NewzIntel.com

Category: Canada

  • MIL-OSI Canada: The Strong Borders Act – Government of Canada strengthens border security

    Source: Government of Canada News

    The Bill will strengthen our laws and keep Canadians safe by ensuring law enforcement has the right tools to keep our borders secure, combat transnational organized crime, stop the flow of illegal fentanyl, and crack down on money laundering. It will bolster our response to increasingly sophisticated criminal networks, and enhance the integrity and fairness of our immigration system while protecting Canadians’ privacy and Charter rights.

    Securing the border

    The Bill proposes to:

    Amend the Oceans Act to:

    • Expand the Canadian Coast Guard’s services to include security activities that will strengthen sovereignty and maritime domain awareness, particularly in remote Arctic waters;
    • This will enable the Canadian Coast Guard to conduct security patrols and collect, analyze and share information and intelligence for security purposes.

    Amend the Sex Offender Information Registration Act to:

    • Enhance the ability of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to share information collected under the Act on registered sex offenders with domestic and international partners, including those located in the United States.

    Amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and the Department of Citizenship and Immigration Act to:

    • Authorize Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to share client information, such as identity, status and immigration documentation with federal, provincial and territorial partners through signed information-sharing agreements;
    • Make it easier for IRCC to share client information between different IRCC programs (e.g. using permanent residence application data to process citizenship applications);
    • Allow for regulations to be developed to share client information across federal departments for the purpose of cooperation.

    Amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to strengthen control over immigration documents for the public interest., These new authorities, which could be used for matters of public health or national security, would allow Canada to:

    • Cancel, suspend or change groups of immigration documents immediately;
    • Pause the acceptance of new applications;
    • Pause or cancel the processing of applications already in the inventory.

    Amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to improve and modernize the asylum system by making it more efficient and easier for claimants to navigate. These changes would:

    • Simplify the online application process and make the process the same whether someone claims asylum at a port of entry or at an in-land IRCC office;
    • Refer complete claims to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) to speed up decisions;
    • Ensure that claims are only decided by the IRB while the claimant is physically present in Canada;
    • Remove inactive cases from the system;
    • Speed up voluntary departures by making removal orders effective the same day a claim is withdrawn;
    • Help vulnerable claimants, like minors or those who don’t understand the process, by assigning representatives to support them during IRCC and CBSA proceedings.

    In addition, two proposed ineligibility measures in the Bill would protect the asylum system against sudden increases in claims.

    • Asylum claims made by people more than one year after first arriving in Canada after June 24, 2020, would not be referred to the IRB. This would apply to anyone, including students and temporary residents, regardless of whether they left the country and returned;
    • Asylum claims from people who enter Canada from the United States along the land border between ports of entry and make a claim after 14 days would not be referred to the IRB;
    • People who are affected by these ineligibility provisions may still apply for a pre-removal risk assessment (PRRA) to make sure they are not sent back to a country where they could face harm.

    Combatting transnational organized crime and illegal fentanyl

    The Bill proposes to amend the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and the Cannabis Act to:

    • Create a new accelerated scheduling pathway that allows precursor chemicals that can be used to produce illicit drugs to be rapidly controlled by the Minister of Health. This will allow law and border enforcement agencies to take swift action to prevent their illegal importation and use and to ensure strict federal oversight over any legitimate use of these chemicals.

    Amend the Criminal Code, the Customs Act, the Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Act, and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) Act to:

    • Facilitate law enforcement’s ability to lawfully access basic information and data that is necessary in the early stages of criminal investigations and ensure that CSIS’ investigative tools keep pace;
    • Update existing law enforcement tools to keep pace with modern digital challenges, including to explicitly deal with the search of computer systems and data stored on or accessible from those systems;
    • Clarify the ability of law enforcement to exercise specific powers and seize specific information without a warrant in urgent, time-sensitive circumstances (e.g., live abuse of a child);
    • Obligate transporters and warehouse operators to provide access to their premises to allow for export inspections by CBSA officers and require owners and operators of certain ports of entry/exit to provide facilities for export inspections, as is already required for imported goods.

    Introduce the Supporting Authorized Access to Information Act (SAAIA):

    • Ensure that electronic services providers (ESPs) have the capabilities in place to support law enforcement agencies and CSIS in criminal and intelligence investigations by requiring them to fulfil lawfully authorized requests to access or intercept information and communications.

    Amend the Canada Post Corporation Act to:

    • Remove barriers that prevent police from searching mail, where authorized to do so in accordance with an Act of Parliament, to carry out a criminal investigation.
    • Expand Canada Post inspection authority to open mail.

    Disrupting illicit financing

    The Bill also proposes to amend the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (PCMLTFA) to:

    • Strengthen anti-money laundering supervision, compliance, and enforcement, including through increased civil and criminal penalties;
    • Address some of the most prevalent types of money laundering, including through new restrictions on large cash transactions and third party cash deposits;
    • Require businesses regulated for anti-money laundering purposes, that are not already registered, to enroll with Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC); and
    • Permit disclosures from the FINTRAC to the Office of the Commissioner of Canada Elections.

    The Bill also proposes to amend the PCMLTFA with related amendments to the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act to clarify public to private information sharing provisions to help better detect and deter money laundering and support the recently created Integrated Money Laundering Intelligence Partnership (IMLIP) between banks and law enforcement.   

    The Bill proposes to amend the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions Act to make the Director of FINTRAC a member of the Financial Institutions Supervisory Committee (FISC), as well as to amend the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act to enable the Director to exchange information with the other members of FISC. 

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: One green sea turtle can contain the equivalent of 10 ping pong balls in plastic

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Xia (Alice) Zhu, Banting Postdoctoral Fellow, Ocean Sciences, Memorial University of Newfoundland

    Sea turtles can ingest dangerous amounts of plastic. (Shutterstock)

    Thousands to millions of tonnes of plastic enter the ocean annually, but where they end up is poorly understood.

    Scientists have been working to assemble the pieces of the puzzle for years, including estimating the size of the reservoir of plastic on the ocean surface, in the water column and in the deep ocean. However, marine animals are often overlooked.

    All animals can be reservoirs of plastic pollution, but to understand just how much ocean plastic pollution is stored in ocean life, we used sea turtles as a case study.

    Sea turtles ingest plastic debris of a variety of shapes and sizes, which can include pre-production pellets, foam, plastic bags, sheets, fishing gear and food wrappers. Their ingestion of plastic can come with a slew of negative impacts, some of which include starvation, emaciation and damage to the gut lining. Sea turtles can also become entangled in plastic nets and rope.

    Scripps News reports on the impacts of plastic pollution on sea turtles.

    Vulnerable species

    We focused on sea turtles because we know they’re impacted by plastics and are vulnerable to a changing ocean. Six out of the seven species of sea turtles are categorized as either vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

    To estimate how much plastic resides within sea turtles, we built a model using data on plastic ingestion in sea turtles and factors we suspected may predict how much plastic a turtle eats. That includes geographical, socio-economic and ecological factors.

    We estimated the size of the global reservoir for female green turtles because we had the most data for that group.

    We estimate that approximately 60 tonnes of plastic debris reside within female green turtles at any given time. This is roughly the equivalent of a garbage truck’s worth of plastic pollution.

    Based on our findings, we also predicted that an individual green turtle can contain up to 26.4 grams of plastic on average, the equivalent mass of 10 ping pong balls.

    Predicting ingestion

    Where a turtle lives matters. We found that sea turtles who forage closer to the equator are more likely to accumulate plastic debris. Furthermore, turtles that forage nearby countries with a lower socio-economic status are likely to eat more plastic, as socio-economic status is related to waste management.

    We also found that species-specific characteristics, including body size and foraging strategy — where and how a turtle identifies and retrieves food — play a role.

    Loggerhead turtles forage in the open ocean for the first seven to 15 years of their lives.
    (Shutterstock)

    For instance, loggerhead turtles are carnivores and forage in the open ocean for the first seven to 15 years of their lives before migrating to nearshore coastal areas.

    In contrast, leatherback turtles spend most of their lives in the open ocean and feed on a diet of soft-bodied prey, including jellyfish and salps. This makes it easy for them to mistake balloons as food.

    Green turtles, on the other hand, primarily feed on algae and sea grasses, spending only three to five years in the open ocean before relocating to shallow coastal areas where they remain for the rest of their lives.

    These different behaviours of sea turtles, along with their body size, influence where and how turtles are exposed to plastic debris and how much plastic can fit inside a turtle’s stomach at any given time.

    Understanding what factors predict plastic ingestion is important for pinpointing which species are most at risk: we found that leatherback turtles have the greatest propensity for ingesting plastic debris.

    Future work

    Sea turtles are impacted by a changing ocean, and our plastic waste is part of that change. The relatively consistent load of plastic in sea turtles raises questions about risk.

    Thousands to millions of tonnes of plastic end up in the ocean annually.
    (Shutterstock)

    Relevant to our study, the next step is to try to understand how the plastic reservoir varies among other species. What is the total amount stored in global marine animals at any one time?

    In addition, could sea turtles and marine animals in general be transporting plastic debris around as they move, essentially acting as conveyor belts of plastic throughout the ocean?

    Call to action

    In order to answer these questions, we need more data for sea turtles and other species. We call for further monitoring of sea turtles to improve future modelling efforts and to inform risk. We also call for further monitoring of other species, and recommend standardized reporting practices and greater data transparency.

    We hope our findings demonstrate the value of monitoring to address knowledge gaps pertaining to the cycling of plastic in the environment. This knowledge, in turn, could help inform a Global Plastics Treaty.

    We also hope our work can inform direct actions to protect sea turtles from the effects of plastics, and reduce the amount of plastic entering the ocean.

    Xia (Alice) Zhu receives funding from the Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship.

    Chelsea Rochman receives funding from NSERC, ECCC, DFO.

    Matthew Mazloff receives funding from NASA, NOAA, NSF, UCSD.

    – ref. One green sea turtle can contain the equivalent of 10 ping pong balls in plastic – https://theconversation.com/one-green-sea-turtle-can-contain-the-equivalent-of-10-ping-pong-balls-in-plastic-256630

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Can kelp forests help tackle climate change?

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Jennifer McHenry, Senior Research Fellow, Department of Biology, University of Victoria

    Countries around the world are increasingly turning to nature to help alleviate the impacts of climate change. Forests, grasslands and wetlands are already considered as “natural climate solutions.” Now, some scientists are asking: could kelp forests be part of the solution too?

    As some of the fastest growing species on Earth, kelp form lush underwater forests along temperate coastlines. In addition to supporting marine biodiversity, sustaining fisheries and contributing to local economics and livelihoods, kelp forests also absorb carbon. But their role in climate change mitigation remains uncertain.

    In the first national assessment of Canada’s kelp forests, our research team set out to estimate how much carbon these ecosystems might be capturing and storing in the ocean, and whether that carbon stays out of the atmosphere long enough to be considered a natural climate solution.

    To tackle this question, we assembled a national kelp forest database, including satellite and aerial maps, kelp productivity measurements and ocean current models to estimate how much kelp carbon actually leaves the continental shelf.

    This study is part of a national research effort being led by researchers at the University of Victoria called Blue Carbon Canada, which was funded by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), Oceans North and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) to investigate how Canada’s “blue carbon” could fit into its national climate mitigation strategy. Our team included 22 kelp researchers and experts from 14 academic institutions, government agencies and NGOs from Canada, the United States and Australia.



    Read more:
    Why some of British Columbia’s kelp forests are in more danger than others

    Measuring kelp carbon

    The carbon absorbed by trees, peatlands and seagrasses typically gets locked away for decades or longer. However, when kelp dies or breaks apart, instead of storing the carbon in the ground, much of it is released back into the ocean. Depending on the conditions, some of it sinks. Some of it washes back to shore. Some gets eaten and and fuels coastal food webs.

    Only a small fraction settles in coastal seafloor sediments or makes it far enough offshore to reach deep water, where it’s more likely to stay out of the atmosphere over the long term. Another fraction decomposes and becomes tiny dissolved particles that can circulate on ocean currents below the mixed layer depth for decades to centuries.

    So while protecting and managing kelp forests promotes carbon capture, it may not always directly translate into climate change mitigation.

    Our research found that between 40,000 and 400,000 metric tonnes of carbon per year is likely being captured and exported from Canadian kelp forests to the deep ocean. In terms of carbon dioxide removal, this would be at least comparable to more established natural climate solutions carbon ecosystems in Canada, like tidal marshes and seagrasses, suggesting they merit further consideration.

    It’s a promising number. But the potential role of kelp in Canada’s climate action plans is far from settled.

    Can we count on kelp?

    Our findings are relevant as countries increasingly look to count natural sources of carbon removal in their nationally determined contributions under the Paris Climate Accord, with the idea that better ecosystem management, protection and restoration could all enhance natural carbon sinks.

    Kelp forests have not yet been included in national inventories. However, there has been growing interest in whether better kelp forest management and even restoration could qualify.

    Part of the problem is data. Most countries, including Canada, still lack sufficient information on where their kelp forests are, how productive they are, where that carbon is going in the ecosystem and how these dynamics are changing over space and time. As a result, few countries have been able to assess their kelp forests at national scales.

    There are also unanswered questions about how much kelp forest loss can be prevented under climate change and how much ecosystem restoration could be scaled up to meaningfully contribute to climate change mitigation. Restoration methods for kelp forests, such as green gravel, are being actively developed but remain largely untested.

    Our study provides guidance to help countries overcome some of these challenges. We offer a step-by-step blueprint for developing first kelp carbon estimates from limited data, including data needs and sources and tools for data analysis that acknowledge data uncertainties.

    Looking ahead

    Managing and protecting kelp forests is likely to be a low-regret option, meaning that while it might not significantly mitigate climate change, its many other benefits would still outweigh the costs. After all, these ecosystems offer a host of benefits, from supporting fisheries to shoreline protection. Given our findings, they may also have the ability to help tackle climate change.

    But leaning too heavily on kelp before the science is clear could backfire. Overstating its role in climate change mitigation could lead to misplaced confidence and unrealistic expectations. Worse, it could distract from the most important and immediate task: fossil fuel reductions.

    That does not mean kelp’s climate solutions potential should be dismissed. At present, it’s thought that kelp forests and other algae capture and store around 175 million tonnes annually, maybe more given recent research.

    But Canada needs to proceed carefully and invest in closing key knowledge gaps before scaling up plans to include kelp in national carbon accounting. This includes greater public investment in kelp forest mapping, monitoring, high resolution oceanographic modelling and ground-truthing of national estimates.



    Read more:
    Buried kelp: seaweed carried to the deep sea stores more carbon than we thought

    Kelp forests are in trouble

    Overall, a precautionary approach is needed to ensure we don’t miss out on future kelp solutions. That’s because even as interest in kelp grows, these ecosystems are disappearing in many places.

    Kelp restoration methods, like green gravel shown here from the Kelp Rescue Initiative in B.C., are advancing but still in their infancy.
    (Lauren Dykman/University of Victoria)

    In British Columbia, kelp forests have declined in recent decades due to climate change-fuelled marine heatwaves and population booms of sea urchins, which graze on kelp.

    Similar trends have been documented in many parts of the world, from Norway to Tasmania, where lush kelp forests are being replaced by weedy turf algae.

    When kelp forests are lost, the carbon they hold can be released quickly. Export of kelp carbon to the deep ocean and other carbon sinks stops. So instead of helping to slow climate change, their loss could make things much worse.

    Kelp forests will not solve the climate crisis on their own. But our research shows they could be apart of the solution, especially if we act now to fill critical research gaps.

    Today, the most immediate value of kelp forests lies in supporting marine biodiversity, coastal fisheries, and community livelihoods. That alone makes them worth saving.

    Jennifer McHenry receives funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Council of Canada (NSERC), Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO),and Oceans North.

    Julia K. Baum receives funding from NSERC, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and Oceans North. She is also affiliated as a science advisor with the Kelp Rescue Initiative.

    – ref. Can kelp forests help tackle climate change? – https://theconversation.com/can-kelp-forests-help-tackle-climate-change-257215

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Westlock — Westlock RCMP conducts arrests in drug trafficking investigation

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    In July 2024, Westlock RCMP received information regarding cocaine trafficking in the Westlock area. Once it was discovered that potential suppliers could be located in the St. Albert, Alta., and Edmonton areas, the investigation was extended in order to reach those suspects as well.

    Throughout the investigation, Westlock RCMP secured assistance from Eastern Alberta District Crime Reduction Unit, St. Albert RCMP City – Drug Unit, RCMP ‘K’ Division Special I and RCMP ‘K’ Division Integrated Offender Management, as well as Edmonton Police Service (EPS), in order to complete their investigation.

    As a result of these efforts, on May 22, 2025, Westlock RCMP executed five search warrants, with the Edmonton warrants being executed with the assistance of EPS Tactical. Two suspects were arrested and two arrests warrants were issued. The investigation is ongoing with the warrants revealing new information to be actioned upon.

    As a result of the search warrants, the following items were seized:

    · 105.64 grams of cocaine;

    · 7 firearms;

    · 3 forged identification documents;

    · $12,705 in Canadian Currency; and

    · 19 cartons of unstamped cigarettes.

    As a result of the investigation, a 39-year-old individual and a 46-year-old individual, both residents of Westlock, were arrested and charged with multiple offences, including five counts of trafficking cocaine. A 28-year-old and 27-year-old individuals, both also residents of Westlock, were charged with two counts of trafficking cocaine and warrants have been issued for their arrests.

    The 29-year-old and 46-year-old individuals were brought before a justice of the peace and both have since been released on conditions. The 46-year-old individual is to appear before the Alberta Court of Justice in Westlock on June 11, 2025 while the 39-year-old is to appear before the Alberta Court of Justice in St. Albert on June 16, 2025.

    “We wanted to highlight the work that can be accomplished when a detachment takes the lead on a file and has access to multiple specialized units and partnerships to complete their investigation” said Supt. Anthony Hanson, Acting District Officer for Eastern Alberta District. “We want to thank the hard working and dedicated members of the Westlock RCMP for moving this investigation forward as they did. These arrests and searches have allowed us not only to remove drugs and weapons from our streets but also bring to account those responsible.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: United Kingdom National Charged with Unlawful Entry

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that Danny Gabriel Rooney, 19, of the United Kingdom, has been charged by criminal complaint with entering the United States at a time or place other than designated for entering the country by immigration authorities.

    On Tuesday, May 27, 2025, Rooney appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle, who ordered that Rooney be detained during the pendency of this matter. According to court documents, U.S. Border Patrol agents apprehended Rooney after he was observed walking southbound in an area of Highgate, Vermont, that is frequently travelled by persons attempting to enter the United States illegally from Canada. Law enforcement’s records review revealed that Rooney has no legal status in the United States.

    The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that the complaint contains allegations only and that Rooney is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Rooney faces up to six months’ incarceration if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.

    Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the investigatory efforts of the United States Border Patrol.

    The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Arra. Rooney is represented by Stephanie M. Greenlees , Esq.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Survey from Mitsubishi HC Capital America Highlights Barriers to Modernizing Supply Chains Amid Market Uncertainty

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mitsubishi HC Capital America, the leading non-bank, non-captive finance provider in North America, conducted a survey of clients across the transportation and construction industries to understand the challenges of modernizing supply chains. As manufacturers look to modernize operations and plan for future growth, these survey results will be a powerful tool for developing resilient and informed strategies for industry leaders.

    Supply chain challenges impact more than just the flow of materials — they influence project timelines, production costs, and a borrower’s ability to repay loans. For financing leaders at manufacturing organizations, these disruptions can create significant uncertainty for short-term and long-term planning. Mitsubishi HC Capital America’s recent survey results offer valuable, real-world insights that help leaders assess risk more accurately and align financing strategies with market realities.

    Survey Key Findings
    The survey findings underscore the complex and rapidly evolving challenges businesses face today. Although emerging technologies aren’t yet seen as major disruptors, policy changes and tariffs are starting to make a noticeable impact. In response, companies are taking varied approaches — some anticipate little change in their equipment needs, while others are preparing to replace aging assets or adapt their strategies to navigate growing economic uncertainty.

    At the same time, modernizing operations remains a significant hurdle for many organizations. Rising transportation costs and volatile market conditions continue to complicate efforts, particularly when integrating new technologies with outdated infrastructure — a challenge cited by 90% of survey respondents. To navigate these complexities, businesses are increasingly turning to creative financing solutions. An overwhelming 90% indicated they are likely to leverage financing for new equipment purchases to manage immediate financial pressures while investing in long-term growth. Among them, 68% preferred long-term, low-payment financing structures that support their strategic planning, as 48% cited high equipment costs as their most significant modernization challenge. Meanwhile, workforce challenges persist, with nearly half of respondents (46%) reporting issues related to a skills gap or talent shortage, adding another layer of challenges to adapting to today’s market.

    Other key insights include:

    • Rising Costs: 74% of respondents reported equipment costs have increased in the past year, with 47% seeing significant increases.
    • Skills Gap: 46% of organizations are experiencing talent shortages, with equipment purchases (53% of those addressing shortages) emerging as a key strategy to address workforce challenges.
    • Modernization: 70% consider their organizations “on track” with modernization efforts despite significant challenges, with 37% assessing their technology needs annually.
    • Business Pipeline: 69% report stable or increasing business pipelines currently, with 44% expecting continued growth in the next six months.
    • Operational Challenges: The main performance issues are staffing shortages, supply chain disruptions, and technology limitations. Some respondents also mention difficulties in accessing financing.
    • Equipment Investment: 47% of organizations purchased new equipment within the last year, with an additional 41% making purchases in the last 1-3 years, demonstrating continued investment despite economic challenges.
    • Transportation Sector Needs: 50% of respondents identified transportation and logistics as requiring the most modernization, highlighting significant pressure in this critical sector. Respondents cited specific challenges including “instability in transportation” and concerns about “transportation rates and fuel costs.”

    The survey also highlights a significant gap between how businesses currently finance equipment and their preferences. While 74% of organizations rely on traditional bank loans for equipment acquisition, the strong preference for flexible, long-term financing options indicates a significant opportunity for alternative financing approaches that better align with today’s economic realities. This is particularly relevant as businesses balance immediate cost pressures with long-term modernization needs.

    Ultimately, the survey results underscore the multifaceted challenges that organizations face as they work to modernize in a dynamic market. From rising operational costs to labor shortages, adapting is far from straightforward. However, the preference for innovative financing solutions reflects a shift in strategy as manufacturers balance short-term pressures with long-term objectives.

    Click here to learn more about the survey results.

    About Mitsubishi HC Capital America

    Mitsubishi HC Capital America is a commercial finance company that has extensive capabilities throughout North America with its affiliate, Mitsubishi HC Capital Canada, combining a consultative approach and expansive digital platform to help organizations of all sizes accelerate growth. With $7.5 billion in assets and more than 800 employees, the company is the largest non-captive, non-bank commercial finance company in North America. Mitsubishi HC Capital America partners with equipment manufacturers, dealers, and distributors, as well as end customers, in providing customized financial solutions, including transportation and commercial finance. Dedicated to improving the communities where it operates, the company is committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Visit Mitsubishi HC Capital America for more information.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: “Through Her Lens”: New UN Photo Exhibit Celebrates Women Leading Peace

    Source: United Nations – Peacekeeping

    New York, 7 June 2025 – This June, the United Nations will unveil a compelling new photo exhibit at New York’s Photoville Festival, bringing global attention to the leadership, courage and impact of women and their allies driving peace in some of the world’s most volatile places. Featuring original photos by local women photographers, the exhibition spotlights women peacebuilders, human rights defenders, UN peacekeepers and grassroots activists whose stories are too often overlooked. Their portraits and environments reflect both the challenges of conflict and the possibilities that emerge when women lead.

    Launched in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council resolution 1325 (2000), the exhibition highlights the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda which recognises not only the disproportionate impact of conflict on women but also their indispensable role in shaping peace, building trust, and leading transformative change.

    “The fight for gender equality is not just about fairness,” said United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres in his remarks at the 2025 International Women’s Day commemoration in New York. “It is about power – who gets a seat at the table, and who is locked out. Simply put, when women and girls rise, everyone thrives.”

    Captured across eleven settings – Abyei, Cyprus, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Kosovo, Lebanon, Mozambique, Occupied Palestinian Territory, South Sudan and Sudan – the images tell a collective story of resilience, resistance, and transformation.

    “Too often, the role of women in peace processes and trust building is overlooked or underrepresented,” said Laura Hasani, a photojournalist from Kosovo with over 25 years’ experience. “These photos aim to change that, so the world sees and hears from the women who are rebuilding communities and leading change.”

    In Haiti, Clyfane Saintil, a feminist activist and nonprofit leader featured in the exhibit, helps Haitian girls and women build confidence to claim their rights and shape their futures. “Change begins in our communities, where women and girls rise, and when men choose to be allies rather than obstacles,” she said.

    Through the lens of those living the realities of conflict, the exhibition reframes how we see women: not only as victims, but as architects of peace and justice. It also calls on governments, international organisations, and communities to recommit to the promise of the WPS agenda, which remains as urgent today as it was 25 years ago.

    Through Her Lens: Women Rising for Peace is a collaboration between the United Nations Department of Peace Operations and Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, UN Women, and the Elsie Initiative Fund. Premiering in Brooklyn Bridge Park on 7 June 2025, it will remain open to the public until 22 June, then travel to some of the countries featured before reaching the European Parliament in Brussels and, in October, UN Headquarters in New York, among others.

    The exhibition is supported by the governments of Australia, Canada, Denmark, the European Union, Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, the Republic of Korea and the United Kingdom, whose generous contributions made it possible to share these powerful stories worldwide.

    The exhibition is free to view from June 7-22, 2025, at the Photoville Festival, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 1, New York City.

    Find out more: Through Her Lens: Women Rising for Peace – Photoville Festival

    Download the digital assets: Trello board

    Note to the editors: The ‘Through Their Lens: Women Rising for Peace’ photo exhibition is underpinned by the principles outlined in United Nations Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) and subsequent nine resolutions on Women, Peace and Security. The resolutions recognise the importance of women’s full, equal and meaningful participation in conflict resolution and call for greater inclusion of women in peacemaking and decision-making at all levels in peace and political processes.

    * * * *

    Media contacts:

    UN Department of Peace Operations

    Sophie Boudre

    Email: boudre@un.org

    Tel.: +1 917 691 5359

    Milly Copping James

    Email: milly.coppingjames@un.org

    Tel.: +1 646 897 6383

    UN Department of Peacebuilding and Political Affairs

    Kyung Ae (Susie) Lim

    Email: lim7@un.org

    Tel.: +1 646 595 7068

    UN Women

    Media Team Email: media.team@unwomen.org

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Secretary-General of ASEAN delivers remarks at the Opening Ceremony of 2025 Meeting of the OECD Council at Ministerial Level (MCM) in Paris

    Source: ASEAN – Association of SouthEast Asian Nations

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, delivered remarks at the Opening Ceremony of the 2025 Meeting of the OECD Council at Ministerial Level (MCM) on 3 June 2025, commemorating the handover of the co-chairmanship of the OECD Southeast Asia Regional Programme (SEARP) from current Co-Chairs, Australia and Viet Nam, to the incoming Co-Chairs, Canada and the Philippines.
     
    In his remarks, Dr. Kao welcomed the continued collaboration between ASEAN and the OECD, underscoring shared commitment to promote good regulatory practices, prioritise sustainable development, and place inclusive growth at the core of region’s economic progress.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN delivers remarks at the Opening Ceremony of 2025 Meeting of the OECD Council at Ministerial Level (MCM) in Paris appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI: Apollo Capital Warns MediPharm Shareholders Current CEO David Pidduck is Looking for an Exit

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CEO David Pidduck has Stated Desire to Cash Out at Current Levels

    Pidduck and Current Board Do Not Have Conviction in MediPharm or its Long-Term Value Creation Strategy

    Apollo Capital has a Plan to Increase MediPharm Share Price from $0.07 to Over $1.00 in Three Years, Restoring Medipharm’s Position as a Leading Global Medical Cannabis Company.

    SHAREHOLDERS ARE URGED TO VOTE THE GOLD CARD “FOR” APOLLO CAPITAL’S SIX DIRECTOR NOMINEES AND NOT VOTE MEDIPHARM’s GREEN CARD

    TORONTO, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  Apollo Technology Capital Corporation (“Apollo Capital”), one of MediPharm Lab’s largest investors, today warns all Medipharm shareholders that CEO David Pidduck is looking to sell the Company to cash out his shares based on credible information available to the investor. If shareholders support MediPharm’s current slate of directors, shareholders can expect to be heavily diluted while top executives take up to $5M in change in control payments.

    In 2025, a current Board member told Apollo Capital directly that CEO Pidduck was looking to sell the company to trigger his change in control awards. That Board member expressed their concern that the transaction was excessively dilutive and undervalued for shareholders. Since that time, multiple sources have come forward to confirm Pidduck and the current Board’s plans to pursue a transaction which would fire sell Medipharm’s assets at a discount. A sale of MediPharm would only benefit Pidduck and the current Board, not its shareholders.

    Between October 2024 and April 2025, Apollo Capital & Pidduck had multiple negotiations about Apollo Capital’s desire to make an investment in Medipharm in order to bolster its ability to pursue an aggressive growth strategy. In these negotiations, Pidduck was clear that he wants to cash out his shares, which were not bought, but instead granted to him by MediPharm.

    In 2025, a written offer to invest $3.4M in a private placement at the then-current market price with no discount or warrant coverage and to invest an additional nearly $3.5M to acquire shares from CEO Pidduck and President Stachan. As part of the significant cash investment, Apollo Capital would acquire 2 board seats to help guide a strategic growth strategy that the Company still lacks. Apollo Capital’s offer was rejected.

    “Our offer represented a way for MediPharm to capitalize the Company without selling key assets. Our goal was to preserve value for all shareholders. We saw our investment as a critical step towards rebuilding value at MediPharm. If our offer was accepted, we would have avoided a proxy contest and the cash balance would be millions higher than it is today. We would already be well on our way toward achieving our goal of a 10x increase in the stock price,” said Regan McGee, CEO of Apollo Capital.         

    Apollo Capital asks:

    • If Management’s plan is working, why would they want to sell the Company at the current valuation?
    • Why would the CEO want to sell his shares in Medipharm if he believed in its long-term strategy?
    • Where would the share price be today if management had accepted Apollo Capital’s offer, choosing to work with rather than against its largest shareholder in the interest of all shareholders?

    Why We Have Invested:

    Apollo Capital has invested in MediPharm and nominated director candidates to order to drive the urgent change needed to put the Company back on the right path. We see a clear opportunity to revitalize the business, reposition MediPharm as a market leader, and unlock value over the long term, with the potential to increase the share price to over $1.00.

    Apollo Capital’s goal is to build a Company for the long term that creates lasting value for all shareholders. It is NOT to acquire the Company, as MediPharm’s current management has falsely claimed. Since the start of the proxy contest, which management forced at great expense to MediPharm, Apollo Capital has not purchased, sold, shorted, or been involved in any transactions involving the Company’s stock. We are here to be long-term investors and to rebuild MediPharm into a leading medical cannabis company.

    Apollo Capital’s strategic five-pillar plan for MediPharm has been made available in detail at www.curemedipharm.com. With shareholder support, we can turn MediPharm around and transform it into the world’s leading medical cannabis company.

    Apollo Capital urges shareholders to vote for change by voting the GOLD CARD by June 13, 2025. Shareholders are urged NOT to sign or return the green proxy cards sent by the Company.

    Contacts

    For Shareholders:
    Carson Proxy
    North American Toll-Free Phone: 1-800-530-5189
    Local or Text Message: 416-751-2066 (collect calls accepted)
    E: info@carsonproxy.com

    For Media:
    CureMediPharm@gasthalter.com

    Legal Disclosures

    Information in Support of Public Broadcast Exemption under Canadian Law

    The information contained in this press release does not and is not intended to constitute a solicitation of a proxy within the meaning of applicable corporate and securities laws. Shareholders of the Company are not being asked at this time to execute a proxy in favour of Apollo Capital’s director nominees or in respect of any other matter to be acted upon at the Annual Meeting. In connection with the Annual Meeting, Apollo Capital has filed a dissident information circular (the “Circular”) in compliance with applicable corporate and securities laws. Apollo Capital has provided in, or incorporated by reference into, this press release the disclosure required under section 9.2(4) of NI 51-102 – Continuous Disclosure Obligations (“NI 51-102”) and the corresponding exemption under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario), and has filed the preliminary Circular, available under MediPharm’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The Circular contains disclosure prescribed by applicable corporate law and disclosure required under section 9.2(6) of NI 51-102 in respect of Apollo Capital’s director nominees, in accordance with corporate and securities laws applicable to public broadcast solicitations. The Circular is hereby incorporated by reference into this press release and is available under MediPharm’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The registered office of the Company is 151 John Street, Barrie, Ontario, Canada L4N 2L1.

    SHAREHOLDERS OF MEDIPHARM ARE URGED TO READ THE CIRCULAR CAREFULLY BECAUSE IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Investors and shareholders are able to obtain free copies of the Circular and any amendments or supplements thereto and further proxy circulars at no charge under MediPharm’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. In addition, shareholders are also be able to obtain free copies of the Circular and other relevant documents by contacting Apollo Capital’s proxy solicitor, Carson Proxy Advisors Ltd. (“Carson Proxy”) at 1-800-530-5189, local (collect outside North America): 416-751-2066 or by email at info@carsonproxy.com.

    None of Apollo Capital, any other “dissidents” within the meaning of the Ont. Reg. 62 of the Business Corporations Act (Ontario), or any partner, officer, director and control person of such “dissident”, is requesting that Company shareholders submit a proxy at this time as the Company has yet to issue formal notice of the Annual Meeting and its management information circular. Once formal solicitation of proxies in connection with the Annual Meeting has commenced, proxies may be revoked in accordance with subsection 110(4) of the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) by a registered shareholder of Company shares: (a) by completing and signing a valid proxy bearing a later date and returning it in accordance with the instructions contained in the accompanying form of proxy; (b) by depositing an instrument in writing executed by the shareholder or by the shareholder’s attorney authorized in writing; (c) by transmitting by telephonic or electronic means a revocation that is signed by electronic signature in accordance with applicable law, as the case may be: (i) at the registered office of the Company at any time up to and including the last business day preceding the day the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the Annual Meeting is to be held, or (ii) with the chair of the Annual Meeting on the day of the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the Annual Meeting; or (d) in any other manner permitted by law. In addition, proxies may be revoked by a non-registered holder of Company shares at any time by written notice to the intermediary in accordance with the instructions given to the non-registered holder by its intermediary. It should be noted that revocation of proxies or voting instructions by a non-registered holder can take several days or even longer to complete and, accordingly, any such revocation should be completed well in advance of the deadline prescribed in the form of proxy or voting instruction form to ensure it is given effect in respect of the Annual Meeting.

    The costs incurred in the preparation and mailing of any circular or proxy solicitation by Apollo Capital and any other participants named herein will be borne directly and indirectly by Apollo Capital. However, to the extent permitted under applicable law, Apollo Capital intends to seek reimbursement from the Company of all expenses incurred in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the election of its director nominees at the Annual Meeting.

    This press release and any solicitation made by Apollo Capital is, or will be, as applicable, made by such parties, and not by or on behalf of the management of the Company. Proxies may be solicited by proxy circular, mail, telephone, email or other electronic means, as well as by newspaper or other media advertising and in person by managers, directors, officers and employees of Apollo Capital who will not be specifically remunerated therefor. In addition, Apollo Capital may solicit proxies by way of public broadcast, including press release, speech or publication and any other manner permitted under applicable Canadian laws, and may engage the services of one or more agents and authorize other persons to assist it in soliciting proxies on their behalf.

    Apollo Capital has entered into an agreement with Carson Proxy Advisors (“Carson Proxy”) for solicitation and advisory services in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the Meeting, for which Carson Proxy will receive a fee not to exceed $250,000, together with reimbursement for reasonable and out-of-pocket expenses. Apollo Capital has also engaged Gasthalter & Co. LP (“G&Co”) to act as communications consultant to provide Apollo Capital with certain communications, public relations and related services, for which G&Co will receive a minimum fee of US$75,000 in addition to a performance fee of US$250,000 in the event that Apollo’s nominees make up a majority of the Board following the Annual Meeting, plus excess fees, related costs and expenses.

    No member of Apollo Capital nor any of their associates or affiliates has or has had any material interest, direct or indirect, in any transaction since the beginning of the Company’s last completed financial year or in any proposed transaction that has materially affected or will or would materially affect the Company or any of the Company’s affiliates. No member of Apollo nor any of their associates or affiliates has any material interest, direct or indirect, by way of beneficial ownership of securities or otherwise, in any matter to be acted upon at the Annual Meeting, other than the election of directors.

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward‐looking statements. All statements contained in this filing that are not clearly historical in nature or that necessarily depend on future events are forward‐looking, and the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “estimate,” “plan,” and similar expressions are generally intended to identify forward‐looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of Apollo and currently available information. They are not guarantees of future performance, involve certain risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict, and are based upon assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. All forward-looking statements contained herein are made only as of the date hereof and Apollo disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any such forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that subsequently occur, or of which Apollo Capital hereafter becomes aware, except as required by applicable law.

    Hashtags: #ShareholderActivism #CorporateGovernance #InvestorProtection #Investor Alert #Investor Fraud #FinancialRegulation #CorporateCrime #FinancialCrime #HomelandSecurity #DHS #OpioidCrisis #OpioidEpidemic #OpioidLitigation #OpioidVictims #BMO #DEA #ONDCP

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Canada Energy Partners Extends Private Placement

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Canada Energy Partners Inc. (NEX: CE.H) (the “Company”) announces that the TSX-Venture Exchange has approved an extension of its non-brokered private placement until June 26/2025.

    Please see the original news release announcing the private placement issued on April 11/2025 for more information.

    On behalf of the Board of Directors of
    Canada Energy Partners Inc.:

    Grant Hall
    President

    For more information, please contact:

    CANADA ENERGY PARTNERS INC.
    Attention: Grant Hall, President
    Email: ghall9612@gmail.com
    Direct Phone: (520) 668 4101

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

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as “plan”, “expect”, “project”, “intend”, “believe”, “anticipate”, “estimate” and other similar words or statements that certain events or conditions “may” or “will” occur, including, without limitation, estimated revenues. Forward-looking statements in this press release include statements about the anticipated filing deadline for the Annual Filings. Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. These factors include, without limitation, the failure to file the Annual Filings by the anticipated date. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by law.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Ethos Specialty Expands Transactional Risk Capacity with Starr Partnership

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ethos Specialty Insurance Services LP (“Ethos Specialty”), a Bishop Street Underwriters (“Bishop Street”) company, today announced the expansion of its North American Transactional Risk capacity through a new partnership with Starr, a global insurance and investment organization.

    As the Transactional Risk market continues to tighten—amid hardening conditions and widespread capacity constraints—Ethos Specialty remains undeterred in its mission to deliver best-in-class solutions. The addition of Starr to Ethos’s panel of premier carriers underscores that commitment and further solidifies Ethos’s position as one of the most sought-after partners in the space. Starr joins an already robust, “A” rated lineup that includes AXIS and Skyward Specialty, bringing total capacity limits to $45M in the U.S. and $25M in Canada.

    “We’re proud to partner with Starr, a global leader in commercial insurance,” said Navine Aggarwal, Chief Executive Officer at Ethos Specialty. “Starr’s legacy of underwriting excellence and financial strength aligns perfectly with our mission to provide market-leading risk solutions across the U.S. and Canada.”

    Starr brings over a century of experience and a global footprint spanning more than 100 countries. With an AM Best rating of “A” (Excellent), Starr’s capacity further enhances Ethos’s ability to serve clients across diverse industries with confidence.

    This partnership comes amid a period of exceptional growth for Ethos Specialty. While many peers have contracted, Ethos has grown its Transactional Risk business by over 90% year over year—driven by a clear flight to quality among insureds seeking trusted, proven partners. Its ability to attract top-tier carriers like Starr reflects a reputation for underwriting excellence, innovation, and consistent claims performance. With a rapidly expanding footprint, world-class talent, and a forward-thinking approach, Ethos is well-positioned to shape the future of Transactional Risk across North America and beyond.

    To learn more about Ethos Specialty’s solutions, contact our team at headoffice@ethossspecialty.com.

    About Ethos Specialty
    Ethos Specialty is a leading Managing General Underwriter (“MGU”) that develops industry-specific insurance programs and provides specialized underwriting services on behalf of high-quality carrier and syndicate partners. Ethos focuses on managing risks related to transactions, offering multiple solutions including Representations and Warranties (R&W) and tax insurance. For more information, visit www.ethosspecialty.com.

    About Starr
    Starr is a leading insurance and investment organization with a presence on six continents. Through its operating insurance companies, Starr provides property, casualty, and accident and health insurance products, as well as a range of specialty coverages including aviation, marine, energy, and excess casualty insurance. For more information, visit www.starr.com.

    About Bishop Street
    Bishop Street Underwriters, a RedBird Capital portfolio company, seeks to partner with Managing General Agents/Underwriters as well as niche underwriting teams. Bishop Street aims to combine their best-in-class (re)insurance executive team’s vision with RedBird’s strong track record, expertise, and network in the financial services sector to build a differentiated platform uniquely positioned to capitalize on secular growth tailwinds in the industry. For more information, please go to www.bishopstreetuw.com.

    Media Contacts

    Ethos Specialty
    Lauren Meyer
    lauren.meyer@ethosspecialty.com
    (248) 849-0992

    Starr
    Hunter Hoffmann
    hunter.hoffmann@starrcompanies.com
    (646) 630-4944

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Standard Lithium, in Partnership with Telescope Innovations, to Produce Next Generation Solid-State Battery Materials

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW AND NOVEL LOW TEMPERATURE IP-PROTECTED METHOD FOR PRODUCING LITHIUM SULFIDE DEVELOPED IN PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN STANDARD LITHIUM AND TELESCOPE INNOVATIONS

    LITHIUM PRODUCTS FROM STANDARD LITIHIUM’S ARKANSAS DEMONSTRATION PLANT USED TO MAKE NEXT GENERATION LITHIUM SULFIDE PRODUCT FOR USE IN SOLID STATE BATTERIES

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Standard Lithium Ltd. (“Standard Lithium” or the “Company”) (TSXV:SLI) (NYSE American:SLI), a leading near-commercial lithium company, is pleased to announce the successful production of battery quality lithium sulfide as part of a collaboration with Telescope Innovations.

    As previously mentioned (see Aug 28th 2024 news release), Standard Lithium has been working with its research and development partner, Telescope Innovations, to develop new and novel conversion technologies to make next generation battery materials. This new conversion process has now been successfully used to convert lithium hydroxide produced by Standard Lithium at its southern Arkansas Demonstration Plant, into battery quality lithium sulfide (Li2S – see news release dated May 7th 2025). Samples of the lithium sulfide have been shipped to solid-state battery companies in Asia and North America for ongoing testing and validation purposes.

    Standard Lithium’s President and COO, Dr. Andy Robinson commented “this development of new IP and technology with our research partner, Telescope Innovations, exemplifies our approach to becoming the leading new lithium company in North America. Whilst our principle area of focus, and capital allocation, is building the first DLE project in North America at our South West Arkansas Project Phase 1 with our joint venture partner Equinor, we understand that constant technological evolution is integral to staying at the forefront of this rapidly evolving industry. This recent work led by Telescope demonstrates that we are able to take lithium chemicals produced from the Smackover Formation in southern Arkansas, and then transform them into the feedstocks required by the next generation of batteries. Our partnership with Telescope Innovations continues to be a “win-win” for our shareholders and their’s.”

    Lithium sulfide is a key raw material required for many next-generation solid-state battery chemistries (see news release: Toyota works with partners to develop Li2S based batteries), but despite the importance of lithium sulfide in the next generation of battery technology, it is only produced commercially in very small quantities and at very high cost. The technical collaboration between the two teams has resulted in a novel low-temperature patented process that has the following advantages:

    • Feedstock flexibility – both lithium hydroxide and lithium carbonate are viable inputs;
    • Impurity tolerance – allows the use of technical-grade feedstocks;
    • Lower processing temperatures (<100 °C) – reduces equipment complexity and operating costs; and,
    • Enhanced safety in manufacturing – avoids high-temperature conditions and associated thermal risks.

    About Standard Lithium Ltd.

    Standard Lithium is a leading near-commercial lithium development company focused on the sustainable development of a portfolio of large, high-grade lithium-brine properties in the United States. The Company prioritizes projects characterized by high-grade resources, robust infrastructure, skilled labor, and streamlined permitting. Standard Lithium aims to achieve sustainable, commercial-scale lithium production via the application of a scalable and fully integrated Direct Lithium Extraction (“DLE”) and purification process. The Company’s flagship projects are located in the Smackover Formation, a world-class lithium brine asset, focused in Arkansas and Texas. In partnership with global energy leader Equinor, Standard Lithium is advancing the South West Arkansas project, a greenfield project located in southern Arkansas, and actively exploring promising lithium brine prospects in East Texas.

    Standard Lithium trades on both the TSX Venture Exchange and the NYSE American under the symbol “SLI”. Please visit the Company’s website at www.standardlithium.com.

    Investor and Media Inquiries

    Chris Lang
    Standard Lithium Ltd.
    +1 604 409 8154
    investors@standardlithium.com

    X: @standardlithium
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/standard-lithium/

    Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain certain “Forward-Looking Statements” within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When used in this news release, the words “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “target, “plan”, “forecast”, “may”, “schedule” and other similar words or expressions identify forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements or information may relate to intended development timelines, future prices of commodities, accuracy of mineral or resource exploration activity, reserves or resources, regulatory or government requirements or approvals, the reliability of third party information, continued access to mineral properties or infrastructure, fluctuations in the market for lithium and its derivatives, changes in exploration costs and government regulation in Canada and the United States, and other factors or information. Such statements represent the Company’s current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements and information other than as required by applicable laws, rules and regulations.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Syncfusion® Launches Canadian Data Center for BoldSign®

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Syncfusion, Inc.®, the enterprise technology provider of choice, today announced the launch of a data center in Toronto, Canada, for BoldSign®, the company’s eSignature solution. This expansion lets Canadian organizations using BoldSign comply with local privacy laws and regulatory standards while also enhancing platform performance.

    “Canadian organizations need trusted tools that support compliance and deliver speed,” said Daniel Jebaraj, CEO of Syncfusion. “The investment in a new data center reflects our commitment to delivering a secure, high-performance, affordable eSignature solution to our growing Canadian customer base.”

    Hosting data in Canada aligns with data residency laws and provides faster, more reliable signing experiences. The Toronto data center is certified compliant with SOC 2® standards. It minimizes cross-border data exposure, while Canadian jurisdiction offers added legal clarity and protection.

    The BoldSign platform delivers fast, secure, and scalable eSignature functionality with modern APIs, automated workflows, and audit-ready compliance. With data centers in the U.S., the European Union, and now Canada, as well as qualified electronic signature (QES) certification for EU customers, BoldSign is purpose-built to meet the performance and regulatory needs of global organizations.

    To learn more about compliance and security features in BoldSign and its affordable, transparent pricing, visit https://boldsign.com.

    About Syncfusion, Inc.
    Headquartered in the technology hub of Research Triangle Park, N.C., Syncfusion, Inc.® delivers an award-winning ecosystem of developer control suites, embeddable BI platforms, and business software. Syncfusion was founded in 2001 with a single software component and a mission to support businesses of all sizes—from individual developers and start-ups to Fortune 500 enterprises. Though its pilot product, the Essential Studio® suite, has grown to over 1,900 developer controls, its mission remains the same. With offices in the U.S., India, and Kenya, Syncfusion prioritizes the customer experience by providing feature-rich solutions to help developers and enterprises solve complex problems, save money, and build high-performance, robust applications.

    Contact: Brittany Kearns
    Phone: 571-271-7211
    Email: brittany@crossroadsb2b.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Social media’s push for the perfect muscular body is fuelling a new form of disordered eating — and young men are most at risk

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Alison Fixsen, Senior Lecturer Psychology, University of Westminster

    Young men are most likely to follow eating habits consistent with Mode. Elkhophoto/ Shutterstock

    From celebrities and influencers to everyday people, social media is full of content that showcases perfectly toned, muscular bodies – and how to achieve them. Having a muscular physique is no longer confined to elite athletes and body builders – it has become a widely popular aspiration.

    But alongside the rising popularity of this kind of content has been an increase in the pressure that both men and women are feeling to achieve a more athletic, muscular physique. This seemingly healthy trend has coincided with the detection of a new form of disordered eating.

    Muscularity oriented disordered eating (Mode) refers to a set of disordered eating habits driven by an excessive focus on lean muscle gain. This includes excessive consumption of protein supplements and drinks, rigid diet patterns, meticulous tracking of macronutrients (protein, carbs and fat in food) and frequent muscle checking.

    Unlike eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia, Mode is specifically related to muscularity and predominantly affects young men. But, as with other forms of disordered eating, Mode can disrupt daily life, harm social relationships and diminish emotional wellbeing.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    Social media plays a significant and multifaceted role in Mode. While social media can sometimes offer helpful health and fitness information, social media algorithms also amplify content of extreme or visually striking bodies that garner attention.

    Platforms such as Instagram and TikTok are saturated with “fitspiration” content. Posed shots and before and after photos suggest that “fitspiration” content may be about appearance rather than health. These highly curated depictions of idealised, muscular bodies not only reinforce unrealistic body ideals, they can also foster dissatisfaction with body image, increase muscle fixation and lead to disordered forms of eating.



    Read more:
    Body dysmorphic disorder: what to know about this mental health condition

    Many social media influencers also promote unattainable body standards, unsustainable lifestyles and extreme eating habits. These include the daily use of protein supplements, rigorous tracking of macronutrients, extreme workouts and the use of drugs (including anabolic steroids) to enhance performance.

    Some influencers even partner with fitness supplement companies, becoming the image for a specific brand or food product. This can incentivise social media users to purchase those products and follow similar dietary habits without seeking professional advice or examining the risks.

    While not every fitness enthusiast is at risk of developing Mode, this intense preoccupation with muscle growth is growing. According to one 2019 study, 22% of males and 5% of females aged 18–20 reported engaging in behaviour consistent with Mode.

    College students may be particularly at risk of Mode due to their high use of social media and because they’re often in control of their diet for the first time.

    Mode has been closely associated with preoccupation with body image, which is known to be linked with unhealthy, body-changing behaviours.

    Obsessively tracking protein intake, consuming supplements and following a rigid diet are all associated with Mode.
    George Rudy/ Shutterstock

    Several other factors have also been associated with Mode. These include exercising specifically to gain weight, perceiving oneself as underweight, having a lower body mass index (BMI), practising weightlifting and using anabolic steroids. Among males, alcohol consumption is linked to Mode, while depressive symptoms were a notable factor for females.

    Mode has also been reported at comparable rates in many countries around the world – including the United States, Canada and Iran.

    Risk of harm

    There are many physical and mental harms that may be associated with Mode.

    For instance, the condition is associated with a variety of disordered eating patterns. Fixation on muscle development can trigger or exacerbate eating disorders, notably binge eating. Orthorexia nervosa – a pathological and potentially harmful focus on “healthy eating” – is also frequently recorded in fitness communities.

    While women were once the main audience for the health food market, health supplements and protein products are increasingly targeted at men.

    According to a US study, more than 80% of male college students reported using whey protein powders or shakes, and more than 50% used the supplement creatine monohydrate to increase muscle mass and strength. Alarmingly, 82% of anabolic-androgenic steroid users in the study were also from this demographic. Steroid use is associated with serious side effects, including mood swings and sexual dysfunction.

    Over-consumption of protein products can be harmful to health. While it’s true your body needs more protein when you are more active, not all muscle-building products are necessarily healthy. Protein shakes, for example, can be highly processed.

    Some products contain artificial sweeteners and thickeners. They may also contain potentially harmful chemicals such as heavy metals (including lead and aluminium).

    Over-consumption of protein products has also been linked to gut and metabolic disturbances. It’s important that protein shakes and bars aren’t used as replacements for natural protein sources, such as pulses, meat, fish or dairy foods.

    On a social and emotional level, Mode is associated with disruptions to daily life and social isolation, with the person prioritising diet and fitness plans over work, school and relationships. In one study, male bodybuilders who followed an extreme, muscle-focused diet reported they felt guilty and disappointed in themselves if they deviated from their lifestyle – with their dietary needs affecting their work.

    Women with Mode have reported significant levels of depression and anxiety, and were more likely to feel socially isolated.



    Read more:
    Body image issues are rising in men – research suggests techniques to improve it

    Recognising Mode as a legitimate public health concern is essential for cultivating a more inclusive and healthy fitness culture. While continuing to support efforts to exercise more and stay healthy, schools, colleges, gyms and fitness instructors should be mindful of the potential for Mode among people who are excessively focused on their physical appearance or over-frequenting the gym.

    More work needs to be done to identify Mode risk factors and prevent further escalation. The fitness industry should also be held to greater account for the products and lifestyles they promote.

    Alison Fixsen 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. Social media’s push for the perfect muscular body is fuelling a new form of disordered eating — and young men are most at risk – https://theconversation.com/social-medias-push-for-the-perfect-muscular-body-is-fuelling-a-new-form-of-disordered-eating-and-young-men-are-most-at-risk-254157

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Autocrats don’t act like Hitler or Stalin anymore − instead of governing with violence, they use manipulation

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Daniel Treisman, Professor of Political Science, University of California, Los Angeles

    Autocrats today tend to govern by manipulation of the public, among other tactics, rather than solely using violence. Nanzeeba Ibnat/iStock/Getty Images Plus

    President Donald Trump’s critics often accuse him of harboring authoritarian ambitions. Journalists and scholars have drawn parallels between his leadership style and that of strongmen abroad. Some Democrats warn that the U.S. is sliding toward autocracy – a system in which one leader holds unchecked power.

    Others counter that labeling Trump an autocrat is alarmist. After all, he hasn’t suspended the Constitution, forced school children to memorize his sayings or executed his rivals, as dictators such as Augusto Pinochet, Mao Zedong and Saddam Hussein once did.

    But modern autocrats don’t always resemble their 20th-century predecessors.

    Instead, they project a polished image, avoid overt violence and speak the language of democracy. They wear suits, hold elections and talk about the will of the people. Rather than terrorizing citizens, many use media control and messaging to shape public opinion and promote nationalist narratives. Many gain power not through military coups but at the ballot box.

    The softer power of today’s autocrats

    In the early 2000s, political scientist Andreas Schedler coined the term “electoral authoritarianism” to describe regimes that hold elections without real competition. Scholars Steven Levitsky and Lucan Way use another phrase, “competitive authoritarianism,” for systems in which opposition parties exist but leaders undermine them through censorship, electoral fraud or legal manipulation.

    In my own work with economist Sergei Guriev, we explore a broader strategy that modern autocrats use to gain and maintain power. We call this “informational autocracy” or “spin dictatorship.”

    These leaders don’t rely on violent repression. Instead, they craft the illusion that they are competent, democratic defenders of the nation – protecting it from foreign threats or internal enemies who seek to undermine its culture or steal its wealth.

    President Donald Trump appears at an Air Force base in Doha, Qatar, on May 15, 2025.
    Win McNamee/Getty Images

    Hungary’s democratic facade

    Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán exemplifies this approach. He first served from 1998 to 2002, returned to power in 2010 and has since won three more elections – in 2014, 2018 and 2022 – after campaigns that international observers criticized as “intimidating and xenophobic.”

    Orbán has preserved the formal structures of democracy – courts, a parliament and regular elections – but has systematically hollowed them out.

    In his first two years he packed Hungary’s constitutional court, which reviews laws for constitutionality, with loyalists, forced judges off the bench by mandating a lower retirement age and rewrote the constitution to limit judicial review of his actions. He also tightened government control over independent media.

    To boost his image, Orbán funneled state advertising funds to friendly news outlets. In 2016, an ally bought Hungary’s largest opposition newspaper – then shut it down.

    Orbán has also targeted advocacy groups and universities. The Central European University, which was registered in both Budapest and the U.S., was once a symbol of the new democratic Hungary. But a law penalizing foreign-accredited institutions forced it to relocate to Vienna in 2020.

    Yet Orbán has mostly avoided violence. Journalists are harassed rather than jailed or killed. Critics are discredited for their beliefs but not abducted. His appeal rests on a narrative that Hungary is under siege – by immigrants, liberal elites and foreign influences – and that only he can defend its sovereignty and Christian identity. That message resonates with older, rural, conservative voters, even as it alienates younger, urban populations.

    A global shift in autocrats

    In recent decades, variants of spin dictatorship have appeared in Singapore, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Russia, Ecuador and Venezuela. Leaders such as Hugo Chávez and the early Vladimir Putin consolidated power and marginalized opposition with minimal violence.

    Data confirm this trend. Drawing from human rights reports, historical records and local media, my colleague Sergei Guriev and I found that the global incidence of political killings and imprisonments by autocrats dropped significantly from the 1980s to the 2010s.

    Why? In an interconnected world, overt repression has costs. Attacking journalists and dissidents can prompt foreign governments to impose economic sanctions and discourage international companies from investing. Curbing free expression risks stifling scientific and technological innovation – something even autocrats need in modern, knowledge-based economies.

    Still, when crises erupt, even spin dictators often revert to more traditional tactics. Russia’s Putin has cracked down violently on
    protesters and jailed opposition leaders. Meanwhile, more brutal regimes such as those in North Korea and China continue to rule by spreading fear, combining mass incarceration with advanced surveillance technologies.

    But overall, spin is replacing terror.

    America too?

    Most experts, myself included, agree that the U.S. remains a democracy.

    Yet some of Trump’s tactics resemble those of informational autocrats. He has attacked the press, defied court rulings and pressured universities to curtail academic independence and limit international admissions. His admiration for strongmen such as Putin, China’s Xi Jinping and El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele alarms observers. At the same time, Trump routinely denigrates democratic allies and international institutions such as the United Nations and NATO.

    Some experts say democracy depends on politicians’ self restraint. But a system that survives only if leaders choose to respect its limits is not much of a system at all.
    What matters more is whether the press, judiciary, nonprofit organizations, professional associations, churches, unions, universities and citizens have the power – and the will – to hold leaders accountable.

    Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán delivers a speech at a hotel in Madrid on Feb. 8, 2025.
    Thomas Coex/AFP via Getty Images

    Preserving democracy in the US

    Wealthy democracies such as the U.S., Canada and many Western European countries benefit from robust institutions such as newspapers, universities, courts and advocacy groups that act as checks on government.

    Such institutions help explain why populists such as Italy’s Silvio Berlusconi or Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu, although accused of bending electoral rules and threatening judicial independence, have not dismantled democracy outright in their countries.

    In the U.S., the Constitution provides another layer of protection. Amending it requires a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress and ratification by three-quarters of the states – a far steeper hurdle than in Hungary, where Orbán needed only a two-thirds parliamentary majority to rewrite the constitution.

    Of course, even the U.S. Constitution can be undermined if a president defies the Supreme Court. But doing so risks igniting a constitutional crisis and alienating key supporters.

    That doesn’t mean American democracy is safe from erosion. But its institutional foundations are older, deeper and more decentralized than those of many newer democracies. Its federal structure, with overlapping jurisdictions and multiple veto points, makes it harder for any one leader to dominate.

    Still, the global rise of spin dictatorships should sharpen awareness of what is happening in the U.S. Around the world, autocrats have learned to control their citizens by faking democracy. Understanding their techniques may help Americans to preserve the real thing.

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

    – ref. Autocrats don’t act like Hitler or Stalin anymore − instead of governing with violence, they use manipulation – https://theconversation.com/autocrats-dont-act-like-hitler-or-stalin-anymore-instead-of-governing-with-violence-they-use-manipulation-256665

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: Ehave Snaps Up AI Headhunter for $10M, Signaling Commitment to AI

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIAMI, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ehave, Inc., (OTC Pink: EHVVF) (the “Company”) today announced the acquisition of AIHeadHunter, an artificial intelligence-powered recruitment platform, through an asset purchase agreement. The transaction marks a significant step in Ehave’s strategic shift toward becoming a developer and operator of applied AI solutions.

    Under the terms of the agreement, Ehave acquired the assets of AIHeadHunter from Klizo Ventures Inc. The acquired assets include proprietary software, intellectual property, branding, domain names, and other related technologies and materials. The purchase price consists of $2.7 million in newly created Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and 100 million shares of common stock. The Preferred Stock is convertible into common shares at a rate determined by a volume-weighted average price formula and is subject to shareholder approval of an amendment to Ehave’s articles of incorporation. As a result of the transaction, Klizo Ventures Inc. will own more than 5% of Ehave’s outstanding shares and be considered an affiliate under applicable securities regulations.

    The agreement also includes performance-based earnouts of up to $7 million in additional Preferred Stock, tied to specific revenue and customer milestones.

    Ben Kaplan, CEO of Ehave, said, “This acquisition positions us to capitalize on the tremendous opportunity in workforce automation and AI-driven recruitment. Our long-term vision is to incubate and scale platforms like AIHeadHunter that solve real-world inefficiencies.”

    Since its last public update on Dec. 31, 2024, Ehave has been operating intentionally under the radar while executing a strategic realignment. Behind the scenes, the company has been focused on structuring several game-changing transactions to accelerate its evolution into a data-driven technology platform. The acquisition of AIHeadHunter marks the first in a series of planned initiatives aimed at delivering intelligent, AI-powered solutions. As Ehave transitions into a company committed to transforming the way people live and work through artificial intelligence, it remains focused on developing practical, user-centric tools that turn raw data into meaningful insights.

    “This is just the beginning,” Ben Kaplan continued. “We are rebuilding Ehave from the inside out and our process is driven by intelligent systems designed to solve real, large-scale problems.”

    A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f88b0e8d-6997-4ac9-bfdc-da2cf6a61c2a

    AIHeadHunter Targets Recruitment Inefficiencies

    The global staffing and recruiting market, valued between $619 billion and $757 billion in 2024, is projected to exceed $2 trillion by 2033, growing at a compound annual rate of approximately 13%. Yet despite its size, the industry remains burdened by inefficiencies: the average time to fill a position is 44 days, often surpassing 60 days for high-skill roles, and the average cost per hire is $4,700, excluding onboarding and ramp-up costs. According to Klizo Solutions analysis, recruiters still spend up to 70% of their week on manual sourcing and resume screening, while 60% of job seekers abandon applications when the process is too long or complex. With Gartner forecasting that over 40% of enterprise recruiting tasks will be fully automated by 2026, platforms like AIHeadHunter are well positioned to shorten fill times, cut sourcing costs, and capture meaningful share in a rapidly growing, multibillion-dollar market.

    AIHeadHunter is designed to streamline executive recruitment and talent sourcing through automation and advanced data analysis. The platform will be powered by technology licensed from Interview Screener, a backend AI interview and resume analysis platform built by Klizo Solutions founder Joey Ricard.

    Ehave has established a wholly owned subsidiary to operate AIHeadHunter, with Ricard appointed as president. Ricard brings more than a decade of experience in building scalable AI infrastructure for Fortune 500 companies and public agencies.

    Joey Ricard, founder of Klizo Solutions and President of Ehave’s new AI subsidiary, said, “The recruiting industry is overdue for intelligent automation. With AIHeadHunter, we’re not just digitizing old processes—we’re fundamentally rethinking how talent is discovered, qualified, and delivered. This platform is built to solve real bottlenecks for recruiters and hiring teams, and we’re excited to bring it to market with Ehave.”

    “Joey is more than just a technologist—he’s a proven product visionary and operator,” Kaplan said. “He will lead roadmap development, integration and go-to-market strategy across our AI initiatives.”

    Regulatory Progress and Market Expansion

    Ehave is currently compliant with the OTC Markets’ new OTCID (OTC Issuer Data) requirements, ensuring enhanced transparency and reporting standards for investors. The company also plans to apply for uplisting to the OTCQB Venture Market, a designation that offers increased visibility and credibility with institutional and retail investors.

    Funding and Go-to-Market Plans

    Ehave intends to fund the new subsidiary using proceeds from a planned Regulation A offering, with an initial $1 million budget over 12 months. The company expects AIHeadHunter to launch its enterprise pilots and SaaS offering in the third quarter of 2025.

    About Ehave Inc.

    Ehave Inc. (OTC: EHVVF) is a data-focused technology company committed to transforming the way people live and work through artificial intelligence. With a mission to make data behave, Ehave develops practical, user-centric solutions that convert raw information into actionable insights. The company is focused on bridging the gap between cutting-edge AI advancements and their real-world applications, building tools that deliver tangible value for individuals and businesses alike. For more information, visit www.ehave.com. Follow Ehave, Inc. on X at https://x.com/Ehaveinc.

    Forward-Looking Statement Disclaimer

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements may be preceded by the words “intends,” “may,” “will,” “plans,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “predicts,” “estimates,” “aims,” “believes,” “hopes,” “potential” or similar words. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company’s control, and cannot be predicted or quantified and consequently, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements: (i) the initiation, timing, progress and results of the Company’s research, manufacturing and other development efforts; (ii) the Company’s ability to advance its products to successfully complete development and commercialization; (iii) the manufacturing, development, commercialization, and market acceptance of the Company’s products; (iv) the lack of sufficient funding to finance the product development and business operations; (v) competitive companies and technologies within the Company’s industry and introduction of competing products; (vi) the Company’s ability to establish and maintain corporate collaborations; (vii) loss of key management personnel; (viii) the scope of protection the Company is able to establish and maintain for intellectual property rights covering its products and its ability to operate its business without infringing the intellectual property rights of others; (ix) potential failure to comply with applicable health information privacy and security laws and other state and federal privacy and security laws; and (x) the difficulty of predicting actions of the USA FDA and its regulations. All forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date of this press release. The Company assumes no obligation to update any written or oral forward-looking statement unless required by law. More detailed information about the Company and the risk factors that may affect the realization of forward-looking statements is contained under the heading “Risk Factors” in Ehave, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on September 24, 2015, as amended, which is available on the SEC’s website, http://www.sec.gov.

    For Media and Investor Relations, please contact:

    David L. Kugelman
    (866) 692-6847 Toll Free – U.S. & Canada
    (404) 281-8556 Mobile and WhatsApp
    Email: Ir@Ehave.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Intermex and Houston Dynamo FC Partner to Celebrate Latino Heritage and the Spirit of Fútbol

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIAMI, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  International Money Express, Inc. (NASDAQ: IMXI) (“Intermex” or the “Company”, a leading money remittance provider to Latin America and the Caribbean, today announced a new official partnership with Houston Dynamo FC, one of Major League Soccer’s most community-driven teams. This collaboration unites two organizations deeply committed to uplifting and celebrating Latino culture through the unifying passion of soccer.

    Soccer is the fastest-growing sport in the United States, with more than 85 million fans nationwide. In Houston, a city where over 45% of the population identifies as Latino, the connection runs even deeper. Latino fans make up nearly 70% of the MLS audience, making the city a natural home for this partnership. Together, Intermex and Houston Dynamo FC aim to champion cultural pride, family connection, and community empowerment.

    “Intermex is the only remittance company built by Latinos for Latinos. Partnering with Houston Dynamo FC allows us to celebrate that shared heritage and connect with our customers beyond financial services, through a sport that speaks to identity, passion, and tradition,” said Marcelo Theodoro, Chief Product, Marketing & Digital Officer at Intermex.

    “We are thrilled to welcome Intermex to the club, they are a cutting-edge organization that shares our commitment to elevating our community and fostering civic pride,” Dynamo Vice President of Corporate Partnerships, Ben Carruthers said. “Intermex’s dedication to serving diverse communities aligns perfectly with our mission both on and off the pitch. Together, we look forward to delivering exciting experiences to our fans and supporting the vibrant, diverse culture synonymous with our city.” Through this partnership, Intermex and Houston Dynamo FC will collaborate on in-stadium experiences, community events, and cultural celebrations that highlight and honor the vibrancy of the Latino community.

    About Intermex
    Founded in 1994, Intermex applies proprietary technology to enable consumers to send money from the United States, Canada, Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Germany to more than 60 countries. The company facilitates digital money movement through its website and mobile app, as well as through a vast network of retail agents and company-operated stores. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, Intermex also operates international offices in Puebla, Mexico; Guatemala City, Guatemala; London, England; and Madrid, Spain. Learn more at www.intermexonline.com.

    About Houston Dynamo FC
    Houston Dynamo FC is a Major League Soccer team and part of the Houston Dynamo Football Club, a multi-faceted organization that includes the Dynamo, the Houston Dash and the Houston Dynamo Academy, and Dynamo and Dash Charities. Ted Segal acquired a majority ownership interest in HDFC in June 2021 and serves as the chairman of the Club. Under his leadership the organization completed a multi-million-dollar renovation of Shell Energy Stadium in March 2023 and the Club moved into a 27,000 square foot headquarters in East Downtown in July 2023. Houston Dynamo FC has won two MLS Cup championships, two Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cups and four conference championships in its first 19 seasons and has qualified to represent the United States in international competition eight times. The team trains at the Champions Field at Houston Sports Park (HSP), the premier training facility in Southeast Texas, and plays its home matches at Shell Energy Stadium in downtown Houston. For more information, log on to www.HoustonDynamoFC.com or call (713) 276-7500.    

    Investor Relations Contact:
    Alex Sadowski
    Investor Relations Coordinator
    ir@intermexusa.com
    305-671-8000

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: A Haze Over North America

    Source: NASA

    More than 180 wildland fires burned across Canada on June 1, 2025, continuing what has been an active fire year so far. Some of the fires produced plumes so thick and widespread they were easily visible from a vantage point in space well beyond that of the Moon.
    NASA’s EPIC (Earth Polychromatic Imaging Camera) on NOAA’s DSCOVR satellite acquired this image on May 31, 2025. The instrument is positioned 1.5 million kilometers (1 million miles) from Earth’s surface, which is about four times farther than the orbit of the Moon. For comparison, most polar orbiting satellites that observe Earth orbit at an altitude of less than 1,000 kilometers. From its distant position, EPIC captures a color image of the entire sunlit side of Earth at least once every two hours.
    The EPIC wide view shows smoke from fires burning primarily in the Canadian provinces of Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The plumes extend to the north-northeast across Nunavut toward the coast of Greenland and southward across the United States. Another patch of smoke is visible over the Atlantic Ocean near Europe. Note that the hazy air west of Africa is not smoke but dust that has blown westward from the Sahara Desert.
    The blazes forced tens of thousands of people across three provinces to evacuate. Around 5,000 evacuated from Flin Flon as a major blaze crossed from Saskatchewan into Manitoba, according to news reports. This fire, among many others, led officials to declare a state of emergency in Saskatchewan and Manitoba in late May.

    Smoke from the fires burning in Canada has raised health concerns as airborne particles degraded air quality locally and in several U.S. states. In Michigan, officials issued an air quality advisory on May 30, noting that the air could become unhealthy for sensitive groups. On June 2, Minnesota issued an air quality alert, as particle pollution in the state’s northwest neared hazardous levels for all people.
    The jet stream pulled smoke even farther south. The detailed image above, acquired May 31 with the VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite) on the NOAA-21 satellite, shows smoke reaching northern Florida. Smoke-affected states farther from the fires saw mostly good to moderate air quality. Still, smoke high in the air can tint skies orange and contribute to some striking sunsets.
    Since the start of the year, 1,586 fires have burned more than 1 million hectares across Canada, according to a report issued June 1 by the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Center. In 2024, the country saw 1,343 fires burn less than half a million hectares by the same date. Canada’s wildfire season has historically run from late April to August, but fires can happen any time of the year.
    NASA Earth Observatory images by Wanmei Liang, using DSCOVR EPIC and VIIRS data from NASA EOSDIS LANCE, GIBS/Worldview, and the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS). Text by Kathryn Hansen.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Upper Clyde River — Shelburne County District RCMP charges woman with drug trafficking

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Shelburne County District RCMP has charged a woman with drug trafficking after responding to a single motor vehicle crash.

    On May 26, at approximately 1:07 p.m., Shelburne County District RCMP responded to a report of a single vehicle crash on Upper Clyde Rd. RCMP officers learned that a Jeep Grand Cherokee was travelling along Clyde Rd. when the driver lost control of the vehicle. The Jeep then left the roadway and struck a house.

    The sole occupant of the home, a 41-year-old man, sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene by EHS. The driver of the vehicle, Tamera Paige Smith of Amirault Hills, and the passenger, a 68-year-old woman of Clark’s Harbour, were uninjured.

    During a search of the vehicle and a bag the driver was carrying at the scene, officers located a quantity of cocaine, cash, and drug paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking.

    Smith was safely arrested and has been charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (cocaine). She appeared in Yarmouth Provincial Court on May 27 and was released on conditions pending future court appearances.

    The investigation is ongoing.

    File # 2025-718599

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Draganfly Announces Delivery of Flex FPV Systems to Major U.S. Prime Defense Contractor

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Tampa, Florida, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO) (CSE: DPRO) (FSE: 3U8), an award-winning, industry-leading drone solutions and systems developer, is pleased to announce the first deliveries of its revolutionary Flex FPV (First Person View) systems under an order from a major U.S. military prime contractor supporting land systems operations for allied forces.

    The Draganfly Flex FPV system is built around a modular core architecture that allows operators to seamlessly switch between different arm and propeller sizes in seconds—without specialized tools. This adaptability enables a single Flex Core to support a variety of mission profiles ranging from reconnaissance and training to tactical payload delivery.

    Capable of speeds exceeding 149 Kilometres per hour, the Flex FPV is designed to support traditional FPV flight and assisted modes, including autonomous waypoint missions. With the ability to carry payloads up to 10 lbs, including via picatinny rail or custom mounts, the system delivers unmatched agility and flexibility in high-intensity environments.

    “This delivery marks an important milestone for the Flex FPV platform,” said Cameron Chell, President and CEO of Draganfly. “The system was born out of our work supporting frontline operations in Ukraine and has been refined through rigorous testing by multiple defense partners. We’re incredibly proud to see it deployed by one of the world’s top defense contractors. .”

    The Flex FPV was officially launched in 2024 and has since undergone evaluation by a variety of militaries and end-users across training, defense, and public safety applications. This order includes a mix of core units and modular components selected to meet the specific needs of the end user.

    Draganfly continues to experience growing demand across defense and public safety sectors as organizations seek out trusted, North American-developed UAS platforms capable of adapting to the evolving realities of modern warfare.

    For more information about Draganfly, visit draganfly.com.

    About Draganfly

    Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO; CSE: DPRO; FSE: 3U8) is a global leader in drone technology, AI, and autonomous systems, providing innovative solutions for public safety, defense, agriculture, and industrial applications. With over 25 years of experience, Draganfly is recognized for its groundbreaking contributions to the UAV industry and commitment to delivering cutting-edge, North American-made technology.

    CSE Listing
    NASDAQ Listing
    Frankfurt Listing

    Media Contact
    Erika Racicot
    Email: media@draganfly.com

    Company Contact
    Email: info@draganfly.com

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This release contains certain “forward looking statements” and certain “forward-looking ‎‎‎‎information” as ‎‎‎‎defined under applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements ‎‎‎‎and information can ‎‎‎‎generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as ‎‎‎‎‎“may”, “will”, “expect”, “intend”, ‎‎‎‎‎“estimate”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “continue”, “plans” or similar ‎‎‎‎terminology. Forward-looking statements ‎‎‎‎and information are based on forecasts of future ‎‎‎‎results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and ‎‎‎‎assumptions that, while believed by ‎‎‎‎management to be reasonable, are inherently subject to significant ‎‎‎‎business, economic and ‎‎‎‎competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Forward-looking statements ‎‎‎‎include, but are not ‎‎‎‎limited to, statements with respect to the Flex FPV system’s ability to support a variety of mission profiles ranging from reconnaissance and training to tactical payload delivery and delivering unmatched agility and flexibility in high-intensity environments. Forward-‎‎‎‎looking statements and information are subject to various ‎known ‎‎and unknown risks and ‎‎‎‎‎uncertainties, many of which are beyond the ability of the Company to ‎control or ‎‎predict, that ‎‎‎‎may cause ‎the Company’s actual results, performance or achievements to be ‎materially ‎‎different ‎‎‎‎from those ‎expressed or implied thereby, and are developed based on assumptions ‎about ‎‎such ‎‎‎‎risks, uncertainties ‎and other factors set out here in, including but not limited to: the potential ‎‎‎‎‎‎‎impact of epidemics, ‎pandemics or other public health crises, including the ‎COVID-19 pandemic, on the Company’s business, operations and financial ‎‎‎‎condition; the ‎‎‎successful integration of ‎technology; the inherent risks involved in the general ‎‎‎‎securities markets; ‎‎‎uncertainties relating to the ‎availability and costs of financing needed in the ‎‎‎‎future; the inherent ‎‎‎uncertainty of cost estimates; the ‎potential for unexpected costs and ‎‎‎‎expenses, currency ‎‎‎fluctuations; regulatory restrictions; and liability, ‎competition, loss of key ‎‎‎‎employees and other related risks ‎‎‎and uncertainties disclosed under the ‎heading “Risk Factors“ ‎‎‎‎in the Company’s most recent filings filed ‎‎‎with securities regulators in Canada on ‎the SEDAR ‎‎‎‎website at www.sedar.com and with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on EDGAR through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes ‎‎‎no obligation to update forward-‎looking ‎‎‎‎information except as required by applicable law. Such forward-‎‎‎looking information represents ‎‎‎‎‎managements’ best judgment based on information currently available. ‎‎‎No forward-looking ‎‎‎‎statement ‎can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary materially. ‎‎‎Accordingly, readers ‎‎‎‎are advised not to ‎place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or ‎‎‎information.‎

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong Police conducts cross-border anti-scam operation with six countries and regions

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Hong Kong Police Force, in collaboration with the police forces of Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), Malaysia, the Maldives, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand, conducted the first joint operation of the Cross-border Anti-Scam Collaboration Platform “FRONTIER+” from April 28 to May 28. The operation achieved significant results in combating cross-border scam activities.

         During the month-long operation, over 2 700 law enforcement officers from seven countries and regions were deployed, successfully identifying and dismantling multiple cross-border scam syndicates. In total, 1 858 individuals (aged between 14 and 81) were arrested, involving 9 268 scam cases, including online shopping scams, telephone deceptions (such as government official impersonation scams and impersonating customer service scams), investment scams, rental scams, and employment scams, etc, with a total loss amounting to US$225 million. A total of 32 607 bank accounts were frozen, and approximately US$20 million fraudulent funds were intercepted, effectively disrupting criminal cash flows. Enforcement details of the countries and regions are set out in the Annex.

         Investigation revealed that scam trends show notable similarities across different jurisdictions. For instance, the impersonation of customer service representatives emerged as a widespread scam tactic in Hong Kong in 2024 and the trend started to drop in 2025 after police intervention. However, similar fraudulent schemes employing identical scripts and excuses to deceive citizens into monetary losses began to appear in Singapore and Macao SAR in 2025. This underscores the critical need for cross-jurisdictional collaboration and intelligence sharing to combat scam syndicates effectively.

         The Cross-border Anti-Scam Collaboration Platform “FRONTIER+” was jointly established by various anti-scam centres in October 2024. As of now, the platform includes anti-scam centres from 10 countries and regions, namely Australia, Canada, Hong Kong SAR, Indonesia, Macao SAR, Malaysia, the Maldives, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand. By strengthening intelligence exchange and coordinated actions, the platform aims to combat scams, cyber-related crimes and money laundering. The platform will continue to conduct real-time intelligence analysis and sharing, carry out cross-border joint operations from time to time, and expand its network by inviting more countries and regions to join in order to enhance enforcement efficiency.

         Members of the public are urged to remain vigilant against scams at all times and to exercise caution in their financial transactions. Avoid hastily clicking on hyperlinks, downloading mobile applications, or logging into suspicious websites. If in doubt, the public is advised to verify suspicious information or websites using “Scameter” on CyberDefender’s website (cyberdefender.hk/en-us/scameter/), or the mobile app “Scameter+”; or to call the “Anti-Scam Helpline 18222” for enquiries

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Xtract One Announces Updates on One Gateway Launch

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Xtract One Technologies Inc. (TSX: XTRA) (OTCQX: XTRAF) (FRA: 0PL) (“Xtract One” or the “Company”) a leading technology-driven threat detection and security solution company that prioritizes the patron access experience by leveraging AI, today announced that its new innovative security platform, Xtract One Gateway, is on track to start shipping on schedule, in July. Inventory is currently being built for at least five different customers, with an aggregate order value of approximately $6.7 million. The product has already been certified in the U.S. and Canada, with additional international markets anticipated to follow later this quarter. The Company has hosted numerous demonstrations and product trials with customers of all types – education, healthcare, manufacturing and distribution companies, etc.

    “I’m pleased to say that market response to the demonstrations of Xtract One Gateway has been strong. Shipments are set to begin shortly, and demand continues to rise, as we work on additional contracts following customer engagement,” stated Peter Evans, Chief Executive Officer of Xtract One. “We’ve shown our unique threat detection capabilities to dozens of companies and are excited to see this product put to use in the very near future, in multiple applications and markets. After experiencing Xtract One Gateway, potential clients are thrilled at the way we can improve overall efficiency and safety by accurately, and quickly, alerting staff to dangerous items instead of just anything made of metal. The future of threat detection starts now.”

    Xtract One Gateway is designed specifically for scanning individuals and their belongings, allowing seamless passage through checkpoints and eliminating the need for separate bag searches, thereby reducing screening times dramatically. The system unobtrusively scans individuals, their pockets, their bags and backpacks for potential mass casualty weapons while distinguishing harmless personal items like laptops, tablets, three-ring binders, notebooks, eyeglass cases, keys, and phones, streamlining access into and out of facilities without disrupting the flow of movement.

    About Xtract One Technologies

    Xtract One Technologies is a leading technology-driven threat detection and security solution leveraging AI to provide seamless and secure patron access control experiences. The Company makes unobtrusive weapons and threat detection systems that are designed to assist facility operators in prioritizing- and delivering improved “Walk-right-In” experiences while enhancing safety. Xtract One’s innovative portfolio of AI-powered Gateway solutions excels at allowing facilities to discreetly screen and identify weapons and other threats at points of entry and exit without disrupting the flow of traffic. With solutions built to serve the unique market needs for schools, hospitals, arenas, stadiums, manufacturing, distribution, and other customers, Xtract One is recognized as a market leader delivering the highest security in combination with the best individual experience. For more information, visit www.xtractone.com or connect on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. 

    For further information, please contact:

    Xtract One Inquiries: info@xtractone.com, http://www.xtractone.com
    Media Contact: Kristen Aikey, JMG Public Relations, 212-206-1645, kristen@jmgpr.com
    Investor Relations: Chris Witty, Darrow Associates, 646-438-9385, cwitty@darrowir.com

    CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION:

    This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation, statements regarding the deployment of the Company’s new Xtract One Gateway product, as well as future estimates, plans, programs, forecasts, projections, objectives, assumptions, expectations or beliefs of future performance, are “forward-looking statements”. Forward looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “estimates”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, events or developments to be materially different from any future results, events or developments expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risks detailed from time to time in the continuous disclosure filings made by the Company with securities regulations. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risk factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other risk factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements herein are made as of the date hereof, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, even if new information becomes available as a result of future events, new information or for any other reason, except as required by law.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Next Hydrogen announces transition of its COO to a consulting arrangement

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Next Hydrogen Solutions Inc. (“Next Hydrogen“) (TSXV:NXH, OTC:NXHSF) announces that James Franchville, the company’s Chief Operating Officer, will be stepping down from his role and transitioning into a consulting position.

    “Jim has been commuting between U.S. and Canada for the past four years, and we support his decision to relocate permanently back to the U.S.,” said Raveel Afzaal, President and CEO of Next Hydrogen. “Drawing on his extensive background in the automotive and aerospace sectors, Jim played a pivotal role in introducing lean processes and disciplined manufacturing practices at Next Hydrogen. We are grateful for his significant contributions and wish him continued success in this next chapter.”

    “At Next Hydrogen, we’ve put substantial effort and investment into establishing a scalable, repeatable manufacturing process,” said James Franchville. “With our strong technology foundation and robust manufacturing systems, the company is well-positioned to become a global leader in electrolysis. I’m proud of the exceptional team we’ve built and look forward to continuing to support them remotely.”

    About Next Hydrogen Solutions Inc.

    Founded in 2007, Next Hydrogen Solutions Inc. is a designer and manufacturer of innovative water electrolyzers that use water and electricity as inputs to generate clean hydrogen for use as a green energy source or a green industrial feedstock. Next Hydrogen’s unique cell design architecture supported by 40 patents enables high current density operations and superior dynamic response to efficiently convert intermittent renewable electricity into green hydrogen on an infrastructure scale. Following successful pilots, Next Hydrogen is scaling up its technology to deliver commercial solutions to decarbonize transportation and industrial sectors. For further information: www.nexthydrogen.com

    Contact Information

    Raveel Afzaal, President and Chief Executive Officer
    Next Hydrogen Solutions Inc.
    Email: rafzaal@nexthydrogen.com

    Phone: 647-961-6620
    www.nexthydrogen.com

    Cautionary Statements

    This news release contains “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements”. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as “expects”, or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, “plans”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “forecasts”, “estimates”, “believes” or “intends” or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results “may” or “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: the risks associated with the hydrogen industry in general; delays or changes in plans with respect to infrastructure development or capital expenditures; the uncertainty of estimates and projections relating to costs and expenses; failure to obtain necessary regulatory approvals; health, safety and environmental risks; uncertainties resulting from potential delays or changes in plans with respect to infrastructure developments or capital expenditures; currency exchange rate fluctuations; as well as general economic conditions, stock market volatility; and the ability to access sufficient capital. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. Except as required by law, there will be no obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Brookfield Announces Reset Dividend Rate on Its Series 42 Preference Shares

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    All amounts in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated.

    BROOKFIELD, NEWS, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Brookfield Corporation (“Brookfield”) (NYSE: BN, TSX: BN) today announced that it has determined the fixed dividend rate on its Cumulative Class A Preference Shares, Series 42 (the “Series 42 Shares”) (TSX: BN.PF.G) for the five years commencing July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2030.

    If declared, the fixed quarterly dividends on the Series 42 Shares during the five years commencing July 1, 2025 will be paid at an annual rate of 5.658% ($0.353625 per share per quarter).

    Holders of Series 42 Shares have the right, at their option, exercisable not later than 5:00 p.m. (Toronto time) on June 16, 2025, to convert all or part of their Series 42 Shares, on a one-for-one basis, into Cumulative Class A Preference Shares, Series 43 (the “Series 43 Shares”), effective June 30, 2025. The quarterly floating rate dividends on the Series 43 Shares will be paid at an annual rate, calculated for each quarter, of 2.84% over the annual yield on three-month Government of Canada treasury bills. The actual quarterly dividend rate in respect of the July 1, 2025 to September 30, 2025 dividend period for the Series 43 Shares will be 1.38227% (5.484% on an annualized basis) and the dividend, if declared, for such dividend period will be $0.3455675 per share, payable on September 30, 2025.

    Holders of Series 42 Shares are not required to elect to convert all or any part of their Series 42 Shares into Series 43 Shares.

    As provided in the share conditions of the Series 42 Shares, (i) if Brookfield determines that there would be fewer than 1,000,000 Series 42 Shares outstanding after June 30, 2025, all remaining Series 42 Shares will be automatically converted into Series 43 Shares on a one-for-one basis effective June 30, 2025; and (ii) if Brookfield determines that there would be fewer than 1,000,000 Series 43 Shares outstanding after June 30, 2025, no Series 42 Shares will be permitted to be converted into Series 43 Shares. There are currently 11,887,500 Series 42 Shares outstanding.

    The Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) has conditionally approved the listing of the Series 43 Shares effective upon conversion. Listing of the Series 43 Shares is subject to Brookfield fulfilling all the listing requirements of the TSX.

    About Brookfield Corporation

    Brookfield Corporation is a leading global investment firm focused on building long-term wealth for institutions and individuals around the world. We have three core businesses: Alternative Asset Management, Wealth Solutions, and our Operating Businesses which are in renewable power, infrastructure, business and industrial services, and real estate.

    We have a track record of delivering 15%+ annualized returns to shareholders for over 30 years, supported by our unrivaled investment and operational experience. Our conservatively managed balance sheet, extensive operational experience, and global sourcing networks allow us to consistently access unique opportunities. At the center of our success is the Brookfield Ecosystem, which is based on the fundamental principle that each group within Brookfield benefits from being part of the broader organization. Brookfield Corporation is publicly traded in New York and Toronto (NYSE: BN, TSX: BN).

    For more information, please visit our website at www.bn.brookfield.com or contact:

    Media:   Investor Relations:
    Kerrie McHugh   Katie Battaglia
    Tel: (212) 618-3469   Tel: (416) 359-8544
    Email: kerrie.mchugh@brookfield.com   Email: katie.battaglia@brookfield.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Matador Technologies Inc. Announces Listing on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Key Points:

    • Matador now trades on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under ticker IU3
    • Listings across three key markets: Canada, U.S., and Europe
    • Approaching objective of near 24-hour trading access for Matador shares globally, just like Bitcoin

    TORONTO, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Matador Technologies Inc. (“Matador” or the “Company”) (TSXV: MATA, OTCQB: MATAF, FSE: IU3), the Bitcoin Ecosystem Company, is pleased to announce that its common shares are now listed for trading on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (FSE) under the ticker symbol IU3.

    This third listing complements Matador’s existing listings on the TSX Venture Exchange in Canada and the OTCQB in the United States. With trading venues now spanning Canada, the U.S., and Europe, Matador is advancing its mission to bring near 24-hour trading accessibility to investors worldwide—mirroring the round-the-clock nature of Bitcoin.

    “We are excited to begin trading on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange,” said Deven Soni, CEO of Matador Technologies Inc. “This listing completes a key part of our global capital markets strategy, enabling European investors to participate more easily in our growth story and providing near 24-hour liquidity across continents.”

    As a public company focused on building a Bitcoin-based treasury and financial technology platform, Matador joins a growing class of Bitcoin-aligned firms such as Metaplanet (TYO: 3350; OTC: MTPLF) and Strategy (NASDAQ: MSTR). By leveraging Bitcoin’s unique properties as a reserve asset, Matador’s approach sets it apart as it continues to build shareholder value and foster financial innovation.

    The Company will continue to trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol MATA, on the OTCQB under MATAF, and now on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under IU3.

    For additional information, please contact:

    Media Contact:
    Sunny Ray
    President
    Email: sunny@matador.network

    Phone: 647-496-6282

    About Matador Technologies Inc.
    Matador Technologies Inc. is a publicly traded Bitcoin ecosystem company that holds Bitcoin as its primary treasury asset and builds products to enhance the Bitcoin network. Through a self-reinforcing model that combines strategic Bitcoin accumulation, Bitcoin-native product development, and participation in digital asset infrastructure, Matador aims to grow long-term shareholder value without dilution.

    The Company’s flagship offering, the Digital Gold Platform, allows users to buy, sell, and trade 1-gram gold units inscribed as Bitcoin Ordinals—bridging traditional value with decentralized technology. With a Bitcoin-first strategy, a debt-free balance sheet, and a clear focus on innovation, Matador is helping shape the future of financial infrastructure on Bitcoin. Visit us online at https://www.matador.network/.

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

    NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE 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.

    This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction.

    Forward Looking Statements – Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including risks associated with the implementation of the Company’s treasury management strategy, risks relating to whether the transaction with HODL will be concluded as currently proposed or at all, risks relating to the receipt of applicable regulatory approvals and the launch of the Company’s mobile application as currently proposed or at all. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of the Company, including with respect to the potential acquisition of digital assets and/or US dollars, the pricing of such acquisitions and the timing of future operations. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Joint anti-scam operation a success

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Hong Kong Police Force, in collaboration with its counterparts in Macau, Malaysia, the Maldives, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand, conducted the first joint operation of FRONTIER+, a cross-boundary anti-scam platform.

    During the month-long operation that began on April 28, 1,858 individuals were arrested, involving 9,268 cases of online shopping scams, telephone deceptions, investment scams, rental scams and employment scams, with a total loss amounting to US$225 million.

    Moreover, 32,607 bank accounts were frozen and approximately US$20 million in fraudulent funds were intercepted, effectively disrupting criminal cash flows.

    At a press conference this afternoon, Hong Kong Police Force Commercial Crime Bureau Chief Superintendent Wong Chun-yue said investigations revealed that scams across different jurisdictions showed notable similarities.

    For instance, the impersonation of customer service representatives emerged as a widespread scam tactic in Hong Kong in 2024, and became less prevalent in 2025 after police intervention. Also in 2025, similar fraudulent schemes employing identical scripts and excuses began to appear in Singapore and Macau.

    This observation underscores the critical need for cross-jurisdictional collaboration and intelligence sharing to combat scam syndicates effectively, Mr Wong pointed out.

    Established by various anti-scam centres in October 2024, FRONTIER+ now comprises 10 countries and regions, including Australia, Canada, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Indonesia, the Macao SAR, Malaysia, the Maldives, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand.

    By strengthening intelligence exchange and co-ordinated actions, the platform aims to combat scams, cyber-related crimes and money laundering. It will continue to conduct real-time intelligence analysis and sharing, carry out cross-boundary joint operations, and expand its network by inviting more countries and regions to join, in order to enhance enforcement efficiency.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: 26 Degrees selects QuantHouse for enhanced US equities coverage

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Sydney, London, New York, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Iress today announced that 26 Degrees Global Markets, the multi-asset prime broker, has added the QuantHouse Cboe One Feed to its US equity data coverage, further expanding its US trading capabilities and enhancing its offering for retail brokers seeking ‘out of hours’ access to US markets.

    The Cboe One Feed is the latest QuantHouse market data feed for Sydney-headquartered 26 Degrees and complements existing feeds for multi-asset data from North America, Europe and APAC trading venues.

    The addition of QuantHouse Cboe One Feed data will support 26 Degrees in the delivery of innovative and client-centric solutions to their global client base, and also reflects growing industry demand for extended market access, particularly in Asia. The Cboe One Feed offers consolidated, real-time market data from Cboe’s four US equities exchanges – which collectively account for 21.2%* of US equities on-exchange trading. This includes data from the early hours trading session (4am – 7am ET), during which Cboe has a 40.5% market share*.

    QuantHouse’s Head of EMEA & APAC Sales and Business Development, Rob Kirby, said: “The integration of the new Cboe One Feed by 26 Degrees enhances its US market data coverage considerably, supporting CFD retail flow and meeting growing investor appetite, particularly in Asia, to trade around the clock. We are delighted to continue to support 26 Degrees’ growth strategy with efficient, low latency access to market data from around the world, through a single connection.”

    26 Degrees’ Group Chief Commercial Officer, James Alexander, added: “26 Degrees’ long-standing partnership with QuantHouse ensures our clients benefit from reliable, low-latency market data. By integrating new Cboe One Feed market data within our QuantHouse API interface, we can offer traders, particularly in Asia, unparalleled access to US markets, unlocking new growth opportunities.”

    Adam Inzirillo, Cboe’s Global Head of Data Vantage, said: “We are pleased that 26 Degrees and its clients now have access to the Cboe One Feed, which represents a comprehensive, reliable and high-quality source of US equities market data. Cboe is committed to meet the growing international demand for access to US markets, by delivering high-quality market data as efficiently as possible.”

    QuantHouse continues to expand its global market data reach and connectivity. The Cboe One Feed complements existing US equity venues and other exchange feeds across Canada, Europe and Asia Pacific regions, including Blue Ocean Technologies ATS, created specifically to enable global investors to trade US equities outside of New York Eastern Time market hours.

    For more information on accessing US Equities market data via QuantHouse, a division of Iress, clients are encouraged to contact their account manager.

    * Data 2025 YTD (January – May), excludes off-exchange trading reported through the Trade Reporting Facility (TRF)

    Ends

    For further details, please contact:
    Melanie Budden
    Mobile: +44 (0) 7974 937970
    Email: melanie.budden@therealizationgroup.com

    About QuantHouse
    QuantHouse (part of Iress) is a leading provider of international market data. It delivers high-performance API data feeds, historical and analytics data products it has crafted over the past 20+years to hedge funds, investment banks, brokers, market makers, financial technology providers and trading venues supporting integrated trading strategies, applications, and analytic databases.

    For more information please visit the website.

    About Iress
    Iress (IRE.ASX) is a technology company providing software to the financial services industry. We provide software and services for trading & market data, financial advice, investment management, superannuation, life & pensions and data intelligence in Asia-Pacific, North America, Africa, the UK and Europe. 

    www.iress.com

    About 26 Degrees
    26 Degrees Global Markets is an award-winning multi-asset Prime Broker specialising in providing prime services to broker-dealers, hedge funds, proprietary trading firms and family offices globally. With over a decade of proven history under former brand Invast Global, 26 Degrees is continuing to revolutionise the prime brokerage space by providing bespoke and innovative solutions to their clients internationally and responding quickly to the constantly evolving institutional client needs. 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: 21Shares Launches 21Shares Hedera ETP (HDRA) on Euronext

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New ETP offers regulated exposure to one of the most scalable and sustainable distributed ledger technologies

    Zurich, 3 June 2025 – 21Shares AG (“21Shares”), one of the world’s largest issuers of crypto exchange-traded products (ETPs), today announced the launch of the 21Shares Hedera ETP (Ticker: HDRA). The product is now listed on Euronext Amsterdam (USD) and Euronext Paris (EUR), offering investors simple, transparent, and regulated access to Hedera’s enterprise-grade DLT (distributed ledger technology).

    Exchange Product Name Ticker ISIN Fee
    Euronext Paris and Euronext Amsterdam 21Shares Hedera ETP HDRA CH1456607683 2.50%

    The 21Shares Hedera ETP provides 100% physically backed exposure to HBAR, the native token of the Hedera network. It allows investors to gain institutional-grade access, directly through traditional bank or brokerage accounts, to one of the most energy-efficient and scalable distributed ledger technologies available today.

    “With its unique architecture, strong governance model, and real-world adoption, Hedera stands out as one of the most advanced distributed ledger technologies on the market,” said Duncan Moir, President at 21Shares and Board Member at Hedera Hashgraph LLC. “By launching the 21Shares Hedera ETP, we are enabling both institutional and retail investors to participate in the growing Hedera ecosystem through a fully regulated, transparent investment vehicle.”

    Hedera is an open-source distributed ledger designed for real-world innovation and enterprise use. It is governed by a global council of up to 39 renowned institutions, including Google, IBM, LG, Dell, EDF, and Deutsche Telekom, operating under legally binding, transparent terms. This governance model emphasises trust, resilience, and long-term stability – redefining decentralisation for scalable, mainstream adoption.

    “As more institutions seek secure ways to access digital assets, 21Shares continues to lead the way by bridging traditional finance and crypto with clarity and confidence,” said Gregg Bell, Chief Business Officer at Hedera Foundation. “This collaboration gives investors a straightforward way to access HBAR and brings them closer to a network trusted by leading institutions worldwide.”

    Unlike traditional blockchains, Hedera leverages its novel Hashgraph consensus mechanism that delivers industry-leading performance. It supports up to 500,000 transactions per second under testing conditions, offers predictable, fixed fees in USD, and consumes just 0.000003 kWh per transaction – making it 1,000 times more energy-efficient than a typical Visa transaction. 

    For more information, visit www.21Shares.com.

    Notes to editors

    About 21Shares

    21Shares is one of the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange traded product providers and offers the largest suite of crypto ETPs in the market. The company was founded to make cryptocurrency more accessible to investors, and to bridge the gap between traditional finance and decentralized finance. 21Shares listed the world’s first physically-backed crypto ETP in 2018, building a seven-year track record of creating crypto exchange-traded funds that are listed on some of the biggest, most liquid securities exchanges globally. Backed by a specialized research team, proprietary technology, and deep capital markets expertise, 21Shares delivers innovative, simple and cost-efficient investment solutions.

    21Shares is a member of 21.co, a global leader in decentralized finance. For more information, please visit www.21Shares.com

    Media Contact
    Matteo Valli
    matteo.valli@21shares.com

    About Hedera Foundation

    Hedera Foundation fuels the innovation and development of public-network applications on the Hedera network. By providing grants, technical assistance, and community support, we empower projects that leverage Hedera’s fast, secure, and sustainable ledger to solve real-world problems. Learn more at hedera.foundation.

    DISCLAIMER

    This document is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy or subscribe for securities of 21Shares AG in any jurisdiction. Neither this document nor anything contained herein shall form the basis of, or be relied upon in connection with, any offer or commitment whatsoever or for any other purpose in any jurisdiction. Nothing in this document should be considered investment advice.

    This document and the information contained herein are not for distribution in or into (directly or indirectly) the United States, Canada, Australia or Japan or any other jurisdiction in which the distribution or release would be unlawful.

    This document does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in or into the United States, Canada, Australia or Japan. The securities of 21Shares AG to which these materials relate have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act. There will not be a public offering of securities in the United States. Neither the US Securities and Exchange Commission nor any securities regulatory authority of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States has approved or disapproved of an investment in the securities or passed on the accuracy or adequacy of the contents of this presentation. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offence in the United States.

    Within the United Kingdom, this document is only being distributed to and is only directed at: (i) to investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the “Order”); or (ii) high net worth entities, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons together being referred to as “relevant persons”); or (iii) persons who fall within Article 43(2) of the Order, including existing members and creditors of the Company or (iv) any other persons to whom this document can be lawfully distributed in circumstances where section 21(1) of the FSMA does not apply. The securities are only available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire such securities will be engaged in only with, relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this document or any of its contents.

    Exclusively for potential investors in any EEA Member State that has implemented the Prospectus Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 the Issuer’s Base Prospectus (EU) is made available on the Issuer’s website under www.21Shares.com.

    The approval of the Issuer’s Base Prospectus (EU) should not be understood as an endorsement by the SFSA of the securities offered or admitted to trading on a regulated market. Eligible potential investors should read the Issuer’s Base Prospectus (EU) and the relevant Final Terms before making an investment decision in order to understand the potential risks associated with the decision to invest in the securities. You are about to purchase a product that is not simple and may be difficult to understand.

    This document constitutes advertisement within the meaning of the Prospectus Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 and the Swiss Financial Services Act (the “FinSA”) and not a prospectus. The 2024 Base Prospectus of 21Shares AG has been deposited pursuant to article 54(2) FinSA with BX Swiss AG in its function as Swiss prospectus review body within the meaning of article 52 FinSA. The 2024 Base Prospectus and the key information document for any products may be obtained at 21Shares AG’s website (https://21shares.com/ir/prospectus or https://21shares.com/ir/kids).

    ###

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Reebelo Australia pays penalties for alleged false or misleading statements about consumer guarantee rights

    Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

    Reebelo Australia, an online marketplace for new and refurbished electronics, has paid $59,400 in penalties after the ACCC issued it with three infringement notices for allegedly making false representations about the effect of consumer guarantee rights in contravention of the Australian Consumer Law (ACL).

    The infringement notices relate to statements made on Reebelo Australia’s website that purported to limit consumers’ ability to access their consumer guarantee rights by putting a 14-day time limit on:

    • A consumer’s ability to receive a remedy for faulty or damaged goods,
    • A consumer’s ability to receive a remedy for goods received that were not in a condition that matched the description of the purchased product, and
    • A consumer’s ability to receive a remedy where they had received a different model of a product than what they had ordered.

    “Under the Australian Consumer Law, consumers automatically have basic rights when buying products and services, known as consumer guarantees. These rights cannot be taken away by anything a business says or does,” ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said.

    “If a business fails to meet these guarantees, consumers have a right to a remedy if they return products that do not comply with consumer guarantees within a reasonable time, which may be more than 14 days. It is against the law for a business to mislead consumers about their right to a suitable remedy.”

    The ACCC alleges that the representations made by Reebelo Australia were false and misleading as under the ACL consumers may be entitled to a remedy regardless of whether 14 days had passed since the product was received.

    “Given the products that Reebelo Australia sells are often refurbished high-end electronic products such as laptops or mobile phones, we are concerned that consumers may have faced financial harm from this conduct,” Ms Lowe said.

    The ACCC received a number of complaints from consumers who reported difficulties obtaining a remedy from Reebelo Australia for faulty or wrong products.

    “The ACCC closely monitors the complaints we receive from consumers, and we will continue to take appropriate action against businesses who do not comply with the Australian Consumer Law.”

    ”We encourage all businesses, including online marketplace retailers, to review their polices to ensure they are complying with the law,” Ms Lowe said.

    Separately, Reebelo Australia has agreed to several commitments as part of an administrative resolution, including amendments to its website, improvements to its online complaints handling processes, and various training and awareness measures to ensure future compliance with the ACL.

    Background

    Reebelo Australia operates as an online marketplace for new and refurbished products including phones and laptops, home appliances, power tools and health and beauty products. It is located in Sydney, NSW.

    Reebelo Australia acts as an intermediary platform where third-party suppliers list products for sale on Reebelo Australia’s website.

    Internationally, Reebelo was launched in Singapore in October 2019 with headquarters in California. The parent company is based in Singapore with offices in Australia, the United States, Canada, Malaysia, New Zealand and Hong Kong.

    Note to editors

    The ACCC can issue an infringement notice when it has reasonable grounds to believe a person or business has contravened an infringement notice provision of the ACL.

    The payment of a penalty specified in an infringement notice is not an admission of a contravention of the ACL. The ACL sets the penalty amount.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: As government cuts bite, public service unions can use ‘soft power’ as well as strikes to win support

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jim Arrowsmith, Professor, School of Management, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University

    Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images

    Cuts to the public service, the decision to halt all pay equity claims, and the tight 2025 budget mean public service workers are facing an uncertain future.

    Nowhere is this more apparent than in the health sector. Since the 2024 budget, Health NZ has faced several reductions across its workforce. Nurses and rest home workers were also among the 33 pay equity cases stopped to save nearly NZ$13 billion over four years.

    Last week, doctors at Gisborne Hospital announced plans to strike due to staffing shortages.

    Industrial unrest could well be a feature of the next 18 months and an influence on the current government’s fortunes.

    My ongoing research with union leaders, to be published later this year, maps out how they could emerge as a major force mobilising public opinion ahead of the 2026 general election – and how using “soft power” rather than just strikes could be key to success.

    This research is part of an international project looking at health sector union strategies in Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom.

    The power of unions

    Public sector unions have the power to influence change thanks to their concentrated membership in certain sectors, and their ability to cause significant disruptions with strikes. The New Zealand Nurses Organisation, for example, represents 77% of the registered nurse workforce.

    But the potential power of New Zealand’s public service unions is tempered by their members’ commitment to the needs of the people they serve – for example, ensuring sick people still receive care.

    Public service unions also need support from the public, given the state is their ultimate employer. This means unions first have to use the soft power available to them before deciding to strike.

    For unions, soft power includes using employment rules and laws (“institutional” sources of power), alliances with groups representing people who use the sector’s services (“coalitional” sources), and messaging (“ideational”).

    In the fight over pay equity, for example, unions are using institutional means (equal pay legislation) to fight for increased wages. They are also building coalitions with groups that use their services, and are articulating a clear case of fairness and efficiency to build wider support.

    Even some lobby groups, such as Aged Care Association which represents aged-care facilities, have publicly supported union efforts towards pay equity, recognising the need for higher wages to address labour shortages.

    Many people in the public service such as nurses face a tension between industrial action while still meeting their commitment to caring for New Zealanders.
    Hannah Peters/Getty Images

    Healthcare is a political frontline

    In healthcare, the government pledged $8.2 billion in funding over four years in its first budget in 2024. In 2025, it set aside an extra $447 million for primary and out-of-hours care.

    But unions representing doctors and nurses say the government is “just treading water”, identifying 4,800 vacancies in the current plan.

    According to the unions, gaps include one in five senior hospital doctor positions and a quarter of hospital shifts lack sufficient nurses or midwives (the government has disputed these figures).

    The situation is exacerbated by Australia and other countries actively recruiting for healthcare staff. Rising living costs also make New Zealand a less attractive proposition to new migrants.

    Recent surveys by other major health unions focus on the impact of staff shortages on worker wellbeing and patient care. The scientific and technical union APEX reports a “workforce in survival mode” and the Public Service Association talks of “healthcare in crisis”.

    In the care sector, members of trade union E tū have detailed how chronic understaffing leads to work intensification and insufficient time to care for residential or home-based clients.

    A battle of messaging

    The unions’ message is one of a vicious circle where staff shortages increase workloads in already demanding jobs, accelerating the number of departures and damaging the provision of care.

    Addressing this, unions argue, requires better pay and more staff, including investment to grow the domestic pipeline of healthcare staff over the longer term.

    The government’s message, however, refers to past blowouts, fiscal discipline and the need for more private sector involvement, and longer hours to meet its targets.

    The question for unions is whether they will be able to get their messaging out to voters more effectively than the government.

    In general, the profile of healthcare workers in people’s lives can create a more sympathetic message. Unions have also begun a coordinated strategy to unify and actively engage members as a platform for political outreach.

    Campaigns such as the nurses union “Marangi Mai” (Rise Up) and E tū’s “Transforming Care” speak to workers more effectively than remote and protracted equal pay negotiations.

    Finally, legal action and protests marshal media attention.

    Cases filed under employment and health and safety laws expose “good employer” obligations and the need to ensure safe working conditions. “Informational pickets”, market stalls and alliances with user groups also get the message out, as do short sharp work stoppages.

    Amid the ongoing debate around healthcare and what the sector needs, it is clear unions will need to use soft power tactics as well as strikes to advocate for workers. The strategies implemented in the public sector may also provide a road map for private sector workers considering their own actions.

    Jim Arrowsmith 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. As government cuts bite, public service unions can use ‘soft power’ as well as strikes to win support – https://theconversation.com/as-government-cuts-bite-public-service-unions-can-use-soft-power-as-well-as-strikes-to-win-support-257006

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –