NewzIntel.com

Category: Business

  • MIL-OSI Global: Game change Canadian election: Mark Carney projected to have lead Liberals to their fourth consecutive win

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Fiona MacDonald, Associate Professor, Political Science, University of Northern British Columbia

    Canada’s 2025 federal election will be remembered as a game-changer. Liberal Leader Mark Carney is projected to have pulled off a dramatic reversal of political fortunes after convincing voters he was the best candidate to fight annexation threats from United States President Donald Trump.

    Only four months ago, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre had a 25-point lead in public opinion polls and a fairly secure path to victory.

    Yet Poilievre’s lead soon vanished due to shifting voter sentiments defined less by the official campaign period and more by the months that preceded it. Justin Trudeau’s early January resignation announcement and Carney’s confirmation that he was officially in the Liberal leadership race dramatically changed the political landscape.



    Read more:
    After stunning comeback, centre-left Liberals likely to win majority of seats at Canadian election

    Within a matter of weeks, Liberal support surged when Carney became party leader and Trump continued to make threats about Canada becoming a 51st American state — and to levy punishing on-again, off-again tariffs against the country.

    The party went from being 20 percentage points behind the Conservatives to overtaking them, putting the party on track to secure its fourth consecutive victory. A shift described by longtime pollster Frank Graves as “unprecedented.”

    Poilievre’s messaging

    The emerging “Canada strong” and “elbows up” narratives, linked to the widespread anti-Trump sentiment, proved a major advantage for the Liberals, who made the most out of this political gift.

    This shift, alongside Carney’s elimination of the carbon tax, left Poilievre on the back foot as his longstanding messaging on Trudeau and his “axe the tax” slogan became largely irrelevant.



    Read more:
    Who really killed Canada’s carbon tax? Friends and foes alike

    The impact of these shifts in electoral fortunes extended beyond the two main parties. As the election became increasingly a two-party race between the Liberals and Conservatives, the smaller parties struggled for relevance.

    Election campaign polling and early results indicated steep losses for the NDP, with Leader Jagmeet Singh’s own seat in Burnaby, B.C., under threat. This could be due to voters on the left responding to calls to vote strategically to prevent Conservative victories in various ridings.

    The Bloc Québecois also lost ground, as did the Green Party of Canada and the People’s Party of Canada (PPC). Neither the Greens nor the PPC fielded full slates of candidates or participated in the leaders’ debates and therefore played comparatively limited roles in this election.

    Advance voting in a gendered election

    Another notable feature of this election was the record advance voting turnout, which surged to 7.3 million Canadians, up sharply from 5.8 million in 2021.

    Early voting has now become a central part of party campaign strategy, with campaigns “getting out the vote” at every opportunity, not just on Election Day. This trend raises questions not only about whether overall turnout will rise, but also whether party platforms remain as influential given so many votes were cast before all parties released their platforms.

    While many Canadians take in elections with a focus on party leaders and seat counts, there are other important ways to contemplate election outcomes in terms of inclusion and voice. What does this election tell us about gender and diversity representation in Canada’s Parliament?

    This was a deeply gendered election. The major party leaders are all men, with the exception of Elizabeth May, the Green Party co-leader.

    Preliminary candidate data showed a decrease in the number of women candidates compared to 2021.

    The NDP nominated the highest proportion of women candidates — the majority of its candidates are women — and fielded the most diverse slate of candidates in terms of Indigenous people, Black people, racialized people and LGBTQ+ candidates. But the party’s dramatic losses mean these gains will not translate into more diverse representation in Parliament.

    Furthermore, one of Carney’s first actions as prime minister was to eliminate the sex-balanced cabinet and to reduce the size of the cabinet. He eliminated the Ministry of Women and Gender Equality (WAGE) as well as ministerial portfolios focused on youth, official languages, diversity, inclusion, disability and seniors.

    These decisions reverse previous efforts taken to institutionalize gender and diversity leadership in Canada’s Parliament.

    Party platforms also reflected diverging approaches when it came to women. The Conservative platform only mentioned women four times, and three of those mentions were in the context of opposition to transgender rights.



    Read more:
    Pierre Poilievre’s ‘More Boots, Less Suits’ election strategy held little appeal to women

    The role of young working-class men

    Polling also revealed intersections of generation, gender and class are increasingly relevant. Like the last federal election, young working-class men are increasingly drawn to the Conservatives. This trend appears to be driven less by fiscal conservatism and more by concerns about rapid social change, a trend also observed in the 2024 American presidential election.

    Many of these young men are expressing frustrations over housing affordability and job security, and what they view as the Liberal and NDP’s “woke culture,” which they view as eroding traditional values that have traditionally benefited men. In contrast, Canadian women of all ages continue to favour parties they view as more progressive — the Liberals and the NDP.

    Theoretical explanations for this include young men feeling left behind by the Liberals, while the Conservatives have seemingly figured out a way to connect with them.

    This may reflect campaign rhetoric about returning to traditional expectations and values around gender roles and men’s rights to well-paying jobs, an affordable home and taking care of their families.

    Electoral reform needed?

    In the aftermath of the election, there are avenues through which current gaps in representation can be addressed. Organizations like the United Nations’ Inter-parliamentary Union and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, as well as gender and politics scholarship, propose various reforms to continue to strengthen diversity in Parliament.

    These reforms are understood to be essential for enhancing the legitimacy, responsiveness and effectiveness of Canada’s parliamentary system. Research on gender-and diversity-sensitive parliaments consistently shows that when legislative bodies reflect the diversity of the societies they govern, they are more likely to produce policies that are equitable, inclusive and trusted by the public.

    Overall, this Canadian election was characterized by transformative twists and turns that shed more light on important ongoing questions about representation and the potential need for democratic reform if Canadians want to avoid a two-party system.

    The authors 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. Game change Canadian election: Mark Carney projected to have lead Liberals to their fourth consecutive win – https://theconversation.com/game-change-canadian-election-mark-carney-projected-to-have-lead-liberals-to-their-fourth-consecutive-win-253721

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New appointments to Eden Park Trust Board

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Two new members have been appointed to the board of Eden Park Trust, Sport and Recreation Minister Mark Mitchell says.
    “Marama Royal MNZM (Ngāti Whātua) and Hon Simon Bridges (Ngāti Maniapoto) will be bringing their extensive governance experience and passion for the Auckland region to support the leadership of New Zealand’s largest stadium.
    “I am confident that these appointments will add fresh perspectives and expertise to help lead Eden Park through the current conversations about the park’s future.
    “Marama Royal MNZM is Chair of the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Trust Board and has extensive governance experience. She is an esteemed and experienced iwi leader who will bring significant governance experience, strong networks and deep understanding of the whenua to the role. 
    “Hon Simon Bridges is well known for his political experience where he served in several Cabinet positions, and more recently for his role as CEO of Auckland Business Chamber. His experience in both political and commercial settings offer unique perspective, skillset, and networks that would enable the board to thrive.
    “I have also reappointed Kereyn Smith CNZM and Bill Birnie CNZM as members of the board to continue their steadfast commitment to the future of Eden Park. 
    “These appointments and reappointments will ensure strong leadership and a commitment to the future success of New Zealand’s iconic stadium,” says Mr Mitchell.
    “I also acknowledge outgoing members, Victoria Toon and Renata Blair, whose terms ended in February.  They have been influential in supporting relationships with residents, iwi and commercial entities, and I thank them for their services to the board over the years.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Education and Experience – Local student interns welcomed at Porirua City

    Source: Porirua City Council

    A group of young people from Porirua colleges are getting a taste of the workplace this term as part of the Mahi Rangatahi programme run by Porirua City.
    Now in its fourth year, the Mahi Rangatahi programme provides real-world work experience for young people in Porirua, including developing a CV, applying for a job, having an interview – as well as the hands-on experience of their chosen role.
    With term 2 beginning this week, a group of 12 students from three Porirua schools were welcomed by their new mentors.
    More schools are now involved with the programme, with a student from Te Kura Māori o Porirua joining Mahi Rangatahi for the first time. Students from Mana and Aotea colleges are also getting a taste of the workplace.
    This year’s group of students are experiencing work in a range of teams at Council, including Emergency Management, Communications & Marketing, Arena Fitness, Pātaka Art + Museum, Economic Development, Strategic Partnerships, and Business Technology Support.
    Mahi Rangatahi was introduced as a pilot programme in 2022 following feedback to Council from local schools on what would be most beneficial to help their students understand different career pathway options.
    “The programme develops each year as we receive feedback from the students about what they’ve thought of their experience working at Council,” says Porirua Mayor Anita Baker.
    “It’s more than just work experience – the students go through an interview process and after their internship wraps up, their manager provides them with a reference to help them into future roles.”
    For students or others thinking about potential career pathways, the Porirua Careers Expo is back for 2025, this year happening on Tuesday 13 May, 9.30am-4.30pm at Te Rauparaha Arena.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Business – Fonterra plans to close Canpac site

    Source: Fonterra

    Fonterra has today announced that it plans to close its canning and packaging facility in Hamilton at the end of July.

    The closure of the Canpac site, which blends and packages milk powders, follows the Co-operative’s decision to focus on higher value ingredients such as advanced proteins and medical nutrition.

    Fonterra’s Chief Operating Officer, Anna Palairet, says low product volumes and increasing complexities in production has created challenging economic conditions for the facility.

    “It’s been a tough day for all the team at the site. Making decisions like this is never easy.

    “Our strategy is about creating end-to-end value and growing total returns for our farmer shareholders. We believe the best way to achieve this is to focus on our strengths and scale in ingredients and foodservice, and we are prioritising our investment on the parts of our operations that are better suited to this.”

    “We are committed to supporting our employees as we work through the next steps,” says Ms Palairet.

    Around 120 people currently work at the site. The Co-op will now work through a consultation process including exploring potential redeployment opportunities before operations are planned to come to an end on 31 July 2025.

    The site currently packs up to 4000 metric ton of powders per year, less than one per cent of the Co-op’s total product volume.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Amnesty International warns of global human rights crisis as ‘Trump effect’ accelerates destructive trends

    Source: Amnesty International

    • Annual report highlights the creep of authoritarian practices and vicious clampdowns on dissent around the world
    • President Trump’s first 100 days intensify 2024’s global regressions and deep-rooted trends
    • Global failures in addressing inequalities, climate collapse, and tech transformations imperil future generations
    • The rise of authoritarian practices and annihilation of international law are not inevitable: people do and will resist attacks on human rights; governments can deliver international justice and must continue to do so. 

    The Trump administration’s anti-rights campaign is turbocharging harmful trends already present, gutting international human rights protections and endangering billions across the planet, Amnesty International warned today upon launching its annual report, The State of the World’s Human Rights.

    This “Trump effect” has compounded the damage done by other world leaders throughout 2024,  eating away at decades of painstaking work to build up and advance universal human rights for all and accelerating humanity’s plunge into a brutal new era characterized by intermingling authoritarian practices and corporate greed, Amnesty International said in its assessment of the situation in 150 countries.

    “Year after year, we have warned of the dangers of human rights backsliding. But events of the past 12 months – not least Israel’s livestreamed but unheeded genocide of Palestinians in Gaza – have laid bare just how hellish the world can be for so many when the most powerful states jettison international law and disregard multilateral institutions. At this historical juncture, when authoritarian laws and practices are multiplying the world over in the interests of very few, governments and civil society must work with urgency to lead humanity back to safer ground,” said Agnès Callamard, Amnesty International’s Secretary General.

    The State of the World’s Human Rights documents vicious, widespread clampdowns on dissent, catastrophic escalations of armed conflict, inadequate efforts to address climate collapse, and a growing backlash globally against the rights of migrants, refugees, women, girls and LGBTI people. Each of these faces further deterioration in a turbulent 2025 unless a global about-turn is achieved.

    “One hundred days into his second term, President Trump has shown only utter contempt for universal human rights. His government has swiftly and deliberately targeted vital US and international institutions and initiatives that were designed to make ours a safer and fairer world. His all-out assault on the very concepts of multilateralism, asylum, racial and gender justice, global health and life-saving climate action is exacerbating the significant damage those principles and institutions have already sustained and is further emboldening other anti-rights leaders and movements to join his onslaught,” Agnès Callamard added.

    “But let us be clear: this sickness runs much deeper than the actions of President Trump. For years now, we’ve witnessed a creeping spread of authoritarian practices among states the world over, fostered by aspiring and elected leaders willingly acting as engines of destruction. As they drag us into a new age of turmoil and cruelty, all who believe in freedom and equality must steel ourselves to counter increasingly extreme attacks on international law and universal human rights.”

    The proliferation of authoritarian laws, policies and practices targeting freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly that Amnesty International documented in 2024 was central to the global backlash against human rights. Governments across the world sought to evade accountability, entrench their power and instil fear by banning media outlets, by disbanding or suspending NGOs and political parties, by imprisoning critics on baseless charges of “terrorism” or “extremism”, and by criminalizing human rights defenders, climate activists, Gaza solidarity protesters and other dissenters.

    Security forces in several countries used mass arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances and often excessive – sometimes lethal – force to suppress civil disobedience. Bangladeshi authorities issued “shoot-on-sight” orders against student protests, resulting in almost 1,000 deaths, while security forces in Mozambique unleashed the worst crackdown on protests in years following disputed elections, leaving at least 277 people dead.

    Türkiye imposed blanket bans on protests and continues to use unlawful and indiscriminate force against peaceful demonstrators, but people power prevailed in South Korea when president Yoon Suk Yeol suspended certain human rights and declared martial law, only to be removed from office and see those measures overturned after massive public protests.

    Armed conflicts highlight repeated failures

    As conflicts multiplied or escalated, state forces and armed groups acted brazenly, committing war crimes and other serious violations of international humanitarian law that devastated the lives of millions.

    Amnesty International documented Israel’s genocide against Palestinians in Gaza in a landmark reportand its system of apartheid and unlawful occupation in the West Bank turned increasingly violent. Meanwhile, Russia killed more Ukrainian civilians in 2024 than it did the year before, continuing to target civilian infrastructure and subjecting detainees to torture and enforced disappearance.

    Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces inflicted widespread sexual violence on women and girls, in what amounts to war crimes and possible crimes against humanity, while the number of people internally displaced by Sudan’s two-year civil war rose to 11 million – more than anywhere else on earth. Yet that conflict elicited near-total global indifference – aside from cynical actors exploiting opportunities to breach the Darfur arms embargo.

    The Rohingya continued to face racist attacks in Myanmar, causing many to flee their homes in Rakhine state. The Trump administration’s massive foreign aid cuts have since aggravated the situation, causing the closure of hospitals in refugee camps in neighbouring Thailand, exposing fleeing human rights defenders to risk of deportation and imperilling programmes helping people survive the conflict.

    The initial suspension of US foreign aid also impacted health services and support for children forcibly separated from their families at detention camps in Syria, and the abrupt cuts have shut down lifesaving programmes in Yemen, including malnutrition treatment for children, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, safe shelters for survivors of gender-based violence, and healthcare for children suffering from cholera and other illnesses.

    “Amnesty International has long warned of double standards undermining the rules-based order.  The impact of that to-date unfettered backsliding plumbed new depths in 2024, from Gaza to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Having paved the way for this mess by failing to universally uphold the rule of law, the international community must now shoulder the responsibility,” said Agnès Callamard.

    “The cost of these failures is gargantuan, namely the loss of vital protections built to safeguard humanity after the horrors of the Holocaust and World War Two. Despite its many imperfections, obliteration of the multilateral system is no answer. It must be strengthened and reimagined. Yet, having seen it sustain further damage in 2024, today the Trump administration appears intent on taking a chainsaw to the remnants of multilateral cooperation in order to reshape our world through a transactional doctrine steeped in greed, callous self-interest and dominance of the few.”

    Governments are abandoning future generations

    The State of the World’s Human Rights presents stark evidence that the world is condemning future generations to an ever-harsher existence thanks to collective failures to tackle the climate crisis, reverse ever-deepening inequalities and restrain corporate power.

    COP29 was a catastrophe, with a record number of fossil fuel lobbyists inhibiting progress on a fair phase-out, while the wealthiest countries bullied lower-income nations into accepting derisory climate financing agreements. President Trump’s reckless decision to abandon the Paris Agreement and his “drill, baby drill” refrain have only compounded these failings and could encourage others to follow suit.

    “2024 was the hottest year on record and the first to exceed 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. The floods that devastated South Asia and Europe, the droughts that ravaged Southern Africa, the fires that razed swathes of Amazon rainforest and the hurricanes that wreaked havoc in the USA laid bare the immense human cost of global heating, even at its current levels. With a 3°C rise projected this century, richer nations know they’re not immune from increasingly extreme unnatural disasters – as the recent California wildfires drove home – but will they act?” said Agnès Callamard.

    In 2024, extreme poverty and inequality within and between states continued to deepen due to widespread inflation, poor corporate regulation, pervasive tax abuse and rising national debts. Yet many governments and political movements used racist and xenophobic rhetoric to scapegoat migrants and refugees for crime and economic stagnation. Meanwhile, the number and wealth of billionaires grew, even as the World Bank warned of “a lost decade” in global poverty reduction.

    The future looks far bleaker for many women, girls and LGBTI people, amid intensifying attacks on gender equality and identity. The Taliban imposed even-more-draconian restrictions on women’s public existence in Afghanistan, while Iranian authorities intensified their brutal crackdown on women and girls who defy compulsory veiling. Groups of women searching for missing loved ones in Mexico and Colombia faced all manner of threats and attacks.

    Malawi, Mali and Uganda took steps to criminalize or uphold bans on same-sex relations between consenting adults, while Georgia and Bulgaria followed Russia’s lead in clamping down on supposed “LGBTI propaganda”. The Trump administration is bolstering the global backlash against gender justice by dismantling efforts to tackle discrimination, relentlessly attacking transgender rights, and ending funding for health, education and other programmes that supported women and girls all over the world.

    Governments are further harming present and future generations by failing to adequately regulate new technologies, abusing surveillance tools and entrenching discrimination and inequalities through increased use of artificial intelligence.

    Tech firms have long facilitated discriminatory and authoritarian practices, but President Trump has exacerbated this trend, encouraging social media companies to roll back protections – including Meta’s removal of third-party fact-checking – and double down on a business model that enables the spread of hateful and violent content. The alignment between the Trump administration and tech billionaires also risks opening the door to an era of rampant corruption, disinformation, impunity and corporate capture of state power.

    “From seating tech billionaires in prime position at his inauguration to granting the world’s richest man unprecedented access to the US government apparatus, it appears that President Trump will let his self-serving and corporate allies run amok, without the slightest regard for human rights or even the rule of law,” said Agnès Callamard.

    Vital efforts to uphold international justice

    Despite mounting opposition from powerful states – compounded this year by the Trump administration’s shameless sanctions against the ICC prosecutor – international justice and multilateral bodies have continued to push for accountability at the highest levels, with governments from the Global South leading several significant initiatives.

    The ICC issued arrest warrants against senior state officials and leaders of armed groups in Israel, Gaza, Libya, Myanmar and Russia. The UN took an important step towards negotiating a much-needed treaty on crimes against humanity and the Philippines followed suit by arresting former president Rodrigo Duterte last month under an ICC warrant for the crime against humanity of murder.

    The International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued three sets of provisional measure orders in the case South Africa brought against Israel under the Genocide Convention and issued an advisory opinion declaring that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, is unlawful. The UN General Assembly also passed a resolution calling on Israel to end its occupation, and in January 2025 eight states from the Global South formed the Hague Group, a collective committed to preventing arms transfers to Israel and holding it accountable for violations of international law.

    “We applaud the efforts of nations like South Africa and international justice bodies to push back against powerful states hellbent on undermining international law. In so challenging impunity, those nations and bodies set examples for the whole world to follow. The mounting attacks we’ve witnessed on the ICC in recent months suggest this is emerging as a major battlefield of 2025. All governments must do everything in their power to support international justice, hold perpetrators accountable, and protect the ICC and its staff from sanctions,” said Agnès Callamard.

    “Despite daunting challenges, the destruction of human rights is far from inevitable. History abounds with examples of brave people overcoming authoritarian practices. In 2024 the people of several nations rejected anti-rights leaders at the ballot box while millions around the world raised their voices against injustice. So it’s clear: no matter who stands in our way, we must – and we will – continue to resist the reckless regimes of power and profit that seek to strip people of their human rights. Our vast, unshakeable movement will be forever united in our common belief in the inherent dignity and human rights of everyone on this planet.”

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Game change Canadian election: Mark Carney projected to have lead Liberals to their fourth consecutive win

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Fiona MacDonald, Associate Professor, Political Science, University of Northern British Columbia

    Canada’s 2025 federal election will be remembered as a game-changer. Liberal Leader Mark Carney is projected to have pulled off a dramatic reversal of political fortunes after convincing voters he was the best candidate to fight annexation threats from United States President Donald Trump.

    Only four months ago, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre had a 25-point lead in public opinion polls and a fairly secure path to victory.

    Yet Poilievre’s lead soon vanished due to shifting voter sentiments defined less by the official campaign period and more by the months that preceded it. Justin Trudeau’s early January resignation announcement and Carney’s confirmation that he was officially in the Liberal leadership race dramatically changed the political landscape.



    Read more:
    After stunning comeback, centre-left Liberals likely to win majority of seats at Canadian election

    Within a matter of weeks, Liberal support surged when Carney became party leader and Trump continued to make threats about Canada becoming a 51st American state — and to levy punishing on-again, off-again tariffs against the country.

    The party went from being 20 percentage points behind the Conservatives to overtaking them, putting the party on track to secure its fourth consecutive victory. A shift described by longtime pollster Frank Graves as “unprecedented.”

    Poilievre’s messaging

    The emerging “Canada strong” and “elbows up” narratives, linked to the widespread anti-Trump sentiment, proved a major advantage for the Liberals, who made the most out of this political gift.

    This shift, alongside Carney’s elimination of the carbon tax, left Poilievre on the back foot as his longstanding messaging on Trudeau and his “axe the tax” slogan became largely irrelevant.



    Read more:
    Who really killed Canada’s carbon tax? Friends and foes alike

    The impact of these shifts in electoral fortunes extended beyond the two main parties. As the election became increasingly a two-party race between the Liberals and Conservatives, the smaller parties struggled for relevance.

    Election campaign polling and early results indicated steep losses for the NDP, with Leader Jagmeet Singh’s own seat in Burnaby, B.C., under threat. This could be due to voters on the left responding to calls to vote strategically to prevent Conservative victories in various ridings.

    The Bloc Québecois also lost ground, as did the Green Party of Canada and the People’s Party of Canada (PPC). Neither the Greens nor the PPC fielded full slates of candidates or participated in the leaders’ debates and therefore played comparatively limited roles in this election.

    Advance voting in a gendered election

    Another notable feature of this election was the record advance voting turnout, which surged to 7.3 million Canadians, up sharply from 5.8 million in 2021.

    Early voting has now become a central part of party campaign strategy, with campaigns “getting out the vote” at every opportunity, not just on Election Day. This trend raises questions not only about whether overall turnout will rise, but also whether party platforms remain as influential given so many votes were cast before all parties released their platforms.

    While many Canadians take in elections with a focus on party leaders and seat counts, there are other important ways to contemplate election outcomes in terms of inclusion and voice. What does this election tell us about gender and diversity representation in Canada’s Parliament?

    This was a deeply gendered election. The major party leaders are all men, with the exception of Elizabeth May, the Green Party co-leader.

    Preliminary candidate data showed a decrease in the number of women candidates compared to 2021.

    The NDP nominated the highest proportion of women candidates — the majority of its candidates are women — and fielded the most diverse slate of candidates in terms of Indigenous people, Black people, racialized people and LGBTQ+ candidates. But the party’s dramatic losses mean these gains will not translate into more diverse representation in Parliament.

    Furthermore, one of Carney’s first actions as prime minister was to eliminate the sex-balanced cabinet and to reduce the size of the cabinet. He eliminated the Ministry of Women and Gender Equality (WAGE) as well as ministerial portfolios focused on youth, official languages, diversity, inclusion, disability and seniors.

    These decisions reverse previous efforts taken to institutionalize gender and diversity leadership in Canada’s Parliament.

    Party platforms also reflected diverging approaches when it came to women. The Conservative platform only mentioned women four times, and three of those mentions were in the context of opposition to transgender rights.



    Read more:
    Pierre Poilievre’s ‘More Boots, Less Suits’ election strategy held little appeal to women

    The role of young working-class men

    Polling also revealed intersections of generation, gender and class are increasingly relevant. Like the last federal election, young working-class men are increasingly drawn to the Conservatives. This trend appears to be driven less by fiscal conservatism and more by concerns about rapid social change, a trend also observed in the 2024 American presidential election.

    Many of these young men are expressing frustrations over housing affordability and job security, and what they view as the Liberal and NDP’s “woke culture,” which they view as eroding traditional values that have traditionally benefited men. In contrast, Canadian women of all ages continue to favour parties they view as more progressive — the Liberals and the NDP.

    Theoretical explanations for this include young men feeling left behind by the Liberals, while the Conservatives have seemingly figured out a way to connect with them.

    This may reflect campaign rhetoric about returning to traditional expectations and values around gender roles and men’s rights to well-paying jobs, an affordable home and taking care of their families.

    Electoral reform needed?

    In the aftermath of the election, there are avenues through which current gaps in representation can be addressed. Organizations like the United Nations’ Inter-parliamentary Union and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, as well as gender and politics scholarship, propose various reforms to continue to strengthen diversity in Parliament.

    These reforms are understood to be essential for enhancing the legitimacy, responsiveness and effectiveness of Canada’s parliamentary system. Research on gender-and diversity-sensitive parliaments consistently shows that when legislative bodies reflect the diversity of the societies they govern, they are more likely to produce policies that are equitable, inclusive and trusted by the public.

    Overall, this Canadian election was characterized by transformative twists and turns that shed more light on important ongoing questions about representation and the potential need for democratic reform if Canadians want to avoid a two-party system.

    The authors 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. Game change Canadian election: Mark Carney projected to have lead Liberals to their fourth consecutive win – https://theconversation.com/game-change-canadian-election-mark-carney-projected-to-have-lead-liberals-to-their-fourth-consecutive-win-253721

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Money Market Operations as on April 28, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India
    (Amount in ₹ crore, Rate in Per cent)
      Volume
    (One Leg)    		 Weighted
    Average Rate    		 Range
    A. Overnight Segment (I+II+III+IV) 6,09,110.25 5.77 0.01-6.30
         I. Call Money 15,719.99 5.87 4.95-5.95
         II. Triparty Repo 4,01,754.30 5.75 5.70-5.85
         III. Market Repo 1,89,873.96 5.82 0.01-6.30
         IV. Repo in Corporate Bond 1,762.00 5.99 5.95-6.00
    B. Term Segment      
         I. Notice Money** 788.85 5.93 5.25-6.05
         II. Term Money@@ 1,120.00 – 6.15-6.50
         III. Triparty Repo 9,188.00 5.90 5.80-6.00
         IV. Market Repo 195.04 6.25 6.25-6.25
         V. Repo in Corporate Bond 0.00 – –
      Auction Date Tenor (Days) Maturity Date Amount Current Rate /
    Cut off Rate
    C. Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF), Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) & Standing Deposit Facility (SDF)
    I. Today’s Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo Mon, 28/04/2025 1 Tue, 29/04/2025 4,998.00 6.01
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (III) Long Term Operations^          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
    3. MSF# Mon, 28/04/2025 1 Tue, 29/04/2025 3,190.00 6.25
    4. SDFΔ# Mon, 28/04/2025 1 Tue, 29/04/2025 1,32,959.00 5.75
    5. Net liquidity injected from today’s operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*       -1,24,771.00  
    II. Outstanding Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (III) Long Term Operations^          
         (a) Repo Thu, 17/04/2025 43 Fri, 30/05/2025 25,731.00 6.01
         (b) Reverse Repo          
    3. MSF#          
    4. SDFΔ#          
    D. Standing Liquidity Facility (SLF) Availed from RBI$       8,701.02  
    E. Net liquidity injected from outstanding operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     34,432.02  
    F. Net liquidity injected (outstanding including today’s operations) [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     -90,338.98  
    G. Cash Reserves Position of Scheduled Commercial Banks
         (i) Cash balances with RBI as on April 28, 2025 9,36,260.05  
         (ii) Average daily cash reserve requirement for the fortnight ending May 02, 2025 9,51,938.00  
    H. Government of India Surplus Cash Balance Reckoned for Auction as on¥ April 28, 2025 4,998.00  
    I. Net durable liquidity [surplus (+)/deficit (-)] as on April 04, 2025 2,36,088.00  
    @ Based on Reserve Bank of India (RBI) / Clearing Corporation of India Limited (CCIL).
    – Not Applicable / No Transaction.
    ** Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 2 to 14 days tenor.
    @@ Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 15 days to one year tenor.
    $ Includes refinance facilities extended by RBI.
    & As per the Press Release No. 2019-2020/1900 dated February 06, 2020.
    Δ As per the Press Release No. 2022-2023/41 dated April 08, 2022.
    * Net liquidity is calculated as Repo+MSF+SLF-Reverse Repo-SDF.
    ¥ As per the Press Release No. 2014-2015/1971 dated March 19, 2015.
    # As per the Press Release No. 2023-2024/1548 dated December 27, 2023.
    ^ As per the Press Release No. 2025-2026/91 dated April 11, 2025.
    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    
    Press Release: 2025-2026/199

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for April 29, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on April 29, 2025.

    Why are political parties allowed to send spam texts? And how can we make them stop?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tegan Cohen, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Digital Media Research Centre, Queensland University of Technology Ti Wi / Unsplash Another election, another wave of unsolicited political texts. Over this campaign, our digital mailboxes have been stuffed with a slew of political appeals and promises, many from the new party

    The Oscars have rolled out the red carpet for generative AI. And surprisingly, viewers don’t seem to mind
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Paul Crosby, Senior Lecturer, Department of Economics, Macquarie University The Oscars have entered the age of artificial intelligence (AI). Last week the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences explicitly said, for the first time, films using generative AI tools will not be disqualified from the awards.

    Echidna ancestors lived watery lifestyles like platypuses 100 million years ago – new study
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sue Hand, Professor Emeritus, Palaeontology, UNSW Sydney Mary_May/Shutterstock As the world’s only surviving egg-laying mammals, Australasia’s platypus and four echidna species are among the most extraordinary animals on Earth. They are also very different from each other. The platypus is well adapted for a semi-aquatic lifestyle, spending

    ‘Do something about it before it gets worse’: young people want government action on gambling reform
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hannah Pitt, Senior Research Fellow – Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University David P. Smith/Shutterstock Do something about it before it gets worse. This was a response from a 16-year-old boy in one of our recent studies when asked what he would say to the prime minister

    ‘I’m always afraid for the future of my family’: why it’s too hard for some refugees to reunite with loved ones
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mary Anne Kenny, Associate Professor, School of Law, Murdoch University When refugees flee their home country due to war, violence, conflict or persecution, they are often forced to leave behind their families. For more than 30,000 people who have sought asylum in Australia since arriving more than

    Major survey finds most people use AI regularly at work – but almost half admit to doing so inappropriately
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nicole Gillespie, Professor of Management; Chair in Trust, Melbourne Business School Matheus Bertelli/Pexels Have you ever used ChatGPT to draft a work email? Perhaps to summarise a report, research a topic or analyse data in a spreadsheet? If so, you certainly aren’t alone. Artificial intelligence (AI) tools

    1 billion years ago, a meteorite struck Scotland and influenced life on Earth
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Chris Kirkland, Professor of Geochronology, Curtin University Stoer Head lighthouse, Scotland. William Gale/Shutterstock We’ve discovered that a meteorite struck northwest Scotland 1 billion years ago, 200 million years later than previously thought. Our results are published today in the journal Geology. This impact now aligns with some

    Arsenic is everywhere – but new detection methods could help save lives
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Magdalena Wajrak, Senior Lecturer in Chemistry, Edith Cowan University Arsenic is a nasty poison that once reigned as the ultimate weapon of deception. In the 18th century, it was the poison of choice for those wanting to kill their enemies and spouses, favoured for its undetectable nature

    Forming new habits can take longer than you think. Here are 8 tips to help you stick with them
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ben Singh, Research Fellow, Allied Health & Human Performance, University of South Australia SarahMcEwan/Shutterstock If you’ve ever tried to build a new habit – whether that’s exercising more, eating healthier, or going to bed earlier – you may have heard the popular claim that it only takes

    ‘Complaining is career suicide’: the hidden mental health crisis turning our screen industry upside down
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Hegedus, Associate Professor, Griffith Film School, Griffith University Shutterstock The Australian screen industry is often associated with fun, creativity and perhaps even glamour. But our new Pressure Point Report reveals a more troubling reality: a pervasive mental health crisis, which could see the screen industry lose

    New survey shows business outlook is weakening and uncertainty rising as the trade war bites
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Simon, Adjunct Fellow in Economics, Macquarie University Vivid Brands/Shutterstock Uncertainty is everywhere these days. There is even uncertainty about the uncertainty. The Reserve Bank of Australia, for example, noted in the minutes from its April 1 meeting: The most significant development in the period leading up

    How ICE is becoming a secret police force under the Trump administration
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lee Morgenbesser, Associate Professor, School of Government and International Relations, Griffith University Secret police are a quintessential feature of authoritarian regimes. From Azerbaijan’s State Security Service to Zimbabwe’s Central Intelligence Organisation, these agencies typically target political opponents and dissidents through covert surveillance, imprisonment and physical violence. In

    Democracy on display or a public eyesore? The case for cracking down on election corflutes
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Hughes, Lecturer in Marketing, Research School of Management, Australian National University In my time researching political advertising, one common communication method that often generates complaints is the proliferation of campaign corflutes. Politicians love them. Not so, many members of the general public. People are so fed

    Here’s how to make your backyard safer and cooler next summer
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Pui Kwan Cheung, Research Fellow in Urban Microclimates, The University of Melbourne Varavin88, Shutterstock Our backyards should be safe and inviting spaces all year round, including during the summer months. But the choices we make about garden design and maintenance, such as whether to have artificial turf

    Five ways to make cities more resilient to climate change
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Paul O’Hare, Lecturer in Human Geography and Urban Development, Manchester Metropolitan University John_T/Shutterstock Climate breakdown poses immense threats to global economies, societies and ecosystems. Adapting to these impacts is urgent. But many cities and countries remain chronically unprepared in what the UN calls an “adaptation gap”. Building

    Politics with Michelle Grattan: pollster Kos Samaras on how voters are leaving the major parties behind
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra As we enter the final days of campaigning, Labor leads with its nose in front on most polls, but the devil is in the detail of particular seats. To help get a read on what the voters are feeling at

    Vanuatu communities growing climate resilience in wake of Cyclone Lola
    Communities in Vanuatu are learning to grow climate resilient crops, 18 months after Cyclone Lola devastated the country. The category 5 storm struck in October 2023, generating wind speeds of up to 215 kmph, which destroyed homes, schools, plantations, and left at least four people dead. It was all the worse for following twin cyclones

    Election Diary: Labor to slash more consultant costs and increase visa charges to pay for fresh election commitments
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The government has dug out last-minute savings of more than A$7 billion, to ensure its election commitments are more than offset in every year of the forward estimates. Its costings, released Monday, include savings of $6.4 billion from further reducing

    Big and small spending included in Labor costings, but off-budget items yet to be revealed
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephen Bartos, Professor of Economics, University of Canberra The federal budget will be stronger than suggested in last month’s budget, according to Treasurer Jim Chalmers who released Labor’s costings on Monday. Many of the policies included in the costings were already detailed in either the 2025 Budget

    How much do election promises cost? And why have we had to wait so long to see the costings?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephen Bartos, Professor of Economics, University of Canberra With the May 3 federal election less than a week away, voters have only just received Labor’s costings and are yet to hear from the Coalition. At the 2022 election, the costings were not released for nearly two months

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hawley Reintroduces PELOSI Act to Ban Congress from Trading Stocks

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo)

    Monday, April 28, 2025

    Today, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) reintroduced the Preventing Elected Leaders from Owning Securities and Investments (PELOSI) Act, which would ban members of Congress from trading or holding individual stocks. The move comes after President Trump announced he would sign such a bill into law if it crossed his desk.
    “Members of Congress should be fighting for the people they were elected to serve—not day trading at the expense of their constituents,” stated Senator Hawley. “Americans have seen politician after politician turn a profit using information not available to the general public. It’s time we ban all members of Congress from trading and holding stocks and restore Americans’ trust in our nation’s legislative body.”
    The PELOSI Act would ban lawmakers and their spouses from holding, purchasing or selling individual stocks for the duration of the lawmaker’s time in office. Lawmakers would be allowed to invest in diversified mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, or U.S. Treasury bonds while in office.
    If passed, current lawmakers would have 180 days to comply with the legislation. Likewise, newly elected members of Congress would be required to comply within 180 days of taking office.
    Members who refuse to comply with the PELOSI Act must forfeit any stock profits to the U.S. Department of the Treasury and face monetary penalties imposed by the House and Senate ethics committees.
    Read the full bill language here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The game change Canadian election: Mark Carney leads Liberals to their fourth consecutive win

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Fiona MacDonald, Associate Professor, Political Science, University of Northern British Columbia

    Canada’s 2025 federal election will be remembered as a game-changer. Liberal Leader Mark Carney pulled off a dramatic reversal of political fortunes after convincing voters he was the best candidate to fight annexation threats from United States President Donald Trump.

    Only four months ago, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre had a 25-point lead in public opinion polls and a fairly secure path to victory.

    Yet Poilievre’s lead soon vanished due to shifting voter sentiments defined less by the official campaign period and more by the months that preceded it. Justin Trudeau’s early January resignation announcement and Carney’s confirmation that he was officially in the Liberal leadership race dramatically changed the political landscape.



    Read more:
    After stunning comeback, centre-left Liberals likely to win majority of seats at Canadian election

    Within a matter of weeks, Liberal support surged when Carney became party leader and Trump continued to make threats about Canada becoming a 51st American state — and to levy punishing on-again, off-again tariffs against the country.

    The party went from being 20 percentage points behind the Conservatives to overtaking them, putting the party on track to secure its fourth consecutive victory. A shift described by longtime pollster Frank Graves as “unprecedented.”

    Poilievre’s messaging

    The emerging “Canada strong” and “elbows up” narratives, linked to the widespread anti-Trump sentiment, proved a major advantage for the Liberals, who made the most out of this political gift.

    This shift, alongside Carney’s elimination of the carbon tax, left Poilievre on the back foot as his longstanding messaging on Trudeau and his “axe the tax” slogan became largely irrelevant.



    Read more:
    Who really killed Canada’s carbon tax? Friends and foes alike

    The impact of these shifts in electoral fortunes extended beyond the two main parties. As the election became increasingly a two-party race between the Liberals and Conservatives, the smaller parties struggled for relevance.

    Election campaign polling and early results indicated steep losses for the NDP, with Leader Jagmeet Singh’s own seat in Burnaby, B.C., under threat. This could be due to voters on the left responding to calls to vote strategically to prevent Conservative victories in various ridings.

    The Bloc Québecois also lost ground, as did the Green Party of Canada and the People’s Party of Canada (PPC). Neither the Greens nor the PPC fielded full slates of candidates or participated in the leaders’ debates and therefore played comparatively limited roles in this election.

    Advance voting in a gendered election

    Another notable feature of this election was the record advance voting turnout, which surged to 7.3 million Canadians, up sharply from 5.8 million in 2021.

    Early voting has now become a central part of party campaign strategy, with campaigns “getting out the vote” at every opportunity, not just on Election Day. This trend raises questions not only about whether overall turnout will rise, but also whether party platforms remain as influential given so many votes were cast before all parties released their platforms.

    While many Canadians take in elections with a focus on party leaders and seat counts, there are other important ways to contemplate election outcomes in terms of inclusion and voice. What does this election tell us about gender and diversity representation in Canada’s Parliament?

    This was a deeply gendered election. The major party leaders are all men, with the exception of Elizabeth May, the Green Party co-leader.

    Preliminary candidate data showed a decrease in the number of women candidates compared to 2021.

    The NDP nominated the highest proportion of women candidates — the majority of its candidates are women — and fielded the most diverse slate of candidates in terms of Indigenous people, Black people, racialized people and LGBTQ+ candidates. But the party’s dramatic losses mean these gains will not translate into more diverse representation in Parliament.

    Furthermore, one of Carney’s first actions as prime minister was to eliminate the sex-balanced cabinet and to reduce the size of the cabinet. He eliminated the Ministry of Women and Gender Equality (WAGE) as well as ministerial portfolios focused on youth, official languages, diversity, inclusion, disability and seniors.

    These decisions reverse previous efforts taken to institutionalize gender and diversity leadership in Canada’s Parliament.

    Party platforms also reflected diverging approaches when it came to women. The Conservative platform only mentioned women four times, and three of those mentions were in the context of opposition to transgender rights.



    Read more:
    Pierre Poilievre’s ‘More Boots, Less Suits’ election strategy held little appeal to women

    The role of young working-class men

    Polling also revealed intersections of generation, gender and class are increasingly relevant. Like the last federal election, young working-class men are increasingly drawn to the Conservatives. This trend appears to be driven less by fiscal conservatism and more by concerns about rapid social change, a trend also observed in the 2024 American presidential election.

    Many of these young men are expressing frustrations over housing affordability and job security, and what they view as the Liberal and NDP’s “woke culture,” which they view as eroding traditional values that have traditionally benefited men. In contrast, Canadian women of all ages continue to favour parties they view as more progressive — the Liberals and the NDP.

    Theoretical explanations for this include young men feeling left behind by the Liberals, while the Conservatives have seemingly figured out a way to connect with them.

    This may reflect campaign rhetoric about returning to traditional expectations and values around gender roles and men’s rights to well-paying jobs, an affordable home and taking care of their families.

    Electoral reform needed?

    In the aftermath of Carney’s victory, there are avenues through which current gaps in representation can be addressed. Organizations like the United Nations’ Inter-parliamentary Union and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, as well as gender and politics scholarship, propose various reforms to continue to strengthen diversity in Parliament.

    These reforms are understood to be essential for enhancing the legitimacy, responsiveness and effectiveness of Canada’s parliamentary system. Research on gender-and diversity-sensitive parliaments consistently shows that when legislative bodies reflect the diversity of the societies they govern, they are more likely to produce policies that are equitable, inclusive and trusted by the public.

    Overall, this Canadian election was characterized by transformative twists and turns that shed more light on important ongoing questions about representation and the potential need for democratic reform if Canadians want to avoid a two-party system.

    The authors 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. The game change Canadian election: Mark Carney leads Liberals to their fourth consecutive win – https://theconversation.com/the-game-change-canadian-election-mark-carney-leads-liberals-to-their-fourth-consecutive-win-253721

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The game change Canadian election: Mark Carney’s Liberals win a fourth consecutive election

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Fiona MacDonald, Associate Professor, Political Science, University of Northern British Columbia

    Canada’s 2025 federal election will be remembered as a game-changer. Liberal Leader Mark Carney pulled off a dramatic reversal of political fortunes after convincing voters he was the best candidate to fight annexation threats from United States President Donald Trump.

    Only four months ago, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre had a 25-point lead in public opinion polls and a fairly secure path to victory.

    Yet Poilievre’s lead soon vanished due to shifting voter sentiments defined less by the official campaign period and more by the months that preceded it. Justin Trudeau’s early January resignation announcement and Carney’s confirmation that he was officially in the Liberal leadership race dramatically changed the political landscape.



    Read more:
    After stunning comeback, centre-left Liberals likely to win majority of seats at Canadian election

    Within a matter of weeks, Liberal support surged when Carney became party leader and Trump continued to make threats about Canada becoming a 51st American state — and to levy punishing on-again, off-again tariffs against the country.

    The party went from being 20 percentage points behind the Conservatives to overtaking them, putting the party on track to secure its fourth consecutive victory. A shift described by longtime pollster Frank Graves as “unprecedented.”

    Poilievre’s messaging

    The emerging “Canada strong” and “elbows up” narratives, linked to the widespread anti-Trump sentiment, proved a major advantage for the Liberals, who made the most out of this political gift.

    This shift, alongside Carney’s elimination of the carbon tax, left Poilievre on the back foot as his longstanding messaging on Trudeau and his “axe the tax” slogan became largely irrelevant.



    Read more:
    Who really killed Canada’s carbon tax? Friends and foes alike

    The impact of these shifts in electoral fortunes extended beyond the two main parties. As the election became increasingly a two-party race between the Liberals and Conservatives, the smaller parties struggled for relevance.

    Election campaign polling and early results indicated steep losses for the NDP, with Leader Jagmeet Singh’s own seat in Burnaby, B.C., under threat. This could be due to voters on the left responding to calls to vote strategically to prevent Conservative victories in various ridings.

    The Bloc Québecois also lost ground, as did the Green Party of Canada and the People’s Party of Canada (PPC). Neither the Greens nor the PPC fielded full slates of candidates or participated in the leaders’ debates and therefore played comparatively limited roles in this election.

    Advance voting in a gendered election

    Another notable feature of this election was the record advance voting turnout, which surged to 7.3 million Canadians, up sharply from 5.8 million in 2021.

    Early voting has now become a central part of party campaign strategy, with campaigns “getting out the vote” at every opportunity, not just on Election Day. This trend raises questions not only about whether overall turnout will rise, but also whether party platforms remain as influential given so many votes were cast before all parties released their platforms.

    While many Canadians take in elections with a focus on party leaders and seat counts, there are other important ways to contemplate election outcomes in terms of inclusion and voice. What does this election tell us about gender and diversity representation in Canada’s Parliament?

    This was a deeply gendered election. The major party leaders are all men, with the exception of Elizabeth May, the Green Party co-leader.

    Preliminary candidate data showed a decrease in the number of women candidates compared to 2021.

    The NDP nominated the highest proportion of women candidates — the majority of its candidates are women — and fielded the most diverse slate of candidates in terms of Indigenous people, Black people, racialized people and LGBTQ+ candidates. But the party’s dramatic losses mean these gains will not translate into more diverse representation in Parliament.

    Furthermore, one of Carney’s first actions as prime minister was to eliminate the sex-balanced cabinet and to reduce the size of the cabinet. He eliminated the Ministry of Women and Gender Equality (WAGE) as well as ministerial portfolios focused on youth, official languages, diversity, inclusion, disability and seniors.

    These decisions reverse previous efforts taken to institutionalize gender and diversity leadership in Canada’s Parliament.

    Party platforms also reflected diverging approaches when it came to women. The Conservative platform only mentioned women four times, and three of those mentions were in the context of opposition to transgender rights.



    Read more:
    Pierre Poilievre’s ‘More Boots, Less Suits’ election strategy held little appeal to women

    The role of young working-class men

    Polling also revealed intersections of generation, gender and class are increasingly relevant. Like the last federal election, young working-class men are increasingly drawn to the Conservatives. This trend appears to be driven less by fiscal conservatism and more by concerns about rapid social change, a trend also observed in the 2024 American presidential election.

    Many of these young men are expressing frustrations over housing affordability and job security, and what they view as the Liberal and NDP’s “woke culture,” which they view as eroding traditional values that have traditionally benefited men. In contrast, Canadian women of all ages continue to favour parties they view as more progressive — the Liberals and the NDP.

    Theoretical explanations for this include young men feeling left behind by the Liberals, while the Conservatives have seemingly figured out a way to connect with them.

    This may reflect campaign rhetoric about returning to traditional expectations and values around gender roles and men’s rights to well-paying jobs, an affordable home and taking care of their families.

    Electoral reform needed?

    In the aftermath of Carney’s victory, there are avenues through which current gaps in representation can be addressed. Organizations like the United Nations’ Inter-parliamentary Union and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, as well as gender and politics scholarship, propose various reforms to continue to strengthen diversity in Parliament.

    These reforms are understood to be essential for enhancing the legitimacy, responsiveness and effectiveness of Canada’s parliamentary system. Research on gender-and diversity-sensitive parliaments consistently shows that when legislative bodies reflect the diversity of the societies they govern, they are more likely to produce policies that are equitable, inclusive and trusted by the public.

    Overall, this Canadian election was characterized by transformative twists and turns that shed more light on important ongoing questions about representation and the potential need for democratic reform if Canadians want to avoid a two-party system.

    The authors 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. The game change Canadian election: Mark Carney’s Liberals win a fourth consecutive election – https://theconversation.com/the-game-change-canadian-election-mark-carneys-liberals-win-a-fourth-consecutive-election-253721

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Markey Applauds GAO’s Report on the Environmental Impacts of Generative Artificial Intelligence

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
    Washington (April 28, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, applauds last week’s release of a report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) titled Artificial Intelligence: Generative AI’s Environmental and Human Effects. The release of this report comes after Senators Markey and Gary Peters (D-Mich.) wrote to GAO requesting the agency conduct a detailed technology assessment of the potential harms, including environmental impacts, of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and how to mitigate them.
    “There is a Dickensian quality to the use of AI when it comes to our environment: while there are many benefits, there are also many costs. This is why nearly two years ago, Senator Peters and I wrote to GAO to assess the potential challenges and risks AI poses. Last week’s GAO report confirms what we have known to be true: that for all its promise, AI comes with real costs to our climate and our communities. While these findings will help drive efforts to improve our understanding of AI energy and environmental impacts, I urge my colleagues to pass my Artificial Intelligence Environmental Impacts Act that would further investigate and measure these risks,” said Senator Markey.
    The GAO report found that generative AI poses significant energy and environmental impacts, but there are information gaps which data collection and reporting could help address. The report identified five risks that AI may pose to society and highlighted policy considerations for lawmakers.
    On February 1, 2024, Senators Markey and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Representatives Anna Eshoo (CA-16) and Don Beyer (VA-08) introduced the Artificial Intelligence Environmental Impacts Act of 2024, which would direct the National Institute of Standards and Technology to develop standards to measure and report the full range of AI environmental impacts, as well as create a voluntary framework for AI developers to report environmental impacts.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Australia’s External Position and the Evolution of the FX Markets

    Source: Airservices Australia

    Introduction

    I would like to thank Bloomberg for hosting this event. Today I will discuss Australia’s evolving external position and the development of foreign exchange (FX) markets. I will emphasise the growing footprint of superannuation funds in Australia’s capital flows and the importance of these and other ‘buy-side’ firms of adopting best practices in FX markets.

    Australia’s capital account and FX markets since the float

    The removal of capital account restrictions and the floating of the Australian dollar in 1983 reshaped our economy. Free capital movement facilitated large increases in foreign investment in Australia and allowed Australian households and firms to diversify their portfolios by investing overseas. Deep, well-functioning FX markets that developed following the float helped banks, businesses and fund managers to manage their foreign exposures.

    Australia’s integration into global capital markets saw two distinct trends in our net investment position with the rest of the world (Graph 1). First, in the decades after the float, Australia’s high investment rate was associated with rising foreign debt. This saw net foreign liabilities rise substantially to around 50 per cent of GDP. Second, over more recent years, outbound investment has grown as a share of GDP as Australia’s saving rate rose and domestic investment declined. This accumulation of foreign assets has contributed to an extraordinary decline in Australia’s net foreign liabilities to levels last seen prior to 1983.

    The rise in external debt and the internationalisation of FX markets in the 1980s

    While foreign ownership of Australian assets was already common in some sectors, the full opening of the capital account allowed for much more foreign investment in Australia. The growth in debt held by overseas creditors was particularly noticeable in domestic banking and resource sectors.

    The increase in cross-border investment was accompanied by a rise in FX transactions. Prior to the float, spot transactions by local commercial banks dominated FX transactions. While the Australian dollar spot market grew strongly, the 1980s also saw the establishment of FX swap markets. These instruments, which allowed market participants to better hedge their foreign currency exposures, quickly became the most traded in Australian dollar markets (Graph 2). The deepening of FX markets locally was also supported by the Australian Government’s steps to broaden foreign banks’ participation in Australia’s markets.

    The growth of currency markets enabled non-financial corporations to make use of hedges in support of their trade flows and foreign-currency borrowing. This hedging was in part a response to post-float currency volatility and high-profile losses by unhedged borrowers. Over the 1980s, both the share of firms hedging and the average share of currency exposures hedged increased significantly.

    By the mid-1990s, the internationalisation of the Australian dollar and its capital markets was well advanced. Trading in Australian dollar FX derivatives had risen to $75 billion per day, with about 60 per cent undertaken offshore. Also, foreign entities were issuing debt in Australian dollars in the ‘Kangaroo bond market’. This issuance grew steadily over the 2000s, supported by cross-currency basis swaps, another FX derivative but with longer tenors that enabled better hedging of long-lived foreign currency borrowings.

    Rising demand for Australian dollar assets from international investors enabled Australian businesses to issue debt in Australian dollars. At the same time, Australian banks and businesses issuing in large offshore markets could hedge their foreign currency-denominated debt back into Australian dollars at a modest cost. Both developments greatly reduced the vulnerability of Australian debtors to Australian dollar depreciation.

    The growth in Australian dollar FX markets since the float has been remarkable: it is the sixth most traded currency, even though Australia ranks 13th in economic size. This demonstrates the importance to Australia of FX markets in support of foreign trade and investment. But it also reflects the attractive correlations of the Australian economy (and hence the Australian dollar) with economic developments in Asia, coupled with strong institutional settings in Australia, including the free movement of capital.

    The increasing role of superannuation funds in Australia’s FX markets

    Another key facet of Australia’s external position has been the substantial growth of the net foreign equity position. Australians have steadily accumulated more foreign equity holdings than foreigners have accumulated in Australian equity. Indeed, since 2013 we have had a positive net equity asset position (Graph 3).

    The rise in net equity assets of late has occurred while Australia has been running a current account deficit, creating an unusual situation. Inflows of new liabilities rose with the banks returning to offshore debt markets as the RBA’s Term Funding Facility came to an end. However, a further rise in foreign equity holdings offset this, so net liabilities still declined. Much of the rise in net foreign equities reflects valuation effects from the Australian dollar’s depreciation and rising overseas equity values (Graph 4). Even so, new equity accumulation continues, driven by investment from Australia’s superannuation funds.

    The growth of superannuation funds since 1993 and their rising offshore investments have significantly shaped Australia’s balance of payments. Super funds’ offshore asset allocation has increased from nearly one-third in 2013 to about half in 2024 (Graph 5). As a result, super funds now account for a substantial share of Australia’s capital outflows.

    Purchases of foreign currency assets by superannuation funds expose them to exchange rate fluctuations. Many funds shield their members by partially hedging the foreign exchange rate risk associated with offshore assets via, for example, FX swaps. Given the large increase in super funds’ offshore assets, the extent of foreign currency assets hedged has more than quadrupled since 2013. This has made the super funds natural counterparties to domestic banks, which are hedging their FX exposures arising from issuing debt offshore in foreign currency terms.

    The Foreign Exchange Global Code

    This discussion highlights the increasing role of superannuation funds and their asset managers in FX markets. For FX markets to meet participants’ needs, it is important that they all observe common standards promoting fair and transparent markets. The Foreign Exchange Global Code (Code) fulfills that function.

    With the advent of the Code in 2017, buy-side participants like super funds can have greater confidence in market functioning and the behaviour of their sell-side counterparties. But this is a two-way street: both sell-side and buy-side firms should adhere to the Code’s standards. Moreover, one way for fund managers to demonstrate that they are meeting their fiduciary duties is to adhere to the Code. Encouraging more buy-side participants to sign up is a focus of the Global Foreign Exchange Committee (GFXC).

    To this end, the GFXC has worked hard to explain the process of signing up to the Code. We have emphasised that adoptees can concentrate on those aspects of the Code that are material to their activities, thereby greatly reducing the burden for buy-side firms.

    I will end by acknowledging the sharp rise in volatility in FX markets in early April as markets incorporated announcements about the US administration’s tariffs and the subsequent ebb and flow of related news. The Australian dollar fluctuated within a range of US4 cents, experiencing its largest daily decline of 4.5 per cent against the US dollar outside of the global financial crisis. Also, measures of volatility from FX options increased to levels observed during the pandemic and liquidity deteriorated noticeably. While markets have been more settled of late, such episodes serve as a reminder of the importance of the Code. It enhances trust between market participants and offers standardised and predictable ways of doing business. Hence, the role the Code plays in proper market functioning is even more crucial during periods of great uncertainty when markets are adjusting to significant economic news.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Supporting fintechs to boost competition

    Source: New Zealand Government

    A pilot programme that will help financial technology (fintech) firms shake up competition in the financial and banking sectors is now underway, says Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson.

    “Our Government is focused on improving competition in the areas that matter most to Kiwis. The financial and banking sectors are among the most crucial to our everyday lives and our economic growth – however, they are often criticised as being among the most regulated and, some say, least competitive,” says Mr Simpson.

    “We have heard these concerns from the industry and have taken them seriously. I am pleased that the Financial Markets Authority has now announced the six firms that will take part in its pilot ‘regulatory sandbox’ programme, which was announced late last year.

    “The sandbox is a testing ground where fintechs can experiment with new products and services in a controlled environment, ensuring they comply with regulations, before doing a full commercial launch.

    “The benefits of this programme reach all corners of our economy. For consumers, it opens the door wide for new and innovative solutions that will challenge traditional banks and boost competition, providing more choices about how people manage their money, investments, and day-to-day transactions.

    “For fintechs, it means having the freedom and guidance to develop new products and services that will not only benefit customers but also help them supercharge New Zealand’s economic growth. I expect the sandbox will enable firms to save time, reduce costs, and bring innovative products to market sooner.

    “Fintechs are exactly the kind of high-value companies that we want to see thrive in New Zealand, but regulatory barriers have prevented them from competing on a level playing field. That’s why our Government is identifying and removing these barriers to support a thriving, scalable fintech industry in New Zealand.

    “Our Government also recognises the potential of fintechs to disrupt New Zealand’s financial services sector, increasing competition and choice for Kiwis. With open banking now on track to be operational in New Zealand by the end of the year, this is another action we are taking to help further unlock that potential.

    “I look forward to seeing how the firms make use of the sandbox. I encourage them to be bold and push the boundaries as they develop innovative solutions that will bring more choice and better services to consumers.”

    Notes to editors:

    The firms taking part in the pilot are:

    Fintech firm Details 

    ECDD Holdings Limited  

    		 ECDD Holdings Limited (part of the exchange service Easy Crypto) intends to launch a yield bearing NZD-backed stablecoin and to generate revenue from interest earned on money held on trust in interest-bearing accounts.   

    Emerge Group Limited  

    		 Emerge is a digital banking alternative offering products like debit cards, current accounts, and in-app expense tracking. Customer funds are currently held in trust with a partner bank but Emerge aims to transition to higher yielding options such as government bonds. 

    Homeshare  

    		 Homeshare offers investors the chance to own a fractionalised share of a property. This offering would be tokenised and made available via an online platform. 

    IndigiShare 

    		 IndigiShare aims to improve access to capital for Māori entrepreneurs and small businesses. It seeks to offer Te Whare Manaaki (a koha loan platform), as a way to lower barriers to entry for indigenous businesses and enable community entrepreneurship.  

    Invest in Farming Co-op

    		 IIF (Invest in Farming) is an Australian-based cooperative that connects investors to farming by digitising ownership of livestock, aquaculture, horticulture, and agriculture. It allows investors to own a share of agricultural assets, where investment returns are unlocked on the sale of the stock or crop. 
    Tandym Limited A group investment platform enabling people to form groups and build wealth together in a social and engaging way – while removing administrative burden.

    For further details on the regulatory sandbox and the firms participating in the pilot, please visit: https://www.fma.govt.nz/business/focus-areas/innovation/.

    It is anticipated the firms will operate within the terms of the sandbox for a period of between 12 and 24 months. Following the pilot, the Financial Markets Authority will make a decision on whether to make the programme permanent.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government Cuts – Govt spending decision signals crisis and cuts – CTU

    Source: CTU

    The decision to nearly halve the amount of new investment being made in the next Budget signals that this Government doesn’t care about the users of public services, said NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi Economist Craig Renney.

    “$1.3bn in operating allowance isn’t enough to pay for cost pressures in health alone ($1.55bn). There is no money for cost pressures in education and other public services, or proposed defence spending. This is a Budget that will be built on cuts to essential services,” said Renney.

    “The fact that this announcement has come only three weeks away from Budget suggests that there is no agreement around the cabinet table about what government should be doing.

    “We now know that we are looking at a Budget where departments will be asked to make further rounds of deep cuts – just after cuts at Budget 2024.

    “The Minister of Finance is blaming borrowing for the need to make cuts. At the last Budget the government borrowed $12bn to pay for tax giveaways, including to landlords and tobacco companies.

    “This decision to cut investment is a choice. When child poverty rises, as it currently is, it’s a choice to not increase support. When we can’t support people losing their job, that’s a choice. This Government’s choices are now very clear.

    “We implore the Government to rethink this decision. It doesn’t help solve the public investment gap that already exists. It doesn’t help tackle unmet need in health and education. It’s time for a better approach, and to rebuild our public services,” said Renney.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government Cuts – Cuts to public services will be opposed: austerity does not work – PSA

    Source: PSA

    Finance Minister Nicola Willis today has made it clear that austerity is on the horizon for health and other public services with little new money being made available in next month’s Budget.
    In today’s pre-Budget speech the Finance Minister announced that the operating allowance, which funds new operating spending, will be halved to $1.3 billion.
    “This is an irresponsible recipe for failure in health and public services which are already in desperate need of additional investment after reckless cuts and the failure to invest,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association for Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
    “Budget 2025 should be about investing in the services New Zealanders need, particularly health with rising costs of care and an ageing population.
    “But this government remains hell bent on its reckless ideological crusade to downsize our public health system regardless of the consequences.
    “It made a clear choice in last year’s Budget to cut taxes and now the chickens are coming home to roost with the Government’s finances more constrained than they should be.
    “Nicola Willis talks about ‘limited fiscal means’ forcing cuts to the operating allowance – well, she is the author of those, and it is a choice that she made.
    “The PSA will strongly resist any further threats to the jobs of public service or health workers.”
    “This is a recipe for austerity which history tells us does not work, it just creates more misery, and New Zealanders will pay that price from this approach.
    “Budget 2025 will be a sad indictment of the Government’s economic management.”
    The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health and community groups.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Business Leaders Call for Urgent Return to a Predictable Trading Environment Toronto, Canada | 29 April 2025 APEC Business Advisory Council

    Source: APEC – Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation

    Senior business leaders from around the APEC region expressed concern at the recent rapid shifts in the global trade and financial landscape during the second APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) Meeting of 2025.

    ABAC members underscored that the region’s businesses were struggling to navigate the cascading effects of new tariffs, including disrupted supply chains, rising costs, eroding business confidence and destabilized financial markets. The April 2025 World Economic Outlook from the International Monetary Fund predicts that over the next two years, global GDP will be 0.8 percentage points lower than had been forecast in January 2025.

    A highly uncertain operating environment undermines planning, investment and innovation. This constrains growth and our region’s ability to tackle serious challenges including climate change, ageing societies and digitalization.

    Call for Leadership and Unity

    ABAC is urging APEC Trade Ministers, who meet next month in Jeju, Korea, to make clear their commitment to APEC’s founding goals of free and open trade, and to the fundamental principles of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

    ABAC believes that predictability and non-discrimination are key to restoring business confidence. ABAC is calling for all APEC economies to act in a way that is fully consistent with the WTO rulebook. Ministers should also work together to strengthen and reform the WTO, including restoring a fully functioning dispute settlement system.

    APEC needs to accelerate progress on early deliverables under the Free Trade Area of the Asia Pacific agenda. Digital transformation would have a multiplier effect: key priorities include advancing digital trade interoperability, sustainable and responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) and establishing a Centre of Excellence for Paperless Trade to build momentum towards universal digital trade facilitation.

    ABAC is calling on APEC to do more to shore up the resilience of supply chains.  An open and stable maritime order based on the rule of law is critical. So are policies that support resilient healthcare supply chains. For even greater health security in the context of an ageing population and other demographic shifts, we also need to get the right policy settings in place to unlock opportunities in innovative medical technologies like genomics and AI.

    ABAC urges APEC to do much more to embrace the green economic transition, noting that this is now urgent. Key actions include closing critical financing gaps for the energy transition and establishing a Greener Trade Framework.

    ABAC is also making a strong business case for dismantling structural impediments to full economic participation, citing compelling real-world studies on the business and broader economic benefits of closing gender pay gaps, improving access to venture capital for women entrepreneurs and helping small businesses to transition to the formal economy.

    “We welcome the opportunity to discuss our concerns and collaborate on solutions at the upcoming APEC Ministers’ meeting in May,” said ABAC Chair H.S. Cho. “The choices made today will determine our region’s economic trajectory for generations to come.”

    “Our message to APEC is clear: business is ready to lead, but we need Ministers to match our ambition with action. The future of our shared prosperity depends on it,” the ABAC Chair concluded.

    The Chair thanked ABAC Canada for the excellent arrangements and for organizing important side events on digital technology. He expressed deep gratitude to the Canadian government for their strong support in hosting the meeting.

    ABAC will reconvene in July in Hai Phong, Viet Nam, as it continues to finalize its recommendations to achieve APEC’s goals, for presentation to APEC Leaders during their meetings in October in Korea.

    For further information, please contact:

    Hyungkon Park (Mr), ABAC Executive Director 2025  at +82 2 6050 3686 and [email protected]

    Antonio Basilio (Mr), Director of the ABAC Secretariat at +63 917 849 3351 and [email protected]

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The Oscars have rolled out the red carpet for generative AI. And surprisingly, viewers don’t seem to mind

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Paul Crosby, Senior Lecturer, Department of Economics, Macquarie University

    The Oscars have entered the age of artificial intelligence (AI). Last week the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences explicitly said, for the first time, films using generative AI tools will not be disqualified from the awards.

    It’s a timely decision. As generative AI becomes more integrated into filmmaking, debates over creativity and authorship are intensifying. Writers’ strikes and fears of artistic displacement have dominated recent industry discussions.

    But how do audiences feel about the use of AI in films? Our research suggests they may be more open to it than the industry might expect.

    What the new rules say

    The updated Oscars guidelines make it clear the use of generative AI will neither help, nor hinder, a film’s chances of nomination.

    What matters is the degree to which people remain at the centre of the creative process. While AI tools can be part of the workflow, the judges will scrutinise the standard of human creative authorship in a given work.

    This reflects broader shifts taking place in the film industry. AI tools are now embedded in many stages of production, including for high-profile and award-nominated films.

    At this year’s Oscars, Adrien Brody won best actor for his performance in The Brutalist, which used generative AI to enhance the actor’s Hungarian dialogue. Emilia Pérez – the most nominated film, with 13 nods – also used AI-powered voice cloning in post-production.

    The Oscars update isn’t introducing AI to Hollywood. It’s simply acknowledging the extent to which it is already in use.

    Do audiences mind?

    To understand how audiences respond to AI’s creative role in film, we conducted an experiment testing people’s reactions to AI-generated film ideas.

    For our study, published in the Journal of Cultural Economics, we asked 500 US-based participants to rate AI-generated film “pitches” in terms of their anticipated enjoyment and likelihood of watching the film across different formats (such as cinema, online rental, or streaming).

    Half of the participants were explicitly told the ideas were generated by AI, while the other half were not. Each AI-generated pitch included a synopsis, director, top-billed cast, genre, rating and runtime.

    The results were clear. There was no systematic bias against AI-generated pitches. Ratings of anticipated enjoyment and likelihood of watching the films were broadly similar, regardless of whether the participants knew AI was involved.

    AI-assisted versus AI-produced

    It’s important to note our research focused on audience reactions to ideas – the initial pitch for a film – and not the final product. This distinction matters.

    AI’s role was limited in our experiment. Human directors and cast members were implicitly part of each pitch, and there was no suggestion AI had written the full screenplay or contributed in other ways to the production of the final film.

    As we note in our paper, AI’s limited involvement likely shaped participants’ responses. There was an implicit understanding that human creativity would remain central to the final product.

    This aligns with broader evidence from other creative sectors. In the case of music and visual art, audiences tend to respond less favourably when they believe a work has been fully AI-generated.

    Together, these findings suggest the middle ground may be the best approach. While audiences may be accepting of AI’s contribution to creative tasks such as idea generation, editing, and visual and audio effects, they still value human authorship and authenticity in the final product.

    That is also the balance the Academy Awards seems to be aiming for. The new rules do not disqualify films for using AI. However, they emphasise that awards will go to works where humans remain at the heart of the creative process. For now, audiences appear to be comfortable with that approach, too.

    What it means for the industry

    Generative tools are becoming part of the mainstream production toolkit. And this raises important questions about creative labour, credit and compensation.

    While our research suggests audiences may be open to AI-generated content, this doesn’t mean the industry can move forward without careful deliberation. The question is no longer whether AI will shape the future of film, but how – and who gets to decide the terms.

    If AI is to complement, rather than diminish, the filmmaking process, it will be important to maintain clear standards and ethical guidelines around AI use, as well as a clear role for human authorship.

    This includes transparency around how AI tools are used, and appropriate recognition for creative contributions – including for those whose work has been used to train generative AI systems.

    The real test will be whether the industry can embrace AI without losing sight of the creative values that define it.

    The authors 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. The Oscars have rolled out the red carpet for generative AI. And surprisingly, viewers don’t seem to mind – https://theconversation.com/the-oscars-have-rolled-out-the-red-carpet-for-generative-ai-and-surprisingly-viewers-dont-seem-to-mind-255120

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bipartisan Klobuchar Bill to Protect Online Privacy and Combat Explicit Deepfakes Passes Congress

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Minnesota Amy Klobuchar

    The TAKE IT DOWN Act criminalizes the nonconsensual publication of explicit images, real and AI-generated, and requires websites to remove them

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Ted Cruz (R-TX)  announced that their bipartisan TAKE IT DOWN Act passed the House and is headed to the President’s desk to be signed into law. Representatives Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL) and Madeleine Dean (D-PA) led the companion legislation that passed today.

    The bill unanimously passed the Senate in February, and it includes the Klobuchar and Senator John Cornyn’s (R-TX) Stopping Harmful Image Exploitation and Limiting Distribution (SHIELD) Act, which addresses the online exploitation of explicit, private images and passed the Senate last July. 

    The TAKE IT DOWN Act would criminalize the publication of non-consensual intimate imagery (NCII), including AI-generated NCII, and require social media and similar websites to have in place procedures to remove such content within 48 hours of notice from a victim. 

    “We must provide victims of online abuse with the legal protections they need when intimate images are shared without their consent, especially now that deepfakes are creating horrifying new opportunities for abuse,” said Sen. Klobuchar. “These images can ruin lives and reputations, but now that our bipartisan legislation is becoming law, victims will be able to have this material removed from social media platforms and law enforcement can hold perpetrators accountable. ”

    “The passage of the TAKE IT DOWN Act is a historic win in the fight to protect victims of revenge porn and deepfake abuse. This victory belongs first and foremost to the heroic survivors who shared their stories and the advocates who never gave up. By requiring social media companies to take down this abusive content quickly, we are sparing victims from repeated trauma and holding predators accountable,”said Sen. Cruz. “This day would not have been possible without the courage and perseverance of Elliston Berry, Francesca Mani, Breeze Liu, and Brandon Guffey, whose powerful voices drove this legislation forward. I am especially grateful to my colleagues—including Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Rep. Maria Salazar, Rep. Madeleine Dean, First Lady Melania Trump, and House Leadership—for locking arms in this critical mission to protect Americans from online exploitation.”

    “The TAKE IT DOWN Act’s passage is a significant step forward in Congress’ responsibility to protect the privacy and dignity of Americans against bad actors and the most harmful developments of AI,” said Rep. Dean. “It takes only minutes to create a deepfake or share intimate images without consent, yet the lasting consequences devastate its victims — often girls and women. Our bill requires platforms to remove these horrifying images and videos from the Internet within 48 hours. I’m deeply grateful to work with Sen. Klobuchar, Sen. Cruz, and Rep. Salazar to create this bipartisan federal law.”

    “The TAKE IT DOWN Act’s passage is a bipartisan victory to protect victims of real and deepfake revenge pornography,” said Rep. Salazar. “This bill shows Congress at its best, working together to empower victims, especially women and girls. It equally holds offenders and Big Tech accountable.” 

    The TAKE IT DOWN Act would protect and empower victims of real and deepfake NCII while respecting speech by:

    • Criminalizing the publication of NCII in interstate commerce. The bill makes it unlawful for a person to knowingly publish, or threaten to publish, NCII on social media and other online platforms. NCII is defined to include realistic, computer-generated pornographic images and videos that depict identifiable, real people. The bill also clarifies that a victim consenting to the creation of an authentic image does not mean that the victim has consented to its publication. 
    • Protecting good-faith efforts to assist victims. The bill permits the good-faith disclosure of NCII, such as to law enforcement, in narrow cases.  
    • Requiring websites to take down NCII upon notice from the victim. Social media and other websites would be required to have in place procedures to remove NCII, pursuant to a valid request from a victim, within 48 hours. Websites must also make reasonable efforts to remove copies of the images. The FTC is charged with enforcement of this section.  
    • Protecting lawful speech. The bill is narrowly tailored to criminalize knowingly publishing NCII without chilling lawful speech. The bill conforms to current First Amendment jurisprudence by requiring that computer-generated NCII meet a “reasonable person” test for appearing indistinguishable from an authentic image.

    The legislation is co-sponsored by Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), John Barrasso (R-WY), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Ted Budd (R-NC), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Todd Young (R-IN), John Curtis (R-UT), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Gary Peters (D-MI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH).

    In 2024, at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing titled “Big Tech and the Online Child Sexual Exploitation Crisis,” Senator Klobuchar was part of a hearing that questioned the CEO of Discord Inc., Jason Citron, the CEO of TikTok Inc., Shou Chew, the Co-founder and CEO of Snap Inc., Evan Spiegel, the CEO of X (formerly Twitter), Linda Yaccarino, and the Founder and CEO of Meta (formerly Facebook), Mark Zuckerberg, about their companies turning a blind eye when young children joined their platforms, the risk of sexual exploitation, using algorithms that push harmful content, and providing a venue for drug traffickers to sell deadly narcotics like fentanyl.

    In 2017, Klobuchar and former Senators Richard Burr (R-NC) and Kamala Harris (D-CA), introduced the first version of this legislation, the bipartisan Ending Nonconsensual Online User Graphic Harassment (ENOUGH) Act. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China, Kenya join hands on path to modernization

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    NAIROBI, April 28 — For centuries, China and Kenya have shared a history of exchanges and cooperation. Last week, their relationship entered a new stage as Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with Kenyan President William Ruto in Beijing, agreeing to elevate bilateral ties to a China-Kenya community with a shared future in the new era.

    Xi called on the two sides to enhance regular policy communication, build connectivity at a higher level, promote sustainable trade, explore diversified financial integration, carry forward the friendship forged through generations, and be leaders in advancing high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.

    SKILLS TRAINING

    Linet Wambui Kihoro, a 27-year-old railway safety engineer, works among tracks and equipment at the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway, a flagship project under the Belt and Road Initiative. A graduate of Beijing Jiaotong University, Kihoro now applies her expertise to maintain the daily operation of Kenya’s railways.

    In January 2024, Xi replied to a letter from Kenyan students and alumni of Beijing Jiaotong University, including Kihoro.

    President Xi encouraged the Kenyan students to learn professional knowledge well, continue the traditional friendship and devote themselves to bilateral cooperation, she said.

    “The China-Kenya community with a shared future in the new era is not only a cooperation intention at the governmental level, but is also reflected in various aspects such as people-to-people connectivity, youth exchanges and cultural mutual learning,” she said.

    According to a joint statement released on Thursday, China and Kenya pledged to strengthen cooperation in such areas as industry, agriculture, higher education, vocational education and human resource training.

    An increasing number of young people, like Kihoro, are benefiting from China-Africa cooperation in education and capacity building. From the Mombasa-Nairobi Railway to the Swak Dam, the Nairobi Expressway and the Garissa Solar Power Plant, high-quality Belt and Road projects have not only improved the daily lives of Kenyans but also provided opportunities to learn new skills and knowledge.

    James Karimi Njuguna, a Kenyan engineer, participated in the upgrading of the Olkaria I power plant, Africa’s first geothermal plant, which had been struggling with corroded pipelines and outdated technology. “Chinese companies revitalized the geothermal fields by optimizing turbine structures and well layouts,” Njuguna said. “It was a technological revolution. They modernized the equipment, hired local employees and provided professional training, cultivating a new generation of technical experts in Kenya.”

    A report by the Kenya-China Economic and Trade Association showed that between 2022 and 2023, Chinese enterprises employed more than 60,000 local workers in Kenya, with a localization rate exceeding 90 percent. This not only increased local employment but also contributed to transforming the technological landscape.

    AGRICULTURAL COOPERATION

    In Matangi Tisa Village in Kenya’s Nakuru County, home to Kenya’s first demonstration village for China-Africa agricultural development and poverty reduction, people are busy planting tomatoes with the help of Chinese experts.

    For years, local tomato farming had been plagued by bacterial wilt, but villagers are hopeful of a bountiful harvest this season.

    When the Chinese and Kenyan presidents met during the Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held in Beijing last year, Xi said “the two sides should closely synergize the high-quality Belt and Road cooperation with Kenya Vision 2030, build an East African connectivity hub and industrial belt, and strengthen cooperation in such areas as digital economy, new energy, economy, trade, poverty reduction and agriculture development.”

    Among the 10 partnership actions announced by Xi at the 2024 FOCAC Summit is the partnership action for agriculture and livelihoods. Under this initiative, China has committed to building 100,000 mu (about 6,670 hectares) of standardized agricultural demonstration areas, sending 500 agricultural experts, and establishing a China-Africa agricultural science and technology innovation alliance.

    These commitments are injecting fresh momentum into Africa’s efforts toward agricultural modernization and poverty alleviation.

    In a recent interview with Xinhua, President Ruto praised China’s success in lifting hundreds of millions of people out of poverty, calling China’s experience highly relevant for African countries still grappling with poverty. He expressed hope to leverage Chinese expertise to advance Kenya’s agricultural modernization and industrialization.

    In Kenya’s Siaya County, 69-year-old farmer Peter Onyango was watching the clear waters flow through newly dug irrigation channels, eagerly anticipating a good harvest. Built by a Chinese company along the lower reaches of the Nzoia River, this irrigation project, the largest of its kind in Kenya, has significantly boosted local irrigation capacity.

    Officially operational in April, the canal is expected to enhance food security. When visiting the project in January, Ruto said that the new infrastructure would play a major role in advancing Kenya’s economic transformation by boosting agricultural productivity.

    STRENGTHENING ECONOMIC TIES

    Rains in April have breathed new life into the rolling tea plantations of western Kenya. Near the C22 highway built by a Chinese company, several tea processing factories are working at full speed.

    A few years ago, the road was little more than a muddy dirt track, often becoming impassable during the rainy season. “Truck wheels would get stuck, and sometimes water would seep into the tea boxes, ruining the harvest,” recalled driver John Murambi.

    Since the road was upgraded to a paved highway, Murambi can now make multiple deliveries a day, which has greatly increased his income. “We no longer have to worry about tea spoiling on the road,” he said.

    At the nearby Kipkebe Tea Factory, General Manager Silas Njibwakale said that since the completion of the road upgrading, transportation losses have dropped from about a quarter of total production to nearly zero. A once-impassable route has now become a major artery supporting local communities.

    Across Kenya, Chinese-built roads, railways and ports are helping break transportation bottlenecks for key exports like tea, coffee, flowers and avocados, allowing these goods to reach global markets more quickly and reliably.

    Thousands of miles away in Changsha, central China, the permanent exhibition hall of the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo at Gaoqiao Grand Market is bustling with visitors. Launched by President Xi during the 2018 FOCAC Beijing Summit, the expo has become a vital platform showcasing African goods.

    Huang Zinan, who specializes in China-Africa trade, said her company has recently imported a batch of Kenyan avocados and is now negotiating with a local tea brand to feature the fruit as a premium ingredient. Initially focused on Kenyan flowers, she now plans to expand her business to more “African treasures.”

    “Products from Africa are gaining increasing recognition and popularity in China,” Huang said. “I hope to build not just a trade bridge, but also a bridge of culture and friendship across the seas.” Through something as simple as an avocado or a fresh flower, she hopes to tell the story of win-win cooperation between China, Kenya and the wider African continent.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: North Dakota’s Top Tourism Event Arrives in Minot

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    North Dakota’s $5.7 billion tourism industry will take center stage in Minot April 28-30, as hundreds of professionals gather for the 2025 North Dakota Travel Industry Conference. Co-hosted by Visit Minot, DMAND, and the North Dakota Department of Commerce, this annual event drives tourism education, collaboration, and innovation statewide.

    Tourism is one of North Dakota’s largest industries, supporting over 43,000 jobs and more than 3,000 businesses across the state. The conference brings together destination marketers, small businesses, attractions, and hospitality professionals to strengthen connections, spark new ideas, and build momentum for future growth.

    This year’s agenda focuses on top industry priorities like AI in marketing, rural workforce challenges, and accessible travel. Attendees will also take part in immersive city tours, high-impact networking, and Gov. Kelly Armstrong will present the Governor’s Awards for Travel and Tourism at the luncheon on Wednesday.

    Keynote speakers include Hunter Pinke, Josiah Brown, Cory Hepola, and Jennifer Stoll—bringing fresh insight on mindset, branding, rural storytelling, and the economic power of tourism.

    With a focus on real-world solutions and statewide collaboration, the 2025 North Dakota Travel Industry Conference is a chance to learn, share, and shape what’s next for tourism in the state. Whether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned professional, this event offers fresh ideas and meaningful connections that last well beyond the closing session.

    To learn more and register for the conference, visit https://ndgov.link/NDTIC.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Fountain Asset Corp. Announces its Financial Results for the Quarter and Year Ended December 31, 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, April 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Fountain Asset Corp. (TSXV:FA) (“Fountain” or the “Company”) would like to announce its financial results for the three months ended December 31, 2024 (“Q4/24”) and for the year ended December 31, 2024 (“Fiscal 2024”).

    Highlights from Q4/24:

    • Net asset value (“NAV”) of $5.51 million ($0.09 per share) at December 31, 2024 compared to $5.03 million ($0.08 per share) at September 30, 2024, representing an 12.5% increase quarter over quarter on a per share basis. NAV is calculated as the value of total assets less the value of total liabilities;
    • Net comprehensive income of $0.35 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to net comprehensive loss of $3.63 million for three months ended December 31, 2023 (“Q4/23”);
    • Total revenue from investment activity was $0.57 million compared to total loss of $3.32 million for Q4/23;
    • Net realized losses on the sale of portfolio investments of $1.81 million compared to net realized losses of $2.49 million for Q4/23;
    • Net unrealized gains on portfolio investments of $2.37 million compared to net unrealized gains of $0.83 million for Q4/23;
    • Total expenses of $0.22 million, which included $0.03 million of stock-based compensation, compared to $0.31 million for Q4/23 which included $0.02 of stock-based compensation; and
    • Operating expenses of $0.22 million compared to $0.29 million for Q4/23.

    Highlights from Fiscal 2024:

    • NAV of $5.51 million ($0.09 per share) at December 31, 2024 compared to $6.66 million ($0.11 per share) at December 31, 2023, representing a 18% decrease year over year on a per share basis;
    • Net comprehensive losses of $1.30 million compared to net comprehensive losses of $5.26 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 (“Fiscal 2023”);
    • Total losses from investment activity was $0.41 million compared to losses of $4.40 million for Fiscal 2023;
    • Net realized losses on the sale of portfolio investments of $1.89 million compared to net realized losses of $4.40 million for Fiscal 2023;
    • Net unrealized gains on portfolio investments of $1.47 million compared to net unrealized losses of $0.03 million for Fiscal 2023;
    • Total expenses of $0.89 million, which included stock-based compensation of $0.05 million, compared to $0.86 million for Fiscal 2023, which included $0.08 million of stock-based compensation; and
    • Operating expenses of $0.87 million compared to $0.82 million for Fiscal 2023.

    During 2024, the Company continued to dispose of non-core investment holdings that have been underperforming in recent years in order to generate proceeds to capitalize on new investment opportunities that Fountain believes will ultimately yield greater long term economic benefits for the Company and its shareholders.

    “During Q4/24, Fountain continued to focus on reducing operating expenditures to improve the Company’s financial position and capitalize on investment opportunities. The Company strengthened its public company investment portfolio with significant investments made in companies involved in junior resources and mining sectors. As a result of these promising investments, Fountain was able to recognize an increase in the valuation of its public company holdings of approximately 24% compared to the previous year. The Company has seen many promising opportunities come its way and is optimistic about the potential returns that Fountain could realize within the coming year,” said Andrew Parks, CEO of Fountain.

    A full set of the 2024 audited financial statements and the management discussion & analysis are available on SEDAR+.

    About Fountain Asset Corp.

    Fountain Asset Corp. is a merchant bank which provides equity financing, bridge loan services (asset back/collateralized financing) and strategic financial consulting services to companies across many industries such as marijuana, oil & gas, mining, real estate, manufacturing, retail, financial services, and biotechnology.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain information contained in this press release constitutes forward-looking information, which is information relating to possible events, conditions or results of operations of the Company, which are based on assumptions and courses of action and which are inherently uncertain. All information other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking information. Forward-looking information in this press release includes, but is not limited to, growing Fountain’s capital base and a strong pipeline going forward. These forward-looking statements reflect the current expectations or beliefs of the Company based on information currently available to the Company. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements, and even if such actual results are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, the Company. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things: the level of bridge loans and equity investments completed, the nature and credit quality of the collateral security and the nature and quality of equity investments, and the other risks disclosed under the heading “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in the Company’s annual information form dated August 17, 2022 filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. Although the Company believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein.

    Neither TSX Venture Exchange Inc. nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    For further information: please contact Andrew Parks at (416) 456-7019 or visit Fountain Asset Corp.’s website at www.fountainassetcorp.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: GBank Financial Holdings Inc. Announces Uplisting to Nasdaq Capital Market

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LAS VEGAS, April 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GBank Financial Holdings Inc. (the “Company”) (OTCQX: GBFH), the parent company of GBank (the “Bank”), announced today that its shares of common stock have been approved for listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market and are expected to commence trading on April 30, 2025, under the ticker symbol “GBFH.” The Company’s shares will continue to trade on the OTCQX until trading on Nasdaq commences. Shareholders are not required to take any action as a result of the uplisting, and the Company’s ticker symbol “GBFH” will remain unchanged.

    Edward M. Nigro, Executive Chairman, added, “Trading on the NASDAQ Capital Market culminates our efforts to provide shareholders with liquidity and consequential share value—thank you for believing in us and supporting us these many years—we look forward to many more.”

    T. Ryan Sullivan, President and CEO of GBank Financial Holdings Inc., stated, “Our Nasdaq uplisting is more than a milestone—this moment affirms the strength of our strategy, the determination of our team, and the trust our shareholders have placed in us.”

    Click here to learn more about GBank Financial Holdings Inc.

    Notice Regarding Disclosures and Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including, but not limited to, any statements related to the listing, uplisting or trading of the Company’s common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market. Forward-looking statements may generally be identified by the use of words such as “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “may,” “will,” “believes,” “estimates,” “potential,” “target,” or “continue,” and variations or similar expressions. These statements are based upon the current expectations and beliefs of management and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to: changes in general economic conditions; potential recessionary impacts; market fluctuations; increased competition for deposits; regulatory changes affecting the banking industry; interest rate fluctuations; inflationary pressures; political instability; cybersecurity threats; severe weather or natural disasters; and the development and adoption of emerging technologies.

    Although the Company believes that the assumptions underlying these forward-looking statements are reasonable, no assurance can be given that the results contemplated will be achieved. Due to these and other risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update them to reflect new information or future events, except as required by law. All forward-looking statements included in the press release are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

    Source: GBank Financial Holdings Inc.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government exploring northern ‘energy bridge’

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Regional Infrastructure Fund will invest up to $2 million to investigate building additional electricity transmission and distribution capacity in Northland, which could also have benefits further afield, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says.

    “New Zealand needs significantly more electricity generation as the economy grows and demand for power increases. Northland is rich in natural renewable resources, such as wind and solar which are suitable for generating renewable energy,” Mr Jones says. 

    The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) will use up to $2m from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to investigate the feasibility of upgrading Northland’s electricity infrastructure to act as an ‘energy bridge’ between Northland and Auckland.

    MBIE will also carry out an economic analysis of the potential benefits in conjunction with local stakeholders.

    “This project has the potential to unlock $1 billion of private investment in new renewable energy. If this is feasible, Northland could become a significant electricity generator and supplier of power which might have flow-on benefits for Auckland and the rest of the country,” Mr Jones says.

    “This investment could increase electricity self-sufficiency in the region and improve the power generation capacity and resilience of the Northland network which will benefit local people. It could also reduce power prices for Auckland and nationally if wholesale prices can be brought down.

    “More detailed work needs to be done into the feasibility of expanding Northland’s power generation before further government funding can be considered but if the outcome is positive, the payoff could be massive.

    “This is a long-term project and there is a lot of water to pass under the bridge yet, but if it goes ahead some new power generation could come online as components are completed, with full commissioning by 2029,” Mr Jones says.

    The project aligns with the Coalition Government’s goals of building infrastructure and doubling renewable energy generation for New Zealand by 2035 to reduce emissions and enable economic growth.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: The Real Culture War

    Source: ACT Party

    The Haps

    Quiet? MPs are having a break from Parliament and the country is having a break from MPs thanks to a three-week Parliament recess. The Government announced $68.5 million of repayable loans to people building electric vehicle chargers. Free Press readers will be outraged by that, but under ACT’s coalition agreement it has come down from National’s version: $257 million of grants. Such are the victories under MMP. Meanwhile the Ministry for Regulation started a clean out of red tape from the $6 billion Early Childhood sector, following Brooke van Velden’s Health and Safety overhaul. Beside the resource management reforms at the start of the month, it’s been a good April for ACT and freedom.

    The Real Culture War

    We are taken with David Seymour’s speech over the Parliamentary recess. In it, Seymour says the real culture war is not about identity or bathrooms, but pioneers vs tall poppy choppers.

    Of course, you should be free to point out the very basic fact of a person’s biological sex at birth. The law should be able to use sex at birth as an identifier, when it matters, such as which prison someone goes to. All of that is correct, but only a fraction of a per cent of people claim anything different. The overwhelming majority people are never close to being harmed in real life by them doing so.

    The real culture war affects all of us, every day. It’s the war between our pioneering spirit and tall poppy syndrome. We, or our ancestors, all made brave voyages to these isolated islands. These were people with real courage who wanted better through their own efforts.

    Then, somewhere along the way, we ended up with one out of every six working-aged people on welfare. Some days half the children don’t show up to their school. We have one of the largest diasporas of people who left a country.

    No good deed goes unpunished. Landlords, small business owners, licensed firearm owners, farmers. Under Labour/NZ First/Green they were always just a patronising lecture and one more expensive regulation away from salvation. Now there is some relief for those long-suffering groups, but the culture carries on. Look out if you spent your life building up an owner-operated supermarket, or work at a bank.

    It’s easy to blame politicians, but in a democracy they ultimately reflect the culture. The treatment of Zuru lately is a classic.

    The toy and home supply company founded by three Kiwis just won Walmart supplier of the year. Walmart is the thirteenth largest company in the world, and by far the largest retailer. It’s difficult to overstate how big this business achievement is. The company put out a press release, which got zero coverage from the New Zealand media. One of the founders building a helipad in Herne Bay gets enough clicks to keep the Herald in business month after month.

    The end result is written in our founding story. People with get-up-and-go can get up and leave again, which they are doing in huge numbers right now. Easy come here, easy go away.

    How do you change a culture? Government should look at its policies by asking a simple question at every decision: Is this a meritocracy policy? It should favour policies that increase the difference people can make in their own lives. It should reject policies that pull down success or reward hectoring, bludging, nuisance behaviour.

    What should happen with taxes? They should be low and flat. If a person earning $20,000 pays $2,400 income tax, how much should a person earning $100,000 pay? If five times the income meant five times the taxes, they’d pay $12,000. Try $22,900, nearly ten times the taxes. Progressive tax rates send the wrong message: if you study, work, save, and invest hard, the IRD will whack you extra hard.

    What should happen with welfare? It’s a policy designed to help someone down on their luck. How long can bad luck last? Surely not 44 years, the tenure of our longest-serving (not really the right word) career beneficiary. There should be lifetime limits, and if you keep having children on the benefit you should get a plastic card with controlled spending. Otherwise, people have to ask themselves: why am I working to make a difference when I can make the same on a benefit?

    What should happen with red tape and regulation? The Government’s starting attitude should be, don’t regulate. Red tape doesn’t just add cost to things that do happen, it stops things that would happen without the extra cost. It doesn’t just stop things that would happen, though, it deprives children of heroes and gives them bad examples. It’s nice if your dad’s an engineer who’s building New Zealand, but he’s probably actually in traffic management.

    What should happen with race and identity? Is your life determined by what you do or what happened long before you were born? The argument against the Treaty being a partnership between races is really an argument for individual self determination. The argument against discrimination by sex, race, sexuality, or anything else you cannot change is really an argument for each person to have a fair chance at living their best life.

    There is a culture war in New Zealand, it’s the children of pioneers vs the blob of mediocrity. If you’re a Free Press reader, we can guess which one you are. Please support ACT since we all need to stick together.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ‘Do something about it before it gets worse’: young people want government action on gambling reform

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hannah Pitt, Senior Research Fellow – Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University

    David P. Smith/Shutterstock

    Do something about it before it gets worse.

    This was a response from a 16-year-old boy in one of our recent studies when asked what he would say to the prime minister about gambling in Australia.

    This response is not uncommon.



    Read more:
    Gambling in Australia: how bad is the problem, who gets harmed most and where may we be heading?

    Calls for action

    Even before they can legally gamble at the age of 18, young people recognise the harms that the gambling industry (and those who profit from gambling, such as sporting codes) can cause to Australians.

    And they are frustrated by a lack of government action to protect them from these harms.

    They tell us that rather than prioritising the wellbeing of the community, the government is prioritising the profits of a harmful business.

    Politicians are also hearing concerns about gambling from the young people they represent in their communities.

    Urging parliamentary action on gambling advertising, former Australian rugby captain and Independent ACT Senator David Pocock told parliament:

    Talk to parents and young people. They’ll name all the gambling companies. They’ll be able to recite odds. They’ll talk about the odds for the upcoming games of their favourite teams. What I’m hearing from people here in the ACT that I represent is that this is not the direction they want to go in.

    Gambling has become a costly pastime for many young Australians.

    Starting young

    For more than a decade, our team has been talking to young people and their parents about the normalisation of gambling in Australia. We have carried out multiple studies that show how pervasive marketing tactics are normalising gambling for young Australians.

    Young people tell us they see innovative marketing strategies for different gambling products (including betting, lotteries and casinos) everywhere, including during family-friendly television shows, through watching and attending sport and even while walking down the street.

    They increasingly see promotions on social media sites such as TikTok and Snapchat.

    They can name multiple gambling brands from a young age, and think gambling gives you a reason to watch sport.

    When asked why, they say gambling adds to the fun and excitement of the game. Some tell us they would be convinced to gamble if they got a good “deal” from a company.

    Newer forms of app-based gambling also make it is easier for young people to gamble anywhere, anytime when they turn 18.

    As an example, a young person couldn’t sit in a classroom and drink alcohol when they reach the legal age, but it is not unusual for young people to tell us that classmates use apps to bet on major events while at school.

    Some researchers have also documented the extent to which young people gamble before the age of 18.

    One study found 31% of 12- to 17-year-olds had ever gambled and 6% had gambled in the past month. They found 8% were at some level of risk of gambling harm.

    It’s no wonder parents are worried.

    Their concern about the risks of gambling are similar to their concerns about alcohol: 70% are at least somewhat concerned about the risks associated with gambling for their children, and 27.7% are extremely concerned.

    They comment that gambling products are “highly accessible”, “attractive” and “in your face”.

    When parents try to talk to their children about gambling, they say it is almost impossible to “get the message across” given the constant exposure to ads that their children see in their everyday lives. As one father told us:

    It’s advertised to children every day of the week when they watch their favourite sport stars, so they think it’s normal.

    It’s time to act

    Government decisions about how to respond to the gambling industry will have a major impact on young people’s futures. But young people have rarely (if ever) been given an opportunity by the government to put forward their views.

    Research shows when they are given the opportunity to comment on gambling policy (and gambling industry tactics), they carefully consider the issues. They are also able to use their own experiences to suggest strategies that would help protect them and other young people from gambling industry harm.

    The United Nations states children have the right to be consulted about issues that matter to them and impact their futures. This includes strengthening engagement with children and young people, recognising their “agency, resilience and their positive contributions as agents of change”.

    Young people have been central actors in the climate justice movement, and have been key stakeholders in initiatives to respond to the tactics of the junk food and tobacco industries.

    While we talk a lot about the impact of the gambling industry on young people, governments rarely consult them about the policies that are needed to protect them from harm.

    Yet their message to the government in our research is clear. They:

    • are concerned about the influence of gambling marketing on the normalisation of gambling for young people, and its short and long-term impacts

    • believe current restrictions aimed at protecting young people are ineffective

    • are critical of the overwhelmingly positive messages about gambling they are exposed to, with very limited information about the risks and harms associated with the industry and its products.

    The following comment from a 15-year-old sums it up best:

    The wellbeing of the population is more important than the revenue that comes in from these sorts of businesses.

    Dr Hannah Pitt has received funding from the Australian Research Council, Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation, VicHealth, NSW Office of Responsible Gambling, Department of Social Services, ACT Office of Gambling and Racing Commission, and Deakin University. She is currently a member of the Editorial Board of Health Promotion International.

    Grace Arnot has received funding for gambling related research from the ACT Office of Gambling and Racing Commission, VicHealth, and Deakin University. Grace is currently a member of the Editorial Board of the journal Health Promotion International.

    Professor Samantha Thomas has received funding for gambling and related research from the Australian Research Council, ACT Office of Gaming and Racing, Department of Social Services, VicHealth, Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation, Healthway, NSW Office of Responsible Gambling, Deakin University. She is currently Editor in Chief for Health Promotion International, an Oxford University Press journal. She receives an honorarium for this role.

    Dr Simone McCarthy has received funding for gambling and related research from ACT Office of Gaming and Racing Commision, the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation, VicHealth, Department of Social Services, and Deakin University. She is currently a member of the Editorial Board of Health Promotion International.

    – ref. ‘Do something about it before it gets worse’: young people want government action on gambling reform – https://theconversation.com/do-something-about-it-before-it-gets-worse-young-people-want-government-action-on-gambling-reform-251614

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Echidna ancestors lived watery lifestyles like platypuses 100 million years ago – new study

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sue Hand, Professor Emeritus, Palaeontology, UNSW Sydney

    Mary_May/Shutterstock

    As the world’s only surviving egg-laying mammals, Australasia’s platypus and four echidna species are among the most extraordinary animals on Earth.

    They are also very different from each other.

    The platypus is well adapted for a semi-aquatic lifestyle, spending up to 20 hours a day swimming in Australian waterways to forage for freshwater invertebrates. Echidnas, on the other hand, live entirely on land. They are widely distributed across Australia and New Guinea, and adapted for feeding on termites, ants and earthworms.

    How did these differences emerge? Some researchers think echidnas evolved from a swimming, platypus-like ancestor. This hypothesis is based on evidence from aspects of their genes and anatomy, and from hypotheses about their evolutionary history.

    However, this idea is controversial because fossil evidence for such a profound evolutionary transformation has been lacking – until now.

    Did the ancestors of echidnas spend time in the water? It’s a controversial idea.
    Natalia Golovina/Shutterstock

    A bone from 108 million years ago

    In our study published today in PNAS, we gleaned new data from a 108-million-year-old mammal humerus (arm bone), found 30 years ago at Dinosaur Cove, Victoria, by a team from Museums Victoria.

    This arm bone, from a species called Kryoryctes cadburyi, belongs to an ancestral monotreme – a semi-aquatic burrower like the platypus. Our findings support the hypothesis that land-living echidnas evolved from a swimming ancestor.

    Kryoryctes lived during the Age of Dinosaurs (the Mesozoic), when monotremes and monotreme relatives were more common than they are today. Glimpses of this past diversity are found in the fossil record in southern Victoria and Lightning Ridge, New South Wales.

    Nevertheless, Australian Mesozoic mammal fossils are exceedingly rare, and mostly consist of teeth and jaws. Kryoryctes is the only one known from a limb bone, which provides significant information about its identity, relationships and lifestyle.

    Reconstruction of Kryoryctes cadburyi and a small dinosaur (above) at Dinosaur Cove, Victoria, Australia ~108 million years ago.
    Peter Schouten

    Tiny clues inside bones

    In order to test the evolutionary relationships of Kryoryctes, we added it to a broader data set of 70 fossil and modern mammals. From there, we calculated an evolutionary tree. This showed Kryoryctes is an ancestral monotreme.

    We also compared the external shape of the Kryroryctes humerus bone to living monotremes. These analyses indicated the bone is more like those of echidnas, rather than platypuses.

    But it was a different story on the inside. When we looked at the internal structure of the Kryoryctes humerus with several 3D scanning techniques, we uncovered microscopic features of this arm bone that were actually more like those of the platypus.

    Such tiny features inside bones yield crucial clues about the lifestyle of an animal. Numerous previous studies link bone microstructure in mammals and other tetrapods (four-limbed animals) with their ecology.

    Using the wealth of data available for living mammals, we compared characteristics of the Kryoryctes humerus microstructure to those in platypuses, echidnas and 74 other mammal species.

    These analyses confirmed that the Kryoryctes humerus has internal bone features found in semi-aquatic burrowing mammals (such as the platypus, muskrat and Eurasian otter), rather than land-living burrowing mammals such as the echidna.

    The Kryoryctes humerus we studied.
    Museums Victoria

    From water to land

    This discovery suggests that a semi-aquatic lifestyle is ancestral for all living monotremes. It also suggests the amphibious lifestyle of the modern platypus had its origins at least 100 million years ago, during the Age of Dinosaurs.

    In this scenario, the modern platypus lineage has retained the ancestral semi-aquatic burrowing lifestyle for more than 100 million years. Echidnas would have reverted to a land-based way of life more recently.

    For echidnas, a return to land appears to have resulted in adaptations such as their long bones becoming lighter, as shown in our study.

    They possibly also lost several other features more useful for spending time in the water rather than on land, including the loss of a long tail, reduction of webbing between fingers and toes, reduction of the duck-like bill to a narrow beak, and a reduced number of electroreceptors on that beak.

    However, precisely when this evolutionary transformation occurred is not yet known. The answer must wait until early echidna fossils are found – so far, nothing definitive has turned up anywhere.

    The modern habitats of monotremes are increasingly under threat from environmental degradation, interactions with humans and feral predators, and climate change. This is especially true for platypuses. To ensure the survival of this ancient lineage, we need to better understand how their unique features evolved and adapted.

    Sue Hand receives funding from the Australian Research Council

    Laura A. B. Wilson receives funding from the Australian Research Council

    Robin Beck receives funding from the UK’s National Environmental Research Council, and the Australian Research Council.

    Camilo López-Aguirre 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. Echidna ancestors lived watery lifestyles like platypuses 100 million years ago – new study – https://theconversation.com/echidna-ancestors-lived-watery-lifestyles-like-platypuses-100-million-years-ago-new-study-254484

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Pfluger Applauds House Passage of the TAKE IT DOWN Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11)

    Rep. Pfluger Applauds House Passage of the TAKE IT DOWN Act

    Washington, April 28, 2025

    WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) released the following statement applauding U.S. House passage of the Tools to Address Known Exploitation by Immobilizing Technological Deepfakes on Websites and Networks (TAKE IT DOWN) Act — legislation he is a proud co-lead on:

    “I am deeply concerned about the rise in deepfake nonconsensual intimate images in the United States. The digital safety of our children is under attack, and as a father of three young girls, this issue hits home — it is sickening, it is harmful, and it must stop. I applaud the decisive action the House took today to fight back and protect our children by passing the TAKE IT DOWN Act with overwhelming bipartisan support. I am proud to be one of the House co-leads on this bill to protect innocent victims. I am thrilled that this critical legislation is now headed to President Trump’s desk to be signed into law.”

    Background:

    In January 2025, Rep. Pfluger joined several of his colleagues in reintroducing the TAKE IT DOWN Act. This legislation protects victims of real and deepfake ‘revenge pornography’ by criminalizing the publication of these harmful images, in addition to requiring websites to remove them quickly. The rising popularity of AI requires decisive federal legal protections that will empower victims of these heinous crimes, most of whom are women and girls.

    Rep. Pfluger also spoke in support of the TAKE IT DOWN Act during a House Energy and Commerce Committee full committee legislative markup earlier this month.

    First Lady Melania Trump has strongly backed this bill, speaking in support of this legislation during a roundtable she hosted at the U.S. Capitol. President Trump also voiced his support for this legislation in his State of the Union address. Additionally, over 100 organizations and advocacy groups support the act, and a full list can be found here.

    To read the full text of the legislation, click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Community safety in the alps

    Source:

    The 2019-20 fires were the catalyst for Steve Belli’s interest in community resilience and recovery.

    At the time, Steve lived part-time in Dinner Plain but wasn’t a CFA member. 

    “My interest really gathered momentum during those fires. I could see there was a need for more resources, more equipment and better communication between the emergency services and the community,” Steve said.

    “As the president of the Mount Hotham Chamber of Commerce, I initiated fundraising for Mount Hotham-Dinner Plain brigade and we raised more than $100,000 thanks to our generous community and people from afar.”

    Steve has been a local resident and business owner at Mount Hotham since 2012. He set up a snow park for families to do activities other than skiing and snowboarding, he does tours on snowmobiles and has a café and distillery at Dinner Plain.

    Steve believed the public and businesses at Mount Hotham needed more information during a fire and have a stronger voice in the recovery stage. He participated in a Victorian Government initiative that asked locals for feedback about safety, and this led 
    to the formation of the Alpine Community Recovery Committee (ACRC) in 2020.

    Community recovery committees ensure grants and programs are relevant to a particular community through a community-led approach to recovery. Steve was asked to join the ACRC.

    “The ACRC is a voice for the community to the government to discuss grants, programs for mental wellbeing, and infrastructure that needs to be replaced,” Steve said. “It also encourages emergency services to talk to the community.

    “We helped to open a communication channel between emergency services personnel and the community so that the emergency services had a really good understanding of the issues in this area.”

    Historically, alpine resorts couldn’t apply for recovery funding through the local funding and federal funding authority. Steve was instrumental in changing that.

    “The resorts, lift companies, Chamber of Commerce and community members campaigned for change. Previously, alpine resorts couldn’t access 90 per cent of grants. Now we can access 90 per cent and we have received about $17 million funding for things like new water tanks, tourism initiatives and new infrastructure. That was a big win.”

    Steve is also a member of two municipal emergency management planning committees (MEMPC). All emergency services are represented on the committees, including direct representation of locals through the Chamber of Commerce or through the Alpine Resilience Partnership.

    “When we surveyed our community, we found that many people didn’t know where to get correct information during a fire and recovery, or who they should talk to,” Steve said. “Emergency services produce a lot of information, yet the community said they didn’t know where to find it.

    “To combat this, we created The Loop – a community communications network. When emergency services want to reach the community, they send the information to the Loop. It is then passed onto community members through community connectors – they could be a hairdresser, a guy in the pub or someone of standing in the community.

    “The crucial information is passed onto locals in a way that makes sense and that the community understands. It’s much more powerful than putting up a poster that might not be read.”  

    An administrator is in contact with the emergency services to make sure information is added to The Loop. Official messaging for emergency incidents is not submitted to The Loop – community members are referred to the VicEmergency website and app for information about current incidents.  

    As well as improving community safety through his committee work, Steve also enjoys doing face-to-face engagement.

    “I want people to have a great and safe experience in the mountains. I became a CFA member in 2024 and I’m happy to sit on a truck and answer questions to the best of my ability,” Steve said. “I help with community-based events such as barbecues and I enjoy giving people accurate information.

    “I also explain why cars need chains on their tyres. Some people don’t understand their importance and we want to keep people safe. There are two checkpoints on our mountain and a significant number of cars are turned around for not having chains.”

    When asked why he spends so much time protecting community members, Steve simply said, “if it’s not you, who is it?” 

    Submitted by News and Media

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: BusinessNZ – Regulatory roadblock to be removed

    Source: BusinessNZ

    Swift action to remove a regulatory roadblock in the way of medical innovation, global events and tourism has been applauded by BusinessNZ.
    A ‘nonsensical’ ruling by Medsafe effectively prevents major international medical conferences from being held in New Zealand because displaying new products or sharing the latest research with medics in trade shows is deemed to be “advertising” and therefore prohibited – but now the Government intends to fix the regulations concerned to allow these major global conferences to come here.
    The announced changes means more global organisations can consider New Zealand as a conference destination, and our tourism sector will benefit from the flow on effect of post-conference travel.
    BusinessNZ Chief Executive Katherine Rich says it’s a good example of the Government taking action to remove regulatory barriers to economic growth.
    “New Zealand has been locked out of the multi-billion-dollar global medical conference market because Medsafe’s stance prohibits the trade shows and expos that are usually a valuable part of global medical conferences.
    “But the economics of running a large international conference often depend on there being a major expo or trade show associated with the event, where companies can share information about their latest products and medical research.
    “Medsafe’s ruling makes it uneconomic for large medical conferences to be held here, meaning multi-million-dollar lost opportunities for New Zealand and our medics have to travel to conferences outside of New Zealand to hear about the latest drugs, devices and procedures.
    “Over the years many professional associations and medical organisations with annual conferences on a global circuit have wanted to come to New Zealand, but have had to rule out coming here because of the financial hit of not being able to hold a world-class trade show to support their event.
    “New Zealand’s unique stance is nonsensical. Sharing information and new research with medical experts in a closed setting is in no way unsafe. We know of no other country that has taken the same stance, but we do know this is why New Zealand conference centres and our local economy regularly lose out to Australia when global conference circuits rotate to the Southern Hemisphere.
    “It’s excellent news that the Government plans to fix the regulations to make clear that global medical conferences are welcome in New Zealand.
    “New Zealand stands to gain an estimated $90 million in revenue over the next few years with the dismantling of this roadblock to economic growth.”
    The BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central, Business Canterbury and Business South, represents and provides services to thousands of businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –