hamas, North Carolina native Keith Siegel is finally free and reunited with his family, including his beloved wife Aviva. This is a moment of great relief and celebration, but we cannot forget about the remaining hostages. I am confident the Trump Administration will continue to work closely with our ally Israel as it seeks to free every remaining hostage. This fragile ceasefire is completely dependent on the behavior of Hamas and we must remain vigilant.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 2, 2025
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