NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 4th Forum of Mayors to convene global Cities Summit of the Future

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    Cities are on the front lines of addressing humanity’s most pressing challenges, from climate change to migration as well as natural disasters and socioeconomic inequalities.  

    City leaders from across the globe will convene for the 4th Forum of Mayors (Geneva, 30 September – 1 October) to discuss the implications for local governments of the Pact for the Future, which will be agreed upon by UN Member States at the United Nations Summit of the Future (New York, 22-23 September). 

    At the Forum of Mayors, cities will collaboratively draft an Outcome Statement on the Future of Cities.  

    This statement will emphasize the vital role of cities and local actors in driving a sustainable and brighter future for all. It will then be transmitted to the Secretary General of the United Nations as a contribution to strengthening the engagement of local and regional governments in UN intergovernmental bodies and processes. 

    As a unique platform within the United Nations system, the Forum of Mayors connects local and national authorities within a normative intergovernmental framework, contributing to a more networked and inclusive multilateralism.  

    The Forum will be chaired by Ms. Danela Arsovska, Mayor of Skopje (North Macedonia), with Vice-Chairpersons Mr. Ricardo Rio, Mayor of Braga (Portugal), Ms. Susan Aitken, City Leader of Glasgow Council (United Kingdom) and Mr. Sami Kanaan, Deputy Mayor of Geneva (Switzerland). The keynote address will be delivered by renowned architect Lord Norman Foster. 

    Leaders from a diverse range of cities across the pan-European region and North America will participate, including mayors and deputy mayors from Tirana (Albania), Gyumri (Armenia), Vienna (Austria), Ganja (Azerbaijan), Quebec (Canada), Osijek (Croatia), Nicosia (Cyprus), Ostrava (Czech Republic),  Tallinn  (Estonia), Turku (Finland), Strasbourg Eurometropolis (France), Heidelberg (Germany), Athens (Greece), Debrecen (Hungary), Bat Yam (Israel),  Valmiera (Latvia),  Balzan (Malta), Podgorica (Montenegro), Utrecht (Netherlands),  Łódź (Poland), Mafra (Portugal), Bucharest (Romania),  Novo Mesto (Slovenia), Dushanbe (Tajikistan), Konya (Türkiye), Ashgabat (Turkmenistan), Mykolaiv (Ukraine), London (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland), New Orleans (United States of America). Additional Mayors are expected to confirm their participation. 

    Additionally, through collaboration with other Regional Economic Commissions (ESCWA, ECLAC, ECA, ESCAP) and the Global Cities Hub, and in recognition of the global connections between urban areas and the opportunities they present for learning, partnerships, and exchange, the Forum will also unite Mayors from the UNECE region with their counterparts from cities such as Buenos Aires (Argentina), Ifangni (Benin), San Jose (Costa Rica), Pichincha (Ecuador), Irbid (Jordan), Klang (Malaysia), Turbat Kech (Pakistan), Dakar (Senegal), Freetown (Sierra Leone), Lusaka (Zambia), Rabat (Morocco). 

    The Forum will also feature a rich programme of side events, tackling key issues such as the underrepresentation of women in local government leadership, urban peace dialogues, cities’ solutions to the triple planetary crisis, and cities’ experiences with Voluntary Local Reviews of SDGs progress. 

    More information on the Forum is available at https://forumofmayors.unece.org/. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Twelve Defendants, Including Members of International Criminal Gangs, Indicted for Drug Trafficking Conspiracy in South Florida

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    MIAMI – An indictment has been unsealed charging 12 defendants, including members of international criminal gangs MS-13, Sur-13, and the Mexican Mafia, with drug offenses in and around Broward and Miami-Dade Counties in the Southern District of Florida.

    The twelve-count indictment charges Edgar Garcia-Velasquez, a/k/a “Diablo,” 34, a citizen of Honduras, Francisco Rangel, a/k/a “Casper,” 41, of Calif., Gabriela Rodriguez-Carrillo, 42, of Calif., Luis Portillo, a/k/a “Shadow,” a/k/a “Sombra,” 35, of Miami, Jose Puga, a/k/a “Stranger,” 45, of Calif., Malinda Martinez, 42, of Fort Myers, Fla., Karina Martinez-Vazquez, 34, of Miami, Rafael Gutierrez, a/k/a “Rafy,” 28, of Miami, Jose Hernandez, a/k/a “Blue Demon,” a/k/a “Labomba3,” 39, of Belle Glade, Fla., Loupe Loredo, a/k/a “L3g3nd,” 39, of Lake Wales, Fla., Felipe Gonzalez,  a/k/a “Wicked,” 41, of Calif., and  Hugo Cruz, a/k/a “Houdini,” 33, of LaBelle, Fla., with conspiring with each other, their co-defendants, and others to possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine in Broward and Miami-Dade Counties.

    The indictment charges Garcia-Velasquez, Rodriguez-Carrillo, Puga, Gonzalez, and Martinez Vazquez, with conspiring with each other, their co-defendants, and others to possess with the intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl in Broward and Miami-Dade Counties.

    Garcia-Velazquez, Rodriguez-Carrillo, Martinez, Portillo, Gutierrez, Puga, Loredo, and Martinez Vazquez face additional charges for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine in Broward and Miami-Dade Counties.

    Arrests of the defendants began on Sept. 12, at various locations, and thereafter they began making their initial appearances in the Southern District of Florida. If convicted, all of the defendants face up to life imprisonment.

    U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida; Special Agent in Charge Anthony Salisbury of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Miami; Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI, Miami Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Christopher A. Robinson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Miami Field Division; Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Miami Field Division; and Sheriff Gregory Tony of the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) made the announcement.

    HSI Fort Lauderdale, FBI Miami, ATF Fort Lauderdale, DEA Miami, and BSO investigated this case with assistance from HSI Los Angeles, HSI Fort Myers, FBI Los Angeles, and FBI Fort Myers. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bertila Fernandez is prosecuting the case.

    This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    An indictment contains allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

    You may find a copy of this press release (and any update) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl.

    Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at https://www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 24-cr-60174.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: It’s Rail Safety Week in Saskatchewan

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on September 23, 2024

    The Government of Saskatchewan is joining in to proclaim September 23 to 30, 2024 as Rail Safety Week in Canada and reminding everyone to choose safety when around trains. Saskatchewan’s rail system is vital for our province’s export-based economy, and so is rail safety. 

    “Saskatchewan Rail Safety Week serves as a great reminder of how much we rely on our rail system and the significant benefits it brings to our export-based economy,” Highways Minister Lori Carr said. “This week is also a good opportunity to remind motorists about rail safety tips, such as looking and listening for trains, understanding railway signage and markings and being vigilant near all rail crossings.” 

    Everyone is responsible for rail safety. Rail safety requires constant alertness and reminding loved ones, children and communities about the importance of being safe around rail lines. 

    Rail incidents can happen fast and often have tragic consequences.  

    In 2023, 914 accidents, including 67 fatalities, were reported to the Transportation Safety Board of Canada.

    The Ministry of Highways is proud to continue educating children through our partnership with Canadian Safety Train Express Inc. by providing funding to print and distribute railway safety activity books to grade four students in communities served by our short lines.  

    “It is important for everyone, especially our youth, to recognize the importance of railway safety,” Canadian Safety Train Express CEO Perry Pellerin said. “Railway safety is everyone’s responsibility. We ask that everyone serve as a rail safety ambassador to ensure everyone can go home safely each and every day.”

    The Ministry of Highways offers financial support to short lines through the Short Line Railway Improvement Program to help upgrade and maintain their tracks.

    There are 13 short line railways in Saskatchewan that are used to move goods such as grain, oil and lumber, and link to the larger national rail lines. There are more than 2,000 km of railways under provincial jurisdiction.

    Motorists with any questions or concerns regarding railway safety, signage, work zones and more are welcome to reach out to the Highway Customer Service Centre at 1-844-SK-HIWAY, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or online anytime.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ruidoso Disaster Recovery Center Posts New Weekly Hours

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Ruidoso Disaster Recovery Center Posts New Weekly Hours

    Ruidoso Disaster Recovery Center Posts New Weekly Hours

    The State of New Mexico/FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) at Horton Complex, 237 Service Road, Ruidoso, NM will change its weekday hours of operation beginning Monday, Sept. 23. The new hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday hours are unchanged, noon to 5 p.m. Closed Sunday.

    Residents of Lincoln, Otero, Rio Arriba and San Juan counties, as well as the Mescalero Apache Reservation can visit the center to apply for FEMA assistance, upload documents, learn about available resources and get their questions answered in person. Recovery specialists from the state, FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and other organizations are available at the DRC to meet with visitors. No appointment is needed. Two Spanish language interpreters are also on hand to help residents impacted by the Southfork and Salt Fires and flooding.

    You can also apply, update your contact information or upload documents in several ways:

    • Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov
    • Download the FEMA app for smartphones.
    • Call 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Lines are open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. MT, seven days a week. Help is available in most languages.   

    The deadline to apply for assistance is October 19, 2024. 

    The deadline to apply to Small Business Administration (SBA) for property damage is Oct. 19, 2024. The deadline to apply for economic injury is March 20, 2025. Applicants may apply at https://lending.sba.gov. Business owners also may apply in-person by visiting SBA Business Recovery Center at the Ruidoso Public Library. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling (800) 659-2955. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 7-1-1.

    angela.ambroise

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Allied Energy Corporation (OTC: AGYP) Announces Operational Launch of Sloan Petroleum and Enerhash USA Project, Paving the Way for Future Growth

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CARROLLTON, Texas, Sept. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Allied Energy Corporation (OTC: AGYP) announces that the Sloan Petroleum and Enerhash USA project is now fully operational, working at 1MW off the flare gas from the Frost location. This project, which features the placement of advanced Bitcoin mining containers by Enerhash on the Sloan property, promises to drive revenue growth for Allied over the coming months.

    The company is excited to report that Allied has received its first revenue check from the Sloan Petroleum/Enerhash USA Frost operation, a testament to the project’s success and our commitment to innovative energy solutions. The project is set to generate revenues for Allied over the next six months, positioning us for financial growth.

    In addition, we are pleased to share that our Bitcoin project in collaboration with Enegix Global, River Energy Group LLC at the Thiel #1 well site is undergoing a transformation into a commercialized venture. The company anticipates providing its shareholders with further updates in Q4, showcasing the potential of this strategic partnership. As a key partner with Enegix Global, Allied will initially supply gas for the project and gain the opportunity to participate in Bitcoin mining operations, enhancing our revenue streams in this burgeoning market.

    George Monteith, CEO of Allied Energy, expressed his enthusiasm: “The successful launch of the Sloan Petroleum and Enerhash USA operation is a significant event for Allied Energy. We are optimistic about the upcoming developments at the Thiel well with Enegix Global and River Energy Group LLC, these projects have provided Allied Energy and its team a valuable insight into the Data Mining industry, which will be of great value as we move deeper into this space. Our collective efforts will not only maximize the potential revenues from these projects but also strengthen our position in the energy and cryptocurrency sectors with our collective understanding of the inner workings of these types of projects.”

    As we continue to innovate and expand our operations, Allied Energy remains committed to delivering value to our shareholders and stakeholders. The company looks forward to leveraging these projects to secure our future growth and enhance our impact in the energy landscape.

    The Company invites interested parties to check back regularly at https://alliedengycorp.com/ and the corporate Twitter Account https://twitter.com/AlliedEnergyCo1.

    About AGYP:

    Allied Energy Corp. is an energy development and production company acquiring oil & gas reserves in some of the most prolific hydrocarbon bearing regions of the United States. The Company specializes in the business of reworking & re-completing ‘existing’ oil & gas wells located in the thousands of mature oil & gas producing fields across the United States. The Company applies its knowledge, experience, and effective well-remediation technologies to achieve higher production volumes, longer well life, and more efficient recovery of the proven and available oil and gas reserves in the fields/projects in which it has acquired an ownership interest. The Company will utilize updated technologies such as hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”), drilling of lateral (“horizontal”) legs in productive zones, and utilizing new cased hole electric logging to locate bypassed pays, all to enhance daily rates and oil & gas recoveries. By acquiring interests in a growing number of selected projects in various regions, Allied Energy Corp. is diversifying its exposure and effectively minimizing risk as it pursues corporate growth, top line & bottom-line revenues to the benefit of all stakeholders. There are proven, recoverable reserves contained in the many aging oil & gas fields that have been bypassed by companies moving away from these fields in search of deeper, more plentiful, but more costly reserves. The Company plans to concentrate on bypassed oil and gas as there is less competition and, as mentioned above, the costs are considerably less. Additionally, the company will acquire interests in marginal wells that can be acquired at minimal cost, of which there are 420,000 wells in the U.S. Quoting Barry Russell, President of the Independent Petroleum Association of America (“IPAA”) – “With approximately 20 percent of American oil production and 10 percent of American natural gas production coming from marginal wells, they are America’s true strategic petroleum reserve.”

    Safe Harbor Statement:

    This Press Release may contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Company has tried, whenever possible, to identify these forward-looking statements using words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “potential” and similar expressions. These statements reflect the Company’s current beliefs and are based upon information currently available to it. Accordingly, such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause the Company’s actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or advise in the event of any change, addition or alteration to the information catered in this Press Release, including such forward-looking statements.

    Contact:
    Allied Energy Corporation
    Phone: 972-632-2393
    Email: info@alliedengycorp.com
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlliedEnergyCo1

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chief Leadership Course revamping for future fight

    Source: United States Air Force

    Headline: Chief Leadership Course revamping for future fight

    The Thomas N. Barnes Center for Enlisted Education is developing a new Chief Leader Course with an increased focus on providing chiefs the education required for them to meet the challenges and excel in an era of Great Power Competition.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: On the Eve of Open Banking Regulations, Collaborative Industry Group is Stepping Up

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RESTON, Va., Sept. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) readies to issue new “Open Banking” regulations next month, the financial services industry has been busy getting ready. The Financial Data Exchange (FDX)—an industry standards body focused on Open Banking—announced today significant changes as it prepares to play a bigger role in the industry.

    The FDX Board has approved plans to grow its staff and today is announcing Kevin Feltes as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective November 2024. FDX also finalized an application to the CFPB for formal recognition as a standards setting body, a role that will lend additional weight to the standards FDX issues. These changes add to organizational reforms FDX has been implementing this year to help it become even more balanced and inclusive of diverse stakeholders. Today, FDX’s members include consumer advocacy groups, banks, fintechs, data aggregators, and other stakeholders.

    FDX Board Co-Chairs Steve Smith from Mastercard and Franklin Garrigues from TD Bank said jointly, “Today’s announcement includes some of the most meaningful changes at FDX since the organization was founded. These moves are the culmination of more than a year of work to ready FDX for the significant role it seeks to play alongside regulations in the U.S. and Canada.”

    New “Open Banking” regulations are expected from the CFPB next month and from the Department of Finance in Canada next year. These rules will impact over 100 million consumers and will require thousands of businesses to change how they share or collect consumer-permissioned data. Unlike in other countries, though, the CFPB is taking a novel approach to technical standards. Where other governments have given a larger role to regulatory bodies to define the technical details of how data sharing works, the CFPB has invited industry-led bodies to step up and take a bigger role. The financial industry is coming together at FDX to meet the call.

    Kevin Feltes Appointed FDX CEO

    FDX has appointed Kevin Feltes as its new Chief Executive Officer effective November 2024. Feltes, an industry veteran with extensive experience in Open Finance, will lead FDX in its mission to unify the financial industry around a common standard for secure and convenient access to permissioned consumer and business financial data. Feltes joins FDX from JPMorganChase where he recently served as the Head of Partnerships and Strategy for the Connected Banking group and as an FDX Board member.

    “I am thrilled to lead this organization in its next phase of growth,” said Feltes. “FDX has achieved great success already in building consensus standards and a strong community of diverse organizations. I look forward to working with members to expand FDX’s impact and create win-win solutions that make it easier for firms to reduce costs, comply with regulations, and delight and protect their customers.”

    Feltes has worked closely with data aggregators, fintechs, banks, regulators, and consumer groups to promote safer consumer data sharing and has been deeply involved in planning for the upcoming data sharing regulations.

    “Kevin’s work on the FDX Board has been critical to advancing open banking in the U.S. and Canada,” said FDX Board Member and Head of Policy for Plaid, John Pitts. “As FDX’s first CEO, Kevin will help drive the organization’s growth and progress toward ensuring that the financial services industry gives consumers the full benefit of control over their financial data.”

    Don Cardinal, FDX’s Managing Director, will continue with the organization and work with Feltes to serve FDX’s membership of over 200 firms. 

    FDX Finalizes Application for Formal Recognition by the CFPB

    FDX also finalized an application to the CFPB for official recognition as a standard-setting body (in accordance with the CFPB’s Required Rulemaking on Personal Financial Data Rights; Industry Standard-Setting). FDX’s application will describe how FDX’s governance, structure and ecosystem representation reflect the attributes the CFPB will require of a standard-setting body, including openness, balance, due process, appeals, consensus, and transparency.

    “As the leading technical standards body for sharing permissioned financial data in North America, FDX shares the CFPB’s goal for a fair, open, and inclusive technical standards body and we are excited to submit this application,” added Smith and Garrigues.

    FDX’s application as a standard-setting body will be to define an industry standard “data format.” Today, FDX’s full API specification covers numerous technical components, account types, and data elements, some of which extend beyond what has been proposed for the CFPB’s 1033 rulemaking. FDX and its diverse membership have made significant progress transitioning from credential-based “screen scraping” to the FDX API, with over 94 million consumer accounts now using the FDX API in North America.

    About FDX
    Financial Data Exchange (FDX) is a non-profit organization operating in the US and Canada that is dedicated to unifying the financial industry around a common, interoperable, royalty-free standard for secure and convenient consumer and business access to their financial data. FDX empowers users through its commitment to the development, growth, and industry-wide adoption of the FDX API, according to the principles of control, access, transparency, traceability, and security. Membership is open to all interested parties in the financial data sharing ecosystem. For more information and to join, visit financialdataexchange.org. 

    Contact:
    Porche Matthews
    Marketing Manager
    pmatthews@financialdataexchange.org

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: New UN regulations target pedal misapplication and usher in new generation of braking systems for electric vehicles 

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    The United Nations’ Working Party on Automated/Autonomous and Connected Vehicles (GRVA) has adopted the new regulation for Acceleration Control for Pedal Error (ACPE), and regulatory provisions for the introduction of a new generation of braking systems for electric vehicles. 

    The new UN regulation is expected to significantly improve road safety, while the regulatory provisions for the new braking systems in electric vehicles aim at improving energy efficiency. 

    Pedal misapplication more frequent among older drivers 

    Drivers sometimes press the acceleration pedal instead of the brake pedal by mistake, causing serious accidents. Relevant data from Asia and Europe suggest that older drivers tend to make this error more often than young drivers. For example, in Japan, they are 8 times more likely to make that mistake than other generations, leading Japan to propose a draft UN regulation to address this issue.  

    With population ageing affecting Europe, North America and most of Eastern and South-Eastern Asia, and estimates indicating that the number of people aged 65 years or older worldwide will more than double by 2050 the number of older drivers is also expected to rise. For example, in Japan, the number of driving license holders older than 75 is projected to increase from 4% in 2009 to 9.2%  in 2025.  

    According to the United Nations, persons aged 65 years or above account for 30% of the overall population in Japan, 23% in Germany, 22% in France, 20% in Canada, 19% in the Republic of Korea, 18% in the United States, and 15% in China.  

    Given the suggested correlation between pedal misapplication and age, these figures imply a potentially increased risk of accidents in the future.  

    Another factor likely to contribute to this increased risk is the global rise in sales of vehicles with automatic transmission. Crash data from Japan and the United Kingdom reveal that such vehicles are more frequently associated with pedal misapplication cases. For example, in the United Kingdom, 7 out of 8 pedal misapplications with associated gear confusion are automatics. 

    The new UN regulation will therefore only apply to passenger cars with automatic transmission. Expected to enter into force in June 2025, the new regulation introduces a system designed to detect an object in front and rear of the vehicle and then prevent sudden acceleration.   

    New generation of braking systems for electric vehicles to boost energy efficiency 

    The continued growth of electric car sales, and estimates that it could reach 45% of the market share in China, 25% in Europe and 11% in the United States in 2024, has revealed a need to optimize the energy consumption necessary for them to brake.   

    Hydraulic systems, typically used in passenger cars, rely on the muscular energy of the driver for the basic braking function, but may use reserves of stored energy for advanced safety features. Braking systems using compressed air (trucks and buses), and the advanced functions of passenger cars, rely on the energy converted from fossil energy. However, in electric vehicles, it is not efficient to convert electrical energy from batteries to stored energy (pressurized fluids) and then apply the brakes.  

    A new braking technology, employing stored electrical energy for both the control transmission and the energy transmission, aims to be more energy efficient for electric vehicles and is seen as an important element to advance the transition from vehicles employing internal combustion engines to alternatives powered by electric energy.  

    The hydraulic and pneumatic braking systems currently regulated by UN Regulations No. 13 (heavy vehicle braking) and No. 13-H (light vehicle braking) have reached a high level of safety, reducing the risk of dangerous crashes, especially when it comes to heavy-duty vehicles and those transporting dangerous goods. 

    The UNECE Working Party on Automated/Autonomous and Connected Vehicles has reviewed potential layouts for the new braking system in both light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles, and it has defined relevant technical provisions to provide a comparable level of safety.  

    The new regulatory provisions will be adopted as amendments to UN Regulations No.13 and No.13_H. They are expected to enter into force in June 2025, while some manufacturers are anticipated to introduce new braking systems in compliance with the provisions already by end of 2025. 

    Note to editors 

    The UNECE World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29) is a unique worldwide regulatory forum hosted within the institutional framework of the UNECE Inland Transport Committee. Overall, the regulatory framework developed by the World Forum WP.29 allows the market introduction of innovative vehicle technologies, while continuously improving global vehicle safety, and vehicles’ environmental performance.  
      
    GRVA is the Working Party preparing draft regulations, guidance documents and interpretation documents for adoption by the parent body, WP.29. GRVA deals with safety provisions related to the dynamics of vehicles (braking, steering), Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, Automated Driving Systems and well as Cyber Security provisions.   

    GRVA meets three times a year, with around 160 experts present at each session. It gathers the decision makers (the representatives of Countries and REIOs – “the Contracting Parties”) as well as many stakeholders having a technical interest in the work of GRVA: the vehicle manufacturers (cars, trucks, buses etc.), the suppliers, the motorists, the test houses, the consumers representatives to name a few.  

    More at: https://unece.org/transport/vehicle-regulations/working-party-automatedautonomous-and-connected-vehicles-introduction  

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Funding of new space technologies and presentation on the state of the Canadian space sector

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – in French 1

    Media Advisory

    Longueuil, Quebec, September 23, 2024 – Tomorrow, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, on behalf of the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, will announce new investments in space technologies at the Towards Space 2024 (English only).

    Canadian Space Agency (CSA) President Lisa Campbell will deliver a keynote address and present the latest data on Canada’s space sector.

    Media representatives are invited to attend the conference.

    Tuesday, September 24, 2024

    Hour What Who Or
    8:30 a.m. (ET) Announcement of new investments in space technologies and presentation of the latest data on the Canadian space sector The Hon. Harjit S. Sajjan, President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada Lisa Campbell, President of the CSA Canadian Museum of Nature240 McLeod StreetOttawa, Ontario K2P 2R1

    – 30 –

    Information

    Canadian Space AgencyMedia Relations OfficeTelephone: 450-926-4370Email: asc.medias-media.csa@asc-csa.gc.caWebsite: www.asc-csa.gc.caFollow us in the social media!

    Audrey MilettePress OfficerOffice of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industryaudrey.milette@ised-isde.gc.ca

    Joanna KangaPress SecretaryOffice of the President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canadajoanna.kanga@kpc-cpr.gc.ca

    Media RelationsInnovation, Science and Economic Development Canadamedia@ised-isde.gc.ca

    Stay Connected

    For more information or to learn about the services offered by the Ministry, visit the websiteInnovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.Follow Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada on social media.X (Twitter): @ISDE_CA | Facebook : Canadian innovation | Instagram : @innovationcdn | LinkedIn : Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Canadian Coast Guard Inshore Rescue Boat Crews Complete 2024 Operations in the Great Lakes

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – in French 1

    The Canadian Coast Guard’s Inshore Rescue Boat (IRB) stations located in Ontario are ending their seasonal maritime search and rescue service.

    September 23, 2024

    Sarnia, Ontario – Canadian Coast Guard Inshore Rescue Boat (IRB) stations located in Ontario are ending their seasonal maritime search and rescue service.

    ESC stations located at Britt on Gereaux Island, Hill Island (St. Lawrence River), Corunna (St. Clair River), Brébeuf Island (Georgian Bay) and Long Point (Lake Erie) closed on September 4, 2024.

    The Mitchell’s Bay (Lake St. Clair) ESC station will remain open on weekends, from 2 p.m. Fridays to 6 p.m. Sundays, until October 14, 2024.

    The ESC program employs post-secondary students to provide additional maritime search and rescue service. The other Canadian Coast Guard search and rescue stations in the Great Lakes and Georgian Bay region are staffed by Canadian Coast Guard personnel and remain in operation until November/December.

    Any marine emergency can be reported to the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Trenton 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-267-7270, or to a Canadian Coast Guard Marine Communications and Traffic Services Centre by VHF radio (channel 16). For more information on Canadian Coast Guard search and rescue services, please visit: Search and Rescue.

    For more information about the ESC program, please visit the following website: Coastal Rescue Boat Service.

    Media RelationsFisheries and Oceans CanadaCanadian Coast Guard, Central Region204-984-4715xca.media@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defendants Sentenced for Global Darknet Conspiracy

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    Defendants Sold Stolen Financial Information from Tens of Thousands of Victims Worldwide

    KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A citizen of Nigeria, who was extradited from the United Kingdom, was sentenced in federal court yesterday for his involvement in a conspiracy to sell stolen financial information on the darknet from tens of thousands of victims from around the world.

    Simon Kaura was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to five years in federal prison without parole. At sentencing, the court found that Kaura’s crimes resulted in an intended loss of $6,338,500.

    On May 22, 2024, Kaura pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit access device fraud and one count of access device fraud.  According to court documents, Kaura admitted to being part of a sophisticated, global conspiracy to obtain and sell stolen financial information on darknet markets — including a market he helped create and administer with his co-conspirators.  Kaura operated under the online monikers  “apples,” “applepiecards,” “cartman,” and “dpharoah.”

    Kaura and his co-conspirators operated as prominent “carding” (stolen financial information) vendors, sometimes under the moniker brand “ggmccloud” and “ggmccloud1,” on multiple darknet markets. Each market allowed users to buy and sell stolen and fraudulent financial information. The markets operated much like conventional e-commerce websites, except that the goods sold on the markets were primarily criminal in nature. Each market required users to transact in digital currencies, such as Bitcoin. These sites enabled users to distribute illegal contraband to buyers throughout the world to perpetrate fraud.

    Kaura and his co-conspirators obtained large quantities of stolen financial information and passed it along to other co-conspirators to check, organize, and sell on numerous darknet markets. Kaura and his co-conspirators possessed card information belonging to victims from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Kaura and his co-conspirators were responsible for conducting tens of thousands of illegal transactions on darknet markets from Feb. 22, 2016, to Oct. 1, 2019.

    During the conspiracy, Kaura and his co-conspirators also created, launched, and administered their own darknet market, Skynet. From April 2016 to October 2019, the co-conspirators’ market offered stolen financial information and other contraband for sale. The market also hosted a messaging forum and private messaging service, allowing cybercriminals from around the world to meet and communicate freely about their crimes. 

    Co-defendant Taylor Ross Staats, 41, of Texas was sentenced on Jan. 25, 2024, to 18 months in federal prison without parole after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit access device fraud. Staats’s main role in the conspiracy was to determine, prior to being advertised for sale, whether the stolen payment cards were still active and capable of use. If so, he organized the card information, and it was posted for sale on the darknet.  Staats operated under the online moniker “f9ac4”.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Department of Justice continue to seek forfeiture of more than $4.5 million in criminal proceeds resulting from the co-conspirators crimes.

    The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with the Government of the United Kingdom to secure the arrest and extradition of Kaura.

    This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas Heberle, Matthew Blackwood, and John Constance of the Western District of Missouri and Trial Attorneys Michael Christin and Louisa Becker from the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section of the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice. It was investigated by the FBI.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Go! Go! Go! | U.S. Army

    Source: US Army (video statements)

    About the U.S. Army:
    The Army Mission – our purpose – remains constant: To deploy, fight and win our nation’s wars by providing ready, prompt & sustained land dominance by Army forces across the full spectrum of conflict as part of the joint force.

    Interested in joining the U.S. Army?
    Visit: spr.ly/6001igl5L

    Connect with the U.S. Army online:
    Web: https://www.army.mil
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USarmy/
    X: https://www.twitter.com/USArmy
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usarmy/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/us-army
    #USArmy #Soldiers #Military #Shorts

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3S7IXeWvLY

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Statement by the Prime Minister on Armenia’s Independence Day

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Armenia’s Independence Day:

    “Today, we join the people of Armenia and Armenian communities in Canada and around the world to celebrate the 33rd anniversary of Armenia’s independence.

    “Canada was one of the first Western countries to recognize Armenia’s independence in 1992, and today, our partnership remains steadfast.

    “Last year, Canada established a full embassy, with a resident ambassador, in Armenia’s capital, Yerevan. We continue to work with Armenia – and international partners including the United Nations and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – to advance long-term peace and stability in the South Caucasus. And to ensure communities are protected, we are working with the European Union Mission in Armenia to support stabilization efforts and providing critical humanitarian assistance to those most in need.

    “The Canada-Armenia relationship is rooted in warm ties between our peoples. Almost 70,000 Canadians of Armenian descent call Canada home, and they are tightly woven into our national fabric.

    “On behalf of the Government of Canada, I extend my warmest wishes to all those celebrating Armenia’s Independence Day.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Statement by the Prime Minister on the occasion of Armenia’s Independence Day

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Prime Minister of Canada – in French

    The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement to mark Armenia’s Independence Day:

    “Today, we join the Armenian people and Armenian communities in Canada and around the world in celebrating the 33rd anniversary of Armenia’s independence.

    “Canada was one of the first Western countries to recognize Armenia’s independence in 1992, and today our partnership remains steadfast.

    “Last year, Canada established a full-fledged embassy with a resident ambassador in Armenia’s capital, Yerevan. We will continue to work with Armenia and our international partners, such as the United Nations and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, to foster long-term peace and stability in the South Caucasus. In addition, to ensure the protection of communities, we are supporting stabilization efforts in Armenia in collaboration with the European Union Mission in Armenia and providing humanitarian assistance to those in need.

    “The relationship between Canada and Armenia is built on warm people-to-people ties. Nearly 70,000 Canadians of Armenian descent live in Canada today and are an integral part of our social fabric.

    “On behalf of the Government of Canada, I extend my best wishes to all those celebrating Armenia’s Independence Day.”

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Statement by the Prime Minister on the occasion of the International Day of Peace

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Prime Minister of Canada – in French

    The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the International Day of Peace:

    “Today, in thisInternational Day of Peace, we reflect on the progress we have made and what we need to do to build a more inclusive, peaceful and secure world for all. In a context where geopolitical crises are proving increasingly complex, the principles set out in theUniversal Declaration of Human Rights and theSustainable Development Goals United Nations are more relevant than ever – and Canada is working to promote them.

    “Thanks to ourFeminist International Aid Policy, we actively support inclusive peacekeeping initiatives around the world. Our efforts include promoting gender equality through the Women and Peace and Security Agenda, as well as the full participation of women in United Nations peacekeeping operations through theInitiative Elsie: We are also working to increase the protection of civilians throughVancouver Principles, which focus on preventing the recruitment and use of child soldiers by armed forces and armed groups.

    “This week, as the United Nations General Assembly opens in New York, let us reaffirm our determination to work together to achieve a better, safer and more peaceful world.”

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Statement by the Prime Minister on the International Day of Peace

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the International Day of Peace:

    “Today, on the International Day of Peace, we reflect on the progress made and move forward on the work yet to be done to achieve a more inclusive, peaceful, and secure world for everyone. As geopolitical crises become increasingly complex, the principles outlined in the United Nations (UN) Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the UN Sustainable Development Goals are more relevant than ever – and Canada is stepping up to strengthen them.

    “Through our Feminist International Assistance Policy, we are actively supporting inclusive peacekeeping efforts around the world. This includes ongoing efforts to advance gender equality in peace and security through the Women and Peace and Security Agenda and support the meaningful participation of women in UN peacekeeping operations through the Elsie Initiative. We are also strengthening the protection of civilians through the Vancouver Principles, which prevent the recruitment and use of child soldiers by armed forces and armed groups.

    “This week, as the UN General Assembly begins in New York City, let’s recommit ourselves to working together to build a better, safer, and more peaceful world.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Investments in active transportation infrastructure in Lower Sackville

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – in French 1

    Press release

    Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia, September 21, 2024 — The Lower Sackville area has access to a new trail thanks to an investment of more than $680,000 from the federal, provincial and municipal governments and not-for-profit organizations.

    This was announced today by Parliamentary Secretary Darrell Samson, MPP Steve Craig, Mayor Mike Savage, Brenden Blotnicky of the Trans Canada Trail and Matthew Spicer of the Sackville Lakes Park and Trails Association.

    The investment added 1.5 km to the Beech Hill Trail, which is now a 2.9 km gravel trail located in Sackville Lakes Provincial Park. This trail will provide important connections to other regional and provincial trail networks, increasing connectivity in the area. The trail, designed for pedestrians and cyclists, extends from First Lake Drive to Cobequid Road.

    Quotes

    “This trail is a great complement to Sackville Lakes Provincial Park, which offers hiking and cycling trails in a forested setting for those living in nearby urban areas. The federal government is investing in active transportation networks across Canada to make it easier, safer and more convenient for Canadians to navigate their communities without their cars, reducing greenhouse gases and increasing opportunities for movement in our daily lives.”

    Darrell Samson, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and Member of Parliament for Sackville–Preston–Chezzetcook, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

    “By providing greener, cleaner ways to get around, Nova Scotia continues to play a leading role in the fight against climate change. With the funding announced today, people of all ages and abilities will have safer, more accessible and greener ways to get around the community.”

    The Honourable Steve Craig, MLA for Sackville–Cobequid on behalf of the Honourable Allan MacMaster, Nova Scotia Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage

    “This investment in the Beech Hill Trail Extension will allow more people to connect with nature and stay active, providing better access to valuable trail networks.”

    Mike Savage, Mayor of the Halifax Regional Municipality

    “What a great asset to the community! The Beech Hill Trail has just been completed in Sackville Lakes Provincial Park. The final 1.5 km of this 2.9 km crushed rock trail has just been completed. Hundreds of users have already used this trail that connects the Windsor Junction area to the community of Sackville. We were thrilled to celebrate the official opening of the trail on September 21. The Sackville Lakes Park and Trails Association has managed Sackville Lakes Provincial Park in partnership with the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources and Renewable Energy since the park was designated in 2013. Our trail development work in this natural area began in 2001 and we received a great deal of support in building the Beech Hill Trail. Funding includes funding from Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada, ACOA, the Nova Scotia Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage, the Halifax Regional Municipality Active Transportation Program, the Trans Canada Trail and private sponsors. We also benefited from infrastructure advice and support from the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources and Renewable Energy. And of course, none of this would have been possible without the hundreds of volunteer hours of our association members. Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate the opening of our brand new active transportation trail.”

    Matthew Spicer, Sackville Lakes Park and Trails Association

    Quick Facts

    The federal government is investing up to $237,642 in this phase of the project through the Active Transportation Fund (ATF). The provincial government provided $94,000, while the Halifax Regional Municipality contributed $205,000. The Sackville Lakes Park and Trails Association provided $136,701 and the Trans Canada Trail provided $15,000.

    Active transportation refers to the movement of people or goods through human activity. This includes walking, cycling, and the use of human-powered or hybrid mobility aids, such as wheelchairs, electric scooters, e-bikes, inline skates, snowshoeing, cross-country skis, and more.

    To support Canada’s first National Active Transportation Strategy, the Active Transportation Fund is providing $400 million over five years, starting in 2021, to make active transportation travel easier, safer, more convenient and more enjoyable.

    Canada’s National Active Transportation Strategy is the first pan-Canadian strategic approach to promoting active transportation and its benefits. The strategy aims to make data- and evidence-based investments to expand and build new active transportation networks, and to support healthier, more active, more equitable and more sustainable travel.

    Investing in active transportation infrastructure provides many tangible benefits, creating good middle-class jobs, strengthening the economy, promoting healthier lifestyles, ensuring everyone has access to the same services and opportunities, reducing air and noise pollution, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

    The new Canada Public Transit Fund (CCTF) will provide an average of $3 billion per year in permanent funding to address local transit needs by strengthening integrated planning, improving access to transit and active transportation, and supporting the development of more affordable, sustainable and inclusive communities.

    The FTCC serves the needs of communities of all sizes, from large metropolitan areas to mid-sized and smaller communities, including rural, remote, northern and Indigenous communities.

    We are currently accepting expressions of interest for Metropolitan Area Agreements and Core Funding. Visit the website Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada website to find out more.

    The funding announced today builds on work the federal government is doing under the Atlantic Growth Strategy to create well-paying jobs and strengthen local economies.

    Related links

    Contact persons

    For further information (media only), please contact:

    Micaal AhmedCommunications ManagerOffice of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities343-598-3920micaal.ahmed@infc.gc.ca

    Media RelationsHousing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada613-960-9251Toll free: 1-877-250-7154Email:media-medias@infc.gc.caFollow us onTwitter,Facebook,InstagramAndLinkedInWebsite:Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada

    Susan Mader-Zinck Communications Advisor Nova Scotia Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage 902-499-1343Susan.mader-zinck@novascotia.ca

    John WedderburnHalifax Regional Municipalityjohn.wedderburn@halifax.ca

    Melissa BolandSackville Lakes Park and Trails Association902-717-0640melissasperry9@gmail.com

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Investing in active transportation infrastructure in Lower Sackville

    Source: Government of Canada News

    News release

    Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia, September 21, 2024 — The Lower Sackville area has access to a new section of trail after an investment of over $680,000 from the federal, provincial, and municipal governments and non-profit organizations.

    This was announced by Parliamentary Secretary Darrell Samson, MLA Steve Craig, Mayor Mike Savage, Brenden Blotnicky of the Trans Canada Trail, and Matthew Spicer of the Sackville Lakes Park and Trails Association.

    The investment helped build an additional 1.5 km of the Beech Hill Trail, now a 2.9 km gravel trail located within the Sackville Lakes Provincial Park. The trail will support important linkages to other regional and provincial trail networks. The trail, designed for pedestrians and cyclists, stretches from First Lake Drive to Cobequid Road, creating a link from within the park to Cobequid Road.

    Quotes

    “This trail is a great addition to the Sackville Lakes Provincial Park, which provides walking and cycling trails in a forest setting for those living in close-by urban areas. The federal government is investing in active transportation networks across Canada to make it easier, safer, and more convenient for Canadians to navigate their communities without their cars, reducing greenhouse gases and increasing opportunities for movement in our everyday lives.”

    Darrell Samson, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Member of Parliament for Sackville–Preston–Chezzetcook, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

    “Providing greener and cleaner ways to get from place to place helps Nova Scotia continue to be a leader when it comes to responding to climate change. With the funding announced today, people of all ages and abilities — will have more safe, accessible and environmentally friendly ways to move around the community.”

    The Honourable Steve Craig, MLA for Sackville–Cobequid on behalf of the Honourable Allan MacMaster, Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage

    “This investment in the extension of the Beech Hill Trail will help more people connect to nature and stay active, providing greater access to valued trail systems.”

    His Worship Mike Savage, Mayor of the Halifax Regional Municipality

    “What a great asset to the community! The Beech Hill Trail has just been completed in Sackville Lakes Provincial Park. It is 2.9 km of crusher-dust surfaced trail with the final 1.5 km piece just finished. Trail users by the hundreds have already taken advantage of this route which joins the Windsor Junction area to the Sackville community. We were excited to celebrate the official opening of the trail September 21. The Sackville Lakes Park and Trails Association has been co-managing Sackville Lakes Provincial Park with the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources and Renewables since the park was designated in 2013. Our trail development work in this natural area started in 2001. We have had lots of help building the Beech Hill Trail including funds from Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada; ACOA; Nova Scotia Department of Community, Culture, Tourism and Heritage; Halifax Regional Municipality Active Transportation; Trans Canada Trail; and private sponsors. We have had guidance and infrastructure help from the NS Department of Natural Resources and Renewables. And of course it could not have happened without the hundreds of volunteer hours from members of our association. Thank you to all who came to celebrate the opening or our newest Active Transportation trail.”

    Matthew Spicer, Sackville Lakes Park and Trails Association

    Quick facts

    • The federal government is investing up to $237,642 in this phase of the project through the Active Transportation Fund (ATF). The provincial government contributed $94,000, while the Halifax Regional Municipality contributed $205,000. The Sackville Lakes Park and Trails Association contributed $136,701 and the Trans Canada Trail contributed $15,000. 

    • Active transportation refers to the movement of people or goods powered by human activity. It includes walking, cycling and the use of human-powered or hybrid mobility aids such as wheelchairs, scooters, e-bikes, rollerblades, snowshoes, cross-country skis, and more.

    • In support of Canada’s National Active Transportation Strategy, the Active Transportation Fund is providing $400 million over five years, starting in 2021, to make travel by active transportation easier, safer, more convenient, and more enjoyable.

    • The National Active Transportation Strategy is the country’s first coast-to-coast-to-coast strategic approach for promoting active transportation and its benefits. The strategy’s aim is to make data-driven and evidence-based investments to build new and expanded active transportation networks, while supporting equitable, healthy, active, and sustainable travel options.

    • Investing in active transportation infrastructure provides many tangible benefits, such as creating good, middle-class jobs, strengthening the economy, promoting healthier lifestyles, ensuring everyone has access to the same services and opportunities, cutting air and noise pollution, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

    • The new Canada Public Transit Fund (CPTF) will provide an average of $3 billion a year of permanent funding to respond to local transit needs by enhancing integrated planning, improving access to public transit and active transportation, and supporting the development of more affordable, sustainable, and inclusive communities.

    • The CPTF supports transit and active transportation investments in three streams: Metro Region Agreements, Baseline Funding, and Targeted Funding.

    • We are currently accepting Expression of Interest submissions for Metro-Region Agreements and Baseline Funding. Visit the Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada website for more information.

    • The funding announced today builds on the federal government’s work through the Atlantic Growth Strategy to create well-paying jobs and strengthen local economies.

    Associated links

    Contacts

    For more information (media only), please contact:

    Micaal Ahmed
    Communications Manager
    Office of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
    343-598-3920
    micaal.ahmed@infc.gc.ca

    Media Relations
    Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada
    613-960-9251
    Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
    Email: media-medias@infc.gc.ca
    Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn
    Web: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada

    Susan Mader-Zinck 
    Communications Advisor 
    Nova Scotia Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage 
    902-499-1343 
    Susan.mader-zinck@novascotia.ca

    John Wedderburn
    Halifax Regional Municipality
    john.wedderburn@halifax.ca

    Melissa Boland
    Sackville Lakes Park and Trails Association
    902-717-0640
    melissasperry9@gmail.com

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Deputy Secretary Verma to Deliver Remarks at the Hudson Institute on “The United States and India: Milestones Reached and the Pathway Ahead”

    Source: United States Department of State (4)

    Office of the Spokesperson

    Deputy Secretary Verma to Deliver Remarks at the Hudson Institute on “The United States and India: Milestones Reached and the Pathway Ahead”

    Notice to the Press

    September 16, 2024

    Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard R. Verma will deliver remarks at the Hudson Institute in Washington D.C. on Monday, September 16. He will discuss milestones achieved in the U.S.-India relationship since 2000 and chart a pathway forward for strengthening our bilateral ties. After delivering remarks, Deputy Secretary Verma will participate in an open conversation with Dr. Aparna Pande, Research Fellow on India and South Asia at the Hudson Institute.

    Deputy Secretary Verma previously served as U.S. Ambassador to India from 2015-2017.

    The event will take place at 3:30pm ET on Monday, September 16 (1:00am IST on Tuesday, September 17).

    If you would like to attend in-person, please reach out to Morgan Snow at msnow@hudson.org.

    For more information (general queries and media queries), please contact Morgan Snow at msnow@hudson.org.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Special Advisor on International Disability Rights (SAIDR) Sara Minkara Traveled to Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan to Promote Disability Rights in the C5+1 Framework

    Source: United States Department of State (4)

    Office of the Spokesperson

    Special Advisor on International Disability Rights (SAIDR) Sara Minkara Traveled to Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan to Promote Disability Rights in the C5+1 Framework

    Media Note

    September 16, 2024

    From September 10-15, Special Advisor on International Disability Rights (SAIDR) Sara Minkara traveled to Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan to meet with government officials, civil society, and the media to explore opportunities for further developing disability-inclusive policies and programming nationally and in the C5+1 framework.

    In Turkmenistan, SAIDR Minkara met with government officials and members of civil society on current initiatives to increase economic and social opportunities for persons with disabilities. In Uzbekistan, she met with government officials and civil society on expanding disability inclusion as it relates to inclusive education and the digital economy. She also met with First Daughter Shakhnoza Mirziyoyeva on the importance of changing the narrative on how society views persons with disabilities.

    For further information, please follow the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor on X and Facebook at @StateDRL, or email DRL-Press@state.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: U.S.-India 2+2 Intersessional Dialogue

    Source: United States Department of State (4)

    Office of the Spokesperson

    U.S.-India 2+2 Intersessional Dialogue

    Media Note

    September 16, 2024

    U.S. and Indian officials convened today in New Delhi, India, to discuss opportunities to expand collaboration during the eighth U.S.-India 2+2 Intersessional Dialogue.  Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Jedidiah P. Royal co-chaired the Dialogue for the United States with Indian Ministry of External Affairs Joint Secretary for the Americas Nagaraj Naidu and Indian Ministry of Defense Joint Secretary for International Cooperation Vishwesh Negi.

    The 2+2 Intersessional Dialogue advanced shared priorities, including defense cooperation, space and civil aviation collaboration, clean energy cooperation, and industrial and logistics coordination.  The officials discussed a range of issues, across the Indo-Pacific and worldwide, including support for a just and durable peace in Ukraine, as well as support for a ceasefire and humanitarian assistance in Gaza.  Assistant Secretary Lu and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Royal reiterated the United States’ commitment to further enhancing ongoing partnerships and expanding people-to-people ties.

    The Intersessional today laid the groundwork for the next 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, a key platform through which the United States and India continue to advance their Comprehensive Global and Strategic Partnership. 

    For further information, please contact SCA-Press@state.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Nepal Constitution Day

    Source: United States Department of State (4)

    Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

    On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I offer my sincere congratulations to the people of Nepal as you celebrate Nepal’s Constitution Day on September 19.

    The United States greatly values our 77 years of friendship with Nepal. We are proud of our joint efforts to strengthen people-to-people ties, boost economic growth through initiatives like the debt-free partnership with the Millennium Challenge Corporation, promote justice, and uphold democratic principles. We remain committed to working with Nepal to increase its climate resilience and advance its transition to clean energy. We look forward to our continued close collaboration in the years to come.

    This is also an important moment to recognize many of Nepal’s achievements, including the recent passage of historic transitional justice legislation, and we look forward to its successful implementation bringing justice for victims and survivors.

    My warmest wishes as you celebrate Constitution Day.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: United States and Uzbekistan Sign MOU on Critical Minerals Partnership

    Source: United States Department of State (4)

    Office of the Spokesperson

    United States and Uzbekistan Sign MOU on Critical Minerals Partnership

    Media Note

    September 16, 2024

    Today, Ambassador Jonathan Henick and First Deputy Minister of Geology Omonullo Nasritdinxodjaev signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen cooperation between the United States and Uzbekistan on critical minerals.  The signing ceremony took place in Tashkent, ahead of the Government of Uzbekistan’s participation in MINExpo INTERNATIONAL, the mining industry’s largest global event, taking place in Las Vegas. 

    In line with the initiative announced by President Biden and the presidents of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan at the September 19, 2023, C5+1 Presidential Summit in New York, the MOU signifies the intention of the United States and Uzbekistan to diversify global mineral supply chains and advance the clean energy transition, while also protecting Central Asia’s unique ecosystems.   

    Critical minerals and rare earth elements play an increasingly important role in our economies.  The United States and Uzbekistan are actively working to encourage private sector investment in Uzbekistan’s mining sector. The MOU further reflects both sides’ shared goal of strong environmental, labor, and governance practices in the global mining sector.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: First Lady Jill Biden Hosts a Celebration of the Opening of The People’s House

    Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)

    First Lady Jill Biden hosts an event to celebrate the opening of the White House Historical Association’s new educational and interactive center, “The People’s House: A White House Experience.”

    The White House

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

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: President Biden Hosts a Quadrilateral Meeting with PM Albanese, PM Modi, and PM Kishida

    Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)

    President Biden hosts a quadrilateral meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan

    Claymont, DE

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNG6B3ol9eg

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: First Lady Jill Biden Hosts Back-to-School Night at the White House

    Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)

    The First Lady, a life-long educator, hosts the first-ever Back-to-School Night at the White House to celebrate the start of the new school year with educators, school professionals, students, and families.

    The White House

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qcs6pE9IWBg

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Canada Highlights Significant Funding to Unlock More Critical Minerals Development in the Yukon

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    Dr. Brendan Hanley, Member of Parliament for the Yukon, on behalf of the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, highlighted an important announcement of up to $40 million in funding, pending final due diligence from Natural Resources Canada, for critical minerals infrastructure developments in the Yukon. This funding would be provided through the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund (CMIF)

    September 20, 2024          Whitehorse, Yukon            Natural Resources Canada

    Investments in critical minerals infrastructure are essential to enable Canada to seize the generational opportunity of a low-carbon economy and capitalize on our rich mineral resources.  Canada is well positioned to be a global leader and first-class producer of a wide variety of critical minerals that are essential to power the clean economy, and, in turn, create good jobs and support economic opportunities across critical mineral value chains — from upstream exploration and extraction to downstream processing, manufacturing and recycling.

    Today, Dr. Brendan Hanley, Member of Parliament for the Yukon, on behalf of the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, highlighted an important announcement of up to $40 million in funding, pending final due diligence from Natural Resources Canada, for critical minerals infrastructure developments in the Yukon. This funding would be provided through the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund (CMIF)

    The Government of Yukon is seeking to undertake pre-feasibility activities to advance a 765-kilometre, high-voltage transmission line network that would connect the Yukon electrical grid to the North American grid in B.C. This regional project has proposed energy infrastructure located in two priority regions for critical minerals development — Yukon’s Cassiar and Tanana regions, and B.C.’s Golden Triangle. The transmission line could support projects producing critical minerals such as cobalt, copper, molybdenum, nickel, platinum group metals, tungsten and zinc in the Yukon and northern B.C.

    The Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund is a key program under the Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy to address infrastructure gaps and enable sustainable critical minerals production and connect resources to markets through various clean energy, electrification and transportation infrastructure projects. Future funding decisions for projects under the CMIF to further critical minerals infrastructure development are also expected in the coming months.

    This project is the result of close collaboration under the Yukon Regional Energy and Resource Tables and is key to facilitating critical minerals development in the Yukon.

    Critical minerals are essential components in products used for clean energy technologies such as electric vehicles, electrical transmission lines and batteries. The Yukon’s mining sectors provide many of the building blocks of clean technologies needed to fight climate change and build a clean economy. Across the country, clean energy solutions are providing enormous economic opportunity for Canada.

    • Canada has developed its own critical minerals strategy with the aim of advancing the development of these resources and related value chains to drive the transition to a low-carbon economy and support advanced technology and manufacturing.

    • The Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy addresses five core objectives:

      o   supporting economic growth, competitiveness and job creation;

      o   promoting climate action and strong environmental management;

      o   enhancing global security and partnerships with allies;

      o   advancing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples; and

      o   fostering diverse and inclusive workforces and communities.

    • Canada’s whole-of-government approach to critical mineral development is collaborative, forward-looking, iterative, adaptive and long-term. The initiatives presented in the Strategy will be implemented and refined in collaboration with provincial, territorial, Indigenous, industry and other Canadian and international partners.

    • The CMIF is a key program under the Strategy to support enabling clean energy and transportation infrastructure projects necessary to increase Canada’s supply of responsibly sourced critical minerals.

    • The CMIF supports strategic priorities such as decarbonizing industrial mining operations, strengthening supply chains through transportation infrastructure and advancing economic reconciliation by supporting the participation of Indigenous Peoples in infrastructure and critical minerals projects.

    • In addition, the federal government is helping to develop Canada’s abundant critical minerals through NRCan’s Regional Energy and Resource Tables. These regional tables are joint partnerships with individual provinces and territories — in collaboration with Indigenous partners and with the input of key stakeholders — to identify and accelerate shared economic priorities for a low-carbon future in the energy and resource sectors.

    Cindy Caturao
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
    613-795-5638
    cindy.caturao@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Readout of the Secretary-General’s meeting with H.E. Mr. Chandrikapersad Santokhi, President of the Republic of Suriname

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    The Secretary-General met with H.E. Mr. Chandrikapersad Santokhi, President of the Republic of Suriname.  They discussed climate action, reform of the international financial architecture and other issues of importance to Small Island Developing States and low-lying States. The President informed the Secretary-General about macro-economic developments in Suriname.
     
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Canada highlights significant funding to boost critical mineral development in Yukon

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – in French

    On behalf of the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Dr. Brendan Hanley, Member of Parliament for Yukon, highlighted the important announcement, subject to final due diligence by Natural Resources Canada, of up to $40 million in funding for critical minerals infrastructure projects in Yukon. The funding would come from the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund (CMIF).

    September 20, 2024 Whitehorse, Yukon Natural Resources Canada

    Investments in critical minerals infrastructure are needed to ensure Canada can seize the unique opportunity presented by the shift to a low-carbon economy and capitalize on its rich mineral resources. The country is well positioned to be a global leader and leading producer of a wide range of critical minerals that are essential to fueling the clean economy, and in doing so, create good jobs and economic opportunities across the critical minerals value chain – from upstream exploration and extraction to downstream processing, manufacturing and recycling.

    Today, on behalf of the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Dr. Brendan Hanley, Member of Parliament for Yukon, highlighted the important announcement, subject to final due diligence by Natural Resources Canada, of up to $40 million in funding for critical minerals infrastructure projects in Yukon. The funding would come from the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund (CMIF).

    The Yukon Government is seeking to undertake pre-feasibility studies to support a 765-kilometre high-voltage transmission line that would connect the Yukon electrical grid to the North American grid in British Columbia. It includes the development of energy infrastructure in two priority areas for critical mineral development: the Cassiar-Tanana region in Yukon and the Golden Triangle region in British Columbia. The transmission line would facilitate critical mineral production projects such as cobalt, copper, molybdenum, nickel, platinum group metals, tungsten and zinc in Yukon and northern British Columbia.

    The Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund is a key program under Canada’s Critical Minerals Strategy that aims to address infrastructure gaps and ensure the sustainable production of critical minerals and the flow of resources to market through transportation, electrification and clean energy infrastructure projects. Further funding decisions on critical minerals infrastructure development projects under the CMIF are expected in the coming months.

    The result of close collaboration within the regional table on energy and resources Yukon, this project is essential to facilitate the development of critical minerals in the Yukon.

    Critical minerals are fundamental components of products used in clean energy technologies such as electric vehicles, power transmission lines and batteries. Yukon’s mining sectors provide many of the building blocks for the clean technologies needed to combat climate change and build a clean economy. Across the country, clean energy solutions represent enormous economic opportunities.

    Canada has developed its own critical minerals strategy with the aim of promoting the development of these resources and related value chains to contribute to the transition to a low-carbon economy and support advanced manufacturing and technologies.

    The Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy has five main objectives:

    o support economic growth, competitiveness and job creation;

    o promote climate action and rigorous environmental management;

    o strengthen global security and partnerships with allies;

    o advance reconciliation with Indigenous peoples;

    o encourage a diverse and inclusive workforce and communities.

    Canada’s whole-of-government approach to critical minerals development is collaborative, forward-looking, iterative, adaptive and long-term. The initiatives outlined in the Strategy will be implemented and refined in collaboration with provinces, territories, Indigenous peoples, industry and other partners in Canada and internationally.

    The FIMC is a flagship program of the Strategy that supports transportation and clean energy infrastructure projects needed to increase Canada’s supply of critical minerals from responsible sources.

    The FIMC supports a variety of strategic priorities, including: decarbonizing mining industry operations, strengthening supply chains through the deployment of transportation infrastructure, and advancing economic reconciliation by supporting the participation of Indigenous peoples in critical infrastructure and mineral projects.

    The federal government also supports the development of Canada’s abundant critical mineral resources through Natural Resources Canada’s Regional Energy and Resource Tables. These regional tables are joint partnerships with each provincial and territorial government that, in collaboration with Indigenous partners and with input from key stakeholders, seek to identify and accelerate shared economic priorities for a low-carbon future in the energy and resource sectors.

    Cindy CaturaoPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources613-795-5638cindy.caturao@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Deputy Secretary-General’s remarks at the local 2030 Coalition Side Event on the occasion of the UN Summit of the Future’s Action Days [as prepared for delivery]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    SHAPING LOCAL PATHWAYS FOR A MORE EQUITABLE, SUSTAINABLE, AND SECURE FUTURE FOR ALL – ‘LOCALIZING THE PACT FOR THE FUTURE’

    H.E Ms. Eva Granados Galiano, Secretary of State for International Cooperation of Spain
    .E Jader Fontenelle Barbalho Filho, Minister of Cities of Brazil,
    Ugur Ibrahim Altay, President of United Cities and Local Governments,
    Anaclaudia Rossbach, Executive Director of UN-Habitat,
    Excellencies,
    Colleagues,

    I extend my appreciation to the Governments of Spain and Brazil for their invaluable collaboration with UN-Habitat, the Global Taskforce of Local and Regional Governments, and other members of the Local 2030 Steering Committee for organizing this event during the Summit of the Future Action Days.

    Coinciding with the International Day of Peace, we should recognize how local and regional governments often serve as defenders of peace and mediators of peace, protecting people in the context of conflict and providing invaluable support to people on the move.

    Excellencies, colleagues,

    It is no secret that we have a lot of work to do between now and 2030.

    With only 17% of the SDG targets on track to 2030, urgent and transformative action is imperative.

    It is also our commitment following the2023 SDG Summit, when we agreed on transformative and accelerated actions for the SDGs.

    And this is exactly the spirit that guided the creation of the Local2030 Coalition, brings together the UN systems with partners for SDG Localization.

    Under our Coalition, a combined set of actors are championing the SDGs at the local level.

    We are witnessing a diverse range of actors co-creating, incubating and investing in scalable solutions.

    With a projected increase in the global population of 2.4 billion people by 2050, and urban populations reaching 6.5 billion, our capacities to deliver require effective multi-level governance to help us manage the demand for public services, with the financing to ratchet the pace of acceleration.

    As we look ahead to pave the way for a better future, let me stress four points.

    First, work across your networks and with national governments and parliaments to anchor the potential for growth and inclusion around key and urgent transitions –from renewable energy, to green and blue economies, to sustainable food systems.

    Use the Local 2030 Coalition to unlock new opportunities for change.  Through the UN Joint SDG Fund, supported by the Government of Spain, 30 UN Country Teams are already integrating SDG transitions.

    Second, include local leadership, including local governments, and youth in decision-making processes and SDG implementation to drive impact, with measures for accountability.

    Yesterday’s youth Action Day provided tangible opportunities to advance our shared goals and they spoke extensively about that inclusion and what that meant

    Third, create frameworks for collaboration, innovation and investment, ensuring that we measure progress across social, environmental, and economic indicators.  

    The Local2030 Coalition Knowledge and Scientific Network is pioneering evidence-based strategies and capacity-building to support such learning.

    Fourth, advance the recommendations of the Secretary-General’s Advisory Group on Local and Regional governments. A new social contract that is people-centered must foster dialogue, intergenerational conversations and create the space for voices to be heard and acted upon.

    Excellencies,

    Colleagues, dear friends,

    At the Summit of the Future Action Days, youth and civil society activists challenged conventional thinking and spoke for change that leaves no one behind.

    Next year, the 2nd World Social Summit and the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development will demonstrate the power of local transformations aligned to the SDGs.

    COP29 and COP30 will also offer invaluable opportunities to respond to the aspirations of local actors and communities on the frontline of socio-economic and ecological crises.

    The G20 Summit in Rio will also provide a platform this year to champion further reforms, as well as a connection to the urban agenda through the U20.

    The success of the 2030 Agenda will also depend on our collective actions.

    Together, we know we can achieve the SDGs; ensuring that all communities thrive in a future that is just, equitable and sustainable.   

    ***
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –