Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)
President Donald J. Trump Welcomes Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to The White House
Category: Canada
-
MIL-OSI Canada: Province Improves Accessibility, Introduces Updated Plan
Source: Government of Canada regional news
The Province’s 2025-2028 Accessibility Plan sets ambitious goals for the next three years and provides an update on progress that’s been made to date.
The plan, released today, May 6, includes government-wide commitments across eight priority areas including actions to advance accessibility in employment, service delivery, information and communication, and public transportation.
“We are building on years of hard work and momentum to build a more accessible province for today and generations to come,” said Attorney General and Justice Minister Becky Druhan. “By continuing to innovate, collaborate and lead by example, we will achieve our goal for creating a more accessible Nova Scotia.”
Progress made on the 2022-2025 plan includes adopting the Built Environment Accessibility Standard, the first of six accessibility standards. The standard will help ensure the spaces where people live, work, learn and play across Nova Scotia can be enjoyed by people with disabilities.
Quotes:
“The Government of Nova Scotia is continuing to demonstrate its ongoing commitment to creating an accessible province and delivering services, policies and programs that meet the needs of Nova Scotians with disabilities. The Accessibility Advisory Board will continue to provide advice and recommendations, based on lived experience, that will help advance this important work.”
— Max Chauvin, Chair, Accessibility Advisory Board
Quick Facts:
- this is the third multi-year plan released under the Accessibility Act; it reflects collaboration across all 29 government departments
- 38 per cent of Nova Scotians over the age of 15 report living with a disability
- once developed, Nova Scotia’s six accessibility standards will be enacted as regulations under the Accessibility Act
- standards under development include education, employment, goods and services, public transportation and information and communication
Additional Resources:
2025-2028 Accessibility Plan: https://novascotia.ca/accessibility/plan/
Accessibility Act: https://nslegislature.ca/sites/default/files/legc/statutes/accessibility.pdf
News release – Nova Scotia’s First Accessibility Standard Addresses Outdoor Spaces, Recreation Buildings: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2025/03/17/nova-scotias-first-accessibility-standard-addresses-outdoor-spaces-recreation
More information on accessibility standards in development: https://accessible.novascotia.ca/creating-accessibility-standards
Access by Design 2030: https://novascotia.ca/accessibility/access-by-design/
-
MIL-OSI: CREDIT AGRICOLE S.A. ANNOUNCES REDEMPTION OF ¥105,500,000,000 Japanese Yen Callable Senior Non-Preferred Bonds issued on June 4, 2020 (ISIN: JP525022AL60)
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
Montrouge, May 6, 2025
CREDIT AGRICOLE S.A. ANNOUNCES REDEMPTION OF
¥105,500,000,000 Japanese Yen Callable Senior Non-Preferred Bonds
issued on June 4, 2020 (ISIN: JP525022AL60)*
Crédit Agricole S.A. (the “Issuer”) announces today the redemption (the “Redemption”) with effect on June 4, 2025 (the “Redemption Date”) of all of its outstanding ¥105,500,000,000 Japanese Yen Callable Senior Non-Preferred Bonds – issued on June 4, 2020 (ISIN: JP525022AL60) (the “Bonds”) pursuant to Condition 7 (4) (Redemption at the option of the Issuer) of the Conditions of the Bonds (the “Conditions of the Bonds”), at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount together with interest accrued to and including the date fixed for redemption (the “Redemption Amount”).
On the Redemption Date, the Redemption Amount shall become due and payable and, in accordance with Condition 6 (3) of the Conditions of the Bonds, unless the Redemption Amount is improperly withheld or refused, each Bond shall cease to bear interest on the Redemption Date.
The holders of the Bonds will receive formal notice of the Redemption in accordance with the Conditions of the Bonds.
For further information on Crédit Agricole S.A., please see Crédit Agricole S.A.’s website: https://www.credit-agricole.com/en/finance.
DISCLAIMER
This press release does not constitute an offer to buy or the solicitation of an offer to sell the Bonds in the United States of America, Canada, Australia or Japan or in any other jurisdiction. The distribution of this press release in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. Persons into whose possession this announcement comes are required to inform themselves about, and to observe, any such restrictions
No communication or information relating to the redemption of the Bonds may be distributed to the public in a country where a registration obligation or an approval is required. No action has been or will be taken in any country where such action would be required. The redemption of the Bonds may be subject to specific legal and regulatory restrictions in certain jurisdictions; Crédit Agricole S.A. accepts no liability in connection with a breach by any person of such restrictions.
This press release is an advertisement; and none of this press release, any notice or any other document or material made public and/or delivered, or which may be made public and/or delivered to the holders of the Bonds in connection with the redemption of the Bonds is or is intended to be a prospectus for the purposes of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 of the European Parliament and of the Council dated 14 June 2017 (as amended, the “Prospectus Regulation”). No prospectus will be published in connection with the redemption of the Bonds for the purposes of the Prospectus Regulation.
This press release does not, and shall not, in any circumstances, constitute an offer to the public of Bonds by Crédit Agricole S.A. nor an invitation to the public in connection with any offer in any jurisdiction, including France.
* The ISIN number is included solely for the convenience of the holders of the Bonds. No representation is being made as to the correctness or accuracy of the ISIN number either as printed on the Bonds or as contained herein and the holder may rely only on the identification numbers printed on its Bond.
モンルージュ、2025年5月6日
クレディ・アグリコル・エス・エー
第7回期限前償還条項付非上位円貨社債（2020）
（2020年6月4日発行、1,055億円（ISIN: JP525022AL60）*）の
期限前償還を公表
クレディ・アグリコル・エス・エー（「発行会社」）は、2020年6月4日に発行したクレディ・アグリコル・エス・エー第7回期限前償還条項付非上位円貨社債（2020）（ISIN: JP525022AL60）（「本社債」）の1,055億円全額について、本社債の要項（「社債要項」）第7項（4）（発行会社による任意償還）に基づき、2025年6月4日付（「償還期日」）で、本社債の金額の100％に償還期日（その日を含む。）までの経過利息を付して（「償還金額」）期限前償還（「本償還」）することを本日公表いたしました。
償還期日に償還金額の支払期限が到来し、社債要項第6項（3）に基づき、償還金額の不当な留保又は拒絶がなされない限り、償還期日をもって各本社債にかかる利息の付与が停止されます。
本社債の所持人は、社債要項に従い、本償還に関する正式な通知を受ける予定です。
クレディ・アグリコル・エス・エーの詳細については、クレディ・アグリコル・エス・エーのWebサイト（https://www.credit-agricole.com/en/finance）をご参照ください。
免責事項
本プレスリリースは、米国、カナダ、オーストラリア、日本またはその他の法域において、本社債の購入の申込みまたは売却の申込みの勧誘を構成するものではありません。一定の法域においては、本プレスリリースの配布が法律によって制約される場合があります。本プレスリリースを入手した者には、かかる制約について自ら調査し、遵守することが要求されます。
登録義務または承認が要求される国においては、本社債の償還に関するコミュニケーションまたは情報を公に配布してはなりません。かかる措置が要求される国において、いかなる措置も講じられておらず、または講じられる予定もありません。本社債の償還は、一定の法域において、特定の法律および規制上の制約を受ける可能性があります。クレディ・アグリコル・エス・エーは、かかる制約に対するいかなる者の違反についても、一切責任を負いません。
本プレスリリースは広告にすぎず、本プレスリリース、または本社債の償還に関連し本社債の債権者に対し公表および／もしくは交付された、または公表および／もしくは交付される通知その他の文書または資料は、2017年6月14日付欧州議会および理事会の規則（EU）第2017/1129号（その後の改正を含み、以下「目論見書規則」）上の目論見書ではなく、かかる目論見書を意図したものでもありません。目論見書規則の適用上、本社債の償還に関して目論見書は発行されません。
本プレスリリースは、いかなる場合においても、クレディ・アグリコル・エス・エーによる本社債の公募を構成するものではなく、またフランスを含むいかなる法域における申込みに関連しても、勧誘を構成するものではありません。
* ISIN番号は、本社債の債権者の便宜のためにのみ付されたものです。本社債に印刷されたまたは本プレスリリースに記載されたISIN番号の正しさまたは正確性を表明するものではなく、債権者は、本社債に印刷された識別番号にのみ依拠することができます。
CRÉDIT AGRICOLE S.A. PRESS CONTACT
Alexandre Barat + 33 1 57 72 12 19 alexandre.barat@credit-agricole-sa.fr
Olivier Tassain + 33 1 43 23 25 41 olivier.tassain@credit-agricole-sa.frFind our press release on: www.credit-agricole.com – www.creditagricole.info
Crédit_Agricole Groupe Crédit Agricole créditagricole_sa Attachment
-
MIL-OSI: CREDIT AGRICOLE S.A. ANNOUNCES REDEMPTION OF ¥5,800,000,000 Japanese Yen Callable Subordinated Bonds issued on June 4, 2020 (ISIN: JP525022CL68)
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
Montrouge, May 6, 2025
CREDIT AGRICOLE S.A. ANNOUNCES REDEMPTION OF
¥5,800,000,000 Japanese Yen Callable Subordinated Bonds
issued on June 4, 2020 (ISIN: JP525022CL68)*
Crédit Agricole S.A. (the “Issuer”) announces today the redemption (the “Redemption”) with effect on June 4, 2025 (the “Redemption Date”) of all of its outstanding ¥5,800,000,000 Japanese Yen Callable Subordinated Bonds – issued on June 4, 2020 (ISIN: JP525022CL68) (the “Bonds”) pursuant to Condition 7 (5) (Redemption at the option of the Issuer) of the Conditions of the Bonds (the “Conditions of the Bonds”), at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount together with interest accrued to and including the date fixed for redemption (the “Redemption Amount”).
On the Redemption Date, the Redemption Amount shall become due and payable and, in accordance with Condition 6 (3) of the Conditions of the Bonds, unless the Redemption Amount is improperly withheld or refused, each Bond shall cease to bear interest on the Redemption Date.
The holders of the Bonds will receive formal notice of the Redemption in accordance with the Conditions of the Bonds.
For further information on Crédit Agricole S.A., please see Crédit Agricole S.A.’s website: https://www.credit-agricole.com/en/finance.
DISCLAIMER
This press release does not constitute an offer to buy or the solicitation of an offer to sell the Bonds in the United States of America, Canada, Australia or Japan or in any other jurisdiction. The distribution of this press release in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. Persons into whose possession this announcement comes are required to inform themselves about, and to observe, any such restrictions
No communication or information relating to the redemption of the Bonds may be distributed to the public in a country where a registration obligation or an approval is required. No action has been or will be taken in any country where such action would be required. The redemption of the Bonds may be subject to specific legal and regulatory restrictions in certain jurisdictions; Crédit Agricole S.A. accepts no liability in connection with a breach by any person of such restrictions.
This press release is an advertisement; and none of this press release, any notice or any other document or material made public and/or delivered, or which may be made public and/or delivered to the holders of the Bonds in connection with the redemption of the Bonds is or is intended to be a prospectus for the purposes of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 of the European Parliament and of the Council dated 14 June 2017 (as amended, the “Prospectus Regulation”). No prospectus will be published in connection with the redemption of the Bonds for the purposes of the Prospectus Regulation.
This press release does not, and shall not, in any circumstances, constitute an offer to the public of Bonds by Crédit Agricole S.A. nor an invitation to the public in connection with any offer in any jurisdiction, including France.
* The ISIN number is included solely for the convenience of the holders of the Bonds. No representation is being made as to the correctness or accuracy of the ISIN number either as printed on the Bonds or as contained herein and the holder may rely only on the identification numbers printed on its Bond.
モンルージュ、2025年5月6日
クレディ・アグリコル・エス・エー
第7回期限前償還条項付円貨社債（劣後特約付）（2020）
（2020年6月4日発行、58億円（ISIN: JP525022CL68）*）の
期限前償還を公表
クレディ・アグリコル・エス・エー（「発行会社」）は、2020年6月4日に発行したクレディ・アグリコル・エス・エー第7回期限前償還条項付円貨社債（劣後特約付）（2020）（ISIN: JP525022CL68）（「本社債」）の58億円全額について、本社債の要項（「社債要項」）第7項（5）（発行会社による任意償還）に基づき、2025年6月4日付（「償還期日」）で、本社債の金額の100％に償還期日（その日を含む。）までの経過利息を付して（「償還金額」）期限前償還（「本償還」）することを本日公表いたしました。
償還期日に償還金額の支払期限が到来し、社債要項第6項（3）に基づき、償還金額の不当な留保又は拒絶がなされない限り、償還期日をもって各本社債にかかる利息の付与が停止されます。
本社債の所持人は、社債要項に従い、本償還に関する正式な通知を受ける予定です。
クレディ・アグリコル・エス・エーの詳細については、クレディ・アグリコル・エス・エーのWebサイト（https://www.credit-agricole.com/en/finance）をご参照ください。
免責事項
本プレスリリースは、米国、カナダ、オーストラリア、日本またはその他の法域において、本社債の購入の申込みまたは売却の申込みの勧誘を構成するものではありません。一定の法域においては、本プレスリリースの配布が法律によって制約される場合があります。本プレスリリースを入手した者には、かかる制約について自ら調査し、遵守することが要求されます。
登録義務または承認が要求される国においては、本社債の償還に関するコミュニケーションまたは情報を公に配布してはなりません。かかる措置が要求される国において、いかなる措置も講じられておらず、または講じられる予定もありません。本社債の償還は、一定の法域において、特定の法律および規制上の制約を受ける可能性があります。クレディ・アグリコル・エス・エーは、かかる制約に対するいかなる者の違反についても、一切責任を負いません。
本プレスリリースは広告にすぎず、本プレスリリース、または本社債の償還に関連し本社債の債権者に対し公表および／もしくは交付された、または公表および／もしくは交付される通知その他の文書または資料は、2017年6月14日付欧州議会および理事会の規則（EU）第2017/1129号（その後の改正を含み、以下「目論見書規則」）上の目論見書ではなく、かかる目論見書を意図したものでもありません。目論見書規則の適用上、本社債の償還に関して目論見書は発行されません。
本プレスリリースは、いかなる場合においても、クレディ・アグリコル・エス・エーによる本社債の公募を構成するものではなく、またフランスを含むいかなる法域における申込みに関連しても、勧誘を構成するものではありません。
* ISIN番号は、本社債の債権者の便宜のためにのみ付されたものです。本社債に印刷されたまたは本プレスリリースに記載されたISIN番号の正しさまたは正確性を表明するものではなく、債権者は、本社債に印刷された識別番号にのみ依拠することができます。
CRÉDIT AGRICOLE S.A. PRESS CONTACT
Alexandre Barat + 33 1 57 72 12 19 alexandre.barat@credit-agricole-sa.fr
Olivier Tassain + 33 1 43 23 25 41 olivier.tassain@credit-agricole-sa.frFind our press release on: www.credit-agricole.com – www.creditagricole.info
Crédit_Agricole Groupe Crédit Agricole créditagricole_sa Attachment
-
MIL-OSI Canada: New water-monitoring program could save 1.5 billion litres a year
Source: Government of Canada regional news
Homeowners and businesses in rural British Columbia will soon benefit from new water meters that will help small communities save water and increase resiliency during droughts, while lowering costs for people who use less water.
“Drinking water is an incredibly precious resource,” said Brittny Anderson, Minister of State for Local Governments and Rural Communities. “Small and rural communities in B.C. face higher financial and management capacity challenges, and water metering helps communities identify leaks, conserve drinking water, and keep costs down for businesses and residents.”
Nineteen small, rural and First Nations communities will benefit from nearly 15,000 new automated water meters that will be installed. Provincial funding will cover up to 100% of eligible costs. By helping communities have a better understanding of the amount of water that is used, this $50-million provincial investment could help save up to 1.5 billion litres of water each year. This is the equivalent of a day’s worth of drinking water for 750 million people, 37.5 million showers or washing 30 million loads of laundry.
The meters are part of a pilot program to help small communities and local water suppliers track and manage water use and mitigate the impact of drought, while giving people confidence that they are only paying for what they use. Once installed, the meters can help reduce water use by up to 30%. That means more water stays in rivers and lakes to support fish and ecosystems, with less money spent on building new water systems.
“People in small and rural communities deserve reliable, affordable water services,” said Randene Neill, Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship. “By installing these new water meters, we’re helping communities track their water use, save money and prepare for dry seasons. This is about building stronger, more resilient communities in British Columbia.”
Water meters help keep more water in the system by providing people with an incentive to use less and identifying where leaks happen. This means lower water bills, fewer costly upgrades to water systems, and more water available during emergencies, such as wildfires. It also reduces pressure on wastewater systems and saves energy used for treating and moving water.
“This investment will give families and businesses peace of mind knowing they are only paying for the water that they use,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “It will also help communities and First Nations save clean drinking water and cut down on unnecessary maintenance. A win-win for people and the planet.”
The program also includes research that will study the benefits and investigate challenges and opportunities associated with water metering in small communities. The Province will ensure that lessons learned from this program will be made available to all water suppliers in B.C. to help them make decisions to use water more efficiently.
Quotes:
Steve Morrisette, parliamentary secretary for rural development –
“This project is a big win for families and local businesses. It helps ensure British Columbians only pay for the water they actually use, while also protecting our water sources for future generations. With all levels of government working together, it’s making a real difference where it’s needed most.”
Regional Chief Terry Teegee, BC Assembly of First Nations, on behalf of the First Nations Leadership Council –
“This is a much-needed and welcomed initiative for First Nations in rural and remote communities who continue to grapple disproportionately with the rippling effects of the climate crisis, and who also face water scarcity in their territories. With increasingly frequent droughts occurring throughout B.C., continued and sustained investments from the Province is vital to support First Nations with watershed security through data collection, monitoring and management.”
Mark Pendergraft, chair, Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) –
“The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen is pleased to participate in this important universal metering pilot program. This project will give the RDOS the opportunity to improve watershed management and improve the sustainability of local water systems going forward.”
Zoe Grams, executive director, Climate Caucus –
“Water metering is a proven tool to protect such an essential resource, but such infrastructure is often significantly challenging for local governments to implement. We celebrate the Province’s efforts to ensure more municipalities can conserve the water they need — especially as we face increasing drought.”
Coree Tull, chair, BC Watershed Security Coalition –
“This program is a crucial step in helping B.C. communities address the growing challenge of water insecurity and catch up with regions that already have water metering in place. As demand surges for housing, food, and economic growth, water metering is no longer optional — it’s essential infrastructure that enables conservation and supports smart, data-driven community water management.”
Tim Morris, director, BC Water Legacy –
“As B.C. grapples with increasing water scarcity and drought, water metering for residential and business users has become a necessity for good water management and to ensure the water security of local communities and economies. The Province’s new water-metering program is an important step that will improve watershed management for communities across B.C., help conserve precious drinking water supplies, and strengthen local drought planning and decision-making.”
Learn More:
For more information on communites that will receive funding for water meters, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/BG_WaterMeterPilot.pdf
-
MIL-OSI Canada: Northern Saskatchewan to see Record Investment to Improve Highways and Airports
Source: Government of Canada regional news
Released on May 6, 2025
Today, Highways Minister David Marit highlighted a $122.3 million investment to enhance the safety and reliability of key transportation infrastructure in northern Saskatchewan.
The 2025-26 Budget includes $86 million in capital improvements to roads and airports and $36.5 million in operation and maintenance.
“We will continue investing in northern Saskatchewan and build the necessary infrastructure for industry and the communities,” Marit said. “Since 2007-08, our government has made record investments totaling over $1 billion in the northern transportation network.”
The ministry continues to invest in northern transportation while balancing the needs of the broader provincial network. The 2025-26 Budget includes the largest investment in the northern region to date, primarily due to several large multi-year capital projects reaching the construction stage. This increase reflects the ministry’s commitment to improving infrastructure while ensuring investments align with long-term planning needs.
2025-26 Highlights include:
- Highway 2 – Design work for resurfacing near Weyakwin.
- Highway 102 – Thin Membrane Surface (TMS) upgrade from La Ronge Airport North Access to Sucker River.
- Highway 102 – Spot improvement North of Lac La Ronge.
- Highway 106 – TMS upgrade south of Highway 120 Jct.
- Highway 106 – Micro-surfacing west of Highway 165 Jct.
- Highway 106 – Strengthening, grade raise, northern spot improvements.
- Highway 135 – Clay capping and base stabilization south of Pelican Narrows.
- Highway 155 – Engineered seal west of Beauval.
- Highway 915 – Crushing and prep work for future gravel resurfacing west of Stanley Mission.
- Multiple culvert or bridge replacements critical to ensure safety and reliability.
- Preservation treatments, such as seals and micro-surfacing, that extend the life of the pavement.
- Targeted safety improvements, such as widening, alignment and guardrails.
With this year’s budget, the Government of Saskatchewan has invested more than $13.8 billion in transportation infrastructure since 2008, improving more than 21,800 km of highways across the province.
-30-
For more information, contact:
-
MIL-OSI Canada: Saskatchewan Expands RSV Immunization Program for Infants
Source: Government of Canada regional news
Released on May 6, 2025
The province is changing its approach to infant Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) immunization to include all infants born one month before and during RSV season, which typically runs annually from October 1 to March 31. Under this new plan, with parental consent, every baby born in Saskatchewan during this time will be eligible to receive a publicly funded immunization in hospital at the time of birth.
“Expanding our RSV immunization program marks a significant step forward in protecting the health of our youngest residents,” Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. “By making this protection universal during RSV season, we are helping to reduce severe outcomes in babies, ease pressure on both emergency departments and inpatient pediatric beds during respiratory season, as well as support the overall capacity of our health system. This investment reflects our commitment to giving Saskatchewan families greater peace of mind and a healthier start for their children.”
RSV infects the lungs causing pneumonia or bronchiolitis and can lead to emergency room visits and hospitalization. RSV bronchiolitis is one of the most common reasons for hospitalization of infants worldwide and has a significant impact on caregivers and families. Premature babies and infants with chronic heart or lung disease are at the highest risk of developing severe infections and death.
“We know our smallest patients are often our most vulnerable during the winter months when respiratory illness season is most prominent,” Saskatchewan Health Authority Head of Pediatrics Provincial Department Dr. Terry Klassen said. “The Saskatchewan Health Authority applauds the Government of Saskatchewan for responding to the Public Health Agency of Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization’s (NACI) recommendation and expanding the availability of RSV immunizations for newborns as an additional opportunity to protect infants against severe RSV disease.”
The previous program, based on recommendations from the Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS), targeted only high-risk children during their first and second RSV seasons using a multi-dose immunization. The new immunization (Beyfortis) requires only a single dose which will cover the infant in their first RSV season. This will also be given to some high-risk infants in their second season.
“The children of Saskatchewan will benefit greatly from our all-infant RSV immunization strategy,” SHA’s Maternal and Children’s Programs Executive Director Kim Woycik said. “The impact of this initiative will help protect our youngest and most vulnerable patients from severe lung infections, as well as ease capacity pressures on our emergency rooms and pediatric units during respiratory season. The RSV immunization program will help spare many parents the distress of seeing their child be hospitalized.”
Broader immunity can reduce severe outcomes in infants, helping to protect health system capacity by easing pressure on services and reducing the pediatric hospitalizations typically experienced during respiratory season.
RSV immunization should be considered for all infants born during their first RSV season, and for those with increased risk during their second season. For additional information on RSV immunization, it is best to discuss with your prenatal care team, maternal health care providers while in hospital, or contact your primary health care provider.
For more information, visit: saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/public-health-issues/respiratory-illnesses/RSV-Infant-Immunization-Program.
-30-
For more information, contact:
-
MIL-OSI: FillaRole Launches AI-Powered Hiring Platform to Transform Canadian Employment
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
SASKATOON, Saskatchewan, May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Canadian businesses now have a smarter, faster way to hire—thanks to FillaRole. Officially launched in beta earlier this year, the AI-powered platform is now fully available across the country and has already attracted more than 40,000 job applicants and 90,000 users.
Unlike traditional job boards that leave hiring teams buried under piles of unqualified resumes, FillaRole is purpose-built to simplify employment. The platform combines advanced artificial intelligence with real human support to instantly organize, rank, and categorize applicants by location and fit. With growing national attention, FillaRole recently earned a coveted spot in VentureLAB’s Accelerated Growth Program, which supports high-potential Canadian tech companies that are redefining their industries.
Built for Real-World Employers, Not Recruiters
“Business owners don’t have time to babysit job boards. You post a job, get flooded with resumes, and hope for the best,” said Keli Propp, CEO of FillaRole. “Platforms like Indeed or ZipRecruiter leave you doing all the work. FillaRole actually cares if you succeed. Whether you need one great local hire or a shortlist of candidates from across the country, or across the globe, we make it easy.”
FillaRole is a three-generation, family-owned and operated Canadian job platform. While designed for employers of all sizes and industries, it has proven especially successful in the construction, manufacturing, hospitality, and healthcare sector—where hiring is often urgent, but rarely anyone’s full-time job. The company has recently gained high-profile support through its new strategic advisor, Jon Reyes, former Cabinet Minister for the Province of Manitoba, who brings valuable credibility and deep insight into workforce policy and immigration strategy.
Key Features That Save Time and Stress
Getting started on average takes just seven minutes. Employers sign-up for free, answer a few quick questions, and FillaRole’s team and technology take it from there. Key features include:
- One-click posting to 19+ job boards – Maximize visibility in a single step.
- AI-powered matching – Candidates are instantly ranked by fit and location, saving hours.
- Human support when you need it – From writing job ads to scheduling interviews.
- Performance reporting in 48 hours – Know what’s working and where to adjust.
- Local talent first – Prioritizes qualified candidates near you, with the ability to tap into global talent when needed.
- Immigration-ready talent access – For hard-to-fill roles, access over 40,000 skilled workers through a trusted partner with a 99.5% success rate.
Built for Local Talent, Ready for the World
FillaRole operates on the principle of “Hire Near. Hire FaR.” While the platform emphasizes securing local talent, it also recognizes that sometimes local talent isn’t available. In such cases, FillaRole provides seamless, compliant, and stress-free access to global talent through its partnerships with various vetted Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) across Canada.
Job seekers also benefit from FillaRole’s streamlined approach. Whether they’re Canadian residents or immigration-ready professionals, candidates can register and get matched with real job opportunities that align with their skills and experience. They’ll also receive ongoing push notifications when new, relevant roles are posted—no more sifting through outdated listings.
FillaRole is a comprehensive solution designed to give businesses a competitive edge in today’s job market. By combining convenience, efficiency, and AI precision, FillaRole delivers better candidates, less time wasted, and a hiring experience built around how real businesses operate.
“Our clients don’t care about buttons and dashboards. They just want good people and less stress,” said Propp. “We built FillaRole to deliver exactly that.”
Employers can sign up today or request a demo at www.fillarole.ca.
About FillaRole
FillaRole is an AI-powered hiring platform developed to simplify employment for Canadian businesses. By automating job postings and applicant sorting, FillaRole enables employers to save time, improve efficiency, and focus on hiring the right talent. Proudly Canadian, FillaRole supports both local and international hiring with expert guidance every step of the way. To learn more, visit www.fillarole.ca.Media Contact:
Keli Propp
CEO, FillaRole
Email: keli@fillarole.ca
Phone: 306-900-6899 -
MIL-OSI Global: Are kids resilient? Societies and families need to offer supports and relationships to nurture resilience
Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Elena Merenda, Assistant Program Head of Early Childhood Studies, University of Guelph-Humber
“Kids are resilient.” You have heard this before, right? You might have even said it, with the best of intentions.
Resilience sometimes seems like a buzzword and is used in ill-defined ways. If adults praise children’s resilience without addressing their needs, this leaves children vulnerable to harm.
Resilience doesn’t mean being unaffected by adversity — it means having the tools, relationships and supports to cope with it.
Part of my role as a child development specialist with expertise in therapeutic play, as well childhood loss and grief, is consulting work with families and educators. I see children acting out in classrooms, withdrawing at home or having difficulties processing and regulating emotions and behaviours. Finding the right supports for a child often means many things.
Offering children the environments and relationships that build resilience includes:
-
Adequate social infrastructure and resourcing to ensure families can meet basic needs in dignified ways (for example, they can access nutritious food and safe and sustainable housing);
-
Parent communities and support groups so parents aren’t expected to parent in isolation;
-
Parents and caregivers who have access to mental health support;
-
Emotionally safe classrooms that focus on supports for the whole child, not just academically rigorous ones.
In the everyday, children need adults who are well enough to care for them and present enough to notice their struggles.
Many families with deep needs
The 2024 National Report Card on Child and Family Poverty from Campaign 2000, a network of organizations committed to ending child and family poverty in Canada, reveals that in 2022, nearly one in five children were growing up in poverty.
The child poverty rate rose by two and a half percentage points from the previous year, representing the largest annual increase in child poverty on record. Lone-parent households, most of them led by women, are disproportionately affected, with one in five relying on social assistance.
As financial insecurity deepens and government supports like the Canada Child Benefit lose their effectiveness due to high costs of living, parents are under formidable financial pressure that impacts their parenting capacity and personal wellness.
Mental health gaps
Mental Health Research Canada’s 2023 report, Exploring the Mental Health Landscape of Canadian Parents, reveals that younger parents, especially those under 30, are facing self-reported elevated levels of anxiety and depression since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The data also suggests that parents of children under two years of age are more likely to receive a new mental health diagnosis, likely due to decreased contact with health-care providers during the pandemic.
What happens when parents are overwhelmed? Children feel it, and they need support to bounce back from it.
The pressures parents face are not isolated. In a 2025 study on the perceptions of kindergarten, Grade 1 and Grade 2 educators in Ontario regarding their students’ developmental and academic skills and their own mental health during the 2021 to 2022 school year, teachers reported increased anxiety and slower developmental progress in children.
Read more:
From full-day learning to 30 minutes daily: The effects of school closures on kindergarteners
Healthy development can’t be taken for granted
If we only skim headlines that children displayed resilient capacities during the pandemic without looking deeper at how the pandemic also impeded healthy development, we are missing the full picture.
It is only through longitudinal study — examining how kids are doing across time — that we’ll be able to fully understand impacts. For example, data from the Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth shows about one in five youth who felt their mental health was good in 2019 no longer felt that way four years later.
Read more:
Pandemic babies’ developmental milestones: Not as bad as we feared, but not as good as before
The 2023 Raising Canada Report, based on research conducted by researchers at the University of Calgary and McGill University and published by the non-profit organization Children First Canada, reports on violence, poverty, mental health struggles and online sexual exploitation affecting Canadian children.
The report reveals there were 40 child homicides in 2022, and rates of hospital visits for self-harm and suicide attempts among youth have doubled over the past decade.
These alarming reports suggest many families and children are struggling, lacking the resources they need to process their experiences and heal.
Building your child’s and your own resilience
Parental burnout is real — and compassion for oneself is the first step in supporting children.
A few minutes of undistracted time with your child matters.
(Shutterstock)Here are a few strategies parents can try to use, even when worn down:
Focus on connection. A few minutes of undistracted time with your child — reading a book, going for a walk or simply talking without a phone nearby — builds connection and safety. When children feel a sense of safety and connection with their parent, they are more likely to share their thoughts and emotions. When children feel safe enough to verbalize their emotions, they are more inclined to process challenging times.
Name and normalize emotions. Help your child build emotional vocabulary by labelling feelings for them in your day-to-day interactions. Saying things like “I noticed you looked frustrated when your Lego broke. That’s OK. It’s hard when things don’t go as planned” helps children to learn how to identify and name their emotions which is the first step in taming emotions.
Model self-regulation, and when you feel overwhelmed, label your feelings. Try saying, “I’m feeling really worried right now, so I’m going to take a few deep breaths.” This teaches children that big feelings are a normal human experience. It also models for children healthy coping strategies.
Ask for help and accept support. Parenting shouldn’t be done alone. Ask for help. Find a community of like-minded parents who can talk through big and small moments with you. Let your child see that it’s OK to ask for help — this is how you build resilience.
Elena Merenda does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. Are kids resilient? Societies and families need to offer supports and relationships to nurture resilience – https://theconversation.com/are-kids-resilient-societies-and-families-need-to-offer-supports-and-relationships-to-nurture-resilience-253789
-
-
MIL-OSI Canada: One Case of Measles Found in HRM
Source: Government of Canada regional news
Nova Scotia has its first case of measles in 2025, found in Halifax Regional Municipality.
The case involves a Nova Scotian who travelled outside Canada. The person had received one dose of vaccine, but people generally need two to be fully vaccinated.
There are measles outbreaks around the globe, including in other provinces and the United States. The last case in Nova Scotia was in 2023 and also travel-related.
Measles is a highly contagious disease that can lead to serious consequences, including death. It is spread when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. Measles is rare in Nova Scotia because it is preventable by getting vaccinated and is part of routine childhood immunizations. The vaccine, which is free, is safe and very effective at providing lifelong protection.
There is no treatment for measles.
“Measles is not an illness to take lightly,” said Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s Chief Medical Officer of Health. “It is highly contagious and lingers for hours in a location after an infected person leaves. I highly recommend people check their vaccination status and get vaccinated if needed. Measles vaccines are safe, effective and have been protecting us for decades.”
People born 1970 to 1995 were offered one dose of measles vaccine as children, and if they have not had a second dose, they should get one now. Those born in 1996 or later were offered two doses of measles vaccine but should get fully vaccinated now if they missed one or both doses.
Public Health also recommends infants six to 11 months of age receive a single dose of measles vaccine if they are travelling outside of Canada. People born in 1969 or earlier are generally considered immune but can consider receiving a single dose of measles vaccine if travelling outside of Canada.
There is no risk in getting the vaccine for people who have received it previously.
People can receive vaccinations from their routine vaccine provider, including family doctor, nurse practitioner, primary care pharmacist, public health office and special measles clinics.
Measles has an incubation period of seven to 21 days after infection. Initial symptoms of measles include:
- fever
- cough
- runny nose
- red, watery eyes
- small, white spots may appear inside the mouth and throat two to three days after symptoms begin.
More severe cases of measles may result in pneumonia, ear infections, swelling of the brain, blindness and death.
More information about measles and special measles clinics for immunization is available at: https://www.nshealth.ca/public-health/infectious-diseases/measles
Quick Facts:
- complications from measles can include respiratory failure, inflammation and swelling of the brain, blindness, deafness and brain injury
- over the last month, more than 2,000 people have received the vaccine in Nova Scotia Health measles clinics
Additional Resources:
Health Canada information on measles: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/measles.html
-
MIL-OSI: CNL Team Recognized With CNIC 2024 Ecosystem Innovation Award for Production of Promising New Medical Isotope
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
CHALK RIVER, Ontario, May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), Canada’s premier nuclear science and technology organization, is pleased to announce that it has been recognized by the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council (CNIC) alongside the Sylvia Fedoruk Centre and Advanced Cyclotron Systems Inc. for being the first in Canada to produce Actinium-225, a promising new medical isotope in the fight against cancer, using a cyclotron and Radium-226 targets. The team was honoured with this year’s CNIC Ecosystem Innovation Award at the annual awards ceremony held in Ottawa, Ontario on April 15th.
The CNIC Awards are an annual celebration of the growth and success of Canadian isotope industry and the contributions and innovations of its members and leading Canadian individuals in government and industry. CNIC provides a platform for its community to nominate individuals and organizations who have demonstrated leadership and championed advocacy in the industry. Receiving the Ecosystem Innovation Award, which recognizes a major milestone or initiative in Canada’s isotope industry, recognizes CNL’s ongoing efforts to establish this first-of-a-kind production process in Canada, which brings a significant increase in the quantity of this material to market, and unlocks further research and clinical trials.
“While Actinium-225 drugs have shown incredible potential to serve as a transformative cancer treatment, clinical trials and eventual drug approvals have been impeded by the tight supply scenario of Actinium-225,” commented Ram Mullur, CNL’s Vice-President of Isotopes. “More than seven years ago, CNL set out to address that challenge with the generator route of production of Actinium-225, and we are now moving ever-closer to industrial-scale production. This was enabled through the services and products provided by our collaborators, including the Sylvia Fedoruk Centre, and Advanced Cyclotron Systems. This achievement is also in support of Actineer, which is a joint venture founded in 2023 by ITM Isotope Technologies Munich SE (ITM), a leading radiopharmaceutical biotech company, and CNL. On behalf of CNL, I want to thank the CNIC for recognizing CNL, our collaborators and partners, and the people who are working so hard to bring this vision to life.”
“The Fedoruk Centre is proud to participate in this achievement with CNL. The work depended on access to the Saskatchewan Cyclotron Facility, which is owned by the University of Saskatchewan and operated by the Fedoruk Centre. Together, we have advanced the production of an exciting new medical isotope here in Canada,” commented John Root, Executive Director of the Fedoruk Centre. “We must thank the federal and provincial governments who funded the cyclotron and infrastructure to make this innovation possible.”
“The first demonstration of Actinium-225 production by CNL using ACSI’s TR-24 Cyclotron and targetry system is an important milestone for both organisations. I believe that we will continue this successful collaboration in developing technology that will help in achieving worldwide reliable supply of Actinium-225,” stated Richard Eppich, President and CEO of ACSI.
CNL is currently working as part of a network of organizations to establish a reliable, industrial-scale production process for Actinium-225. “CNL has come a long way in the last seven years, and this award recognizes all of the hard work we have put in to help achieve this unmet need in the radiopharmaceutical industry,” added Mullur. “But I am pleased to say that we are just getting started, and continue to refine, optimize and improve all aspects of the production process, from development through to the extraction and distribution of the final product. And with each step, our optimism continues to grow that this isotope has the potential to serve as a safe and effective treatment for a variety of cancers.”
To learn more about CNL, including its work to produce Actinium-225, please visit www.cnl.ca.
About CNL
As Canada’s premier nuclear science and technology laboratory and working under the direction of Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL), CNL is a world leader in the development of innovative nuclear science and technology products and services. Guided by an ambitious corporate strategy known as Vision 2030, CNL fulfills three strategic priorities of national importance – restoring and protecting the environment, advancing clean energy technologies, and contributing to the health of Canadians.By leveraging the assets owned by AECL, CNL also serves as the nexus between government, the nuclear industry, the broader private sector and the academic community. CNL works in collaboration with these sectors to advance innovative Canadian products and services towards real-world use, including carbon-free energy, cancer treatments and other therapies, non-proliferation technologies and waste management solutions.
To learn more about CNL, please visit www.cnl.ca.
About the Sylvia Fedoruk Centre
The Fedoruk Centre is a not-for-profit corporation with the University of Saskatchewan (USask) as its sole member and an independent board of directors appointed by the USask board of governors. The Fedoruk Centre board is responsible for providing high-level strategic direction and oversight of Fedoruk Centre operations.For more information about the Fedoruk Centre, visit: www.fedorukcentre.ca
About Advanced Cyclotron Systems Inc.
Advanced Cyclotron Systems, Inc. (ACSI) is a world leader in the design and manufacturing of cyclotron systems. With over 30 years of experience and more than 60 cyclotron systems installed, ACSI can provide a wide range of equipment and services worldwide. ACSI cyclotrons are used for the commercial production and distribution of PET and SPECT nuclides by internationally recognized companies and leading universities and research facilities. ACSI cyclotrons are designed, manufactured, and assembled in Richmond, Canada.ACSI offers a full spectrum of cyclotron systems ranging from PET cyclotrons to medium and high energy accelerators. All ACSI manufactured cyclotrons have variable energy and employ external ion source technology, offering the highest beam current output available on the market.
The versatility, high beam current and exceptional quality of ACSI cyclotrons are the reasons why many of the world’s most prestigious universities and research centers, as well as some of the most successful commercial radioisotope producers have chosen ACSI cyclotrons to meet their radioisotope production needs.
ACSI headquarters and manufacturing facility is located in Richmond, BC, Canada.
For more information, please visit www.advancedcyclotron.com.
CNL Contact:
Philip Kompass
Director, Corporate Communications
1-866-886-2325
media@cnl.caSylvia Fedoruk Centre Contact:
Daniel Hallen
USask Media Relations
daniel.hallen@usask.ca
306-966-6922Advanced Cyclotron Systems Inc. Contact
Alex Zyuzin
Director of Research & Business Development
azyuzin@advancedcyclotron.comA photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/13192f18-235c-42e2-8bce-2e97b6df9c16
-
MIL-OSI: Silver Tiger Metals Inc. to Present at the Metals & Mining Virtual Investor Conference May 7th
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Silver Tiger Metals Inc. (TSXV: SLVR, OTCQX: SLVTF), based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, focused on Developing Production at the El Tigre Silver Mining District in Sonora Mexico, today announced that Glenn Jessome, President & CEO will present live at the Metals & Mining Virtual Investor Conference hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com, on May 7th.
DATE: May 7th
TIME: 1:00 – 1:30 pm ET
LINK: REGISTER HERE
Available for 1×1 meetings: May 7th, 8th, and 12thThis will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event.
It is recommended that online investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates.
Learn more about the event at www.virtualinvestorconferences.com.
About Silver Tiger and the El Tigre Historic Mine District
Silver Tiger Metals Inc. is a Canadian company whose management has more than 27 years’ experience discovering, financing, and building large hydrothermal gold and silver mines in Mexico. Silver Tiger’s 100% owned 28,414 hectare Historic El Tigre Mining District is located in Sonora, Mexico. Principled environmental, social and governance practices are core priorities at Silver Tiger.
Silver Tiger commenced work on its El Tigre Project in 2017. El Tigre intends to build an open pit and underground mine. Silver Tiger has drilled over 150,000 meters at the El Tigre Project, with 119,000 meters completed since 2020. Silver Tiger has completed several MREs, a maiden MRE in 2017 and MRE updates in 2023 and 2024. The PEA for the El Tigre open pit was released in November 2023.
The October 2024 PFS for the El Tigre open pit delivered robust economics. The PFS projects an After-Tax NPV of US$222 million at a 5% discount rate, an After-Tax IRR of 40.0%, and a payback period of 2.0 years. This open pit operation is expected to have a 10-year mine life. The El Tigre project delivers a life of mine undiscounted After-Tax Cash Flow of US$318 million, with initial capital costs of $86.8 million (including $9.3 million in contingency). Operating cash costs are projected at $973/oz AuEq and $12/oz AgEq, with AISC at $1,214/oz AuEq and $14/oz AgEq. The economics of the Project have been evaluated based on a discounted $26/oz silver price and gold price of $2,150/oz.
Silver Tiger is now drilling from underground drill pads, focusing on the high-grade silver Veins, Sulphide and Shale Zones. A PEA for the permitted underground mineral resource is expected to be released in the first half of 2025.
About Virtual Investor Conferences®
Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors.Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access. Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors.
CONTACTS:
Silver Tiger Metals Inc.
Devin Devarennes
VP Corporate Development & Investor Relations
902-233-3656
Devin@silvertigermetals.comVirtual Investor Conferences
John M. Viglotti
SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access
OTC Markets Group
(212) 220-2221
johnv@otcmarkets.com -
MIL-OSI Security: Fort McMurray — Wood Buffalo RCMP conduct drug trafficking investigation, suspect arrested
Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
On Feb. 7, 2025, at approximately 2 p.m., Wood Buffalo RCMP Crime Reduction Unit conducted a traffic stop with a 48-year-old male suspect related to an ongoing drug trafficking investigation in Fort McMurray. The suspect was arrested without incident. Following the traffic stop, Wood Buffalo RCMP Drug Section executed a judicially authorized search warrant at two separate residences in the Timberlea area of Fort McMurray related to the same drug trafficking investigation.
During the search warrant, police located and seized:
• 14 grams of suspected cocaine
• Over $8,000 in Canadian Currency
• Drug paraphernalia
The male was later released from police custody on an Appearance Notice. During the course of the police investigation, it is alleged that the suspect was operating as a taxi driver to assist in this criminal enterprise.
The 48-year-old individual, a resident of Fort McMurray, has been charged with the following:
• Possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking
The 48-year-old individual is set to appear in the Alberta Court of Justice in Fort McMurray on April 22, 2025.
Anyone with information regarding criminal activity in their neighbourhood is asked to contact the Wood Buffalo RCMP at (780) 788‐4040. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1‐800‐222‐8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.
To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play.
-
MIL-OSI Security: Wetaskiwin — Wetaskiwin RCMP traffic stop leads to seizure of drugs and firearm
Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
On March 25, 2025, Wetaskiwin RCMP received a report of an impaired driver. Wetaskiwin General Duty Officers and Wetaskiwin Crime Reduction Unit responded to the call. Upon arriving on scene, two occupants were identified departing from the vehicle. Occupants were arrested, and a further investigation led to a search of the vehicle resulting in the seizure of:
• A sawed-off rifle;
• 60 grams of methamphetamine;
• 14 grams of fentanyl;
• unstamped cigarettes.
A 33-year-old individual, a resident of Wetaskiwin, was charged with:
• Possession for the purpose of Trafficking (x2);
• Drive while prohibited;
• Breach Firearms prohibition order;
• Firearms offences (x5).
A 27-years-old individual, a resident of Maskwacis, was charged with:
• Breach of Conditional Sentence Order;
• Breach Firearms prohibition order (x2);
• Firearms offences (x5).
Both were brought before a justice of the peace and remanded into custody and are set to appear back in court March 27, 2025 at the Alberta Court of Justice in Wetaskiwin.
-
MIL-OSI Security: Red Deer — Red Deer RCMP investigate found human remains – Update
Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Red Deer RCMP advise that the remainder of the human remains have been located by searchers in the Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary. The remains have been transported to the Calgary Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. RCMP continue to work with the medical examiner to identify the remains. Although early in the investigation, there is no evidence to suggest that this death is suspicious.
Background
April 3, 2025
Red Deer RCMP investigate found human remains
On March 29, 2025, Red Deer RCMP received a report of human remains located in the Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary of Red Deer. RCMP attended and recovered the remains which have been transported to the Calgary Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Searches of the area continue and RCMP ask that the public avoid the area and stay on trails in this environmentally sensitive location.
RCMP continue to work with the Medical Examiner to determine the identity of the remains.
An update about this investigation is anticipate once more information is known.
-
MIL-OSI NGOs: Global CEO pay increased by 50 percent since 2019, 56 times more than worker wages
Source: Oxfam –
- Average CEO pay surged by 50 percent in real terms since 2019, while average worker wages increased by just 0.9 percent.
- Every hour, billionaires pocket more wealth than the average worker earns in an entire year.
- The average gender pay gap in 11,366 corporations worldwide narrowed slightly from 27 percent to 22 percent between 2022 and 2023 ―yet their average female employee still effectively works for free on Fridays, while their average male employee is paid through the week.
- Oxfam and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) are calling for higher taxes on the super-rich to invest in people and planet.
Average global CEO pay hit $4.3 million in 2024, reveals new analysis from Oxfam ahead of International Workers’ Day (1 May). This is a 50 percent real-term increase from $2.9 million in 2019 (adjusted for inflation) —a rise that far outpaces the real wage growth of the average worker, who saw a 0.9 percent increase over the same five-year period in the countries where CEO pay data is available.
The figures are median averages, based on full executive pay packages, including bonuses and stock options, from nearly 2,000 corporations across 35 countries where CEOs were paid more than $1 million in 2024. The data, analyzed by Oxfam, was sourced from the S&P Capital IQ database, which uses publicly reported company financials.
- Ireland and Germany have some of the highest-paid CEOs, earning an average of $6.7 million and $4.7 million a year in 2024 respectively.
- Average CEO pay in South Africa was $1.6 million in 2024, while in India, it reached $2 million.
“Year after year, we see the same grotesque spectacle: CEO pay explodes while workers’ wages barely budge. This isn’t a glitch in the system —it’s the system working exactly as designed, funnelling wealth ever upwards while millions of working people struggle to afford rent, food, and healthcare,” said Oxfam International Executive Director Amitabh Behar.
Boosts to global CEO pay come as warnings grow that wages are failing to keep pace with the cost of living. While the International Labor Organization (ILO) global reports real wages grew by 2.7 percent in 2024, many workers have seen their wages stagnate. In France, South Africa and Spain for example, real wage growth was just 0.6 percent last year. While wage inequality had decreased globally, it remains very high, particularly in low-income countries, where the share of income of the richest 10 percent is 3.4 times higher than the poorest 40 percent.
Billionaires —who often fully, or in part, own large corporations— pocketed on average $206 billion in new wealth over the last year. This is equivalent to $23,500 an hour, more than the global average income in 2023 ($21,000).
Beyond runaway CEO pay, the global working class is now facing a new threat: sweeping US tariffs. These policies pose significant risks for workers worldwide, including job losses and rising costs for basic goods that would stoke extreme inequality everywhere.“For so many workers worldwide, President Trump’s reckless use of tariffs means a push from one cruel order to another: from the frying pan of destructive neoliberal trade policy to the fire of weaponized tariffs. These policies will not only hurt working families in the US, but especially harm workers trying to escape poverty in some of the world’s poorest countries,” said Behar.
Increasingly, corporations are being required by law to report their gender pay gaps ―the average difference in earnings between women and men. Oxfam’s analysis of the S&P Capital IQ database found that among 11,366 corporations across 82 countries that reported gender pay gap data, the average gap narrowed slightly from 27 percent to 22 percent between 2022 and 2023. Yet, on average, women in these corporations still effectively work without pay on Fridays, while their male counterparts are paid for the full week.
Corporations in Japan and South Korea reported some of the highest average gender pay gaps in 2023 (around 40 percent). The average gap in Latin America was 36 percent in 2023, up from 34 percent the previous year. Corporations in Canada, Denmark, Ireland, and the UK reported average pay gaps of 16 percent.
Oxfam’s analysis also found that out of 45,501 corporations across 168 countries where the CEO is paid more than $10 million and their gender is reported, fewer than 7 percent have a female CEO.
“The outrageous pay inequality between CEOs and workers confirms that we lack democracy where it is needed most: at work. Around the world, workers are being denied the basics of life while corporations pocket record profits, dodge taxes and lobby to evade responsibility,” said Luc Triangle, General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC).
“Workers are demanding a New Social Contract that works for them —not the billionaires undermining democracy. Fair taxation, strong public services, living wages and a just transition are not radical demands —they are the foundation of a just society. It’s time to end the billionaire coup against democracy and put people and planet first.”
Oxfam and the ITUC are calling on governments to sustain and accelerate momentum on taxing the super-rich, both nationally and globally. This includes introducing top marginal rates of tax of at least 75 percent on all personal income for the highest earners to discourage sky-high executive pay. Governments must also ensure minimum wages keep up with inflation, and that everyone has the right to unionize, strike and bargain collectively.
-
MIL-OSI Security: Grande Prairie — Grande Prairie RCMP CRU arrests two for drug trafficking
Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
On April 7, 2025, Grande Prairie RCMP received a complaint of a suspicious person and vehicle. Upon approach by RCMP members, the vehicle fled the scene at a high rate of speed. Members noted vehicle information for further investigation.
On April 10, 2025, the vehicle was seen by a Grande Prairie RCMP Police Dog Services member, who advised the Grande Prairie RCMP CRU (Crime Reduction Unit). Grande Prairie RCMP CRU were able to locate the vehicle and conduct a traffic stop, which led to the arrests of the two individuals found within.
A search of the vehicle incidental to arrest revealed 125 grams of methamphetamines, 30 grams of fentanyl and over $2000 in cash.
As a result of the investigation, the following two individuals were arrested:
- A 45-year-old individual, a resident of Grande Prairie, was charged with:
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking (x2);
- Possession of proceeds of crime;
- Possession of weapon while prohibited (x4);
- Obstruct police officer;
- Dangerous driving;
- Failure to comply with release order (x2); and
- Driving while unauthorized.
- A 30-year-old individual, a resident of Grande Prairie, was charged with two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking and one count of possession of proceeds of crime.
Both individuals were brought before a justice of the peace. The 45-year-old individual was released on conditions while the 30-year-old individual was remanded into custody. They are to appear before the Alberta Court of Justice in Grande Prairie on April 14, 2025.
- A 45-year-old individual, a resident of Grande Prairie, was charged with:
-
MIL-OSI Security: Red Deer — Red Deer RCMP respond to report of firearm – Update 1
Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Yesterday, at approximately 11:49 a.m., Red Deer RCMP responded to an individual seen with an imitation firearm. In connection to this incident Red Deer RCMP has charged an 18-year-old individual, a resident of Red Deer, with the following offences:
- Carrying concealed weapon
- Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose
- Uttering threats
- Using imitation firearm in the commission of an offence
- Fail to comply with release order condition x3
- Fail to comply x3
The individual was taken before a justice of the peace and was remanded into custody. He is scheduled to appear in court on April 16, 2025, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Red Deer.
As charges against the two youths have not yet been sworn, no additional information is available.
Background:
Red Deer RCMP respond to report of firearm
Today, at approximately 11:49 a.m., Red Deer RCMP received a report of an individual seen with a firearm located in a field within the neighbourhood of Lancaster.
Officers responded and arrested an 18-year-old male and two youths, one male and one female. They were taken into custody without incident. The firearm was recovered and was confirmed to be a replica firearm.
As charges are currently pending no additional information can be released at this time.
-
MIL-OSI Security: Morinville — Alberta RCMP Major Crimes Unit investigate homicide in Morinville
Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
On April 18, 2025, at approximately 4:30 a.m., Morinville RCMP responded to a complaint of a shooting in the Morinville Estates Manufactured Home Community. EMS and STARS attended; however, 37-year-old Shayne Fry of St. Albert, Alta., was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Though investigation is still ongoing, preliminary findings suggest that the shooting was most likely targeted, and the RCMP does not believe there is a risk to the general public.
Alberta RCMP Major Crimes Unit has taken carriage of the investigation, with assistance from Morinville RCMP General Investigation Section and Alberta RCMP Forensic Identification Services.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to please contact the Morinville RCMP Detachment at 780-939-4520. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www. P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store. To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play.
-
MIL-OSI Security: Foothills County — High River RCMP and Southern Alberta Crime Reduction Unit make arrests for stolen property
Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
On April 21, 2025, High River RCMP and the Southern Alberta Crime Reduction Unit, with the assistance of Okotoks RCMP, and the Emergency Response Team executed a search warrant at an acreage located in Foothills County. The search warrant resulted in the recovery of numerous stolen property including: 2 vehicles, 4 trailers, 1 ATV, 3 dirt bikes, and firearms. Two males were arrested on scene, and a third male fled the scene in a stolen truck. He was located and arrested after attempting to evade police.
The three males have been charged with the following offences:
- Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000
- Possession of weapon obtained by crime
- Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose
- Possession of break in tools
- Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle
- Criminal Flight
- Mischief over $5000
- Obstruct Police Officer
- Fail to comply with release order
- Careless storage of firearm
- Firearm in motor vehicle
They remain in custody awaiting court proceedings. An update is anticipated at a later time.
This search warrant and arrests were a direct result of the work of the Southern Alberta Crime Reduction Unit, in conjunction with several Southern Alberta RCMP detachments.
-
MIL-OSI Banking: Lufthansa shareholders approve all agenda items at the Annual General Meeting
Source: Lufthansa Group
About 1,500 shareholders followed today’s 72th Annual General Meeting of Deutsche Lufthansa AG online. A total of 42,16 percent of the share capital was represented. Nine items were on the agenda for the Annual General Meeting. The shareholders of the company approved all items by a large majority.
The shareholders thereby approved the actions of the members of the Executive Board and the Supervisory Board for the 2024 financial year by a large majority.
The items on the agenda of the Annual General Meeting included the appropriation of balance sheet profits, which provides for the distribution of a dividend of EUR 0.30 per share, and the election of members of the Supervisory Board. Erich Clementi, Dr. Astrid Stange, and Angela Titzrath were re-elected to the Supervisory Board. Dr. Alexis von Hoensbroech, Chief Executive Officer of Canadian airline the WestJet Airlines, was newly elected to the Supervisory Board.
-
MIL-OSI Global: Jostling for the papacy: A look back on the conclave’s history
Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Colin Rose, Associate Professor of European and Digital History, Brock University
Pope Francis’s successor will be elected in the coming days in a millennium-old ceremony known as the papal conclave. During the conclave, the 135 eligible Cardinal Electors of the Catholic Church will sequester themselves and elect a new pope in isolation.
During that time, they will have no contact with the outside world and they will vote repeatedly, in written ballots and verbal declaration, until one of them achieves a two-thirds majority.
Every failure brings sighs from the crowds in St. Peter’s Square as the votes, burned with a chemical admixture, send up a plume of inky black smoke from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel. White smoke, signalling a new pope has been elected, provokes cheers and celebrations and the beginning of a new papal era.
Read more:
How the next pope will be elected – what goes on at the conclave
The history of the conclave, especially during the Italian Renaissance that I teach and research, tells us a lot about how the papacy is both a religious and a political office.
The Pope is at once the supreme pontiff of the Catholic Church as well as the absolute monarch of Vatican City. He is both bishop of Rome and prince of the smallest sovereign state in the world.
Politics of the papacy
In the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries, the Vatican was the capital of a much-larger Papal State. This territorial buffer around Rome at its height bordered the territories of Florence, Naples, Milan and Venice, and covered much of northern Italy.
Popes wielded great influence in the dramatic politics of famous Italian families like the Medici: it was a Medici pope, Clement VII, who helped negotiate the installation of the first Medici duke in Florence.
Apocryphal accounts persist of Julius II, the so-called “Warrior Pope,” leading a charge over the walls of Bologna in 1506.
At the same time popes, and Catholic policy, had profound consequences for European and global politics: Clement’s successor Paul III excommunicated England’s King Henry VIII, cementing the English break with Rome in 1538.
A portrait of Pope Alexander VI Borgia circa 1495.
(Vatican Museums)Alexander VI was more audaciously imperial: he sponsored the treaty that arbitrarily divided the entire world outside of Europe between Spain (his home country) and Portugal in 1494.
Alexander VI’s historical infamy is perhaps outdone only by his son, Cesare Borgia, made famous by his mention is Niccolo Machiavelli’s book The Prince.
Becoming pope was a big deal for a cardinal and his family. Leading candidates known as papabili (pope-ables) began strategizing and negotiating even before popes died.
When a pontiff died, those cardinals abroad began their travels to Rome, construction began on the temporary cells that would house them all during the sequestration and the real work of electing a pope began.
Enea Silvio Piccolomini left a detailed memoir of his election as Pius II in 1458. In it he describes a process of negotiating, threatening, cajoling and strategizing that make the scheming in the recent movie Conclave look unsophisticated.
Renaissance Italy wrestled with and ultimately reconciled itself to the political nature of the papacy.
Many, including popes such as Pius II, expressed discomfort with the political power of the papacy. While it was a clear factor in the schism of European Christendom that led to the emergence of the Protestant churches in the 16th century, in early modern Italy the political power of the papacy was a reality of the diplomatic milieu.
The empty throne
The conclave marks a special place in early modern history as a time when ordinary political order was overturned for a brief period known as the sede vacante (the Vacant See).
The Vacant See was a time when identities were swappable and when, as one Paolo di Grassi told a judge in 1559, “in Vacant See [Romans] are the masters. The People are the Masters.” Di Grassi had, during the Vacant See of November 1559, pursued his own longstanding grudges against his enemies and been involved in at least one armed brawl.
While they waited for a new pope, Romans and everyone else might have passed the time with another favourite vice: gambling on the conclave’s outcome.
Read more:
Who will the next pope be? Here are some top contenders
European princes and other potentates of the church paid close attention to conclaves, tried to smuggle information in and out and steer the conclave in favour of their preferred candidate.
In 1730, for instance, Cardinal Lambertini smuggled a letter out of his conclave thanking a benefactor for their donations to his future ordination as Pope Benedict XIV.
The election held everyone’s attention as a rare and unusually impactful event in the Roman calendar.
While Rome’s streets thrummed with tension during the chaotic days of a Vacant See, the conclave proceeded serenely and secretly within the Vatican’s walls.
The use of white smoke to mark the election of a pope only began in the 20th century. During the Renaissance, the sound of bells would be a more effective way to spread the news through Rome, before the new pope was announced to the city and the world.
Much turns on that announcement now, as much did in previous centuries. The conclave elects both a pope and a head of state. While Vatican City is magnitudes smaller than the Papal State of the past, it remains a sovereign state.
Papal pronouncements shape not just religious thought but political action, through voting, advocacy and more. Today’s crowds might be less raucous than Renaissance Romans, but they are nonetheless invested in the results.
Colin Rose receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.
– ref. Jostling for the papacy: A look back on the conclave’s history – https://theconversation.com/jostling-for-the-papacy-a-look-back-on-the-conclaves-history-255492
-
MIL-OSI Canada: Tuesday, May 6, 2025
Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister
Washington, D.C., United States of America
11:30 a.m. The Prime Minister will arrive at the White House.
Open coverage
11:45 a.m. The Prime Minister will meet with the President of the United States of America, Donald J. Trump, in the Oval Office.
Pool spray
12:15 p.m. The Prime Minister will attend an official luncheon given by the President.
Closed to media
3:00 p.m. The Prime Minister will hold a media availability at the Embassy of Canada to the United States.
Open coverage
-
MIL-OSI USA: U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services, March 2025
Source: US Bureau of Economic Analysis
The U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis announced today that the goods and services deficit was $140.5 billion in March, up $17.3 billion from $123.2 billion in February, revised.
U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services Deficit Deficit: $140.5 Billion +14.0%° Exports: $278.5 Billion +0.2%° Imports: $419.0 Billion +4.4%° Next release: Thursday, June 5, 2025
(°) Statistical significance is not applicable or not measurable. Data adjusted for seasonality but not price changes
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis; U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services, May 6, 2025
Exports, Imports, and Balance (exhibit 1)
March exports were $278.5 billion, $0.5 billion more than February exports. March imports were $419.0 billion, $17.8 billion more than February imports.
The March increase in the goods and services deficit reflected an increase in the goods deficit of $16.5 billion to $163.5 billion and a decrease in the services surplus of $0.8 billion to $23.0 billion.
Year-to-date, the goods and services deficit increased $189.6 billion, or 92.6 percent, from the same period in 2024. Exports increased $41.1 billion or 5.2 percent. Imports increased $230.7 billion or 23.3 percent.
Three-Month Moving Averages (exhibit 2)
The average goods and services deficit increased $14.1 billion to $131.4 billion for the three months ending in March.
- Average exports increased $4.0 billion to $275.7 billion in March.
- Average imports increased $18.1 billion to $407.1 billion in March.
Year-over-year, the average goods and services deficit increased $63.2 billion from the three months ending in March 2024.
- Average exports increased $13.7 billion from March 2024.
- Average imports increased $76.9 billion from March 2024.
Exports (exhibits 3, 6, and 7)
Exports of goods increased $1.3 billion to $183.2 billion in March.
Exports of goods on a Census basis increased $2.5 billion.
- Industrial supplies and materials increased $2.2 billion.
- Natural gas increased $0.8 billion.
- Nonmonetary gold increased $0.7 billion.
- Automotive vehicles, parts, and engines increased $1.2 billion.
- Passenger cars increased $0.9 billion.
- Capital goods decreased $1.5 billion.
- Civilian aircraft decreased $1.8 billion.
- Computer accessories increased $0.7 billion.
Net balance of payments adjustments decreased $1.2 billion.
Exports of services decreased $0.9 billion to $95.2 billion in March.
- Travel decreased $1.3 billion.
- Transport increased $0.3 billion.
- Financial services increased $0.2 billion.
Imports (exhibits 4, 6, and 8)
Imports of goods increased $17.8 billion to $346.8 billion in March.
Imports of goods on a Census basis increased $17.8 billion.
- Consumer goods increased $22.5 billion.
- Pharmaceutical preparations increased $20.9 billion.
- Capital goods increased $3.7 billion.
- Computer accessories increased $2.0 billion.
- Automotive vehicles, parts, and engines increased $2.6 billion.
- Passenger cars increased $2.1 billion.
- Industrial supplies and materials decreased $10.7 billion.
- Finished metal shapes decreased $10.3 billion.
- Nonmonetary gold decreased $1.8 billion.
- Crude oil decreased $1.2 billion.
Net balance of payments adjustments decreased less than $0.1 billion.
Imports of services decreased $0.1 billion to $72.2 billion in March.
- Travel decreased $0.4 billion.
- Transport increased $0.2 billion.
Real Goods in 2017 Dollars – Census Basis (exhibit 11)
The real goods deficit increased $14.0 billion, or 10.2 percent, to $150.9 billion in March, compared to a 10.3 percent increase in the nominal deficit.
- Real exports of goods increased $2.4 billion, or 1.6 percent, to $149.7 billion, compared to a 1.4 percent increase in nominal exports.
- Real imports of goods increased $16.4 billion, or 5.8 percent, to $300.6 billion, compared to a 5.5 percent increase in nominal imports.
Revisions
Revisions to February exports
- Exports of goods were revised down less than $0.1 billion.
- Exports of services were revised down $0.4 billion.
Revisions to February imports
- Imports of goods were revised up less than $0.1 billion.
- Imports of services were revised up $0.1 billion.
Goods by Selected Countries and Areas: Monthly – Census Basis (exhibit 19)
The March figures show surpluses, in billions of dollars, with Netherlands ($4.5), South and Central America ($3.2), Hong Kong ($1.9), United Kingdom ($1.2), Singapore ($0.5), Brazil ($0.5), and Saudi Arabia ($0.2). Deficits were recorded, in billions of dollars, with European Union ($48.3), Ireland ($29.3), China ($24.8), Mexico ($16.8), Switzerland ($14.7), Vietnam ($14.1), Taiwan ($8.7), India ($7.7), Germany ($7.5), South Korea ($6.8), Japan ($5.8), Canada ($4.9), Italy ($4.4), France ($3.9), Malaysia ($3.2), Australia ($1.0), Israel ($1.0), and Belgium ($0.1).
- The deficit with Ireland increased $15.3 billion to $29.3 billion in March. Exports increased $0.1 billion to $1.4 billion and imports increased $15.5 billion to $30.7 billion.
- The deficit with France increased $2.4 billion to $3.9 billion in March. Exports increased $0.1 billion to $4.0 billion and imports increased $2.6 billion to $7.9 billion.
- The deficit with Switzerland decreased $4.1 billion to $14.7 billion in March. Exports increased $1.1 billion to $3.5 billion and imports decreased $3.0 billion to $18.3 billion.
All statistics referenced are seasonally adjusted; statistics are on a balance of payments basis unless otherwise specified. Additional statistics, including not seasonally adjusted statistics and details for goods on a Census basis, are available in exhibits 1-20b of this release. For information on data sources, definitions, and revision procedures, see the explanatory notes in this release. The full release can be found at www.census.gov/foreign-trade/Press-Release/current_press_release/index.html or www.bea.gov/data/intl-trade-investment/international-trade-goods-and-services. The full schedule is available in the Census Bureau’s Economic Briefing Room at www.census.gov/economic-indicators/ or on BEA’s website at www.bea.gov/news/schedule.
Next release: June 5, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. EDT
U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services, April 2025Notice
Country Name Changes
With this release of the “U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services” report, references to “Congo (Brazzaville)” and “Congo (Kinshasa)” are replaced with “Congo” and “Democratic Republic of the Congo,” respectively, to reflect the countries’ recent name changes. These changes also align with the names recognized by the U.S. Department of State and the International Organization for Standardization.
Impact of Canada Border Services Agency’s (CBSA) Release of CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM)
The CBSA introduced a new accounting system (CARM) on October 21, 2024. As a result, importers in Canada have experienced delays in filing shipment information. These delays affected the compilation of statistics on U.S. exports of goods to Canada for September 2024 through February 2025, which are derived from data compiled by Canada through the United States – Canada Data Exchange. A dollar estimate of the filing backlog is included in estimates for late receipts and, following the U.S. Census Bureau’s customary practice for late receipt estimates, is included in the export end-use category “Other goods” as well as in exports to Canada. This estimate will be replaced with the actual transactions reported by the Harmonized System classification in June 2025 with the release of “U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services, Annual Revision.” Until then, please refer to the supplemental spreadsheet “CARM Exports to Canada Corrections,” which provides a breakdown of the late receipts by 1-digit end-use category for statistics through 2024. This spreadsheet will be updated as late export transactions are received to reflect reassignments from the initial “Other goods” category to the appropriate 1-digit end-use category. Any 2025 impacts will be revised in June 2026.
If you have questions or need additional information, please contact the Census Bureau, Economic Indicators Division, International Trade Macro Analysis Branch, on 800-549-0595, option 4, or at eid.international.trade.data@census.gov.
Upcoming Updates to Goods and Services
With the releases of the “U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services” report (FT-900) and the FT-900 Annual Revision on June 5, 2025, statistics on trade in goods, on both a Census basis and a balance of payments (BOP) basis, will be revised beginning with 2020 and statistics on trade in services will be revised beginning with 2018. The revised statistics for goods on a BOP basis and for services will also be included in the “U.S. International Transactions, 1st Quarter 2025 and Annual Update” report and in the international transactions interactive database, both to be released by BEA on June 24, 2025.
Revised statistics on trade in goods will reflect:
- Corrections and adjustments to previously published not seasonally adjusted statistics for goods on a Census basis.
- End-use reclassifications of several commodities.
- Recalculated seasonal and trading-day adjustments.
- Newly available and revised source data on BOP adjustments, which are adjustments that BEA applies to goods on a Census basis to convert them to a BOP basis. See the “Goods (balance of payments basis)” section in the explanatory notes for more information.
Revised statistics on trade in services will reflect:
- Newly available and revised source data, primarily from BEA surveys of international services.
- Corrections and adjustments to previously published not seasonally adjusted statistics.
- Recalculated seasonal adjustments.
- Revised temporal distributions of quarterly source data to monthly statistics. See the “Services” section in the explanatory notes for more information.
For more information, see “Preview of the 2025 Annual Update of the International Economic Accounts” in the Survey of Current Business.
If you have questions or need additional information, please contact the Census Bureau, Economic Indicators Division, International Trade Macro Analysis Branch, on (800) 549-0595, option 4, or at eid.international.trade.data@census.gov or BEA, Balance of Payments Division, at InternationalAccounts@bea.gov.
-
MIL-OSI: Smackover Lithium Submits Royalty Application to Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission for South West Arkansas Project
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
LEWISVILLE, Ark., May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Smackover Lithium, a Joint Venture (“JV”) between Standard Lithium Ltd. (“Standard Lithium” or the “Company”) (TSXV:SLI) (NYSE:A:SLI) and Equinor, announced that SWA Lithium LLC has submitted an application to the Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission (“AOGC”) to establish a fair and equitable lithium royalty for the Reynolds Unit for Phase I of its South West Arkansas (“SWA”) Project in Lafayette and Columbia Counties, Arkansas. The hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, May 28th, 2025, at 9:00 am CDT and is to be held at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Center Grand Hall at South Arkansas University (100 East University) in Magnolia, Arkansas.
The application proposes a quarterly gross royalty of 2.5% that will be based on the total amount of lithium produced and the average FastMarkets North American Index Price for technical grade lithium carbonate, which is higher than comparable projects globally on a lithium carbonate equivalent (“LCE”) basis. The lithium royalty will be paid to brine owners in addition to the brine fee, also referred to as the “in lieu bromine royalty,” of $65.05 per acre per year, making the total proposed royalty compensation approximately 3% based on current lithium prices.
“Working with landowners and the AOGC to establish a fair and equitable royalty is key to the SWA Project’s success,” said Standard Lithium’s CEO, David Park, “The proposed royalty generously compensates brine owners, is fair for industry, and encourages development of the Smackover resource. The royalty is only the beginning of the economic impact this project will have for South Arkansas and the rest of the state.”
“Establishing a royalty for the SWA Project allows us to continue the path towards a final investment decision,” said Allison Kennedy Thurmond, VP for US Lithium at Equinor. “The proposed royalty rate enables capital investment, infrastructure improvements, jobs, tax revenue and brings tremendous benefits to the Smackover region.”
For more information about the SWA Project and Smackover Lithium, please visit www.smackoverlithium.com
About Standard Lithium Ltd.
Standard Lithium is a leading near-commercial lithium development company focused on the sustainable development of a portfolio of large, high-grade lithium-brine properties in the United States. The Company prioritizes projects characterized by high-grade resources, robust infrastructure, skilled labor, and streamlined permitting. Standard Lithium aims to achieve sustainable, commercial-scale lithium production via the application of a scalable and fully integrated Direct Lithium Extraction (“DLE”) and purification process. The Company’s flagship projects are located in the Smackover Formation, a world-class lithium brine asset, focused in Arkansas and Texas. In partnership with global energy leader Equinor, Standard Lithium is advancing the South West Arkansas project, a greenfield project located in southern Arkansas, and actively exploring promising lithium brine prospects in East Texas. Standard Lithium also holds an interest in certain mineral leases in the Mojave Desert in San Bernardino County, California.
Standard Lithium trades on both the TSX Venture Exchange and the NYSE American under the symbol “SLI”. Please visit the Company’s website at www.standardlithium.com.
About Equinor
Equinor is an international energy company committed to long-term value creation in a low-carbon future. Equinor’s portfolio of projects encompasses oil and gas, renewables and low-carbon solutions, with an ambition of becoming a net-zero energy company by 2050. Headquartered in Norway, Equinor is the leading operator on the Norwegian continental shelf and is present in around 30 countries worldwide. Equinor’s partnership with Standard Lithium to mature DLE projects builds on its broad US energy portfolio of oil and gas, offshore wind, low carbon solutions and battery storage projects.
For more information on Equinor in the US, please visit: Equinor in the US – Equinor
Investor and Media Inquiries
Chris Lang
Standard Lithium Ltd.
+1 604 409 8154
investors@standardlithium.comNeither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When used in this news release, the words “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “target”, “plan”, “forecast”, “may”, “schedule” and other similar words or expressions identify forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements or information may relate to intended development timelines, future prices of commodities, accuracy of mineral or resource exploration activity, reserves or resources, regulatory or government requirements or approvals, including approval of the royalty application submitted to the AOGC, the reliability of third party information, continued access to mineral properties or infrastructure, fluctuations in the market for lithium and its derivatives, changes in exploration costs and government regulation in Canada and the United States, and other factors or information. Such forward-looking statements represent the Company’s current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements and information other than as required by applicable laws, rules and regulations.
-
MIL-OSI: Banzai Secures Expanded Agreement with RBC Capital Markets for OpenReel Enterprise License
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
SEATTLE, May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Banzai International, Inc. (NASDAQ: BNZI) (“Banzai” or the “Company”), a leading marketing technology company that provides essential marketing and sales solutions, today announced it has expanded its agreement with RBC Capital Markets.
As part of the expanded agreement, RBC Capital Markets’ Wealth Marketing Division will have an enterprise license for usage of OpenReel, Banzai’s leading digital video creation platform.
“This agreement reinforces our strategy of expansion in the enterprise,” said Joe Davy, Founder and CEO of Banzai. “Having already been working with RBC Global Asset Management, this deal shows movement throughout the enterprise into the wealth marketing division, doubling our current engagement and validating our growth in the enterprise space. We are seeing solid traction in the financial sector, where the OpenReel Creator tool gives global financial firms the ability to offer standardized branded video with personalization at scale for their wealth managers, partners, and other stakeholders.”
OpenReel empowers organizations to efficiently produce high-quality, branded video content at scale. Its platform enables users to remotely direct, record, edit, and collaborate on professional-grade video projects, significantly streamlining the production process and ensuring brand consistency. OpenReel serves a global enterprise client base, including industry leaders like Bristol Myers Squibb, Ingram Micro, DXC Technology, Insider Inc., and US Steel.
About RBC Capital Markets
The most significant corporations, institutional investors, asset managers, private equity firms, and governments around the globe recognize RBC Capital Markets as an innovative, trusted partner with an in-depth expertise in capital markets, banking, and finance. We are well-established in the largest, most mature capital markets across North America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific region, which collectively encompasses 80% of the global investment banking fee pool.
RBC Capital Markets is part of a leading provider of financial services, Royal Bank of Canada (RBC). Founded in 1864, RBC is one of the largest banks in the world and the fifth largest in North America, as measured by market capitalization. With a strong capital base and consistent financial performance, RBC is among a small group of highly rated global banks. Learn more at rbccm.com.
We are proud to support a broad range of community initiatives through donations, community investments and employee volunteer activities. See how at rbc.com/community-social-impact.
About Banzai
Banzai is a marketing technology company that provides AI-enabled marketing and sales solutions for businesses of all sizes. On a mission to help their customers grow, Banzai enables companies of all sizes to target, engage, and measure both new and existing customers more effectively. Customers who use Banzai’s product suite include Autodesk, Dell Technologies, New York Life, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Thinkific, and ActiveCampaign, among thousands of others. Learn more at www.banzai.io. For investors, please visit https://ir.banzai.io.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements often use words such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “target,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “should,” “would,” “propose,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “predict,” “potential,” “seek,” “future,” “outlook,” and similar variations and expressions. Forward-looking statements are those that do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Examples of forward-looking statements may include, among others, statements regarding Banzai International, Inc.’s (the “Company’s”): future financial, business and operating performance and goals; annualized recurring revenue and customer retention; ongoing, future or ability to maintain or improve its financial position, cash flows, and liquidity and its expected financial needs; potential financing and ability to obtain financing; acquisition strategy and proposed acquisitions and, if completed, their potential success and financial contributions; strategy and strategic goals, including being able to capitalize on opportunities; expectations relating to the Company’s industry, outlook and market trends; total addressable market and serviceable addressable market and related projections; plans, strategies and expectations for retaining existing or acquiring new customers, increasing revenue and executing growth initiatives; and product areas of focus and additional products that may be sold in the future. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and our actual results of operations, financial condition and liquidity and development of the industry in which the Company operates may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking statements. Therefore, investors should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially include changes in the markets in which the Company operates, customer demand, the financial markets, economic, business and regulatory and other factors, such as the Company’s ability to execute on its strategy. More detailed information about risk factors can be found in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q under the heading “Risk Factors,” and in other reports filed by the Company, including reports on Form 8-K. The Company does not undertake any duty to update forward-looking statements after the date of this press release.
Investor Relations
Chris Tyson
Executive Vice President
MZ Group – MZ North America
949-491-8235
BNZI@mzgroup.us
www.mzgroup.usMedia
Nancy Norton
Chief Legal Officer, Banzai
media@banzai.io -
MIL-OSI Global: Mark Carney in Washington: His visit with Trump kicks off high-wire politics in Canada
Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Thomas Klassen, Professor, School of Public Policy and Administration, York University, Canada
Prime Minister Mark Carney is headed to Washington, D.C., for a high-stakes meeting with Donald Trump as the American president continues his trade war and annexation threats against Canada.
“We are meeting as heads of our government,” Carney said at a news conference late last week. “I am not pretending those discussions will be easy.”
The White House visit comes just a week after Carney led the Liberals to their fourth consecutive election victory.
It was a result that, at first blush, allowed each party to claim that it won, or at least that it did not totally lose. That sets up a Parliamentary session that will feature several interesting dynamics.
The Conservatives under Pierre Poilievre won several more seats than in 2021 and their highest share of the national vote in decades, though Poilievre himself lost his seat.
Read more:
Canada’s Conservatives, with an assist from Donald Trump, are down — but they’re far from out
The NDP under an outgoing Jagmeet Singh managed to hold onto the balance of power in the upcoming minority Parliament for a third consecutive time. Elizabeth May continues to represent the Green Party in the House of Commons. Yves-François Blanchet kept the Bloc Québécois relevant for voters in Québec.
Even Justin Trudeau, no longer in politics, won — his legacy is not in the gutter due to a predicted Conservative majority win that never materialized once Carney replaced him.
But in the coming weeks and months, the leaders and their parties face difficult circumstances that could turn them into losers — most importantly, how Carney manages the relationship with Trump.
The role of Trump
Carney and the Liberals capitalized on exceptional
circumstances driven by Donald Trump’s trade war and threats to make Canada the 51st state. Winning four consecutive elections is a rare feat for any political party in Canada.
But Carney cannot count on fortune continuing to smile upon him. He must now manage a party within which he has little history and few favours to call in — a party that he has dragged from centre-left under Trudeau to centre-right.The new prime minister will have to rely on aides and advisers to a much greater extent than all former office-holders who had years or decades of experience in the political area, including the House of Commons. At the same time, he will have to demonstrate to Canadians that he is in charge and makes the final decisions.
Invariably, there will be Liberal missteps in the weeks ahead: ethical lapses for some MPs, ministerial appointments that go awry and disappointment among those not appointed to cabinet. Because Carney has been prime minister for less than two months, the upcoming Speech from the Throne on May 27 — to be delivered by King Charles — that sets the government’s goals is shrouded in mystery.
Beyond Ottawa, premiers from several different political parties — each with their own agenda — await Carney. South of the border, the unpredictable Trump, with his infuriating rhetoric and disruptive actions, is in office for another three-and-half-years.
As a newcomer to politics elected on his first attempt to the country’s highest political office, Carney could have at least have one topic of conversation in common with Trump when they meet on Tuesday. Trump too was a political outsider who catapulted into office on his first attempt. The two may find some bond in their shared experience.
The greatest danger for Carney is not from Trump’s rhetoric but from broader economic conditions. He ran for office on the promise of being able to manage economic turmoil. But politicians of any stripe have little control in a global economic slump or an all-out tariff war. If unemployment, inflation or the cost-of-living tick upward, Carney will quickly lose his lustre among many Canadians.
The new Parliament
For the Conservatives, Poilievre’s leadership will continue to weigh on the party in the weeks and months ahead. Losing his Ottawa seat weakens his claim to stay on as leader. He now needs to win a byelection in Alberta triggered by the resignation of Conservative MP Damien Kurek.
The worst outcome for the party is years of infighting between those who support giving Poilievre one more chance and those who believe that 2025 is the best the party can do under his leadership.
The best outcome is for Poilievre to become a bridge-builder within the party and to Conservatives across Canada, and to rebrand himself to be more palatable to Canadian voters. This will not be easy and he hasn’t shown much inclination to do so.
The NDP’s Singh has already announced his resignation and accepted responsibility for the party electing only seven MPs. A period of soul-searching leading to a leadership contest has already started. The loss of seats, and returning to Ottawa with an interim leader, lessens the voice of the party in political discourse. If a new leader is elected who is not an MP, the party will be further hampered.
The Greens remain in the House of Commons, but as a party of one. The jury continues is out on whether the party can exist without its leader, Elizabeth May, who has said she wouldn’t rule out joining Carney’s cabinet.
Blanchet returns to Ottawa with fewer Bloc MPs and a murky mission. He had hoped that the Bloc would hold the balance of power once the votes were counted, but was foiled by the NDP. He has already faced criticism from his own supporters when he promised to collaborate with other parties in Ottawa to secure Canada’s economic future.
Beginning with Carney’s handling of Trump this week, how skilfully each party, and leader, performs its distinct high-wire act in the next few months will determine the ultimate winners and losers. The show is about to begin.
Thomas Klassen does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. Mark Carney in Washington: His visit with Trump kicks off high-wire politics in Canada – https://theconversation.com/mark-carney-in-washington-his-visit-with-trump-kicks-off-high-wire-politics-in-canada-255675
-
MIL-OSI Global: How a community-focused vision for net zero can revive local economies
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Max Lacey-Barnacle, Senior Research Fellow, Science Policy Research Unit, University of Sussex
Across the world, the transition to a green economy is under threat. Growing antipathy towards the costs of tackling climate change, stoked especially by right-wing populists, undermines ambitions to reach net zero emissions by 2050.
In the UK, leader of the opposition Kemi Badenoch recently described achieving net zero by 2050 as “impossible”, stating that it would bankrupt the country. Reform, a major rival to the right of Badenoch’s Conservative party want to scrap the UK’s net zero targets altogether.
A new vision of net zero is urgently needed. To help fund the UK’s transition to a green economy, the UK government seeks to attract private investment from international corporations that are not based in the UK.
The Indian company Tata Group is investing £4 billion in eletric vehicles (EVs) and battery production in the UK. Danish company Orsted has invested £15 billion in UK offshore windfarms in the last decade. French company EDF Energy has invested £4.5 billion in net zero technologies and infrastructure in the UK.
This approach comes with considerable risks. Profits can be extracted out of local economies, which benefits the shareholders of international corporations, not UK businesses.
Ownership can also change between private entities and move even further afield. Last year, Orsted sold stakes in four UK offshore wind farms to a Canadian investment company.
UCL climate scientist Mark Maslin explains net zero. But there’s an alternative that directly strengthens the resilience of the UK’s economy. Community wealth building is a model of economic development that ensures any profits generated from new green industries is recirculated within the local economy.
To make this happen, communities need support from so-called “anchor institutions”. These are large organisations that are “anchored” to their local economy and cannot relocate, because their ownership structure is tied to a particular location. Think universities, hospitals or local government institutions.
Within this approach, anchor institutions procure goods and services from nearby suppliers, so they circulate money locally and strengthen regional supply chains.
This concept originated over a decade ago in the US. It’s since been applied in Canada, Australia, Ireland and the Netherlands.
For the past four years, I’ve been exploring how community wealth building is becoming embedded in the UK’s fast-growing green economy.
UK anchors and the green economy
In north-west England, Preston city council retained the procurement spend of anchor institutions located in Preston city to the tune of £112.3 million in 2020 – £74 million more than in 2012/13.
In Oldham in northern England, the council supported the development of community-led energy plans in two neighbourhoods, Sholver and Westwood. The plans outlined what a decarbonised heat, electricity and transport system would look like for each area. The council launched a website to share energy efficiency advice. The council also helped to set up two local community energy projects.
Oldham Community Power installed solar panels on five primary schools and a community building to reduce their energy bills. Saddleworth Community Hydro have used excess profits from the sale of renewable electricity in 2023 to fund £58,000 worth of local sustainability projects.
Some local councils in the UK are adopting a community wealth building approach.
witsarut sakorn/ShutterstockThe council in Lewes in southern England have committed to using community wealth building to transition towards net zero. Hundreds of houses have been retrofitted to increase their energy efficiency, with retrofit contracts arranged with local companies. EVs are being used to collect food waste. New sustainable housing is being built by local tradespeople using locally sourced materials wherever possible.
The Lewes Climate Hub hosts community events and green business workshops in a council-owned property. Procurement spend by local anchor institutions has also doubled from £5m in 2020 to £10m in 2024.
In North Ayrshire, Scotland, two municipally owned solar PV farms on council-owned land have generated a £13 million budget surplus. This has been redirected towards addressing fuel poverty by making low-income homes more energy efficient. The council’s new green jobs fund has supported over £1.14 million of investment into 65 businesses to enable a range of sustainability related measures.
Encouragingly, more plans to bring together community wealth building and net zero continue to emerge. In London, partnerships between anchor institutions and community energy organisations could be integral to developing 1,000 community energy projects across the capital by 2030.
Successful scale-up of community wealth building will require strong leadership, political commitments and supporting strategies that align with the green economy. Already, some initiatives are beginning to generate wealth through the green economy and keeping it in local communities, rather than ownership and profits going to distant corporations.
To counter a rising opposition to net zero in the UK, prioritising community-focused visions that revive local economies will be vital.
Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?
Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 45,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.
Max Lacey-Barnacle receives funding from The British Academy.
– ref. How a community-focused vision for net zero can revive local economies – https://theconversation.com/how-a-community-focused-vision-for-net-zero-can-revive-local-economies-252955
-
MIL-OSI Global: The growing threat to U.S. democracy will literally cost lives
Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Andrew C. Patterson, Assistant Professor of Sociology, MacEwan University
According to a recent survey, most political scientists agree that President Donald Trump is turning the United States government into an autocracy, all too quickly.
As political scholars Steven Levitsky and Lucan Way explain, a competitive-authoritarian country is one where elections are held and election results carry, but incumbents alter the game so as to tilt the odds of winning heavily in their favour. This effectively makes it an autocratic regime, with one person holding the lion’s share of power.
Politicians tilt these odds by doing exactly the sorts of things Trump is doing. He is replacing civil servants with loyalists, and then repurposing the long-standing institutions they serve. This is so he can use those institutions for political gain — to punish dissenters and reward allies. All to support his staying in power.
As just one recent example, Levistky and Way predicted in February that the Internal Revenue Service would become one of the many departments that Trump would weaponize. On April 15, Trump called for the IRS to revoke Harvard University’s tax-exempt status in response to the university’s refusal to acquiesce. Trump had previously withheld billions of dollars in grant funding.
Read more:
Harvard is suing the White House: here’s what Trump hopes to achieve by targeting universities
Is there any case in which Trump has still acted in the service of the American public? Arguably, no, not by a long shot. Even the Jeff Bezos-owned Washington Post describes his first 100 days as a remarkable failure across multiple fronts.
The headlines have been blistering, calling those first 100 days “horrifying” and “inept.” Nor is the American public impressed: most give his performance a grade of D or F, according to a recent poll.
The biggest threat of all may be permanent damage to government institutions.
Democracy and population health
As research shows, these trends cannot possibly be good for the lives and livelihoods of American citizens. We have known for over a decade that the recruitment of civil servants based on their political affiliations or loyalties, rather than credentials, is a recipe for political corruption. Corruption, in turn, harms population health.
My own recent study affirms these findings. It also concludes that the impact of civil service hiring on population health is surprisingly direct. All of this suggests more corruption and worse health as Trump tightens his control over the civil service.
Democracy, too, matters for population health. In another study, we found that democracies have as much as 11 years of added life expectancy, and 75 per cent lower rates of infant mortality, compared to autocratic countries. For someone focused on cross-national differences in health, these were huge differences.
Economic impacts
Trump’s actions will soon affect American wallets as well if they haven’t already, as research on both civil service hiring and democratization would suggest.
It’s not difficult to demonstrate the threat, which continues to evolve in real time. Tourism in the U.S. has taken a serious hit in recent weeks, with airline bookings from Canada down 70 per cent.
People from other countries first started boycotting American goods and services in response to Trump’s tariff campaign. In the meantime, Congress has done little to curtail the detainment of migrants without just cause, or their deportation to a Salvadorean mega-prison without due process. And now tourists are afraid to travel to the U.S.
It is fair to say that both economic prosperity and population health require investment in the same government infrastructures that the Trump administration is now downsizing.
Yet the damage does not stop at the border. Trump’s decisions will have ripple effects on global health. Programs focused on containing infectious disease in the developing world are bearing the brunt of huge cuts to USAID.
Speed and volume
Trump’s approach is not informed by any kind of economic expertise. He is shooting the American economy in both feet by waging a tariff war against other countries as he simultaneously decimates tourism and upends a low-cost workforce with his immigration policy.
Americans who voted for him will not get the price control they were hoping for, with supply-chain disruptions coming quickly down the pipeline.
Nor can Americans count on the court system to preserve democracy. This is for two reasons.
First, Trump’s executive actions are happening far too quickly. He has had a record number of executive orders since taking office only three months ago. It may take months if not years for challenges to these decisions to work their way through courts.
Second, courts will not necessarily rule on the side of democracy, as in the Supreme Court’s decision to assure legal immunity for Trump.
None of this bodes well. According to one watchdog based in Sweden, the U.S. could lose its status as a democratic nation in just a few months — well before the midterm elections.
CNN reports on President Trump’s statement that he doesn’t know if he needs to uphold the U.S. Constitution. Starting a movement
All of this has one common denominator: Trump’s unhinged executive power. A decidedly meek U.S. Congress needs to wake from its stupor and constrain that power.
But at the time of this writing, the House judiciary committee plans to slip provisions into a budget megabill that will grant Trump ever more sweeping power over regulations.
One solution may be what we sociologists refer to as a social movement. This is where as many people as possible choose to act. Small interactions — like sharing an article with friends and family — can make a big difference, according to one prominent perspective in sociology.
Other means are more direct, like joining a protest or writing to members of Congress. And then there are decisions about what not to do. Universities and law firms are encouraged not to participate in the fraying of American democracy by making a “deal” with the Trump administration.
The take-home message is that the threat to American democracy is real and it is imminent. The impact on human health and well-being will be global. If the collapse of American democracy affects all of us, inside and outside of U.S. borders, then we can all agree to do something about it.
Andrew C. Patterson does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. The growing threat to U.S. democracy will literally cost lives – https://theconversation.com/the-growing-threat-to-u-s-democracy-will-literally-cost-lives-254170
-
MIL-OSI Africa: Valentin-Yves Mudimbe: the philosopher who reshaped how the world thinks about Africa
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Christophe Premat, Associate Professor in French Studies (cultural studies), head of the Centre for Canadian Studies, Stockholm University
Congolese thinker, philosopher and linguist Valentin-Yves Mudimbe died on 21 April 2025 at the age of 83. He was in the US, where he had lived for many years.
A towering figure in African critical thought, Mudimbe’s work – translated and studied worldwide – has profoundly shaped postcolonial studies. He leaves a groundbreaking intellectual legacy on the colonisation of knowledge and the condition of Africans.
At a time when debates on decolonising knowledge are gaining ground, Mudimbe’s passing invites us to revisit the work of a thinker who, since the 1980s, paved the way for a radical critique of imposed “categories”. He wanted to help rebuild intellectual frameworks which imagined and defined Africa on its own terms, not through the labels or categories imposed by colonial powers.
As a specialist in postmodern and postcolonial theories, I think he had considerable influence on the field of postcolonial studies.
He was one of the most influential African thinkers of the 20th century. His impact did not come from activism, but from careful, sustained intellectual work. With his seminal work The Invention of Africa (1988) he profoundly disrupted African and postcolonial studies. His work went far beyond the usual east-west divide.
A journey between Africa and exile
Valentin-Yves Mudimbe was born in 1941 in Jadotville (now Likasi), in the Democratic Republic of Congo. His early education took place in a Benedictine monastery. Later, he pursued further studies at Louvain in Belgium.
His religious education left a lasting mark on his thinking. It shaped his critical approach to knowledge. His work often explored the connections between language, power, and how ideas become institutionalised.
In 1970, Mudimbe returned to the newly independent Congo. He began teaching at the National University of Zaïre. The country was then caught between postcolonial hope and growing disillusionment.
Under Mobutu Sese Seko’s regime, the political atmosphere grew stifling for independent thinkers. The state had adopted the rhetoric of “authenticity”, turning it into a tool of control. Faced with this ideological stranglehold, Mudimbe chose exile in 1979.
He relocated to the US, where he taught at Stanford and later Duke University. There, he continued his work of critical deconstruction. Yet, despite his physical distance, he remained deeply committed to Africa’s future.
Deconstructing the ‘colonial library’
First published in English in 1988 as the The Invention of Africa, the book was translated into French in 2021 under the title L’Invention de l’Afrique, (Présence africaine).
Mudimbe offers much more than a critique of colonial representations. He examined the “colonial library”. It refers to the vast collection of religious, anthropological and administrative texts that, for centuries, framed Africa as an object to be studied, dominated and “saved”. Mudimbe was always careful not to accept ideas just because they were passed down. Instead, he was always looking for new ways to think freely and independently.
Unlike Edward Said, the Palestinian-American literary theorist and critic who exposed how the west constructed a mythologised “Orient”, Mudimbe revealed something more insidious. He showed that Africa was often imagined as a void to be filled. It was cast as a cultural blank slate, which helped justify the colonial mission.
This radical deconstruction raised a crucial question: how can we produce knowledge that does not, even through critique, reproduce the very colonial frameworks it seeks to challenge?
The book’s impact was profound, resonating across Africa, Europe and North America. It created an intellectual foundation for thinkers like Achille Mbembe, Souleymane Bachir Diagne and Felwine Sarr, who, in turn, continued to explore what truly decolonised African thought might look like.
Building something new
Mudimbe was never satisfied with existing structures. He aimed to build something new from the ground up. For him, liberating Africa required a rebuilding of knowledge systems. He rejected the assumption that western intellectual frameworks alone could define Africa. He also warned against essentialist temptations – the trap of creating new conceptual prisons in the name of authenticity.
His thinking followed a rigorous method: analysing discourse, questioning inherited categories, and dismantling false assumptions.
This demanding work aimed to empower Africa to think for itself without cutting itself off from the rest of the world.
His fiction – Between Tides (in French, Entre les eaux. Dieu, un prêtre, la révolution), Before the Birth of the Moon (Le Bel Immonde in French), Shaba Deux : les carnets de mère Marie Gertrude – embodies the same refusal to be stereotyped.
His characters navigate colonial legacies, state nationalism and rigid identity politics through stories of displacement and fragmented memory.
Language itself becomes a battleground for creativity in his novels. Sharply crafted, his prose captures the diversity of contemporary African experience. Through both his literary and philosophical works, Mudimbe consistently insisted that identity is never a given. It is always a construct to be questioned.
A living legacy
As Africa navigates complex geopolitical transformations and redefines its cultural identities, Mudimbe’s intellectual legacy proves more vital than ever. His work challenges us to recognise that true liberation extends beyond political sovereignty or cultural revival. It requires the radical work of reinventing how knowledge itself is produced and validated.
Mudimbe’s lasting legacy urges us to remain intellectually vigilant in a world where knowledge is constantly shifting. He challenges us to reject rigid categories, embrace complexity with care, and make room for uncertainty instead of rushing to resolve it.
For Mudimbe, to decolonise knowledge means relentless critique paired with creative reconstruction. It means building pluralistic and open frameworks that honour Africa’s diverse experiences without nostalgia or complacency.
– Valentin-Yves Mudimbe: the philosopher who reshaped how the world thinks about Africa
– https://theconversation.com/valentin-yves-mudimbe-the-philosopher-who-reshaped-how-the-world-thinks-about-africa-255902
