NewzIntel.com

Category: Canada

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Thousands of new, affordable homes on the way

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Non-profit and municipal housing providers can apply for more than $775 million in total funding to deliver more than 4,600 rental homes through the latest intake of the Building BC: Community Housing Fund.

    “We’ve been taking actions to help people find homes in their communities – close to family, friends and the activities that matter to them,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “Because of these actions, we are finally starting to see rents come down, but we have so much more work to do. That’s why we’re building more homes that fit within people’s budgets. A more accessible application process for the Community Housing Fund will help our housing partners build thousands of affordable rental homes for people across our province.”

    The Community Housing Fund (CHF) provides a combination of market rentals, rent-geared-to-income housing and deeply subsidized rental units.  

    From Friday, May 30, 2025, requests for proposals will be accepted continuously, with appropriate deadlines for review of submissions. This will allow organizations to take the time they need to develop their applications. The application process has been improved with clearer forms that are easier to fill out and a streamlined evaluation process.

    Funding is available to non-profit housing organizations, housing co-operatives, municipalities, First Nations and Indigenous-led housing societies. Information on the application process is available here:
    https://www.bcbid.gov.bc.ca/page.aspx/en/rfp/request_browse_public

    Successful developments will be prioritized based on several factors, such as who will live in the homes and how the developments will help meet a community’s need for affordable rental housing.

    The CHF is a $3.3-billion investment to deliver and operate more than 20,000 affordable rental homes for people with moderate and low incomes by 2031-32. Through this program, more than 13,000 of these homes are open or underway throughout the province. Since 2017, the Province has nearly 92,000 homes delivered or underway throughout B.C. through CHF and other provincial housing programs. 

    Quick Facts:

    • This is the Province’s fourth request for proposals through the Building BC: Community Housing Fund.
    • Under the CHF program, 70% of residents pay rent geared to income, where rent is generally based on 30% of household income.
    • This includes 20% of units for residents with very low incomes, such as those receiving income or disability assistance.
    • 30% of units are available at or below market rents for households with moderate incomes.

    Learn More:

    Information about the Building BC: Community Housing Fund and the request for proposals can be found here:
    https://www.bchousing.org/projects-partners/funding-opportunities/CHF

    To learn about the steps the Province is taking to tackle the housing crisis and deliver affordable homes for British Columbians, visit:
    https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/housing/

    A map showing the location of all announced provincially funded housing projects in B.C. is available online:
    https://www.bchousing.org/projects-partners/Building-BC/homes-for-BC

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: B.C., Yukon sign MOU to advance clean electricity corridor

    The Province of British Columbia has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Government of Yukon to explore and advance the planning of a future connection between the Yukon and British Columbia electrical grids.

    The agreement, signed by B.C. Premier David Eby and Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai, marks a milestone in the joint pursuit of regional energy security, economic growth and climate leadership. This collaboration is guided by shared principles of strengthening Canadian self-sufficiency, advancing Indigenous reconciliation, promoting sustainable economic development and accelerating clean-energy transition.

    The Yukon-B.C. Grid Connect would enable two-way transmission of renewable electricity, opening new opportunities to supply clean power to remote and resource-rich areas in northwestern B.C. and the Yukon. The MOU reaffirms B.C. and the Yukon’s commitment to Indigenous collaboration, clean-energy development and regional infrastructure planning that meets the needs of present and future generations.

    British Columbia will work with Yukon, Indigenous governments, the federal government and other stakeholders to identify opportunities for new renewable-energy generation and transmission, including potential extensions of the North Coast Transmission Line.

    Quick Facts:

    • The Government of B.C. supported Yukon’s application to the federal Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund for the Yukon-B.C. Grid Connect.
    • The Yukon Development Corporation received $40 million from the Government of Canada and committed an additional $13 million toward advancing pre-construction planning over five years.
    • Yukon’s power grid is isolated from the North American grid, and a connection to B.C. would be its first inter-jurisdictional transmission link.
    • The initiative supports broader federal and provincial goals around climate-change mitigation, critical-mineral development, clean economic growth and Arctic sovereignty.

    Learn More:

    To view the MOU, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/YukonBC_Grid_MOU.pdf

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Joins CBC’s The Current to Discuss Trade War, Congressional Delegation to Ottawa

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    Welch on Trump’s Trade War: “From my perspective—and obviously the court’s perspective—he’s overreaching. He’s acting beyond the scope of authority that he has as the chief executive of our country.”
    BURLINGTON, VT – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) joined CBC Radio One’s The Current to reflect on his recent trip to Ottawa, where he and a bipartisan Congressional Delegation discussed the trade war with Prime Minister Mark Carney and other Canadian leaders. In the interview, Senator Welch also reacted to the U.S. Court of International Trade’s ruling halting President Trump’s so-called ‘reciprocal’ global tariffs, and tariffs on Canada and Mexico. 
    Matt Galloway: “You have called Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canada, in your words, ‘really, really stupid.’ What did you make of this court ruling?” 
    Senator Welch: “Well, it’s welcome news. The reality is that in the United States, under our Constitution, a tariff is a tax, and the originating body has to be the Congress. The president has hijacked that authority, supposedly invoking emergency powers. I think that was bogus and that it has done a lot of damage. This court ruling says what I think is true: the president and executive, whether it’s Trump or anyone else, does not have the unilateral authority to arbitrarily and whimsically impose these tariffs without congressional approval.” 
    Galloway: “It’s interesting, this court has appointees from Ronald Reagan, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump. Do you think that the Trump Administration will abide by their decision?” 
    Welch: “Open question. As you said, when there is a court ruling the Trump Administration disagrees with, it accuses the judges of being unelected people who have no authority. Under our system of justice, and our constitutional order—the court—that is their job to make a determination as to whether a law or an action by the executive is within the bounds of the constitution. It’s ‘situation normal’ and ‘reaction normal’ from Trump. If he doesn’t like the decision, he says it’s bogus. He has disregarded many decisions, I think it’ll be tougher, on this one, for him to do so.” 
    ■■■
    Galloway: “As you said, this was a bipartisan group of Members that came to Ottawa, both Democrat and Republican. What is your sense as to how willing the parties are to work together when it comes to mending offenses?” 
    Welch: “Well, here’s the dilemma that we have—this is our problem: There’s widespread opposition to the tariffs, because—whether you voted for Trump, you voted for Harris—these tariffs are making your business running your business very, very difficult. But the reality, politically, for us right now is Trump continues to have a pretty iron grip on the Republicans in Congress. So, at a certain point, my Republican colleagues are going to have to decide whether they’re going to defer to the president or listen to the people they represent. Because whether you’re in a Republican state like North Dakota or…a Democratic state like Vermont, our businesses in both states, our hospitality industry, they’re being affected. And of course, Canada is a major trading partner for 34 states. It is for Vermont, but we’re one of 34 states. And this is something that is now integrated into the economies of 34 of our states, and really our country.  
    “These tariffs make absolutely no sense, and many of us are saying that. But Trump’s in charge, and from my perspective—and obviously the court’s perspective—he’s overreaching. He’s acting beyond the scope of authority that he has as the chief executive of our country.” 
    Listen to the episode here: 
    This week in Manchester, Senator Welch brought together Vermont businesses and manufacturers to hear directly how global tariffs and President Trump’s trade war are impacting them. The event was held at The Orvis Company. Read more about the event here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Westville — Pictou County Integrated Street Crime Enforcement Unit charges two people with multiple firearms offences

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    The Pictou County Integrated Street Crime Enforcement Unit (PCISCEU) has charged two people with multiple offences following a search warrant execution in Westville.

    On May 28, as part of an ongoing firearms investigation, the PCISCEU attended a residence on Picken St. Two people were safely arrested at the property after a man pointed a loaded rifle at officers and tried to flee the area on an all-terrain vehicle. A woman, who was also at the residence, attempted to flee on foot.

    During the search of the home, three firearms, several replica firearms, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, knives, and swords were seized.

    Darren Brent Snell, 41, and Sherri Lynn Hallam, 39, both of Westville, have been charged with:

    • Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose (nine counts)
    • Careless Use of Firearm (four counts)
    • Unauthorized Possession of Firearm (three counts)
    • Unauthorized Possession of Prohibited Weapon
    • Resist Arrest

    Snell has also been charged with:

    • Pointing a Firearm
    • Possession Contrary to Order (12 counts)

    Snell has been remanded into custody pending future court appearances. Hallam was released on conditions and is due to appear in Pictou Provincial Court on July 21.

    Several teams assisted with the search warrant execution, including the Nova Scotia RCMP Emergency Response Team and Critical Incident Command, Pictou County District RCMP, Westville Police Service and Stellarton Police Service.

    Note: The PCISCEU is made up of police officers from Pictou County District RCMP, Westville Police Service, and Stellarton Police Service.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Changes Made to Beer Markup for Small and Medium Sized Breweries

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on May 30, 2025

    Today the Government of Saskatchewan announced changes to the markup structure for beer to encourage small and medium-sized breweries to grow their production levels.

    As part of these changes, markup rates for most production levels were reduced to create a more gradual ramp for small and medium-sized breweries as production volume increases. The limit for qualifying for these rates was increased from 400,000 to 500,000 hectolitres. 

    “Small and medium-sized breweries employ many people locally and are a source of pride for Saskatchewan and across Canada,” Minister Responsible for the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) Alana Ross said. “Encouraging them to grow is particularly important in a time where consumers are increasingly interested in supporting Saskatchewan and Canadian businesses.”

    Markup is applied to products sold in the province and distributed through SLGA and third-party warehouses. The markup rates are applied to products produced not only in Saskatchewan and across Canada, but also internationally.

    The changes announced today have been communicated to industry, including producers, distributors and will come into effect for industry on July 1st.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Canada signs statement of intent with CERN to strengthen scientific collaboration

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    Government of Canada partners with world’s leading physics research organization to advance scientific discovery

    May 30, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario 

    Science and research have the power to solve the world’s greatest challenges, drive innovation and economic growth, and unravel fundamental questions about life itself. That is why the Government of Canada is supporting international scientific collaboration and investing in research that pushes the boundaries of human knowledge.

    Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Economic Development Canada for Quebec Regions, announced that Canada has signed a statement of intent with the European Organization for Nuclear Research, also known as CERN, to strengthen collaboration on future planning for large research infrastructure facilities, and on novel and advanced techniques and tools. The statement of intent was signed in April by Canada’s Deputy Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, Philip Jennings, and CERN’s Director-General, Fabiola Gianotti.

    CERN is a world-leading research facility in Geneva, Switzerland, focused on fundamental physics, with a mission to uncover what the universe is made of and how it works. Canada contributes to CERN’s work through advanced equipment, scientific expertise and top talent, with TRIUMF—Canada’s particle accelerator centre—serving as the primary bridge for these efforts. The statement of intent ensures Canada will continue to be a world leader in physics, contributing to and advancing research on fundamental questions about the mysteries of the universe.

    By signing the statement of intent, Canada and CERN signalled their intent to enhance collaboration in planning future projects to foster breakthrough scientific discoveries. This includes ongoing studies on the Future Circular Collider (FCC), CERN’s next flagship project. This proposed higher-performance particle collider would eventually replace CERN’s Large Hadron Collider, the world’s most powerful particle accelerator, which is helping scientists study the basic building blocks of the universe. Should the FCC be selected to move forward, Canada intends to collaborate on its construction and the physics experiments that will take place at the research facility, subject to appropriate domestic approvals.

    Canada and CERN also intend to promote joint efforts in developing advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence and quantum technologies, and their use in particle physics research and beyond. Through this partnership, Canada is advancing human understanding of our universe and ensuring Canadian researchers and scientists are leading the way.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister Sidhu to advance Canada’s trade priorities in Paris, France

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    May 30, 2025 – Ottawa, Canada – Global Affairs Canada

    The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade, will be in Paris, France, from June 2 to 4, 2025, to attend the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Ministerial Council Meeting (MCM), participate in meetings with WTO ministers and host a G7 trade ministers’ meeting.

    At the OECD MCM—chaired by Costa Rica with Canada, Australia and Lithuania as vice-chairs—Minister Sidhu will advance Canada’s trade priorities, including reinforcing open and stable markets, diversifying our trading relationships and leveraging the digital economy. These priorities will help Canada foster sustainable and inclusive economic growth, benefiting Canadian businesses, workers and communities right across the country.

    As Canada holds the G7 presidency this year, the Minister will host a trade ministers’ meeting, where he will emphasize the G7’s critical role in promoting economic prosperity for citizens and businesses and strengthening economic security and resilience amid evolving global trade challenges.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Joanne Levy to the annual conference of the Western Association of Broadcasters

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Banff, Alberta

    May 29, 2025

    Joanne Levy, Commissioner for Manitoba and Saskatchewan
    Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)

    Check against delivery

    Thank you for that kind introduction. Before I begin, I would like to acknowledge that we are gathered on the traditional territory of the Treaty 7 First Nations, including the Stoney and Siksika First Nations. I thank them and pay respect to their Elders.

    It is a pleasure to be here with you all today to bring you the annual CRTC update. My colleague, Nirmala Naidoo, Commissioner for Alberta and the Northwest Territories has delivered this address for the past few years. She is away doing some of the work I will be speaking about. So, while I may be a different face and voice, I hope you will find what I have to say just as informative and timely.

    But before I get to our ongoing activities – and trust me, there is plenty – I wanted to begin today by recognizing the instability in the world today. There is a great deal of it, and we know that the broadcasting industry is not immune to the currents of change that are transforming the world around us.

    At the CRTC, as you have likely heard Commissioner Naidoo say before, we are in the process of modernizing Canada’s broadcasting framework.

    Our job is two-fold: we want to do what we can to address the current challenges facing your industry, while also creating frameworks that will sustain a successful broadcasting system years into the future.

    Hearing from you, via our formal proceedings or chatting with you at events like this, are how we learn more and understand what it will take to reach our goals together. So, across our ongoing work, I want to assure you that we are taking into account the lived experiences of everyone connected to Canadian broadcasting.

    And with that, I would now like to turn to some of that work.

    Online Streaming Act and modernizing Canada’s broadcasting industry

    When this conference took place last year, we had just made a landmark decision in our implementation of the modernized Broadcasting Act. We decided that certain online streaming services would have to pay a base contribution of 5% of their applicable revenues, generating roughly $200 million in new funding each year for Canada’s broadcasting system.

    As we stated last summer, this decision is just the beginning. Online streaming services are a part of the broadcasting ecosystem operating in Canada. They have a role to play in supporting Canadian and Indigenous content and creators just as other broadcasters do. We have just finished a major public hearing on the definition of Canadian content for TV and online streaming services, and more public hearings are planned to further define the role of all players in the broadcasting system in the next few months.

    The full scope of our broadcasting modernization plan is broad. We want to create a diverse, competitive, and resilient broadcasting system that can adapt effectively to change and reflects Canadian and Indigenous stories.

    And that means ensuring we modernize the system for all Canadians – including official language minority communities, Indigenous peoples, and members of equity-deserving groups. We want these groups to see themselves in the content our system creates, and similarly we want their creators to have access to tell their stories.

    To meet that goal we have launched 15 consultations to determine the best way forward.

    There are a few radio and audio-specific processes that are ongoing that I would like to mention today but, before I do, I want talk about how our modernization process will support local news – something all the more important given our current climate.

    As you may know, we held a consultaton last fall as part of our review of the Independent Local News Fund, or ILNF. Local news production is an area of immediate need in our broadcasting system, so we want to make sure the fund is effective in supporting independent television stations across Canada as they produce news. We also need to address how the additional funds generated by the contributions decision I mentioned before should be allocated, including who should be eligible to receive that funding. We expect to release a decision on this review in the coming weeks.

    In addition to this decision, we are also currently looking at how to help support local news produced by commercial radio stations.

    Late last year we held a consultation about a potential fund to support local news production by commercial radio stations. The Canadian Association of Broadcasters submitted a plan that would support local stations outside of Canada’s six largest markets. I know many of you submitted interventions sharing your thoughts on the plan, and we are fully considering every one before we issue a decision.

    Additionally, I know several of the stations in attendance today are receiving funding separately through the Canadian Journalism Collective as a result of the Online News Act. For our part, we are putting in place measures to ensure online platforms and news organizations are bargaining in good faith.

    Modernizing audio policy

    Now to turn more directly to the audio side: we have two ongoing processes that are critically important to the future of radio and audio broadcasting in Canada.

    The first consultation focuses on processes that radio stations should follow. Earlier this year we held a consultation to review our processes and reduce the regulatory burden on radio stations operating in Canada. By streamlining our requirements, our goal is to help radio stations remain dynamic and competitive while still ensuring their programming serves the public interest.

    I know many of you intervened and participated in this proceeding, and we thank you for your submissions. We appreciate the level of engagement and are working to arrive at a decision as quickly as possible. 

    Secondly, there is a review of the definition of Canadian content for audio services. In line with our efforts on the audio-visual side, we need to modernize our approach to radio and audio regulatory policy. So earlier this year, we sought comments from a wide range of groups, communities, and industry members to help us update the definition of Canadian content for audio services.

    This included French-speaking and other official language-minority communities. If we are going to ensure our broadcasting system supports and produces Canadian stories, we need to ensure the definition captures the full breadth of our country.

    The final definition will be used to support the creation, distribution, and discoverability of Canadian and Indigenous audio content across radio and online audio streaming platforms.

    Ultimately, we want to ensure our system gives Canadians access to the audio and music content they want, and we intend to update the definition of Canadian content for audio to help ensure that content can be easily discovered and enjoyed.

    The reply period on this consultation closes next week, and we are looking forward to a public hearing in September.

    Conclusion

    There are other ongoing proceedings – such as our consultation on public interest participation – which I will have to leave for another time.

    There are still further proceedings to come and, as with those on audio policy, we hope you will participate and have your voices heard.

    In fact, I would like to emphasize what a tremendous opportunity this is – the last time we made changes this expansive to our broadcasting regulatory frameworks was in 1993. We appreciate the high level of engagement we have seen across our proceedings so far. And for those joining us for hearings later this year – we look forward to having those conversations.

    The regulatory policy decisions we make are based entirely on the public record. When you make your voice heard and participate in our processes – by filing an intervention or presenting during a public hearing, for example – you are playing a vital role in shaping public policy.

    And it’s by working together that we ensure our policies reflect the full scope of views and perspectives.

    That’s how we build a modernized broadcasting framework that is resilient, reflective of the country, and sustainable for years to come.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: B.C. releases second annual Pay Transparency Report

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Government has released its second annual Pay Transparency Report, showing modest improvements to the gender pay gap in the province.

    The biggest improvements in the gender pay gap since 2023 were noted in three sectors, analyzed using Statistics Canada data categorized by the North American Industry Classification System. In agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, there was an improvement from a gap of 45% down to 36%. The gap shrank from 24% to 17% in mining, quarrying and oil-and-gas extraction. Wholesale trade saw a positive shift from 18% down to 11%.

    In addition, the gender pay gap shrank for young women with post-secondary trade certificates and diplomas from 21% in 2017 to 8% in 2024.

    These improvements support B.C.’s overall goal to reduce the gender pay gap of 15%. Future long-term positive trends are anticipated based on initial progress.

    The Pay Transparency Act was passed into law in May 2023, requiring all employers in B.C. to include salary and wage information on all publicly posted jobs. The annual report shows that in 2024, 85% of job postings in B.C. included pay information, compared to 52% in other parts of Canada, according to Indeed, a job-search platform.

    By Nov. 1, 2025, all employers with 300 or more employees in B.C. are required to prepare and post reports about their gender pay gaps.

    The requirement has been introduced in stages to give employers time to prepare.

    • Nov. 1, 2024: all employers with 1,000 employees in B.C. or more
    • Nov. 1, 2025: all employers with 300 employees in B.C. or more
    • Nov. 1, 2026: all employers with 50 employees in B.C. or more

    An online reporting tool is available to support employers with an efficient way to prepare pay-transparency reports.

    Learn More:

    For more information about the pay-transparency tool, visit: https://paytransparency.fin.gov.bc.ca/login

    For more information about the 2025 Pay Transparency Report, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/british-columbians-our-governments/services-policies-for-government/gender-equity/pay-transparency-annual-report-2025.pdf

    For more information about pay transparency in B.C., visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/gender-equity/pay-transparency-in-bc

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Canada recognizes the historic significance of Rockcliffe Park Historic District 

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Located northeast of downtown Ottawa, this district is an example of suburban planning traditions of the second half of the 19th century.

    May 30, 2025                               Ottawa, ON                             Parks Canada

    Today, the Honourable Mona Fortier, on behalf of the minister responsible for Parks Canada, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages, commemorated the national historic significance of Rockcliffe Park Historic District at a special plaque unveiling ceremony. National historic designations illustrate the persons, places, and events that have marked history in Canada. Together, they tell the stories of who we are and connect us to our past, enriching our understanding of ourselves, each other, and this country.

    Located at the confluence of the Ottawa, Rideau, and Gatineau Rivers, this residential district covers an estimated area of 1.77 km2. Known to the Anishinābeg as Kishkābikā, Rockcliffe Park is part of an important historical area where Indigenous people have lived, gathered, harvested, and traded for millennia. Following European settlement, this neighbourhood district was designed and laid out in 1864 by Thomas Coltrin Keefer, as part of Thomas MacKay’s large estate purchased in the 1830s.

    Rockcliffe Park is an excellent example of the picturesque English and American suburban planning traditions of the second half of the 19th century. The varied, high-quality architecture was the work of renowned architects, who promoted the use of a variety of styles such as Tudor, Georgian, and Queen Anne. Amalgamated with the City of Ottawa in 2001, Rockcliffe Park retains a high degree of integrity and many of the key elements associated with its original design.

    The Government of Canada, through Parks Canada and the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, recognizes significant people, places, and events that shaped this country as one way of helping Canadians connect with their past. By sharing these stories with Canadians, we hope to foster understanding of and reflection on the diverse histories, cultures, legacies, and realities of Canada’s past and present.

    The designation process under Parks Canada’s National Program of Historical Commemoration is largely driven by public nominations. To nominate a person, place or historic event in your community, please visit the Parks Canada website for more information:
    https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/culture/clmhc-hsmbc/ncp-pcn/application.

                                                                                                  -30-

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Supporting young leaders across Alberta

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Province strengthens response to combat downtown street crime, disorder

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Businesses in British Columbia will be better protected against property crimes with the launch of a new public-safety initiative focused on addressing street disorder and non-violent offences.

    The new Community Safety and Targeted Enforcement (C-STEP) program will boost police efforts tackling public-safety challenges that are affecting businesses and communities. Through C-STEP, police can strengthen operations that address street crimes, such as robbery, shoplifting, theft and property damage, and the associated impacts on public safety, community well-being and the growth of B.C.’s economy.

    “Businesses that have been the victims of theft rings and shoplifting are understandably frustrated by the losses they have suffered,” said Terry Yung, Minister of State for Community Safety and Integrated Services. “Building on the proven success of other public-safety initiatives, we are implementing C-STEP to further strengthen these efforts that support safer downtown cores, so people can build a good life in a safe community.”

    The Province is allocating as much as $5 million in new funding for the initiative, which will provide police with enhanced tools, technology and investigative resources to curb property crimes.

    In addition to enforcement, C-STEP will also support police initiatives to develop co-ordinated operational plans that unite law enforcement, businesses, outreach teams and social services to deliver a strategic, preventive approach to tackling street disorder.

    “Our downtown communities are more than just economic hubs. They are the heartbeat of our cities, bringing people together to work, explore, create and connect with culture,” said Spencer Chandra Herbert, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “Our downtowns reflect the energy and diversity that makes our Province unique, and the new C-STEP program is laying the groundwork for safer, more dynamic downtowns, ensuring they remain vibrant spaces for everyone.”

    Funding provided through C-STEP can also support proactive patrols and increased police presence to improve physical and social conditions of public spaces by addressing disruptive or unlawful behaviours, such as open drug use or trafficking, disturbances, obstruction, indecent acts and/or public intoxication.

    Additionally, the initiative will enhance police capacity to effectively work alongside front-line social-service providers, ensuring individuals in crisis are connected to the appropriate and available services.

    “The B.C. Association of Chiefs of Police supports the C-STEP initiative and funding directed toward addressing street disorder across our province,” said Chief Supt. Wendy Mehat, president of the B.C. Associations of Chiefs of Police. “Police leaders continue to raise concerns about repeat offending and the impacts of chronic street-level crime on public safety and community well-being. We recognize that a co-ordinated, multi-agency response is essential, and we are committed to working alongside government and community partners to develop long-term, sustainable solutions. Our shared goal is safer, healthier communities for all British Columbians.”

    C-STEP builds on the existing Specialized Investigation and Targeted Enforcement (SITE) program, with the B.C. RCMP administering the funding to police on behalf of government. Together, these programs will help police agencies implement comprehensive public-safety strategies to tackle violent and non-violent crime, adapt to emerging policing needs and stay responsive to evolving crime trends.

    Quotes:

    Garry Begg, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General –

    “B.C. businesses are the backbone of our province, and it’s essential that they’re supported to deal with public-safety challenges such as theft, vandalism and shoplifting, which threaten their prosperity. C-STEP will prioritize high-incident hot spots, including major shopping corridors and areas where public-safety concerns exist, so law enforcement agencies have the resources they need to address crime and help to build safer, more vibrant downtowns for everyone.”

    Diana Gibson, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation –

    “Small businesses are the foundation of B.C.’s economy, and ensuring people and businesses can thrive in safe, welcoming downtown areas is a priority for our government. This new program is a great step forward in the Province’s ongoing commitment to building safer communities, while helping our local businesses to prosper.”

    Deputy Chief Const. Howard Chow, Vancouver Police Department –

    “Open drug use, street disorder and criminal activity has negatively impacted the health of our downtown core and surrounding neighbourhoods, making people feel less safe. Addressing these challenges requires support from all levels of government, and we welcome any new initiative that will help our officers prevent crime, arrest offenders and make Vancouver a safer city.”

    Jane Talbot, president and CEO, Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association –

    “This initiative reflects a clear recognition of the urgent public-safety challenges facing downtown cores, including the growing impact of non-violent and repeat offenders on small businesses. Any step forward is important, and we see this as a significant and encouraging move in the right direction. Downtown Van is committed to continued collaboration with the province and all partners to build a safer, more vibrant city for everyone.”

    Tony Hunt, general manager of loss prevention, London Drugs –

    “We welcome the C-STEP initiative as a meaningful step forward, supporting local projects that address prolific and repeat offenders. Across British Columbia, communities and businesses are facing rising levels of violence, organized retail crime and abuse targeting workers. This growing disorder is eroding safety and public confidence — especially in our downtowns, which are vital to our economy. It’s essential that we track its impact, and we look forward to seeing and celebrating the positive outcomes this program can deliver.”

    Quick Facts:

    • Budget 2025 invests $235 million in new funding over the next three years to help improve community safety through various public-safety and justice programs.
    • The SITE program introduced under the B.C. government’s Safer Communities Action Plan provides operational funding for police departments to enhance proactive enforcement and investigative techniques to target repeat violent offending.
    • The Vancouver Police Department reported that between October 2024 and January 2025, the SITE initiative led to a 27% drop in violent crime in Hastings Crossing and a 45% drop in weapon-related assaults in Gastown, with January 2025 recording the lowest violent- and property-crime rates in Hastings Crossing in over two years.

    Learn More:

    To learn more about government’s action to keep communities safe and strong, visit: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/safer-communities/

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Good-paying jobs, new technology coming to B.C.

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Building on the success of a three-year pilot, through Budget 2025, B.C. is investing $30 million over three years in the Integrated Marketplace program to help more technology companies scale up and bring more good-paying jobs to people in British Columbia.

    “B.C. is home to a vibrant, accelerating technology sector, and Web Summit Vancouver is the perfect place to demonstrate what we have to offer investors, companies and talent looking for new opportunities,” said Diana Gibson, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation. “We want the world to know B.C. is open for business. The Integrated Marketplace program has shown great results and potential for much more. By working with our partners across levels of government, industry and academia, we are continuing to strengthen and diversify our economy, and creating valuable career opportunities for people in B.C.”

    Created to help local companies grow and showcase their technology in the province, the Integrated Marketplace program supports the adoption of B.C. solutions by companies located at strategic partner testbed locations, such as the Vancouver International Airport (YVR) or the Prince Rupert Port Authority.

    “British Columbia’s tech sector drives innovation and job creation across the province and across Canada,” said Gregor Robertson, federal Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada. “PacifiCan is a proud founding partner of Integrated Marketplace, which serves as a powerful launchpad for local companies, accelerating their growth and expanding their reach, helping to build one strong Canadian economy.”

    Testbeds can be physical or conceptual locations where the Integrated Marketplace runs projects that use commercially ready products in real-world settings to confirm benefits and efficacy.

    “The Integrated Marketplace program helped accelerate our path to commercialization and global markets,” said Jessica Yip, COO and co-founder, A&K Robotics. “We are being approached by some of the world’s largest airport operators who want to implement our AI-enabled solution across their sites in Europe and Asia. I cannot wait to show the world the great innovations coming out of Vancouver.”

    To date, four testbeds have been announced: YVR, the Prince Rupert Port Authority, the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority and the provincial health testbed hosted by Provincial Laboratory Medicine Services.

    “The Integrated Marketplace has been a catalyst for MarineLabs’ growth, proving what’s possible when you invest in homegrown innovation to improve marine safety and climate resilience in B.C. and beyond”, said Scott Beatty, CEO, MarineLabs. “With Innovate BC’s support, we’ve accelerated product development, grown our team and expanded into new markets. It’s a model that’s helping B.C. tech lead on a world stage.”

    Delivered by B.C.’s Crown agency, Innovate BC, the Integrated Marketplace allows B.C. companies to receive assistance and reduce the risks in adopting new technologies, boosting their productivity and competitiveness. At the same time, participating companies establish valuable Canadian references who support the companies’ ability to expand their business and grow into new markets.

    “This additional $30-million investment from the Province is a strong vote of confidence in B.C.’s innovation ecosystem and the real-world impact of the Integrated Marketplace,” said Peter Cowan, president and CEO, Innovate BC. “It confirms what we’ve seen first-hand, that when we give local companies a platform to prove their solutions, we not only create home-grown success stories, we drive job creation, export B.C.-made solutions and help industries become more competitive, sustainable and resilient. This funding will allow us to continue expanding that impact across the province, addressing pressing challenges in productivity, emissions reduction and health and safety, while fuelling long-term economic prosperity.”

    This announcement builds on the Government of B.C.’s initial investment of $11.5 million, and the Government of Canada’s investment, through PacifiCan, of $9.9 million in the Integrated Marketplace.

    Quick Facts:

    • In May 2025, PacifiCan announced an additional $1.8 million investment in the Integrated Marketplace through its Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative.
    • To date, 17 solution providers have participated in the Integrated Marketplace program.

    Learn More:

    To learn more about the Integrated Marketplace, visit: https://www.innovatebc.ca/programs/integrated-marketplace

    For more about Innovate BC, visit: https://www.innovatebc.ca/

    To learn more about A&K Robotics, visit: https://www.aandkrobotics.com/

    To learn more about MarineLabs Data Systems, visit: https://marinelabs.io/

    To learn more about PacifiCan, visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/pacific-economic-development.html

    To learn more about Web Summit Vancouver, visit: https://vancouver.websummit.com/

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: SIRT Investigating Officer Involved Shooting Near Canwood

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on May 30, 2025

    On Wednesday May 28, 2025 at approximately 1:10 p.m., the Saskatchewan Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) received a notification from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) regarding an officer-involved shooting that had just taken place in a rural area near the village of Canwood. 

    SIRT’s Civilian Executive Director accepted the notification as within SIRT’s mandate and directed an investigation by SIRT.

    On May 28, members of the RCMP’s Warrant Enforcement and Suppression Team (WEST) located a vehicle associated with an individual wanted in relation to recent firearms incidents on the James Smith Cree Nation. RCMP members attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle, a dark-coloured SUV, but the vehicle failed to stop for police and a pursuit was commenced. 

    At various points during the pursuit, the SUV left the road and traveled through fields.  At approximately 12:42 p.m., the SUV again left the road and the pursuit continued through a field into a pasture east of Canwood. At approximately 12:44 p.m., the SUV collided with an embankment in the pasture and came to an abrupt stop. Immediately after the SUV came to a stop, a male exited the driver’s side of the vehicle, and a confrontation took place with the RCMP member operating the lead police vehicle in the pursuit. During that confrontation, the RCMP member discharged two rounds from a service pistol, striking the man in the arm.

    Immediately after being struck, the man went to the ground and was arrested without further incident. A female passenger of the SUV exited the vehicle and was also arrested without incident. RCMP members provided first aid, and both occupants of the SUV were conveyed to hospital where they were treated. The 32-year-old man was treated for a gunshot wound to the left arm, and the 30-year old woman was treated for potential injuries sustained during the SUV’s collision with the embankment. 

    Following the notification, a SIRT team consisting of six SIRT investigators was deployed to Shellbrook and the incident scene to begin their investigation. A community liaison will also be appointed pursuant to S.91.12 (1) (a) of The Police Act, 1990. A handgun was recovered from the ground at the scene of the incident and has been secured as an exhibit for both the SIRT and RCMP investigations. 

    SIRT’s investigation will examine the conduct of police during this incident, including the circumstances surrounding the man’s arrest. The RCMP will maintain responsibility for the investigation of the original firearms incident as well as the actions of the occupants of the vehicle during the incident. No further information will be released at this time. A final report will be issued to the public within 90 days of the investigation ending.

    SIRT’s mandate is to investigate alleged cases of serious injury, death, sexual assault or interpersonal violence arising from the actions or omissions of on and off-duty police officers, or while an individual is in police custody.

    For updates on SIRT investigations, follow SIRT on X, formerly known as Twitter, at: Serious Incident Response Team – Saskatchewan (@SIRT_SK) / X

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister Hajdu invites organizations to apply for funding to improve accessibility and inclusion through youth leadership

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    May 30, 2025                  Gatineau, Quebec                  Employment and Social Development Canada

    The Government of Canada is committed to creating more opportunities for persons with disabilities to take part in community activities, programs, and services.

    Today, as part of National AccessAbility Week 2025, Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, launched a call for proposals under the youth innovation component of the Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF).

    The EAF supports construction, renovation and retrofitting community and workplace-based projects across Canada. Over 8,100 projects have been funded under the EAF since its launch in 2007. The youth innovation component supports youth in bringing their vision for a more inclusive Canada to life, while developing leadership skills, gaining valuable experience, and fostering culture change.

    Youth between the ages of 15 and 30 are encouraged to apply to become a youth accessibility leader and partner with local organizations to secure up to $12,000 in funding. Eligible youth must submit their application online by 3:00 p.m. ET on October 6, 2025. Organizations partnering with a confirmed youth accessibility leader must then submit their application for project funding by 3:00 p.m. ET on November 3, 2025.

    Together, youth accessibility leaders and organizations alike are supporting the Government’s objective of building a barrier-free Canada in the spirit of “Nothing Without Us.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: AHS third-part investigation – update: DM McPherson

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Video Game Workers Reach Historic Tentative Contract Agreement with Microsoft

    Source: Communications Workers of America

    NATIONWIDE – In a first for the video game industry, over 300 quality assurance workers working at Microsoft subsidiary ZeniMax Media — represented by Communications Workers of America Locals 2100, 2108, and 6215 (ZeniMax Workers United-CWA) — announced that they have reached a tentative contract agreement with the company. ZeniMax Workers United-CWA and Microsoft have been negotiating for a first contract for nearly two years.

    “QA workers from across the country continue to lead the charge for industry-wide change,” said Page Branson, Senior II QA Tester and ZeniMax Workers United-CWA bargaining committee member. “Going toe-to-toe with one of the largest corporations in the world isn’t a small feat. This is a monumental victory for all current video game workers and for those that come after.”

    “Video games have been the revenue titan of the entire entertainment industry for years, and the workers who develop these games are too often exploited for their passion and creativity. Organizing unions, bargaining for a contract, and speaking with one collective voice has allowed workers to take back the autonomy we all deserve,” said Jessee Leese, QA tester at ZeniMax and ZeniMax Workers United-CWA bargaining committee member. “Our first contract is an invitation for video game professionals everywhere to take action. We’re the ones who make these games, and we’ll be the ones to set new standards for fair treatment.”

    “Workers in the video game industry are demonstrating once again that collective power works. This agreement shows what’s possible when workers stand together and refuse to accept the status quo,” said CWA President Claude Cummings Jr. “Whether it’s having a say about the use of AI in the workplace, fighting for significant wage increases and fair crediting policies, or protecting workers from retaliation, our members have raised the bar. We’re proud to support them every step of the way.”

    The new contract sets new standards for the industry and includes substantial across-the-board wage increases as well as new minimum salaries for workers. The agreement also includes protections against arbitrary dismissal, grievance procedures, and a crediting policy that clearly acknowledges the QA workers’ contributions to the video games they help create. It also incorporates a previously announced agreement on how artificial intelligence is introduced and implemented in the workplace.

    “Our members knew what they deserved to make the industry a better place and fought for a tentative agreement that reflects the value they bring to the table,” said CWA Local 2100 President Nick Riddle. “Their victory is a win for us all, to show what can be possible through solidarity and collective bargaining.”

    “This tentative agreement reflects workers’ deep commitment to equity and respect in a field that has long undervalued their contributions and exploited their passions. And they did it by holding the line together,” said CWA Local 2108 President Johnny Brown. “We’re proud to have them in our ranks as leaders for the entire labor movement.”

    “Even amidst a rapidly evolving industry with significant volatility and job insecurity, video game workers never lost sight of what they deserved,” said CWA Local 6215 Vice President Alex Doblado. “We celebrate their commitment to building a better future through collective action. They are a testament to the power of unions.”

    Contract explanation meetings will be held for members over the next few weeks, and a ratification vote is expected to be concluded by June 20.

    “Taking on one of the largest tech companies in the world and winning real gains on improving the workplace is no small feat,” said CWA District 6 Vice President Derrick Osobase. “No matter how complex or powerful the employer may seem, collective action works. These workers have earned this victory and are opening the door for future worker-organizers.”

    “Organizing an entire workplace and fighting for a first contract takes resilience and determination. Their hard work has laid the foundation for what’s next at Microsoft,” said CWA District 2-13 Vice President Mike Davis. “I look forward to the strong contract that we’ll secure with other video game studios in the months to come. This is just the beginning.”

    Over 2,000 Microsoft video game workers have joined CWA under a groundbreaking neutrality agreement that enables them to freely and fairly make a choice about union representation.

    ###

    About CODE-CWA

    The Campaign to Organize Digital Employees (CODE-CWA) is a network of worker-organizers and their staff working every single day to build the voice and power necessary to ensure the future of the tech, game, and digital industries in the United States and Canada. CODE-CWA is a project of the Communications Workers of America, which represents hundreds of thousands of workers throughout tech, media, telecom, and other industries who stand together to fight for justice on the job and in our communities.

    About CWA

    The Communications Workers of America represents working people in telecommunications, customer service, media, airlines, health care, public service and education, manufacturing, tech, and other fields.

    cwa-union.org @cwaunion

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Canada to build new research facility to improve transportation safety

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    May 30, 2025 – Gatineau, Quebec

    The Government of Canada is investing in federal science to strengthen the safety of air, rail, marine and pipeline transportation systems that Canadians rely on every day. As part of the Laboratories Canada strategy, the government is developing the new Transportation Safety and Technology Science (TSTS) hub, which will transform how federal scientists and investigators work together by bringing them under one roof.

    Today, the Honourable Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement, announced that the Government of Canada has awarded a contract to Bird Construction Group Ltd. for construction management services for the new TSTS hub, to be located at the main campus of the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) on Montréal Road in Ottawa, Ontario. The contract is expected to be valued at up to $410 million. The initial work package, covering advisory services and site preparation, has been issued at a value of $12.3 million.

    This marks a key step in the development of the new facility, which is being delivered through a collaborative approach under the Laboratories Canada strategy. The hub will serve as a shared space for the Transportation Safety Board of Canada and the NRC to conduct in-depth investigations and advance scientific research in transportation safety.

    Engineers and scientists at the facility will work with industry partners to develop cutting-edge safety technologies and reduce risks in the air, marine, rail and pipeline sectors. The facility will combine investigations with the design and testing of next-generation light materials for aerospace, creating new opportunities for collaboration and innovation.

    The contract was awarded following an open and transparent procurement process. The full contract could also include over $40 million in economic benefits for Indigenous businesses and communities through subcontracts, training opportunities and employment. These benefits reflect the Government of Canada’s commitment to economic reconciliation through meaningful Indigenous participation in federal infrastructure projects.

    This facility is a key component of the Laboratories Canada strategy, which is transforming science infrastructure nationwide through safe, sustainable and flexible spaces that meet the evolving needs of Canada’s federal scientific community, today and into the future. Construction preparation is set to begin in fall 2025, with completion anticipated in 2030.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • Global universities seek to lure US-bound students amid Trump crackdown

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Universities around the world are seeking to offer refuge for students impacted by U.S. President Donald Trump’s crackdown on academic institutions, targeting top talent and a slice of the billions of dollars in academic revenue in the United States.

    Osaka University, one of the top ranked in Japan, is offering tuition fee waivers, research grants and help with travel arrangements for students and researchers at U.S. institutions who want to transfer.

    Japan’s Kyoto University and Tokyo University are also considering similar schemes, while Hong Kong has instructed its universities to attract top talent from the United States. China’s Xi’an Jiaotong University has appealed for students at Harvard, singled out in Trump’s crackdown, promising “streamlined” admissions and “comprehensive” support.

    Trump’s administration has enacted massive funding cuts for academic research, curbed visas for foreign students – especially those from China – and plans to hike taxes on elite schools.

    Trump alleges top U.S. universities are cradles of anti-American movements. In a dramatic escalation, his administration last week revoked Harvard’s ability to enrol foreign students, a move later blocked by a federal judge.

    Masaru Ishii, dean of the graduate school of medicine at Osaka University, described the impact on U.S. universities as “a loss for all of humanity”.

    Japan aims to ramp up its number of foreign students to 400,000 over the next decade, from around 337,000 currently.

    Jessica Turner, CEO of Quacquarelli Symonds, a London-based analytics firm that ranks universities globally, said other leading universities around the world were trying to attract students unsure of going to the United States.

    Germany, France and Ireland are emerging as particularly attractive alternatives in Europe, she said, while in the Asia-Pacific, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan, and mainland China are rising in profile.

    SWITCHING SCHOOLS

    Chinese students have been particularly targeted in Trump’s crackdown, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday pledging to “aggressively” crack down on their visas.

    More than 275,000 Chinese students are enrolled in hundreds of U.S. colleges, providing a major source of revenue for the schools and a crucial pipeline of talent for U.S. technology companies.

    International students – 54% of them from India and China – contributed more than $50 billion to the U.S. economy in 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce.

    Trump’s crackdown comes at a critical period in the international student application process, as many young people prepare to travel to the U.S. in August to find accommodation and settle in before term starts.

    Dai, 25, a Chinese student based in Chengdu, had planned to head to the U.S. to complete her master’s but is now seriously considering taking up an offer in Britain instead.

    “The various policies (by the U.S. government) were a slap in my face,” she said, requesting to be identified only by her surname for privacy reasons. “I’m thinking about my mental health and it’s possible that I indeed change schools.”

    Students from Britain and the European Union are also now more hesitant to apply to U.S. universities, said Tom Moon, deputy head of consultancy at Oxbridge Applications, which helps students in their university applications.

    He said many international students currently enrolled at U.S. universities were now contacting the consultancy to discuss transfer options to Canada, the UK and Europe.

    According to a survey the consultancy ran earlier this week, 54% of its clients said they were now “less likely” to enrol at an American university than they were at the start of the year.

    There has been an uptick in applications to British universities from prospective students in the U.S., said Universities UK, an organisation that promotes British institutions. It cautioned, however, that it was too early to say whether that translates into more students enrolling.

    REPUTATIONAL EFFECTS

    Ella Ricketts, an 18-year-old first year student at Harvard from Canada, said she receives a generous aid package paid for by the school’s donors and is concerned that she won’t be able to afford other options if forced to transfer.

    “Around the time I was applying to schools, the only university across the Atlantic I considered was Oxford… However, I realised that I would not be able to afford the international tuition and there was no sufficient scholarship or financial aid available,” she said.

    If Harvard’s ability to enrol foreign students is revoked, she would most likely apply to the University of Toronto, she said.

    Analytics firm QS said overall visits to its ‘Study in America’ online guide have declined by 17.6% in the last year — with interest from India alone down over 50%.

    “Measurable impacts on enrolment typically emerge within six to 18 months. Reputational effects, however, often linger far longer, particularly where visa uncertainty and shifting work rights play into perceptions of risk versus return,” said QS’ Turner.

    That reputational risk, and the ensuing brain drain, could be even more damaging for U.S. institutions than the immediate economic hit from students leaving.

    “If America turns these brilliant and talented students away, they will find other places to work and study,” said Caleb Thompson, a 20-year-old U.S. student at Harvard, who lives with eight international scholars.

    -Reuters

  • MIL-OSI USA: USDA Researchers Find Viruses from Miticide Resistant Parasitic Mites are Cause of Recent Honey Bee Colony Collapses

    Source: US Agriculture Research Service

    USDA Researchers Find Viruses from Miticide Resistant Parasitic Mites are Cause of Recent Honey Bee Colony Collapses

    By: Autumn Canaday
    Email: arspress@usda.gov

    WASHINGTON, May 30, 2025 – Scientists at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) are helping American beekeepers solve the mystery behind a widespread honey bee colony collapse and its debilitating effects on U.S. agriculture. Researchers have submitted a manuscript to a scientific journal for peer review based on our research findings that identified high levels of deformed wing virus A and B and acute bee paralysis in all recently USDA-sampled bees. 

    These viruses are responsible for recent honey bee colony collapses and losses across the U.S. Since the viruses are known to be spread by parasitic Varroa destructor (Varroa) mites, ARS scientists screened the mites from collapsed colonies and found signs of resistance to amitraz, a critical miticide used widely by beekeepers. This miticide resistance was found in virtually all collected Varroa, underscoring the need for new parasitic treatment strategies. 

    “Our nation’s food supply thrives, and is sustained, by the work of our pollinators,” said Acting ARS Administrator Joon Park. “USDA scientists continue to research major stressors and new parasite treatment strategies, which will help reduce the agricultural challenge presented by the Varroa mites in honey bee colonies.” 

    In January 2025, commercial beekeepers began reporting severe losses in commercially managed operations. As losses unfolded, it was evident that over 60% of commercial beekeeping colonies had been lost since the prior summer, representing 1.7 million colonies and an estimated financial impact of $600 million. 

    ARS scientists collected colony and bee samples from across California and other western states in February 2025, prior to almond pollination. 

    The USDA-ARS Bee Research Laboratory in Beltsville, MD, analyzed the parasites and pathogens from all samples and focused on individual bees exhibiting behavior known to precede death by minutes or hours. Viruses were indicated in both pooled samples from surviving colonies, and in individual bees showing behavioral morbidities. 

    “While viruses are a likely end-stage cause of colony death, these results do not rule out the importance of other long known challenges to honey bees,” said ARS Research Leader Dr. Judy Chen. 

    As the primary managed pollinator, the Apis mellifera, is an integral component of agriculture, providing key pollination services for a wide variety of crops and over one-third of U.S. produce. The value of crops that require bee pollination is estimated to be more than $20 billion annually in the U.S. and $387 billion globally.  

    ARS researchers will continue to screen honey bees and their colonies for other known stressors and determine the best way to mitigate these stressors, mite infection, and subsequent colony loss.  

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: St. John’s — RCMP NL reminds public to be safe and prepared when operating off-road vehicles

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    With the summer recreation season just around the corner, RCMP NL is urging all off-road vehicle operators keep safety and preparation front of mind.

    Before you depart, consider packing extra clothing, food, a communication device and fire making supplies. Share your intended travel plans, including expected departure and return times with others. These small steps can help you stay safe on the trails if you run into mechanical issues, get lost or face unexpected weather conditions.

    Operators of off-road vehicles, including dirt bikes and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), are also required to comply with the Off-Road Vehicles Act and Highway Traffic Act. Failure to do so can result in the seizure of the vehicle and/or violation tickets, with a range of fines.

    All operators of off-road vehicles must successfully complete or have an exemption in place for Off-Road Vehicles Safety Training, which is offered free of charge and available through MyGovNL.

    You and your passengers must wear helmets and seat belts (where available). Children who are required to use a child seat restraint system, such as a booster seat, under the Highway Traffic Act are required to follow that same legislation as a passenger of an off-road vehicle.

    It is illegal to operate an off-road vehicle on a roadway, except to cross from one side to the other, and you must have registration, insurance, a driver’s licence and not less than one hundred and fifty metres of visibility to do so. To access a trail, you may travel on the shoulder of a roadway for a maximum distance of 1 kilometre and at a maximum speed of 20 kilometres an hour, all while yielding to motor vehicle traffic.

    Children under the age of 16 must be properly supervised by someone who:

    • is 18 years of age or older,
    • has a valid driver’s licence,
    • has successfully completed the off-road vehicle safety training.

    Proper supervision further requires that the supervisor is able to see and be seen by the operator at all times and is in a position to provide immediate direction to the operator. Underage operators without supervision and those who permit underage operation without supervision can be ticketed. The fine imposed on those who permit unsupervised operation ranges from $650.00 – $1,300.00. Ultimately, parents and guardians need to be aware of the dangers associated with unsupervised operation, which include serious injuries and death to the youth and/or others.

    Operating an off-road vehicle while impaired is a criminal offence. Impaired operation of any motor vehicle is a choice that unnecessarily places you, your passengers and all others who share the roadway at an increased level of risk of serious injury or death.

    Make sure you know the rules of off-road vehicle operation. You can find more information about the Off-Road Vehicles Act and Highway Traffic Act here:

    https://www.assembly.nl.ca/Legislation/sr/statutes/o05-1.htm

    https://www.assembly.nl.ca/legislation/sr/statutes/h03.htm

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Scotch Hill — Missing person: Help the RCMP find Myles Dexter Clarke

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Pictou County District RCMP is asking for the public’s assistance in locating 34-year-old Myles Dexter Clarke, who was last seen on May 30 in Scotch Hill, Nova Scotia.

    Clarke, who goes by the name Dexter, is described as 6-foot-0 and 178 pounds. He has blue eyes, brown hair and a full beard. He was last seen wearing a brown t-shirt, brown shorts, and boots.

    When someone goes missing, it has deep and far-reaching impacts for the person and those who know them. We ask that people spread the word through social media respectfully.

    Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Dexter Clarke is asked to contact police at 902-485-4333. To remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Canada diversifies trade in the Indo-Pacific region through the Team Canada Trade Mission to Thailand and Cambodia

    Source: Government of Canada News

    May 30, 2025 – Phnom Penh, Cambodia – Global Affairs Canada

    Today, the Government of Canada concluded a successful Team Canada Trade Mission (TCTM) to Thailand and Cambodia. The delegation, led by Sara Wilshaw, Canada’s Chief Trade Commissioner and Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, International Trade, brought together more than 150 representatives from over 90 Canadian organizations, of which 80% are small and medium-sized enterprises, to explore the unique business opportunities that Thailand and Cambodia have to offer.

    As Canada works to build a stronger, more resilient economy, the Team Canada approach to trade missions is a proven tool that generates economic benefits for Canadians. As a key initiative under Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, this TCTM opened doors for Canadian businesses in a wide range of sectors to:

    • form new connections in 2 of Southeast Asia’s emerging markets
    • diversify their trade strategies
    • increase their resilience
    • develop products and services that benefit Canada

    During the TCTM’s business-to-business sessions, Ms. Wilshaw saw Canadian, Thai and Cambodian companies in action. She was impressed by the number of meaningful connections made between Canada and its trade partners through this trade mission.

    In Bangkok, Thailand, Ms. Wilshaw met with Dr. Nalinee Taveesin, President of Thailand Trade Representatives and Adviser to the Prime Minister of Thailand. She also spoke with members of the board of the Thai-Canadian Chamber of Commerce and senior executives of the Charoen Pokphand Group, the largest Thai investor in Canada. In doing so, she highlighted Canada’s work in expanding trade, investment and supply-chain resilience in the Indo-Pacific region. For example, she noted the opening of a 12th Export Development Canada representation in Bangkok, which helps Canadian companies diversify into the Indo-Pacific region, resulting in more and better business opportunities for Canadians. She also noted Canada’s 15 free trade agreements, spanning 51 countries, as the foundation of Canada’s trade-diversification efforts.

    In Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Ms. Wilshaw met with Sun Chanthol, Deputy Prime Minister and first vice-president of the Council for the Development of Cambodia, Sok Siphana, Senior Minister and Adviser to the Prime Minister; Cham Nimul, Minister of Commerce; and Dith Tina, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. She spoke about mutual trade and investment priorities, sector-specific opportunities and the progress being made on a free trade agreement between Canada and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. She also highlighted Canada’s commitment to deepening its engagement in Cambodia under Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy. She noted that Canada’s presence in Phnom Penh was upgraded to an embassy in March 2025 and that this TCTM was the largest-ever Canadian delegation to visit Cambodia.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Nova Scotia Removes More Interprovincial Trade Barriers

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    The government is continuing to show leadership by removing more interprovincial trade barriers to grow Nova Scotia’s economy and build a stronger Canada.

    New regulations will allow more types of commercial trucks and other passenger vehicles to enter and operate in the province, supporting the movement of goods and services across the country. Previously, certain vehicles have not been allowed in Nova Scotia even though they are registered in another jurisdiction.

    The Province will be introducing legislative changes to enhance the new Traffic Safety Act in the fall, which will enable these changes to be made permanent.

    “Nova Scotia wants to see free trade nationwide, and we are leading by looking within our own regulations and practices to see where we can remove barriers,” said Premier Tim Houston. “If a vehicle can operate in another province or territory, it should be able to operate in Nova Scotia. We are removing needless and burdensome barriers. This is another example of how we are taking a Team Canada approach to creating a more prosperous future.”

    In recognizing out-of-province registrations, the Registrar of Motor Vehicles will still have the ability to place special conditions on a vehicle’s operation to ensure safety and protect infrastructure, as is the case with Nova Scotian vehicles. This could include limiting commercial vehicle access to certain roads and bridges and age requirements for passengers in passenger vehicles.

    Vehicles will be required to comply with all other existing provisions of the Motor Vehicle Act, including inspections and insurance.

    Nova Scotia is also announcing plans to amend the Nova Scotia Building Code Regulations to allow factory-built (modular) buildings that meet the National Building Code to be installed in the province without having to meet additional Nova Scotia-specific standards.

    Currently, manufacturers are required to redesign the same building model for every province depending on that province’s standards. This increases costs, causes delays and creates barriers for standardization and interprovincial trade.

    “Both of these moves are to address unique and urgent challenges brought on by the trade war and housing crisis,” said Premier Houston. “It is about fairness for workers, opportunity for businesses and respect for Canadians’ right to move, work and trade freely across their own country, and it’s about getting people into safe and affordable housing, faster.”

    The proposed amendments to the Nova Scotia Building Code Regulations will:

    • enhance productivity and accelerate the development of new modular housing
    • allow modular construction contractors to work to one national code, rather than individual provincial codes
    • position Nova Scotia as national leaders in housing innovation and reduction of interprovincial trade barriers
    • position Nova Scotia as an easy export destination for modular housing and invite reciprocal recognition for Nova Scotian manufacturers from other provinces and territories.

    The proposed changes to the Nova Scotia Building Code Regulations only apply to factory-built construction.

    Quick Facts:

    • the amendments to the Motor Vehicle Act regulations and the Building Code Act regulations fulfill the intent of the Province’s Free Trade and Mobility Within Canada Act by removing key interprovincial barriers
    • the Motor Vehicle Act regulations take effect Tuesday, June 3, and these changes will be evaluated to inform future regulatory updates
    • most of the vehicles not previously allowed in the province were certain types of commercial trucks and low-speed vehicles
    • the 45-day public notice period required for any changes to the Nova Scotia Building Code Regulations will be held

    Additional Resources:

    News release – Legislation to Remove Barriers to Trade: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2025/02/25/legislation-remove-barriers-trade

    Registration, driving and road safety information: https://novascotia.ca/driving-and-road-safety/

    Department of Public Works on X: https://x.com/NS_PublicWorks

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Zheng halts Mboko’s run to book place in Roland Garros last 16

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

    Paris Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen of China continued her strong run at the French Open on Friday, advancing to the women’s singles Round of 16 with a straight-sets win over 18-year-old Canadian qualifier Victoria Mboko.

    The eighth seed needed just under 90 minutes to beat Mboko 6-3, 6-4 in their first career meeting, marking her second appearance in the last 16 at Roland Garros after her breakthrough run in 2022.

    Zheng Qinwen returns a shot during the women’s singles 3rd round match between Zheng Qinwen of China and Victoria Mboko of Canada at the French Open tennis tournament at Roland Garros, Paris, France, May 30, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Jing)

    “I was born in China in a really hot place, which is called Wuhan. So I handled the hot weather quite well,” Zheng said in her post-match interview. “Last year when I played the Olympic Games, it was hotter than this. So actually I like this condition, but I want to say thanks to all the crowd who suffered here under the sun today with me.”

    Zheng also praised her young opponent. “I want to say congrats to the opponent because I feel she played really well, and I think we pushed each other to play our best tennis. And sometimes we had really good points. It was not an easy match.”

    Zheng will next face the winner of the match between Dayana Yastremska of Ukraine and Liudmila Samsonova of Russia as she looks to reach her first French Open quarterfinal.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: Voxtur Announces Financial Results for the Q1 2025 – Ended March 31, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO and TAMPA, Fla., May 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Voxtur Analytics Corp. (TSXV: VXTR; OTCQB: VXTRF) (“Voxtur” or the “Company”), a North American technology company creating a more transparent and accessible real estate lending ecosystem, today announced its financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2025. The Company’s Unaudited Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements and the related Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) for the three months ended March 31, 2025, are available at www.sedarplus.ca and at www.voxtur.com.

    Financial Results:

    Continuing Operations Unaudited
      Three months ended March 31
    (In thousands of Canadian dollars)   2025   2024
         
    Revenue 1 $ 8,310   $ 11,909  
    Gross profit 1   4,981     7,940  
    Gross profit as a % of Revenue 1   60 %   67 %
         
         

    1 Calculations include only the results from continuing operations and do not include results of discontinued operations. As at March 31, 2025, management was committed to a plan to sell one of the Company’s business units. Accordingly, the Company has presented that business unit as a disposal group held for sale and reported its results as discontinued operations.

    During the first quarter of 2025, revenue from continuing operations declined approximately $3.6 million and gross profit declined approximately $3 million compared to the same period in the prior year. Despite this, the Company’s net loss from continuing operations remained relatively stable, underscoring the meaningful impact of realizing synergies across the organization and cost reduction measures implemented by management over the past several quarters.

    Operational expense reductions initiated earlier this year began to positively impact the quarter, though the full benefit of these initiatives will be more fully realized in the second quarter and throughout the remainder of 2025.

    Further discussion with respect to the financial results can be found in the Company’s MD&A available at www.sedarplus.ca and at www.voxtur.com.

    Management continues to work in close partnership with the Company’s advisor and in conjunction with the Company’s creditor as part of the strategic review announced earlier this year. The primary objective of this process is to reduce debt and position the Company for long-term financial stability and strength.

    “We sincerely appreciate the continued support and patience of all our stakeholders as we navigate this important phase of our journey,” said Ryan Marshall, Voxtur’s CEO. “While we are not yet where we want to be, we are making steady progress, and our focus remains on building a more sustainable and resilient organization.”

    The Company intends to host a shareholder call in the near future upon having material updates on the strategic review process and outline the path forward for the business, including other key corporate developments.

    About Voxtur

    Voxtur is a proptech company. The company offers targeted data analytics to simplify the multifaceted aspects of the lending lifecycle for investors, lenders, government agencies and servicers. Voxtur’s proprietary data hub and workflow platforms more accurately and efficiently value real estate assets, providing critical due diligence that enables market participants to effectively originate, trade, or service defaults on mortgage loans. As an independent and transparent mortgage technology provider, the company offers primary and secondary market solutions in the United States and Canada. For more information, visit www.voxtur.com. 

    Forward-Looking Information

    This news release contains certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, “forward-looking information”) which reflect the expectations of management regarding the Company’s future growth, financial performance and objectives and the Company’s strategic initiatives, plans, business prospects and opportunities. These forward-looking statements reflect management’s current expectations regarding future events and the Company’s financial and operating performance and speak only as of the date of this press release. By their very nature, forward-looking statements require management to make assumptions and involve significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as guarantees of future events, performance or results, and give rise to the possibility that management’s predictions, forecasts, projections, expectations or conclusions will not prove to be accurate, that the assumptions may not be correct and that the Company’s future growth, financial performance and objectives and the Company’s strategic initiatives, plans, business prospects and opportunities, including the duration, impact of and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, will not occur or be achieved. Any information contained herein that is not based on historical facts may be deemed to constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian and United States securities laws. Forward-looking information may be based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release, and may be identified by the words “may”, “would”, “could”, “should”, “will”, “intend”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect” or similar expressions. Forward-looking information may include but is not limited to the anticipated financial performance of the Company and other events or conditions that may occur in the future. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking information is not based on historical facts but instead reflects estimates or projections concerning future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the information is provided. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, such information involves risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on such information, as unknown or unpredictable factors could have material adverse effects on future results, performance, or achievements of the Company. Among the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information include but are not limited to: additional costs related to acquisitions, integration of acquired businesses, and implementation of new products; changing global financial conditions, especially in light of the COVID-19 global pandemic; reliance on specific key employees and customers to maintain business operations; competition within the Company’s industry; a risk in technological failure, failure to implement technological upgrades, or failure to implement new technological products in accordance with expected timelines; changing market conditions related to defaulted mortgage loans, and the failure of clients to send foreclosure and bankruptcy referrals in volumes similar to those prior to the COVID-19 global pandemic; failure of governing agencies and regulatory bodies to approve the use of products and services developed by the Company; the Company’s dependence on maintaining intellectual property and protecting newly developed intellectual property; operating losses and negative cash flows; and currency fluctuations. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information contained herein. Factors relating to the Company’s financial guidance and targets disclosed in this press release include, in addition to the factors set out above, the degree to which actual future events accord with, or vary from, the expectations of, and assumptions used by, Voxtur’s management in preparing the financial guidance and targets.

    This forward-looking information is provided as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. The Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise this information to reflect new events or circumstances except as required in accordance with applicable laws.

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

    Voxtur’s common shares are traded on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol VXTR and in the US on the OTCQB under the symbol VXTRF.

    Company Contact: 

    Jordan Ross
    Tel: (416)708-9764

    jordan@voxtur.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: SHARC Energy Announces Q1 2025 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SHARC International Systems Inc. (CSE: SHRC) (FSE: IWIA) (OTCQB: INTWF) (“SHARC Energy” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce it has filed financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2025. All figures are in Canadian Dollars and in accordance with IFRS unless otherwise stated.

    First Quarter Financial Highlights:

    • Revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2025 (“Q1 2025”) is $1.01 million (M), representing 47% of the full year revenue in 2024 and a 30% increase over the $0.78M of revenue reported in the three months ended March 31, 2024 (“Q1 2024”).
    • As of May 30, 2025, the Company has a Sales Pipeline1 of 16.5M and Sales Order Backlog2of $3.5M. This represents a $0.5M increase or 18% growth in Sales Order Backlog since April 29, 2025 disclosure. Sales Pipeline saw a marginal decrease of 1% since April 29, 2025 disclosure reflecting the deliberate efforts by the Company to refill the pipeline once projects convert to the order book. The combined pipeline showed an aggregate growth of 1% or $0.3M from the previous disclosure on April 29, 2025. The $3.5M Sales Order Backlog, which is estimated to be converted to revenue within an average of 12 months from disclosure, represents a 64% improvement compared to the year ended December 31, 2024 revenue of $2.17M. The Company continues to observe the maturity of its Sales Pipeline providing the Company’s revenue more consistency and with reduced volatility, providing a solid platform to scale and grow.
    • During Q1 2025, the Company also reported a loss of $0.92M and an Adjusted EBITDA3 loss of $0.61M. This compares to a loss of $0.76M and an Adjusted EBITDA loss of $0.85M in the comparative quarter representing a 20% and 22% increase, respectively.
    • Gross margins for Q1 2025 were 31% compared to 38% in Q1 2024. Management remains optimistic that this margin range aligns with our expectations for the coming quarters but the margin percentage varies dependent on sales mix and stage of completion of each project.

    Michael Albertson, Chief Executive Officer and President of SHARC Energy, said, “We are off to a strong start to the 2025 fiscal year with the Company reporting revenue of just over $1 million which represents a 30% increase over Q1 2024 and 47% of the full year revenue earned in the 2024 fiscal year. More importantly, despite the delivery of revenue, Sales Order Backlog increased by 18% and represents a 64% improvement over 2024 revenue sitting at $3.5 million as of the reporting date. SHARC Energy’s revenue growth continues to gain momentum.”

    Mr. Albertson continues, “We recently disclosed key District Energy System (“DES”) projects, Lebreton Flats in Ottawa and Senakw in Vancouver, which are leveraging SHARC Wastewater Energy Transfer (WET) systems as the core component to power their thermal networks harnessing wastewater as the key renewable resource. WET supported solutions continue to grow in awareness and acceptance with the Company learning of projects in planning across North America and globally. In the Greater Vancouver, British Columbia region alone, there are several municipal or utility supported DES/Thermal Energy Networks (“TENs”) ranging in size and scale in different stages of development that will increase SHARC Energy’s local footprint over the next few years. In the United States, legislation allowing or mandating utilities to develop DES/TENs demonstration projects or pilots have been passed in eight states, including the State of New York and recently added California, where the Company has installations in progress, projects in design and a growing list of leads looking to implement Wastewater Energy Transfer with DES/TENs.”

    “We are continuing to progress into new sectors for the SHARC and PIRANHA with promising opportunities developing within wastewater treatment facilities, universities, water utilities, correctional facilities and the design & build/energy sectors. These sectors are increasingly receptive to SHARC Energy’s offerings which is promising as these sectors can provide fewer regulatory hurdles, long-term customer relationships, shorter sales cycles, and the potential for larger-scale projects. The Company anticipates the closing of new business in these adjacent sectors as early as this year.”

    “Furthermore, SHARC Energy is gearing up to launch new products in its portfolio which will be introduced to the market soon. With the support of original equipment manufacturer relationships SHARC Energy has, we feel there is significant opportunity to better serve more customers and increase our revenue and margin dollars earned going forward. SHARC Energy’s tailwinds are strong and set to propel the Company to profitability in the coming years. We are very excited about our position in the thermal energy market.” stated Mr. Albertson.

    Q1 2025 Highlights and Subsequent Events

    • Fred Andriano appointed as Chairman of the Board of Directors. On May 5, 2025, the Company announced significant changes to its Board of Directors, appointing Fred Andriano as Chairman of the Board and Executive Officer, replacing Lynn Mueller, who will now serve as Vice Chairman and Executive Officer. Furthermore, the Company accepted the retirement and resignation of Eleanor Chiu as Director.
    • False Creek Neighbourhood Energy Utility (“NEU”) Expansion. The Company continued work on the supply and maintenance agreement with the City of Vancouver for the provision and maintenance of five SHARC systems for the False Creek NEU Expansion. During the period, the Company completed all remaining milestones of the agreement.
    • SHARC System Featured in Ottawa’s Lebreton Flats District Energy Project. The Company announced that two SHARC 880 Wastewater Energy Transfer (“WET”) systems will be used to power a district energy system in Canada’s capital city. SHARC Energy anticipates commencing submittals for the SHARC WET Systems in 2025 with equipment build and delivery expected during 2026.

    For complete financial information for the three months ended March 31, 2025, please see the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements and Management Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

    About SHARC Energy

    SHARC International Systems Inc. is a world leader in energy recovery from the wastewater we send down the drain every day. SHARC Energy’s systems recycle thermal energy from wastewater, generating one of the most energy-efficient and economical systems for heating, cooling & hot water production for commercial, residential, and industrial buildings along with thermal energy networks, commonly referred to as “District Energy”.

    SHARC Energy is publicly traded in Canada (CSE: SHRC), the United States (OTCQB: INTWF) and Germany (Frankfurt: IWIA) and you can find out more on our SEDAR profile.

    Learn more about SHARC Energy: Website | Investor Page | LinkedIn | YouTube | PIRANHA | SHARC

    ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

    Fred Andriano
    Chairman

    The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    Forward-Looking Statements 

    Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified using words such as “anticipate”, “plan”, “estimate”, “expect”, “may”, “will”, “intend”, “should”, and similar expressions. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. SHARC Energy’s actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in this forward-looking information because of regulatory decisions, competitive factors in the industries in which the Company operates, prevailing economic conditions, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. SHARC Energy believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking information should not be unduly relied upon. Any forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the Company’s expectations as of the date hereof and is subject to change after such date. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities legislation. 

    1 Sales Pipeline is a non-IFRS measure. Please see discussion of Alternative Performance Measures and Non-IFRS Measures in the Q1 2025 MD&A.
    2 Sales Order Backlog is a non-IFRS measure. Please see discussion of Alternative Performance Measures and Non-IFRS Measures in the Q1 2025 MD&A.
    3 Adjusted EBITDA is a non-IFRS measure. Please see discussion of Alternative Performance Measures and Non-IFRS Measures in the Q1 2025 MD&A.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: PrairieSky Receives TSX Approval for Renewed Normal Course Issuer Bid

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, May 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PrairieSky Royalty Ltd. (“PrairieSky” or the “Company“) (TSX: PSK) is pleased to announce that the Toronto Stock Exchange (the “TSX“) has accepted the notice of PrairieSky’s intention to commence a normal course issuer bid (the “NCIB“).

    On April 14, 2025, PrairieSky announced its intention to seek TSX approval to renew its NCIB for an additional one-year period. The NCIB allows the Company to purchase up to 15,355,946 common shares which represents approximately 6.5% of the common shares outstanding, being 235,536,040 as of May 21, 2025, and 10% of the public float of 153,559,462 common shares which is defined as the common shares outstanding after excluding common shares beneficially owned by directors and executive officers of PrairieSky and persons who beneficially own or exercise control or direction over more than 10% of the issued and outstanding common shares of PrairieSky. The NCIB will commence on June 4, 2025 and will expire no later than June 3, 2026.

    Under the NCIB, common shares may be repurchased in open market transactions on the TSX, and/or other Canadian alternative trading systems. In accordance with the rules of the TSX governing normal course issuer bids, the total number of common shares the Company is permitted to purchase is subject to a daily purchase limit of 99,954 common shares, representing 25% of the average daily trading volume of common shares on the TSX calculated for the six-month period ended April 30, 2025, being approximately 399,818 common shares. However, the Company may make one block purchase per calendar week which exceeds the daily repurchase restriction. Any common shares that are purchased under the NCIB will be cancelled by PrairieSky.

    The Company believes that from time to time the market price of the common shares may not reflect their underlying value. The purchase of common shares will increase the proportion of interest of, and be advantageous to, all remaining shareholders. In addition, any purchases by the Company will afford increased liquidity to those shareholders of the Company who may wish to dispose of their common shares.

    PrairieSky has entered into an automatic share purchase plan with its broker, CIBC Capital Markets, in order to facilitate purchases of its common shares. The automatic purchase plan allows for purchases by the Company of its common shares at any time, including, without limitation, when the Company would ordinarily not be permitted to make purchases due to regulatory restriction or self-imposed blackout periods. Purchases will be made by PrairieSky’s broker based upon the parameters prescribed by the TSX and the terms of the parties’ written agreement.

    PrairieSky currently intends to purchase up to a maximum of 15,355,946 common shares to effect NCIB purchases over the next 12 months. PrairieSky purchased 3,415,900 common shares under its current normal course issuer bid which authorized the purchase for cancellation of up to 5,000,000 common shares and commenced on June 4, 2024 and runs to June 3, 2025. Since instituting the normal course issuer bid in 2016 to March 31, 2025, PrairieSky has purchased and cancelled an aggregate of 20.1 million common shares at a weighted average price per share of $16.74.

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

    This press release contains certain forward-looking statements. The use of any of the words “expect”, “anticipate”, “may”, “will”, “should”, “believe”, “intends”, and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release include our expectations with respect the number of common shares under NCIB purchases to be effected over the next 12 months.

    With respect to forward-looking statements contained in this press release, we have made several assumptions including that the common shares will from time-to-time trade below their value, that the Company will complete purchases of common shares pursuant to the NCIB and those described in detail in our Management Discussion & Analysis and the Annual Information Form for the period ended December 31, 2024. Readers and investors are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such forward-looking statements, 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. Our actual results, performance, or achievements could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. We can give no assurance that any of the events anticipated will transpire or occur, or if any of them do, what benefits we will derive from them.

    By their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond our control, including the market price of the common shares being too high to ensure that purchases benefit the Company and its shareholders, impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions, volatility of commodity prices, stock market volatility and failure to execute purchases under the NCIB. The foregoing and other risks are described in more detail in PrairieSky’s Management Discussion & Analysis and the Annual Information Form for the period ended December 31, 2024 under the headings “Risk Management” and “Risk Factors”, respectively, each of which is available at www.sedarplus.com.

    Further, any forward-looking statement is made only as of the date of this press release, and PrairieSky undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement or statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by applicable securities laws. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for PrairieSky to predict all of these factors or to assess in advance the impact of each such factors on PrairieSky’s business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.

    The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

    ABOUT PRAIRIESKY ROYALTY LTD.

    PrairieSky is a royalty-focused company, generating royalty revenues as petroleum and natural gas are produced from its properties. PrairieSky has a diverse portfolio of properties that have a long history of generating funds from operations and that represent the largest and most concentrated independently-owned fee simple mineral title position in Canada. PrairieSky’s common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol PSK.

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

    PrairieSky Royalty Ltd.

    Investor Relations
    (587) 293-4000

    www.prairiesky.com

    PDF available: http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/6d0e44ba-aa7a-422f-b79d-9d3722a29243

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: NowVertical Secures Up to $26 Million USD in Financing with HSBC to Fuel Growth

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, May 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NowVertical Group Inc. (TSXV: NOW) (“NowVertical” or the “Company“), a leading data and AI solutions provider, announced that NowVertical, NowVertical UK Ltd. and NowVertical Group, Inc. and certain of their affiliates have entered into a senior secured facilities agreement (the “Facilities Agreement”) with HSBC UK Bank plc (“HSBC”), as arranger, original lender and agent. Unless otherwise specified, all dollar amounts are expressed in U.S. dollars.

    Pursuant to the Facilities Agreement, NowVertical UK Ltd. and NowVertical Group, Inc., as borrowers, have access to credit facilities of up to $18 million (together, the “Facilities”) which may be increased by up to an additional $8 million upon the approval of HSBC, for total credit of up to $26 million.

    “This Financing Agreement is truly transformational for NowVertical,” said Sandeep Mendiratta, CEO of NowVertical. “It simplifies our capital structure by consolidating debt previously spread across multiple lenders into a single, long-term facility with significantly improved terms. This provides immediate access to capital to fuel our organic growth under the ‘One Brand, One Business’ strategy, while also positioning us to pursue targeted, strategic acquisitions. Importantly, the Facilities give us the flexibility to renegotiate or fully retire our existing convertible loan, materially reducing our cost of capital and preserving our cash position. Combined with a shift from short-term to long-term debt, this strengthens our balance sheet and allows us to operate with greater agility. HSBC’s support reflects the institutional confidence we’ve unlocked by evolving into a single, integrated business—providing enhanced capital access and a stronger foundation for scalable, strategic growth.”

    “We are pleased to support NowVertical’s next phase of growth,” said Chris Winter, Senior Corporate Relationship Director at HSBC. “This partnership underscores our confidence in NowVertical’s vision and growth strategy.”

    Pursuant to the Facilities Agreement, the borrowers have access to the Facilities, a portion of which will be used to repay existing debt, with the remainder available for general working capital purposes and acquisitions. The Facilities consist of: (i) a $6 million term loan, amortizing equally over 5 years and maturing on the fifth anniversary of the Facilities Agreement; and (ii) a $12 million revolving credit facility with an initial 3-year term, which may be extended for up to an additional 24 months. In addition, amounts available under the revolving credit facility may be increased to $20 million upon the exercise of an accordion option and certain ancillary facilities, subject to HSBC’s consent.

    Amounts drawn under the Facilities shall bear interest at a competitive interest rate ranging from 2.25% per annum to 3.75% per annum in respect of the term loan and 1.75% per annum to 3.25% per annum in respect of the revolving credit facility, in each case above the SOFR floating rate, with rates increasing or decreasing based on NowVertical’s net leverage position. In addition, NowVertical is obligated to pay a commitment fee in respect of undrawn amounts available under the revolving credit facility. The initial blended interest rate on the Facilities is approximately 7.25%.

    In connection with entering into the Facilities Agreement, NowVertical will use amounts available under the Facilities to prepay certain existing term debt, including obligations to TD Bank and Export Development Canada. The obligations of the borrowers under the Facilities have been guaranteed by NowVertical and certain of NowVertical’s subsidiaries, including NowVertical UK Limited, NowVertical UK Holdings Limited, Acrotrend Solutions Limited, NowVertical Group, Inc., and Resonant Analytics, LLC (collectively, the “Guarantors”), and security granted by the Company and the Guarantors, including: (i) a pledge of all of the issued and outstanding shares of each of the material Guarantors; and (ii) a security interest in substantially all of the assets of the Company and certain of the Guarantors.

    Concurrently with the execution of the Facilities Agreement, NowVertical entered into a subordination agreement with HSBC and TSX Trust Company (“TSX Trust”), in its capacity as trustee under the debenture indenture dated as of October 5, 2022, pursuant to which TSX Trust confirmed the subordination of the amounts owing to the holders of senior unsecured convertible debentures to obligations of NowVertical under the Facilities Agreement.

    NowVertical is pleased to have worked with Fort Capital Partners as its advisor on this transaction.

    About NowVertical Group Inc.
    NowVertical is a global data and analytics company which helps clients transform data into tangible business value with AI, fast. Offering a comprehensive suite of solutions and services, the Company enables clients to quickly harness the full potential of their data, driving measurable outcomes and accelerating potential return on investment. Enterprises optimize decision-making, improve operational efficiency, and unlock long-term value from their data using the Company’s AI-Infused first party and third-party technologies. NowVertical is growing organically and through strategic acquisitions.

    For further details about NowVertical, please visit www.nowvertical.com.

    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.

    For further information, please contact:

    Andre Garber, CDO 
     IR@nowvertical.com 

    Investor Relations: Bristol Capital Ltd.
    Stefan Eftychiou
     stefan@bristolir.com
    +1(905)326-1888 x60 

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This news release contains forward-looking information and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws (together “forward-looking statements“), including, with respect to the availability of funds under the Facilities, the ability of NowVertical to utilize funds under the Facilities, the effect of the Facilities on NowVertical’s operations contemplated in this press release on NowVertical’s business, finances and operations. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties, and contingencies, certain of which are unknown. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “may”, “should”, “will”, “could”, “intend”, “estimate”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “expect”, “believe” or “continue”, or the negative thereof or similar variations. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause future results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the estimated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements and the forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by inherent risks and uncertainties, including: adverse market conditions; risks inherent in the data analytics and artificial intelligence sectors in general; regulatory and legislative changes; that future results may vary from historical results; inability to service the Company’s debt; any inability to realize the expected benefits and synergies of acquisitions or dispositions; that market competition may affect the business, results and financial condition of the Company and other risk factors identified in documents filed by the Company under its profile at www.sedarplus.com, including the Company’s management’s discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2024. Further, these forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and, except as expressly required by applicable law, the Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: A Dust Devil Photobombs Perseverance!

    Source: NASA

    Written by Athanasios Klidaras, Ph.D. candidate at Purdue University, and Megan Kennedy Wu, Senior Mission Operations Specialist at Malin Space Science Systems

    To celebrate her 1,500th Martian day (“Sol”) exploring the red planet, the Perseverance rover used its robotic arm to take a selfie of the rover and the surrounding landscape. But when team members reviewed the photo, they were surprised to find that Perseverance had been photobombed!  
    As the rover sat at the “Pine Pond” workspace, located on the outer rim of Jezero crater, which it has been exploring for the past several months, the Wide Angle Topographic Sensor for Operations and eNgineering (WATSON) camera on the end of its arm was used to acquire a 59-image mosaic of the rover. This is the fifth “selfie” that Perseverance has acquired since landing on Mars in 2021. The rover’s robotic arm is not visible in the self portrait because — just like a selfie you would take with your own cellphone camera — rover operators make sure not to have the arm get “in the way” of the body of the rover. This is even easier to do on Mars because Perseverance needs to take 59 different images at slightly different arm positions to build up the selfie, and the elbow of the robotic arm is kept out of the way while the images are acquired. You can find more details about the Sol 1500 selfie here, and this YouTube video shows how the rover arm moves when these activities take place. 
    While snapping away, Perseverance was photobombed by a dust devil in the distance! These are relatively common phenomena both on Mars and in Earth’s desert regions, and form from rising and rotating columns of warm air, which gives the appearance of a dust tornado. Just like many other weather patterns, there is a peak “season” for dust-devil activity, and Jezero crater is in the peak of that season now (late northern spring).  The one seen in the selfie is fairly large, about 100 meters, or 328 feet, across. While Perseverance regularly monitors the horizon for dust-devil activity with Navcam movies, this is the first time the WATSON camera on the end of the robotic arm has ever captured an image of a dust devil! 
    The dark hole in front of the rover, surrounded by gray rock powder created during the drilling process, shows the location of Perseverance’s 26th sample. Nicknamed “Bell Island” after an island near Newfoundland, Canada, this rock sample contains small spherules, thought to have formed by volcanic eruptions or impacts early in Martian history. Later, this ancient rock was uplifted during the impact that formed Jezero crater. Now that the rover has successfully acquired the spherule sample the science team was searching for, Perseverance is leaving the area to explore new rock exposures. Last week, the rover arrived at an exposure of light-toned bedrock called “Copper Cove,” and the science team was interested to determine if this unit underlies or overlies the rock sequence explored earlier. After performing an abrasion to get a closer look at the chemistry and textures, the rover drove south to scout out more sites along the outer edge of the Jezero crater rim.    

    MIL OSI USA News –