NewzIntel.com

Category: Canada

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Arctic-boreal zone emissions – E-000644/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. The Commission supports Member States and third countries including through grants under the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM)[1]. Beneficiaries from Nordic countries are involved in wildfire-related projects to enhance cross-border cooperation, promote resilience, and enhance research and readiness for extreme wildfires. F irefighting preparedness is being reinforced since 2019 with an aircraft of the rescEU fleet positioned in Sweden. The Commission also supports institutional capacity building through the UCPM peer review programme[2] and the Commission’s Expert Group on Forest Fires[3], which facilitates the exchange of good practices among the fire management services of European countries.

    2. The EU has invested EUR 372 million in 139 Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe[4] research projects covering the Arctic region. In line with the EU Arctic policy, research on permafrost thawing and informing climate mitigation strategies will continue in Horizon Europe. As of January 2025, the European Polar Coordination Office (EPCO) provides expert input to inform decisions on polar priorities and challenges. In 2024, a Commission Task Force issued a report on polar observations[5], including recommendations for permafrost and methane emissions monitoring.

    3. The EU’s Arctic Policy[6] and EU Green Alliances with Norway and Canada underline the EU’s fundamental interest in supporting multilateral Arctic cooperation. The EU promotes strong cooperation to address climate issues in the Arctic and boreal context and regularly engages with the Arctic Council and funds its research activities. It contributes to climate efforts in multilateral fora such as the International Maritime Organisation and the United Nation’s Climate Change Conferences.

    • [1] https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/what/civil-protection/eu-civil-protection-mechanism_en
    • [2] https://civil-protection-knowledge-network.europa.eu/disaster-prevention-and-risk-management/ucpm-peer-review-programme
    • [3] https://ec.europa.eu/transparency/expert-groups-register/screen/expert-groups/consult?lang=en&do=groupDetail.groupDetail&groupID=416
    • [4] https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe_en
    • [5] https://joint-research-centre.ec.europa.eu/jrc-news-and-updates/copernicus-polar-roadmap-eu-satellite-observations-help-respond-emerging-polar-challenges-2024-09-03_en?prefLang=bg
    • [6] JOIN (2021)27 final.
    Last updated: 22 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: B.C. appoints new judges, judicial justice to Provincial Court

    The Government of British Columbia has appointed three new judges and a new judicial justice to the Provincial Court to support timely and efficient access to justice.

    The new judges are:

    • Aamna Afsar (effective May 1, 2025)
    • Christopher Balison (effective May 1, 2025); and
    • Dennis Isaac Ferbey (effective May 1, 2025)

    The new judicial justice appointed to the Provincial Court is Patrick Angly.

    Afsar joined the BC Prosecution Service (BCPS) in 2006 and worked as Crown counsel in Vancouver for almost 14 years. During that time, Afsar spent several years working in the Downtown Community Court. In 2019, Afsar became a member of the Immigration Refugee Board (IRB) of Canada. In 2020, Afsar received the IRB’s Chairperson’s Award for developing curriculum and training for the gender-related task force to improve the adjudication of gender-related refugee claims. Since 2021, Afsar has been an alternate chair of the BC Review Board. Afsar was appointed a judicial justice in July 2022 and is qualified to conduct hearings in French. From 2007 to 2023, Afsar was a member and treasurer of the Canadian Council of Muslim Women, where one of Afsar’s significant contributions was facilitating workshops for community members on Canadian family law and domestic-violence awareness and prevention.

    Balison became Crown counsel shortly after being called to the B.C. bar in 2007. In December 2021, after working as the administrative Crown in Kamloops office for two years, Balison was appointed as a deputy regional Crown counsel in the Interior region. Balison served as the director and president of Baseball BC from 2017 to 2022, developing Safe Sport policies to protect youth and create a safe, ethical and equitable sporting environment.

    Ferbey obtained a law degree from the University of Victoria in 2007 and practised as a criminal defence counsel in Surrey and Delta for the first 10 years of Ferbey’s career. Taking on many legal aid files and frequently acting as duty counsel, Ferbey also devoted time to pro bono legal work. In March 2018, Ferbey moved to a general practice firm in Trail. Ferbey lives and works in the West Kootenays, primarily conducting federal prosecutions as an agent for the Public Prosecution Service of Canada.

    Angly graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Laws in 1982 and was called to the B.C. bar in 1983. Angly’s 39-year legal career has been devoted to defence work, appearing in every level of court, from traffic court to the Supreme Court of Canada. Angly has primarily been a sole practitioner and has represented people from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.

    The appointments are made by considering various factors, such as the court’s requirements, the diversity of the judiciary and the candidates’ areas of expertise. These four appointments show the Province’s continued dedication to ensuring fair access to justice for everyone in British Columbia.

    Quick Facts:

    • The process to appoint judges involves the following steps: 
      • Interested lawyers apply, and the Judicial Council of B.C. reviews the candidates.
      • The council is a statutory body made up of the chief judge, an associate chief judge, other judges, lawyers and members from outside the legal profession.
      • The council recommends potential judges to the attorney general, with the final appointment made through a cabinet order-in-council.
    • Although judges and judicial justices are located in a judicial region, many use technology such as videoconferencing for court proceedings.
    • They also travel regularly throughout the province to meet changing demands.

    Learn More:

    For information about the judicial appointment process, visit: https://provincialcourt.bc.ca  

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pictou — Pictou County Integrated Street Crime Enforcement Unit charges two people after warrant executions

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    The Pictou County Integrated Street Crime Enforcement Unit (PCISCEU) has charged two people after executing warrants at a home in Pictou.

    On April 16, PCISCEU, with the assistance of RCMP Police Dog Services, Pictou County District RCMP, Stellarton Police Service and New Glasgow Regional Police (NGRP), executed an arrest warrant at a residence on Dennon St. in connection to an ongoing investigation.

    At the home, officers safely arrested 33-year-old Christine Holly Fraser of Eureka and 37-year-old David Allen Lemmon of River John. Fraser was charged with Failure to Comply with Order (two counts); she was also arrested on an NGRP warrant. Lemmon was charged with Operation of a Conveyance While Prohibited and Failure to Comply with Probation Order.

    Following the arrests, a search warrant was executed at the residence with the assistance of the Pictou County District RCMP. It resulted in the seizure of cocaine, methamphetamine, cash, a replica handgun, and drug paraphernalia. As a result of the search, Fraser faces additional charges:

    • Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (cocaine)
    • Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (methamphetamine)
    • Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose
    • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
    • Failure to Comply with Order

    Both Fraser and Lemmon appeared in Pictou Provincial Court on April 17 and were remanded into custody. Fraser is due back in court on May 14 and Lemmon will appear in court again today.

    The investigation is ongoing.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Goffs — RCMP asking for the publics help in locating woman spotted walking on Highway 102

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Halifax Regional Detachment RCMP is asking for the public’s help in locating a woman seen on the side of Highway 102 near Exit 6.

    Police temporarily closed the highway earlier today as part of the investigation.

    The individual is described as having reddish hair tied back in a ponytail. She was seen wearing white shoes, black leggings and a dark, possibly green jacket or hoodie.

    Police are concerned for the individual’s safety and would like to make contact with her.

    Anyone with information on the whereabouts of this individual is asked to contact Halifax Regional Detachment RCMP at 902-490-5020. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips App.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: The CBSA launches an investigation into the alleged dumping of certain carbon and alloy steel wire from the People’s Republic of China, the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu, the Republic of India, the Italian Republic, the Federation of Malaysia, the Portuguese Republic, the Kingdom of Spain, the Kingdom of Thailand, the Republic of Türkiye, and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam

    Source: Government of Canada News

    April 22, 2025
    Ottawa, Ontario

    The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced today that it is initiating an investigation to determine whether certain carbon and alloy steel wire originating in or exported from the People’s Republic of China, the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu, the Republic of India, the Italian Republic, the Federation of Malaysia, the Portuguese Republic, the Kingdom of Spain, the Kingdom of Thailand, the Republic of Türkiye, and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is being sold at unfair prices in Canada. This practice of dumping goods into Canada can harm Canadian industries by undercutting Canadian prices, which undermines fair competition.

    The CBSA is investigating because of a complaint filed by Sivaco Wire Group 2004, L.P. and ArcelorMittal Long Products Canada G.P. The complainants allege that as a result of an increase in the volume of the dumped imports, they have suffered material injury in the form of price undercutting, price depression, lost sales, lost market share, reduced net income and profitability, reduction in capacity utilization, inability to raise capital for investments, and reduced employment.

    The CBSA and the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) both play a role in the investigation. The CITT will begin a preliminary inquiry to determine whether the imports are harming Canadian producers and will issue a decision by June 20, 2025. Concurrently, the CBSA will investigate whether the imports are being sold in Canada at unfair prices, and will make a preliminary decision by July 21, 2025.

    Currently, there are 158 special import measures in force in Canada, covering a wide variety of industrial and consumer products. These measures have directly helped to protect approximately 31,000 Canadian jobs and $11.6 billion in Canadian production.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: More playgrounds coming for B.C. students, families

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    More children can play and exercise at safer, more-inclusive school playgrounds throughout B.C., through Budget 2025 funding.  

    “Creating safe, accessible spaces for children to play is crucial for our communities,” said Bowinn Ma, Minister of Infrastructure. “Access to play shouldn’t depend on parents’ ability to fundraise for these facilities. This investment goes beyond building new playgrounds — it’s about fostering stronger, healthier neighbourhoods where families can connect and children can stay active regardless of their families’ ability to pay. This is something our government has made a priority since forming government in 2017.”

    Twenty-five school districts will each receive $200,000 to fund the construction of new accessible school playgrounds. 

    “Playgrounds are more than just places to play, they are spaces where children make friends, build confidence and create memories,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Education and Child Care. “The new playgrounds we are announcing today will provide communities throughout B.C. with safe, accessible and inclusive spaces for kids and families to enjoy for years to come.”  

    Since 2018, government has supported students and families, with more than $45 million for new playgrounds at more than 300 schools, benefiting more than 77,000 students. Every B.C. school district has received at least one playground since the program started in 2018. Some schools have received funding for multiple playgrounds for the communities to enjoy.

    “On behalf of parents and caregivers, thank you to the B.C. government for allowing parent advisory councils to focus on building stronger communities instead of fundraising for expensive playgrounds,” said Laura Ward, president, BC Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils. “Playgrounds are essential to schools and neighbourhoods as they offer safe, inclusive spaces where all children can play and connect. This ongoing investment eases the burden on families and supports the well-being and growth of our communities.”

    The Province has approved more than $6 billion for hundreds of school capital projects, including new schools, additions and seismic upgrades, since 2017. These investments include the creation of more than 38,000 seismically safe seats, almost 43,000 new student seats, construction and delivery of additional prefabricated classrooms in growing communities, and the purchase of nearly 30 sites for future schools in growing communities.

    Quotes:

    Mable Elmore, MLA for Vancouver-Kensington – 

    “Playgrounds serve as vital spaces for students and the whole community. They contribute to children’s physical fitness, social development and creativity, while also providing inclusive environments where families and neighbours can connect beyond school hours. These investments are vital to support thriving communities for generations to come.”

    Victoria Jung, chair, Vancouver School Board (VSB) – 

    “VSB is grateful for this investment in the Cunningham school community. Playgrounds provide so much value for students with structures built specifically for children to develop motor skills and ignite imaginative play. They are social hubs for students of all ages to play, reflect and, most importantly, connect with peers.”

    Learn More:

    To learn more about the playground equipment program, visit:
    https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/administration/capital/programs

    A backgrounder follows. 

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Saskatchewan’s Building Construction Growth Leads Among Provinces

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on April 22, 2025

    Province Ranks First for Investment in Building Construction 

    Today, Statistics Canada numbers show an increase of 29.9 per cent in February 2025 compared to February 2024 for building construction investment in the province. This places Saskatchewan first among the provinces for year-over-year growth.

    “These numbers reflect Saskatchewan’s strong economy, and continued growth in capital investment as more people are choosing to build and grow their families here in our province,” Trade and Export Development Minister Warren Kaeding said. “Whether they are building new housing, new infrastructure, or new businesses, they are investing in the future of Saskatchewan.”

    Investment in building construction is calculated based on the total spending value on building construction within the province. 

    Statistics Canada’s latest GDP numbers indicate that Saskatchewan’s 2023 real GDP reached an all-time high of $77.9 billion, increasing by $1.77 billion, or 2.3 per cent from 2022. This places Saskatchewan second in the nation for real GDP growth and above the national average of 1.6 per cent.

    Private capital investment in Saskatchewan increased last year by 17.3 per cent to $14.7 billion, ranking first among provinces. Private capital investment is projected to reach $16.2 billion in 2025, an increase of 10.1 per cent over 2024. This is the second highest anticipated percentage increase among the provinces.

    Last year, the Government of Saskatchewan unveiled its new Securing the Next Decade of Growth – Saskatchewan’s Investment Attraction Strategy. This strategy, combined with Saskatchewan’s trade and investment website, InvestSK.ca, contains helpful information for potential markets and solidifies the province as the best place to do business in Canada. 

    For more information visit: InvestSK.ca.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI: NANO Nuclear and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Receive Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Fuel Qualification Methodology Approval for KRONOS MMR™ Energy System

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Safety Evaluation Issued by NRC Confirms Regulatory Acceptance of Fuel Qualification Methodology, Paving the Way for Eventual KRONOS Microreactor Deployment at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

    New York, N.Y., April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NNE) (“NANO Nuclear” or “the Company”), a leading advanced nuclear energy and technology company focused on developing clean energy solutions, is pleased to announce that the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has issued its final Safety Evaluation (SE) approving the Fuel Qualification Methodology Topical Report (FQM TR) for the advanced fuel design to be used in the NANO Nuclear’s stationary KRONOS MMR™ Energy System.

    This important regulatory milestone marks the successful culmination of a rigorous review process and represents a major step toward deployment of the KRONOS reactor prototype at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (U. of I.). The approved Fuel Qualification Methodology defines the regulatory framework and testing approach for the qualification of Fully Ceramic Microencapsulated (FCM®) fuel, which incorporates tri-structural isotropic (TRISO) fuel particles embedded in a silicon carbide matrix. With this latest regulatory breakthrough, NANO Nuclear is now positioned to submit its Construction Permit Application for the KRONOS reactor, with fuel qualification rapidly progressing. NANO Nuclear is advancing its vision to become a leader in small, clean energy technologies that address global energy security and decarbonization goals.

    Figure 1 – NANO Nuclear and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Receive Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Fuel Qualification Methodology Approval for KRONOS MMR™ Energy System

    “This is a major victory for advanced nuclear energy and a transformative moment for NANO Nuclear, bringing us closer to turning the promise of KRONOS into a working reality at U. of I.,” said James Walker, Chief Executive Officer of NANO Nuclear. “With the NRC’s final approval of the FQM Topical Report, we now have the regulatory green light to move forward with the Construction Permit (CP) application for the prototype KRONOS. We thank the NRC for their thorough review. This milestone is a critical enabler for our entire reactor program and affirms the strength of our fuel strategy. The nuclear energy future is coming—and NANO Nuclear is at the center of it.”

    “Fuel is one of the biggest sources of uncertainty in any advanced nuclear project,” Illinois Grainger Engineering Associate Professor Caleb Brooks, Head of the Microreactor Demonstration Program at U. of I. “This favorable regulatory outcome represents a significant reduction in that uncertainty for our project, and the SE establishes a common language between us and the regulator on how the fuel will be shown, with high assurance, to be safe and effective.”

    The FQM TR had previously undergone joint review by the NRC and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), with initial participation from the UK’s Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) as an observer. NANO Nuclear believes that final approval of the FQM TR by the NRC demonstrates confidence in the methodology’s scientific soundness and regulatory compliance, offering a repeatable pathway for advanced fuel qualification applicable to NANO Nuclear reactors.

    “With this regulatory foundation in place, we are prepared to execute,” said Dr. Florent Heidet, Chief Technology Officer and Head of Reactor Development of NANO Nuclear. “Our next steps include finalizing fuel fabrication timelines, preparing and submitting the construction permit this year, and completing early-stage site work at U. of I., including geotechnical drilling and environmental assessments. We will keep accelerating until the reactor is operating.”

    Figure 2 – Rendering of the KRONOS MMR™ Energy System

    The KRONOS MMR Energy System would be the first advanced microreactor built and operated on a U.S. university campus and will serve as a national platform for research, training, and demonstration. It would also become a centerpiece of U. of I.’s energy innovation initiatives, providing the university with clean, resilient energy while training the next generation of nuclear professionals.

    “NANO Nuclear is doing what others are still planning—we are executing,” said Jay Yu, Founder and Chairman of NANO Nuclear Energy. “The NRC’s approval of the FQM TR is more than a regulatory milestone; it’s a launchpad for reliable, deployable, and efficient nuclear power in the U.S. and beyond.”

    About The Grainger College of Engineering at U. of I.

    The Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is one of the world’s top-ranked engineering institutions, and a globally recognized leader in engineering education, research and public engagement. With a diverse, tight-knit community of faculty, students and alumni, Grainger Engineering sets the standard for excellence in engineering, driving innovation in the economy and bringing revolutionary ideas to the world. Through robust research and discovery, our faculty, staff, students and alumni are changing our world and making advances once only dreamed about, including the MRI, LED, ILIAC, Mosaic, YouTube, flexible electronics, electric machinery, miniature batteries, imaging the black hole and flight on Mars. The world’s brightest minds from The Grainger College of Engineering tackle today’s toughest challenges. And they are building a better, cooler, safer tomorrow.

    Visit https://grainger.illinois.edu for more information.

    About NANO Nuclear Energy, Inc.

    NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NNE) is an advanced technology-driven nuclear energy company seeking to become a commercially focused, diversified, and vertically integrated company across five business lines: (i) cutting edge portable and other microreactor technologies, (ii) nuclear fuel fabrication, (iii) nuclear fuel transportation, (iv) nuclear applications for space and (v) nuclear industry consulting services. NANO Nuclear believes it is the first portable nuclear microreactor company to be listed publicly in the U.S.

    Led by a world-class nuclear engineering team, NANO Nuclear’s reactor products in development include patented KRONOS MMR™Energy System, a stationary high-temperature gas-cooled reactor that is in construction permit pre-application engagement U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in collaboration with University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (U. of I.), “ZEUS”, a solid core battery reactor, and “ODIN”, a low-pressure coolant reactor, and the space focused, portable LOKI MMR™, each representing advanced developments in clean energy solutions that are portable, on-demand capable, advanced nuclear microreactors.

    Advanced Fuel Transportation Inc. (AFT), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is led by former executives from the largest transportation company in the world aiming to build a North American transportation company that will provide commercial quantities of HALEU fuel to small modular reactors, microreactor companies, national laboratories, military, and DOE programs. Through NANO Nuclear, AFT is the exclusive licensee of a patented high-capacity HALEU fuel transportation basket developed by three major U.S. national nuclear laboratories and funded by the Department of Energy. Assuming development and commercialization, AFT is expected to form part of the only vertically integrated nuclear fuel business of its kind in North America.

    HALEU Energy Fuel Inc. (HEF), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is focusing on the future development of a domestic source for a High-Assay, Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) fuel fabrication pipeline for NANO Nuclear’s own microreactors as well as the broader advanced nuclear reactor industry.

    NANO Nuclear Space Inc. (NNS), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is exploring the potential commercial applications of NANO Nuclear’s developing micronuclear reactor technology in space. NNS is focusing on applications such as the LOKI MMR™ system and other power systems for extraterrestrial projects and human sustaining environments, and potentially propulsion technology for long haul space missions. NNS’ initial focus will be on cis-lunar applications, referring to uses in the space region extending from Earth to the area surrounding the Moon’s surface.

    For more corporate information please visit: https://NanoNuclearEnergy.com/

    For further NANO Nuclear information, please contact:

    Email: IR@NANONuclearEnergy.com
    Business Tel: (212) 634-9206

    PLEASE FOLLOW OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES HERE:

    NANO Nuclear Energy LINKEDIN
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    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

    This news release and statements of NANO Nuclear’s management in connection with this news release contain or may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In this context, forward-looking statements mean statements related to future events, which may impact our expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “plans”, “believes”, “potential”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “would” or “may” and other words of similar meaning. In this press release, forward-looking statement relate to the NANO Nuclear’s development, demonstration, licensing and commercial plans for the KRONIS MMR, each as described herein. These and other forward-looking statements are based on information available to us as of the date of this news release and represent management’s current views and assumptions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, events or results and involve significant known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may be beyond our control. For NANO Nuclear, particular risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements include but are not limited to the following: (i) risks related to our U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”) or related state or non-U.S. nuclear fuel licensing submissions, (ii) risks related the development of new or advanced technology and the acquisition of complimentary technology or businesses, including difficulties with design and testing, cost overruns, regulatory delays, integration issues and the development of competitive technology, (iii) our ability to obtain contracts and funding to be able to continue operations, (iv) risks related to uncertainty regarding our ability to technologically develop and commercially deploy a competitive advanced nuclear reactor or other technology in the timelines we anticipate, if ever, (v) risks related to the impact of U.S. and non-U.S. government regulation, policies and licensing requirements, including by the DOE, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), and (vi) similar risks and uncertainties associated with the operating an early stage business a highly regulated and rapidly evolving industry. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this news release. These factors may not constitute all factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in any forward-looking statement, and NANO Nuclear therefore encourages investors to review other factors that may affect future results in its filings with the SEC, which are available for review at www.sec.gov and at https://ir.nanonuclearenergy.com/financial-information/sec-filings. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as a predictor of actual results. We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this news release, except as required by law.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: St. John’s — Meet Jamie Pike, a RCMP Telecommunications Officer!

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Jamie Pike has been working as a telecommunications officer in the Operational Communications Centre (OCC) with the RCMP in Newfoundland and Labrador for the past three years—and no two days are ever the same.

    In his role, Jamie is responsible for emergency call taking and dispatching police officers to emergencies across the province. Whether it’s a 911 call or a high-priority incident requiring immediate attention, he’s the first point of contact for people in distress and a critical lifeline for officers on the ground.

    Jamie says the most interesting part of the job is the unpredictability. You really never know what the next phone call is going to be. It could be something routine, or extremely high priority.

    The best part of working in the OCC, Jamie says, is knowing he’s actively helping the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.

    So, what does it take to succeed in this line of work? According to Jamie, OCC operators need a level head, strong organization, care and compassion, and excellent communication skills. “You need to be empathetic, self-disciplined, a team player, and able to stay calm and focused when people are calling in distress,” he says. Problem-solving and thinking quickly are also essential when lives could be on the line.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Sonor Investments Limited Reports Financial Results for the Year Ended December 31, 2024 and Three Months Ended March 31, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sonor Investments Limited (TSX VENTURE:SNI.PR.A) today reported its financial results for the year ended December 31, 2024 and the three months ended March 31, 2025.

      Year ended December 31 3 months ended March 31
      2024 2023 2025 2024
      $000 $000 $000 $000
             
    Revenue 5,710 5,322 522 614
             
    Income before taxes 4,854 4,592 339 261
             
             
             

    Michael Gardiner, Chairman and CEO stated that as at March 31, 2025, the Company’s assets totaled $60.3 million compared to $63.9 million as at December 31, 2024. These assets as at March 31, 2025 included $13.2 million of marketable securities, $35.6 million in a private investment and $11.5 million of cash and cash equivalents.

    During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company realized $397,000 in net capital gains on the sale of investments and recorded no impairments on its security investments. This compares to net capital gains of $53,000 on the sale of investments during the year ended December 31, 2023. During the three months ended March 31, 2025, the Company realized capital gains on the sale of investments of $61,000 and unrealized gains on investments of $182,000.

    During the period under review, the Company has maintained net assets and qualified investments in excess of the amounts prescribed under the share conditions pertaining to the First Preference Shares in its capital stock.        

    The Company announces that a semi-annual eligible dividend of $0.225 per share on the Company’s 9% First Preference Shares has been declared payable on September 15, 2025 at a meeting of its Board of Directors. The dividend will be paid to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 2, 2025.

    Sonor Investments Limited is an investment company located in Toronto, Canada. The First Preference Shares of Sonor trade on The TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol SNI.PR.A.

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Bonavista — Bonavista RCMP arrests impaired ATV operator

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Last week, Bonavista RCMP stopped a 55-year-old male all-terrain vehicle (ATV) operator and arrested him for impaired operation.

    On Thursday, April 17, 2025, shortly before 5:15 p.m., Bonavista RCMP received a report of a man driving an ATV who was possibly impaired. Police located the ATV in Catalina and located the man on his ATV pulling into his residence. The man showed signs of alcohol impairment and was subsequently arrested for impaired operation. He provided two breath samples that were more than three times the legal limit. His ATV was impounded.

    The man was released from custody and is set to appear in court at a later date to answer to charges of impaired operation.

    Impaired operation of any motor vehicle is a choice that unnecessarily places the driver and all others who share the roadway at an increased level of risk. If you suspect an individual is driving while impaired, please immediately call your local police or 911 to make a report.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Saskatchewan’s Most Popular Baby Names for 2024

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on April 22, 2025

    eHealth Saskatchewan released a list of the top 20 baby names for 2024 today and it shows a lot of movement.

    In 2024, Sophia ended Olivia’s nine-year run as the most popular name for baby girls, bumping Olivia down to second spot. Hazel rose from 20th to sixth, Ellie from 19th to fifth, Harper from 17th to eighth, and Isla from 10th to fourth. Ivy lost ground, falling from fifth place last year to 17th place this year. For the first time, Lainey is one of the most popular names for baby girls, coming in at number 20. Sadie and Grace return after being absent from the list for a few years, while Brielle, Nora, Evelyn and Sophie did not return this year after appearing in the top 20 in 2023.

    On the boys’ side, Henry jumped from 18th place all the way up to number one, bumping Oliver down to second place while long-time favourites Liam and Noah follow in third and fourth spots respectively. Other favourites like Levi, Hudson, Jack and Theodore remain strong. Daniel appears back on the list for the first time since 2017, and Asher, Alexander, Brooks and Elijah also return after being absent for some years. Muhammad climbed to 13th this year after first appearing in the top 20 in 19th place last year. Another favourite, Leo, fell from fourth place last year to 16th place this year, while Lincoln, Emmett, Ethan and Luke did not return to the top 20 this year.  

    Check out the top 20 baby names over the last 10 years.

    The list of top 20 baby names for 2024 is created with a preliminary count of 13,189 live births registered in Saskatchewan as of April 5, 2025. eHealth is still completing birth registrations from the end of 2024. The number of live births registered in 2023 was 13,080. This does not include Saskatchewan mothers who gave birth outside of the province.

    Top 20 Boy Names

    Top 20 Girl Names

    Rank

    Name

    Total Named

    Rank

    Name

    Total Named

    1

    Henry

    53

    1

    Sophia

    48

    2

    Oliver

    50

    2

    Olivia

    43

    3

    Liam

    49

    3

    Charlotte

    39

    4

    Noah

    46

    4

    Isla

    39

    5

    Levi

    45

    5

    Ellie

    37

    6

    Jack

    43

    6

    Hazel

    37

    7

    Theodore

    43

    7

    Violet

    36

    8

    William

    43

    8

    Harper

    35

    9

    Bennett

    39

    9

    Emma

    34

    10

    Hudson

    38

    10

    Sadie

    29

    11

    Alexander

    37

    11

    Scarlett

    29

    12

    Lucas

    35

    12

    Amelia

    28

    13

    Muhammad

    35

    13

    Emily

    27

    14

    Asher

    33

    14

    Grace

    27

    15

    Brooks

    33

    15

    Isabella

    27

    16

    Leo

    32

    16

    Aurora

    26

    17

    Elijah

    31

    17

    Ivy

    26

    18

    Beau

    30

    18

    Lily

    26

    19

    Owen

    30

    19

    Mia

    26

    20

    Daniel

    28

    20

    Lainey

    25

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Pathway on Parliament Hill to reopen for pedestrians

    Source: Government of Canada News

    For immediate release

    Gatineau, Quebec, April 22, 2025 – Public Services and Procurement Canada wishes to advise pedestrians that the pathway behind the Centre Block on Parliament Hill, which was closed for the winter season, will reopen on Wednesday, April 23.

    The Queen Victoria Monument and area, located on the west side of the Centre Block, will also reopen.

    The stairway on the west escarpment of Parliament Hill, as well as the Summer Pavilion behind the Centre Block, will remain closed until further notice to complete ongoing repairs.

     

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: SPSA Seeks Young Leaders for New Youth Preparedness Council

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on April 22, 2025

    The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) is now accepting applications for a new Youth Preparedness Council (YPC). This council is designed for Saskatchewan students in Grades 8 to 12 who have a passion for public safety, emergency preparedness and community leadership. 

    The YPC provides a platform for youth to share their ideas, engage in collaborative projects and gain firsthand experience in emergency management and public education.

    “This is a unique opportunity for young leaders to make a meaningful impact in their communities while developing valuable skills and connections,” SPSA President and Fire Commissioner Marlo Pritchard said. “This council will support emergency preparedness projects within the students’ own communities and help them prepare for a career in emergency services.”

    Selected members will serve on the council from September 2025 to June 2026. Members will be expected to participate in regularly scheduled virtual meetings that will consist of learning opportunities, project support and other collaborative activities.

    For more information and to complete an application form, please visit: https://www.saskpublicsafety.ca/at-home/youth-programs.

    The 2025 YPC application period is open until July 14, 2025.

    If you have any further questions about the YPC, please email youthpreparednesscouncil@gov.sk.ca.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Initial Applications Being Accepted for new Infrastructure Funding Program

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on April 22, 2025

    Starting today, eligible Saskatchewan communities are invited to submit applications for funding through the Provincial-Territorial stream of the Canadian Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF), with applications due by May 20.

    “Under the Canadian Housing Infrastructure Fund, communities will be able to invest in the vital municipal infrastructure that grows our economy, allows for new home construction and improves our overall quality of life,” Government Relations Minister Eric Schmalz said. “With our government’s contribution of more than $155 million, a total of over $340 million will be made available to enhance municipal infrastructure in Saskatchewan and I encourage all communities to start preparing for the significant intake planned for September.”

    CHIF will provide funding for communities to build or improve critical infrastructure related to drinking water, wastewater, stormwater and solid waste, supporting more homes throughout the province. 

    The agreement between Canada and Saskatchewan requires that a set amount of funding be committed by June 30, 2025. The Government of Saskatchewan’s initial intake is prioritizing those projects that have committed to housing outcomes, with additional intakes opening this fall. 

    During this initial intake, more than $23 million will be allocated through the competitive intake to Saskatchewan communities that have been approved for the federal Housing Accelerator Funding (HAF) and communities with at least 30,000 residents. At this time, Government Relations will be accepting applications from Regina, Saskatoon, Prince Albert, Moose Jaw, Moosomin, La Ronge, Radisson, Outlook and Humboldt. This ensures that the submitted projects meet the housing requirements under this CHIF cost-share requirement.

    The next intake for CHIF funding applications will begin in mid-September for all eligible Saskatchewan municipalities. Approval of the federal HAF program will not be required for the September intake.

    Under CHIF, the federal government will provide $187.9 million and the provincial government will provide more than $155 million to address housing-enabling infrastructure priorities.

    For complete eligibility requirements, the online application process and additional information, please visit: Government of Saskatchewan CHIF page.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Traffic will be diverted on Highway 1 at Glover Road, CPKC crossing

    Drivers are advised of overnight weekend traffic diversions on Highway 1 between 216th Street and 232nd Street, beginning Thursday, April 24, 2025.

    These diversions are in addition to ongoing overnight single-lane reductions already in place. 

    These traffic-pattern changes are necessary to allow crews to safely complete drainage-pipe replacements between the Glover Road underpass and CPKC overpass on Highway 1, and are dependent on good weather.

    This work is a key component of the Fraser Valley highway-widening project.

    Westbound Highway 1 lane diversions:

    • Thursdays, April 24 and May 1 –
      Westbound lanes will be closed and diverted to one eastbound lane overnight from 8:30 p.m. until 5:30 a.m.
    • Fridays, April 25 and May 2, and Saturdays, April 26 and May 3 –
      Westbound lanes will be closed and diverted to one eastbound lane overnight from 8:30 p.m. until 10:30 a.m.

    Eastbound Highway 1 lane diversions:

    • Thursday, May 8 –
      Eastbound lanes will be closed and diverted to one westbound lane overnight from 8:30 p.m. until 5:30 a.m.
    • Friday, May 9 and Saturday, May 10 –
      Eastbound lanes will be closed and diverted to one westbound lane overnight from 8:30 p.m. until 10:30 a.m.

    The speed limit will be reduced to 80 km/h.

    Drivers are advised to use caution, obey signs and traffic-control personnel, and watch for roadside workers. Allow additional travel time and consider alternative routes.

    Learn More:

    For traffic and construction updates, check: https://www.drivebc.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lawrencetown — RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment investigates fatal collision

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment is investigating a fatal collision that occurred in Lawrencetown.

    On April 21, at approximately 12:10 p.m., RCMP officers, fire, and EHS responded to a report of a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of Lawrencetown Rd. and Gammon Lake Dr.

    The investigation indicates an Econoline van was travelling south on Gammon Lake Dr. and a Yamaha motorcycle was travelling west on Lawrencetown Rd. when they collided.

    The driver and sole rider of the motorcycle, a 65-year-old man from Three Fathom Harbour, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver and sole occupant of the van, a 59-year-old man from Westphal, was not injured.

    A collision reconstructionist attended the scene; the investigation remains ongoing.

    Lawrencetown Rd. was closed for several hours.

    Our thoughts are with the victim’s loved ones at this difficult time.

    File #: 25-55022

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The focus on manufacturing in the federal election misses what could truly help Canadian workers

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Gerard Di Trolio, PhD candidate, Labour Studies, McMaster University

    Canada’s major political parties have been pledging support for the manufacturing sector ahead of next week’s election, but Canada’s working class is much broader than just manufacturing.

    Canadians are on edge because as many as 600,000 jobs are at stake due to tariffs levied by United States President Donald Trump.

    But the focus on manufacturing obscures what truly ails the working class in an advanced economy like Canada’s. Manufacturing’s share of employment hovers at around 8.9 per cent, while nearly 80 per cent of Canadians work in the service sector.

    A recent report from the non-partisan Cardus think tank notes that Canada’s working class today is “likely to be a female, recently immigrated worker in the services-producing sector. The new working class, in other words, is now more personified by a Walmart cashier or an Amazon delivery driver than a General Motors factory worker or a Domtar mill hand.”



    Read more:
    Canada’s labour market is failing racialized immigrant women, requiring an urgent policy response

    Manufacturing gives way to services

    So why is there such emphasis on manufacturing?

    It’s easy to understand. Manufacturing has been essential to industrialization, from the British Empire to China’s unprecedented growth in recent years.

    The late British-Hungarian economist Nicholas Kaldor argued that manufacturing is the engine of growth due to increasing returns to scale, strong links to other sectors and its role in technological development.

    But as countries become wealthier, an increased demand for services follows, creating jobs in that sector. Manufacturing sectors in wealthier countries tend to invest in labour-saving technologies. The U.S., for example, has seen manufacturing employment fall while output has increased.

    Labour-intensive sectors like clothing cannot compete with Bangladeshi wages, but discussions about manufacturing jobs in Canada and other advanced economies too often focus on wage competition instead of job losses through automation and increasing productivity.

    There were losers when the globalization era began, but countries like Canada and the U.S. are wealthier today than they were in 1994, when the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was signed. As American economist Jeffrey Sachs has pointed out, governments have failed to redistribute the wealth created by gains from trade to those at the bottom of the income scale.



    Read more:
    Beyond NAFTA: Canada must find new global markets

    Four policies of a real working-class agenda

    There are several key policies that politicians should be proposing that would really help the working class.

    First is one that all politicians are talking about: building more housing.

    Second is related to key elements of social reproduction — that is, care work. There must be strong funding commitments to ensure a national childcare system functions properly.

    With Canada on track to experience a surge of its elderly population, long-term care also needs to be a focus. Personal support workers must earn a living wage and must have better working conditions. Canada’s aging population is also why decreased immigration is a bad idea.

    The third policy requires the federal and provincial governments to get serious about active labour market policies. This means building a labour market training system that actually works, something Canada has lacked.

    These policies are generally not implemented in liberal market economies like Canada and the U.S.

    But in countries like Sweden with active labour market policies in place, 80 per cent of the population has a favourable opinion of robots and AI compared to two-thirds of Americans who are concerned about technological job loss. The state’s ability — or lack of it — to provide social protections and job re-training has real impacts on how people perceive technological change.

    Canada also needs to recognize foreign credentials. Its reluctance to do so has had a negative impact on the economic prospects of immigrants. Canada should also consider making higher education free.

    The fourth policy involves better worker protections that include a strengthened Employment Insurance that is easier to qualify for, improved protections for gig workers and increasing union membership.

    Apart from the public sector, Canadian unions have not fared well organizing in service industries. Unions need to make a serious effort to organize in retail, food service, the gig economy and logistics, despite the challenges. Canadian unions may find that they have little choice but to do so, as their presence in the private sector continues to decline.



    Read more:
    Canada Post strike highlights labour struggle over gig economy and precarious work

    Inequality, wealth redistribution

    The most significant barrier of these four policy proposals is that most require an increased redistribution of wealth. Canada over the past several decades has retreated from wealth redistribution and as a result, economic inequality has surged.

    White blue-collar workers in the U.S. in areas hit by factory job losses swung to Trump. A Canadian version of this is happening with some blue-collar unions endorsing the Conservatives under Pierre Poilievre.



    Read more:
    Pierre Poilievre is popular among union members. What’s it really all about?

    Fixating on manufacturing is not a solution. After 2012, China began shedding manufacturing employment. Job demand in Chinese manufacturing today is in sectors that require skilled workers for software and AI systems. Services like retail, technology and transportation are also drawing in workers from manufacturing.

    Building infrastructure, green energy

    Not all blue-collar work will disappear. Canada needs labour to build not just homes, but high-speed rail.



    Read more:
    Canada is one step closer to high-speed rail, but many hurdles remain

    Active labour market policies will be key to ensuring manufacturing workers transition into building infrastructure and green energy. Canada can also remain competitive in areas like aluminum production .

    Policymakers need to understand our post-industrial moment, and focus on a just transition for manufacturing workers.

    Labour and progressive movements have long championed a just transition for fossil fuel workers. Like factory workers, fossil fuel workers have been courted by right-wing politicians who tell them environmental policies will destroy their jobs. At the same time, oil companies automate their jobs anyway.

    These policies are not easy to achieve, but there are few other options for Canada if it wants to be carbon-free, open to the world and more equal. Canada’s economic nostalgia for manufacturing is ultimately strange given it’s also a common talking point of Trump, a politician who’s wildly unpopular in Canada.

    Gerard Di Trolio 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 focus on manufacturing in the federal election misses what could truly help Canadian workers – https://theconversation.com/the-focus-on-manufacturing-in-the-federal-election-misses-what-could-truly-help-canadian-workers-254651

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Premier’s, minister’s statements on Earth Day

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Premier David Eby has issued the following statement marking Earth Day:

    “On Earth Day, people in British Columbia join other Canadians and people around the world in celebrating our planet as we rededicate our efforts to protect it.

    “British Columbia is lucky to have so many marvelous natural wonders, from snowcapped mountains to verdant valleys to spectacular coastlines. Our government is working in partnership with more than 60 First Nations on stewardship projects embracing local and Indigenous knowledge to protect nature. Our unique biospheres are our inheritance. We have an obligation to preserve them as our legacy for future generations.

    “For 55 years, Earth Day has been raising awareness and encouraging action on critically important environmental issues. This year’s Earth Day theme is Our Planet, Our Power. It is a call for the world to harness renewable energy to build a healthy, equitable and prosperous future. A transition to renewable energy is driving innovation in industry, transportation and agriculture, and spurring technological advancements, while creating millions of new jobs around the world, including here in British Columbia.

    “The urgency has never been clearer. Our climate is changing. British Columbians have endured record-breaking wildfire seasons, as well as floods, droughts and heat waves. That is why we are building our province’s capacity to produce clean fuels, such as biofuels, hydrogen and hydroelectricity, as well as wind and solar power.

    “Our province is already a clean-energy superpower. To build a clean economy and support growing communities, we need to expand our clean-energy capacity. BC Hydro’s $36-billion, 10-year capital plan is critical to our efforts to build a clean economy, powered by electricity, that works for everyone.

    “First Nations have long been leaders in the clean-energy sector, and we will advance reconciliation by working in collaboration and partnership with First Nations to advance projects on their territories – including eight new wind-energy projects that have majority First Nations equity ownership.

    “Our plan, called Powering Our Future: B.C.’s Clean Energy Strategy, also shows how investment in energy efficiency saves people and businesses on their energy bills, reduces energy waste and cuts down on harmful pollution, while creating jobs and economic opportunities.

    “By working together, we will ensure our province remains a place where our children and our children’s children can continue to enjoy clean air, water and land.”

    Tamara Davidson, Minister of Environment and Parks, said:

    “People throughout British Columbia are blessed to be able to celebrate Earth Day where the beauty of nature is ever-present. We all cherish the natural wonders this province provides for us and we take this time to renew our efforts to protect it.

    “Since 1970, Earth Day has stood as a time for all of us to reflect on how we can continue to care for our planet so it will continue to take care of us. With the ongoing effects of climate change being felt annually in the form of worsening drought, wildfires, heat waves and other weather events, now is the time to ramp up our efforts to work with our environment, not against it, for the betterment of all.

    “The theme of this 55th Earth Day is Our Power, Our Planet, an idea we are passionate about. That’s why the Province is exempting wind-farm projects from environmental assessments and working on expediting reviews of projects such as solar farms. Producing clean energy to meet the electricity needs of people and the economy is pivotal to our future. We want to make it easier for investors to create this energy and, at the same time, fuel our economy.

    “The people of British Columbia continue to show how much they cherish the beauty of this land by visiting provincial parks and recreation sites in high numbers year after year. As a vital part of our physical and mental well-being, our world-renowned parks and protected areas are more important than ever. They play a critical role in preserving unique species and ecosystems, along with cultural and historical values, and contribute to local economies through tourism.

    “Since 2017, we’ve added more than 2,000 new campsites to BC Parks and recreation sites, with more to come. Accessibility upgrades continue to be made in parks throughout the province to ensure these natural treasures can be enjoyed by everyone.

    “Earth Day allows us to reflect on where we are and where we need to go to build a cleaner, sustainable future. I am committed to do my part in stewarding our environment for future generations to benefit from, care and enjoy.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lilydale — Lunenburg District RCMP investigates fatal crash in Lilydale

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Lunenburg District RCMP is investigating a fatal crash that occurred in Lilydale.

    On April 20, at approximately 11:15 a.m., Lunenburg District RCMP, fire, and EHS responded to a report of a single motor vehicle crash on Hwy. 324.

    Responders located a Jeep Compass on its roof alongside the highway. The initial investigation indicates the SUV was travelling southbound when it left the roadway and struck a tree before overturning onto its roof.

    The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, a 31-year-old woman from Lunenburg, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

    An RCMP collision reconstructionist attended the location of the crash; the investigation is ongoing.

    A section of Hwy. 324 was closed for several hours.

    Our thoughts are with the victim’s loved ones at this difficult time.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery and Wawanesa Award $150,000 to Five Youth-Led Climate Projects

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HAMILTON, Ontario, April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Innovative climate solutions require bold ideas, and young leaders are stepping up to the challenge. Wawanesa Insurance and Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery (C2R2) are thrilled to announce the latest recipients of the Wawanesa Climate Champions: Youth Innovation Grants. The $150,000 in available funding will support youth-led projects focused on tackling climate change and building more resilient communities across Canada.

    Through a competitive selection process, five outstanding projects have been chosen to each receive a $30,000 grant to develop and implement their climate-focused initiative with support from C2R2 partner institutions. These projects represent the creativity and commitment of young Canadians striving for meaningful environmental impact.

    “The level of innovation and dedication from young leaders across Canada is truly inspiring,” said Has Malik, Saskatchewan Polytechnic Provost & Vice President Academic and C2R2 Co-Chair. “By investing in these projects, we are not only supporting youth-led ideas, but also empowering the next generation to take an active role in shaping a more sustainable future.”

    Recognizing the critical role youth play in driving climate adaptation and mitigation solutions, Wawanesa first awarded the grant last year in partnership with C2R2. The initiative is part of the Wawanesa Climate Champions program, which reinforces the insurer’s annual $2 million commitment to building stronger, more resilient communities.

    “Canada’s youth are instrumental in building more climate-resilient communities,” said Jackie De Pape Hornick, Director, Communications & Community Impact at Wawanesa. “These grants are designed to empower young climate champions to transform their innovative ideas into action. We’re proud to once again partner with C2R2 to support another group of changemakers as they create a meaningful, lasting impact in our communities.”

    The Wawanesa Climate Champions: Youth Innovation Grants received over 10 outstanding submissions from youth across seven of C2R2’s institution partners. Of the projects, the following have been selected to receive funding:

    • Anamika Gupta at Saskatchewan Polytechnic for her project; Prairie EcoWatt: Energy Champions of Saskatchewan.
    • Clarissa Getigan at New Brunswick Community College for her project; Sustainable Greenhouse Farming: Securing Food with Resource Efficiency.
    • Dexter Guino at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology for his project; Enhancing the Durability Performance of Low-Carbon Concrete using Carbon-Sequestered SCM.
    • Jeshuah Gilroy at Holland College for his project; Novel bioremediation approach to neutralize nitrous oxide precursors from water.
    • Maninder Kailay and Nga Phan at the British Columbia Institute of Technology for their project; Supercritical CO₂ Techniques for Lithium-Ion Battery Metal Recovery.

    These projects will be implemented over the next year, with recipients working alongside industry experts, academic mentors, and community partners to maximize their impact.

    About Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery (C2R2)

    Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery (C2R2) is a coalition of 15 highly aligned colleges, cégeps, institutes, and polytechnics across Canada with an established commitment to sustainability. The coalition members have come together as a driving force, providing the skills required to transition to a clean economy in Canada. C2R2’s administration and secretariat are located at Mohawk College in Hamilton.

    For more information, visit www.resilientcolleges.ca.

    About The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company

    The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company, founded in 1896, is one of Canada’s largest mutual insurers, with over $3.5 billion in annual revenue and assets of $10 billion. Wawanesa Mutual, with its National Headquarters in Winnipeg, is the parent company of Wawanesa Life, which provides life insurance products and services throughout Canada, and Western Financial Group, which distributes personal and business insurance across Canada. Wawanesa proudly serves more than 1.7 million members in Canada. The company actively gives back to organizations that strengthen communities, donating more than $3.5 million annually to charitable organizations, including over $2 million annually in support of people on the front lines of climate change. Learn more at wawanesa.com.

    For more information:

    Sean Coffey
    Director, Communications
    Mohawk College
    905-575-2127
    sean.coffey@mohawkcollege.ca

    Michel Rosset
    Manager, Corporate Communications & Media Relations
    The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company
    media@wawanesa.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister’s statement on Education Week

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Lisa Beare, Minister of Education and Child Care, has released the following statement in celebration of Education Week 2025:

    “As we mark Education Week from April 21-25, we take this opportunity to celebrate the hard work and achievements of students throughout British Columbia. This week also recognizes the dedication of the teachers, support staff, school administrators and trustees who make our education system one of the best in the world.

    “Our government is committed to ensuring our students succeed and thrive in their education, and continues to invest in initiatives that support students, families and educators.

    “We are making historic investments in school food programs to ensure no student needs to learn on an empty stomach. This year, we signed onto the National School Food Program, adding $39 million over three years in federal funding for food programs. This is in addition to $71.5 million in annual funding already provided through B.C.’s Feeding Futures program. Since we introduced Feeding Futures in 2023, almost 90% of schools in B.C. now have school food programs. We know access to nutritious food is essential for learning and we are committed to working toward all students being able to access the food they need to thrive in the classroom.

    “Through the new Ministry of Infrastructure, we are working to meet the demands of growing communities and increasing student enrolment by continuing to invest in modern, safe and inclusive learning spaces. During the next three years, our government will invest a record $4.6 billion for new school construction, seismic upgrades and expansions.

    “In addition to supporting student well-being, we are strengthening policies to create safer and more focused learning environments. At the start of this school year, all school districts implemented policies to limit cellphone use in classrooms, and we are expanding digital literacy training to help students and families navigate online spaces safely and responsibly. We are committed to ensuring students are safe inside and outside the classroom, which is why we are also working to ensure all students receive CPR learning before they graduate.

    “Since we formed government, we’ve more than doubled funding to school districts for inclusive supports and services – it’s almost $1 billion this school year. Two provincial school outreach teams are doing excellent work with schools throughout B.C. to support students with disabilities or diverse learning needs. These teams, which include specialists, such as speech-language pathologists, learning support teachers, behaviour analysts, school counselors and other professionals, have provided support at 52 schools in 27 districts so far, particularly focusing on rural and remote communities. We’ve provided more than $9 million over three years in provincial funding to launch and expand these teams.

    “Additionally, we are rolling out supports from our $30-million investment over three years to enhance early literacy supports, particularly for students with dyslexia and other learning challenges. By expanding early screening and intervention, we are supporting school districts to meet the literacy needs of all their students.

    “To address teacher shortages and ensure students continue to have access to qualified educators, the Province has allocated $12.5 million over three years for teacher training, recruitment and retention, with a particular focus on rural, northern and Indigenous communities. We’ve also heard through sector engagement that a key area for retention is mentorship, which is why we are working with sector partners to re-establish a provincial teacher mentorship program to further support teachers in their roles.

    “I extend my sincere gratitude to all educators, school leaders and support staff who dedicate their time and energy to making British Columbia’s education system strong and inclusive. Your efforts empower students and help build a brighter future for our province.

    “As we celebrate this year’s Education Week, I am pleased to reiterate our government’s ongoing commitment to making schools safe and inclusive, a place where every child has a right to show up as their authentic self, while having the resources and opportunities they need to succeed and thrive.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI: Parallels’ Survey Reveals Midsize Companies Lead EUC Market Shift: 63% Seek New VDI or DaaS Solutions, 94% Plan Implementation Within a Year

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AUSTIN, Texas, April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Parallels, a global leader in virtualization and end-user computing (EUC) solutions, today released findings from its 2025 State of Cloud Computing Survey, revealing a major shift in the EUC market driven by *midsize organizations. Faced with rising costs and the complexities of legacy virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), 63% of midsize companies are actively exploring new VDI or Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS) providers, and 94% plan to implement a new solution within the next 12 months.

    “Mid-market companies are facing growing IT demands without enterprise-level budgets,” said Prashant Ketkar, Chief Technology & Product Officer at Parallels. “They’re under pressure to streamline operations, from application delivery and cloud management to VDI support—while also strengthening cybersecurity and enabling remote work. This is forcing organizations to reevaluate their application delivery infrastructure strategies in favor of more cost-effective, secure, and flexible solution.”

    Top Challenges with Current VDI Solutions

    The survey asked mid-market IT leaders to rank the most pressing challenges they face with their current VDI solutions. The results point to a clear trend: complexity, cost, and manageability remain major pain points. Respondents ranked the following issues as their top concerns, with 1 being the most critical:

    1. Requires too many IT resources
    2. Lack of centralized control
    3. Too expensive
    4. Too complex
    5. Unreliable/performance issues

    As organizations seek to address these challenges, several key factors are influencing their decisions to change their IT strategies.

    Key Drivers Behind Shifting IT Strategies

    As the VDI market continues to experience disruption, mid-market organizations are reevaluating their IT strategies to better align with their current and future needs. When asked about the leading factors influencing potential change, survey respondents cited the following:

    • Rising costs – 43%
    • Concern over future support – 26%
    • Lack of integration – 18%
    • Uncertain product roadmaps – 13%
    • Other – 1%

    These insights point to a growing demand for solutions that reduce operational overhead while offering long-term stability and seamless integration. IT leaders are not only looking for ways to cut costs, but they’re also seeking trusted partners with clear product direction and the ability to support evolving infrastructure strategies.

    According to Gartner®, “Vendors push for organizations to embrace 100% cloud deployment, but most MSEs continue to find benefits in a hybrid approach that balances both on-premises and cloud advantages. MSE CIOs or the most senior IT leaders report that, on average, 40% of their applications and infrastructure remain on-premises.” This underscores the importance of flexible solutions that can support both cloud and on-premises deployments, allowing businesses to modernize at their own pace, without sacrificing performance, control, or budget.

    Cybersecurity Budgets on the Rise

    With cybersecurity threats continuing to evolve, mid-market organizations are prioritizing stronger defenses in their IT strategies. According to the survey, an overwhelming majority – nine out of 10 – plan to boost their cybersecurity investments in 2025:

    • 41% reported their cybersecurity budget is increasing significantly
    • 48% said it’s increasing moderately
    • Only 9% plan to maintain current spending levels, and just 1% anticipate a decrease

    These results underscore how critical cybersecurity has become, not just as a protective measure, but as a foundational element of digital transformation and business resilience.

    “What we’re hearing from IT leaders is a desire for choice, security & simplicity without compromise—solutions that are easy to deploy, run & manage,” said Ketkar. “At Parallels, we’re focused on delivering powerful, streamlined application delivery & infrastructure solutions that help midsize businesses stay agile, reduce costs, and modernize at their own pace.”

    Survey Methodology

    Parallels’ 2025 State of Cloud Computing Survey was conducted in December 2024 with data from 600 IT professionals across the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, and the European Union about their cloud journeys to discover what’s working, what isn’t, and what’s next. To see the full results of the study, click here.

    *Note: Mid-size companies are defined as those with 300 to 1,000 employees.

    Gartner Attribution

    Gartner, Midsize Enterprises Optimize Cloud and On-Premises Strategies, By Mike Cisek, Megha Bawa, 30 October 2024.

    GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved.

    About Parallels

    Parallels is a global leading brand in cross-platform solutions that make it simple for businesses and individuals to use and access the applications and files they need on any device or operating system. Parallels helps customers leverage the best technology out there, whether it’s Windows, Mac, Chrome OS, iOS, Android, or the cloud. Parallels solves complex engineering and user-experience problems by making it simple and cost-effective for businesses and individual customers to use applications anywhere, anytime. Parallels is part of the Alludo™ portfolio. For more information, please visit www.parallels.com.

    © 2025 Parallels International GmbH. All rights reserved. Parallels is a trademark or registered trademark of Parallels International GmbH. in Canada, the United States and/or elsewhere. Mac is a trademark of Apple Inc. Android and ChromeOS are trademarks of Google LLC. All other company, product and service names, logos, brands and any registered or unregistered trademarks mentioned are used for identification purposes only and remain the exclusive property of their respective owners. For all notices and legal information please visit www.parallels.com/about/legal/.

    Ashley Ruess
    ashley.ruess@alludo.com

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/35459dc5-1e10-4e50-9abc-ed2b7f7095c6

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2349b4ed-a6f7-4a0c-b396-738053f19f6c

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/94d70f23-d073-4575-ae86-0d01cb1af7b2

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/47116ec4-5d36-49c0-8f76-c2f03f90f41e

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9776da51-f483-45e1-ad4a-f077bebd426c

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: illumin Holdings Inc. Announces Date for First Quarter 2025 Financial and Operating Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO and NEW YORK, April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — illumin Holdings Inc. (TSX: ILLM, OTCQB: ILLMF) (“illumin” or “Company”), a leader in digital advertising technology that empowers marketers to make smarter decisions about communicating with online consumers, announces that it will report its first quarter 2025 financial results before market open on Friday, May 9, 2025.

    Investors and analysts are invited to join a live webcast on Friday, May 9, 2025, at 8:30 AM ET, where CEO, Simon Cairns and CFO, Elliot Muchnik will discuss illumin’s First Quarter 2025 results, followed by a question-and-answer session.

    Conference Call Details:

    To register for the conference call webcast and presentation, please visit: https://events.illumin.com/q1-2025-earnings-call

    Please connect at least 15 minutes prior, to ensure time for any software download that may be needed to hear the webcast.

    A recording of the conference call webcast will be available after the call by visiting the Company’s website at https://illumin.com/investor-information/.

    About illumin:

    illumin is evolving the digital advertising landscape by empowering marketers to achieve transformative results through its customer-centric approach. Featuring a unified canvas built around the open web, illumin lets brands and agencies seamlessly plan, build, and execute campaigns across the entire marketing funnel—connecting programmatic channels, email, and social media within a single platform. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, illumin serves clients across North America, Latin America, and Europe. For more information, visit illumin.com.

    For further information, please contact.

    Steve Hosein David Hanover
    Investor relations  Investor Relations – U.S.
    illumin Holdings Inc. KCSA Strategic Communications
    416-218-9888 x5313 212-896-1220
    investors@illumin.com dhanover@kcsa.com
       

    Disclaimer regarding Forward-looking Statements

    Certain statements included herein constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management at this time, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies.  Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements.  Except as required by law, the Company does not intend, and undertakes no obligation, to update any forward-looking statements to reflect, in particular, new information or future events.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: GCM Grosvenor Announces $1.3 Billion Final Close for Infrastructure Advantage Fund II, a Nearly 50% Increase Over its Predecessor Fund

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GCM Grosvenor (Nasdaq: GCMG), a leading global alternative asset management solutions provider, announced the final close of its Infrastructure Advantage Fund II (“IAF II” or the “Fund”) was held on March 31, 2025, securing $1.3 billion in commitments, a substantial increase over its predecessor, “Fund I”, which closed in 2020 at $893 million.   

    GCM Grosvenor’s Infrastructure Advantage Strategy focuses on partnership with organized labor and other stakeholders to invest in infrastructure projects with long-term community and economic benefits. Similar to Fund I, IAF II will focus on building a diverse portfolio of assets across infrastructure sectors including transportation, energy transition, and digital infrastructure. The Fund attracted a broad group of 58 investors from across the U.S. and Canada.

    “We are grateful for the continued confidence of our investors, who share our vision of effectively deploying infrastructure capital in the U.S. and Canada,” said Michael Sacks, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at GCM Grosvenor. “We look forward to building on the success of Fund I and delivering value to our IAF II investors.”

    Launched in 2018, GCM Grosvenor’s Infrastructure Advantage Strategy manages nearly $2.5 billion in assets, and through its investments, has generated more than $8 billion* of total economic impact across the United States and Canada.

    *Source: IMPLAN 2022 Data Set.

    About GCM Grosvenor 
    GCM Grosvenor (Nasdaq: GCMG) is a global alternative asset management solutions provider with approximately $80 billion in assets under management across private equity, infrastructure, real estate, credit, and absolute return investment strategies. The firm has specialized in alternatives for more than 50 years and is dedicated to delivering value for clients by leveraging its cross-asset class and flexible investment platform.​  

    GCM Grosvenor’s experienced team of approximately 550 professionals serves a global client base of institutional and individual investors. The firm is headquartered in Chicago, with offices in New York, Toronto, London, Frankfurt, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Seoul, and Sydney. For more information, visit: www.gcmgrosvenor.com.  

    Media Contact 
    Tom Johnson and Abigail Ruck 
    H/Advisors Abernathy 
    tom.johnson@h-advisors.global / abigail.ruck@h-advisors.global 
    212-371-5999

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Matador Technologies Provides Corporate Update Ahead of Digital Asset Platform

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Key Highlights

    • Digital Asset Platform Introduction: Matador is preparing to launch its Digital Asset Platform, enabling the inscription of digital art onto physical gold. The platform integrates precious metals-based art with blockchain infrastructure using Bitcoin Ordinals, a protocol built on the Bitcoin Network.
    • “Grammies” – Digital Gold Collectibles: The first product, “Grammies,” consists of 1-gram gold units with digital inscriptions recorded on Bitcoin. These units are tradable and transferable via Ordinals-compatible Bitcoin wallets and can be converted into physical gold-based artwork.
    • Timing and Market Context: Gold has recently exceeded ~USD$3,400/oz, providing a favorable environment for the Digital Gold Product launch, particularly as investors explore alternative stores of value amid global macroeconomic uncertainty.
    • Team and Infrastructure Updates: To support product development, Matador appointed Antoine De Vuyst as CTO and “dxxmsdxy” as Lead Designer. Bitcoin custody is managed by BitGo, and physical gold is stored at the Royal Canadian Mint.
    • Ongoing Strategy: In addition to the gold product, Matador intends to expand to other precious metals. The Company holds 64 BTC (including equivalents) and 2 kg of gold as part of its broader treasury strategy.

    TORONTO, April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Matador Technologies Inc. (“Matador” or the “Company”) (TSXV: MATA, OTCQB: MTDTF), a Bitcoin Ecosystem company, is providing a corporate update as it moves toward the launch of its Digital Asset Platform, beginning with a gold-based product on the Bitcoin network, with an anticipated launch in the next couple of months. Over the past quarter, the Company has made progress in product development, treasury allocation, team expansion, and market engagement.

    Digital Asset Platform and Product Update

    The Company’s upcoming launch features “Grammies,” 1-gram units of physical gold linked to digital inscriptions using Bitcoin Ordinals. Users will be able to:

    • View Grammies in a personalized dashboard
    • Buy and sell in a secure trading environment
    • Transfer Grammies to Ordinals-compatible Bitcoin wallets
    • Print Grammies into physical gold artwork

    The launch coincides with a period of strong gold pricing—recently surpassing USD$3,400 per ounce (sourced from Reuters) —and increased interest in physical-digital asset convergence.

    “Gold has always been a store of value and we believe Bitcoin is the future of value transfer. Matador is where the two converge,” said Mark Moss, Chief Visionary Officer of Matador Technologies.

    In a press release issued on March 31, 2025, the Company appointed Antoine De Vuyst (CTO) and the pseudonymous artist “dxxmsdxy” (Lead Designer), both with experience in Bitcoin and Ordinals-related development. This team expansion aims to support secure and user-focused platform delivery.

    Matador expects the Grammies product to be the first of multiple offerings centered on precious metals and digital inscription. Silver and other metals are under consideration for future phases.

    Treasury and Capital Strategy

    As part of its asset diversification approach, Matador has continued to accumulate Bitcoin and physical gold. Since January 2025, the Company has added over 40 Bitcoin, bringing total holdings to roughly 64 BTC and BTC-equivalents. These purchases were funded with available cash.

    The Company also holds 2 kilograms of physical gold, acquired via Kitco Metals Inc, as announced in a press release issued on January 24, 2025. Matador remains debt-free.

    Custody and Market Access

    As announced in a press release issued on February 10, 2025, for custody of its Bitcoin, Matador has engaged BitGo Trust Company, which provides cold storage and multi-signature protection. Gold is held at the Royal Canadian Mint in Ottawa.

    To support market liquidity and visibility, Matador retained Independent Trading Group Inc. (ITG) as a market maker on the TSX Venture Exchange which was announced in a press release dated January 8, 2025. On March 18, 2025 the Company announced it listed on the OTCQB under the symbol MTDTF, broadening access to U.S.-based investors.

    Industry Engagement

    As indicated in a press release issued February 18, 2025, Matador participated in several recent industry events aimed at strengthening relationships with investors, partners, and other stakeholders, including:

    • Max & Stacy’s Bitcoin Golf Invitational (El Salvador)
    • The Inaugural Crypto Ball (Washington, D.C.)
    • AlphaNorth Capital Events (Bahamas and Whistler, Canada)
    • Centurion One’s Growth Conference (Toronto)
    • PDAC 2025 (Toronto)

    These engagements provided perspective on evolving market trends and helped reinforce Matador’s role within the Bitcoin, gold, and blockchain ecosystems.

    Looking Ahead

    Matador continues to advance its goal of developing a platform that combines real-world assets with blockchain utility. Supported by a clean balance sheet, growing team, and product focus, the Company is positioning itself at the intersection of traditional and digital finance.

    “We’ve made steady progress this quarter,” said Deven Soni, CEO of Matador Technologies. “We’re continuing to build the foundation needed to support the rollout of our Digital Gold Product and broader asset digitization strategy.”

    For additional information, please contact:

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

    Phone: 647-932-2668

    About Matador Technologies Inc.
    Matador Technologies Inc. leverages blockchain technology to digitize assets like gold. Focused on building innovative financial solutions, Matador is at the forefront of integrating blockchain technology to preserve and grow value. Matador’s digital gold platform aims to democratize the gold buying experience, combining the best of modern technology and time-proven assets, to create a platform that will allow users to buy, sell, and store gold 24/7 in a convenient and engaging way.

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

    NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

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

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Human trafficking-fueled fraud ring dismantled in joint Côte d’Ivoire-Ghana operation

    Source: Interpol (news and events)

    22 April 2025

    LYON, France – Two suspected traffickers have been arrested and 33 people rescued from a criminal network that sequestered victims and forced them into exploitative pyramid schemes.

    The successful operation was carried out by police in Côte d’Ivoire, following a joint investigation with Ghanaian authorities and support from INTERPOL.

    The case was brought to the attention of police in Ghana by the father of two victims who had been lured through fake job ads online. His daughters had paid nearly USD 9,000 to travel to Canada for work via a recruiter that used a Canadian phone number, giving the employment offer a sense of legitimacy.

    In reality, the victims had been trafficked to Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire for the purpose of exploitation where they were held against their will. Under physical and psychological coercion, including threats and abuse, they were forced to perpetuate the scam by enrolling new victims using popular multi-level marketing platforms.

    To conceal the exploitation from friends and family, the organizers provided victims with Canadian contact details and prevented them from speaking openly about the situation. Victims were taken to upmarket shops or luxury hotels in Abidjan and made to pose for photos to falsely suggest a life of comfort abroad.

    An investigation was launched in Ghana after one victim escaped the captors and returned home, alerting families and giving crucial information to police.

    Thanks to a police cooperation agreement between Western African countries that enables free cross-border movement for criminal investigations, the escaped victim returned to Côte d’Ivoire to give vital evidence. As a key witness, the individual was able to provide intelligence for the rescue operation. The relatives of victims still held captive were also assisted with travel to Abidjan to give additional information to local forces.

    Côte d’Ivoire – Victims were kept in harsh conditions

    Throughout the investigation INTERPOL acted as a coordinator between the two countries, facilitating the organization of raids on two key locations in February 2025. The successful mission, carried out by specialized agencies in Côte d’Ivoire, resulted in two arrests and the release of 33 victims.

    The rescued victims, who came from four different countries—Benin, Burkina Faso, Ghana and Togo—were referred to a local NGO for assistance and care. The main suspect was arrested and handed over to Ghanaian authorities for legal proceedings.

    Valdecy Urquiza, INTERPOL Secretary General said:

    “This success involving Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana is an excellent example of how important police cooperation is when it comes to fighting human trafficking scams. Because of their joint efforts, victims have been saved and those responsible are now facing justice. INTERPOL will continue supporting our member countries’ work to bring down these criminal networks and put an end to human trafficking in all its forms.”

    Youssouf Kouyate, Director General of the Côte d’Ivoire National Police said:

    “Our close cooperation with INTERPOL and Ghanaian police was pivotal to the achievements of this operation and is a testament to the strength of our regional partnerships. I would like to commend the bravery of the victims who came forward to assist in this investigation and to reaffirm our commitment to pursuing and dismantling the networks that perpetrate these crimes.”

    Scams on the rise: What to look out for

    Exploitative pyramid schemes are a growing threat in West and Central Africa, often following similar patterns to the case outlined above. Victims are typically promised employment or educational opportunities abroad and persuaded to pay upfront fees for travel or administration costs.

    Once ensnared by human traffickers, their personal documents are confiscated and they are often subjected to a horrific range of abuses, including forced labour, extortion, physical violence or sexual exploitation. To bring in new victims they are regularly forced to target their own friends, family or personal acquaintances, preying on trust to expand the scheme.

    INTERPOL urges the public to be extremely cautious when approached about work or study opportunities, even when introduced by a personal contact. Some of the red flags to look out for include:

    • Requests for personal information or money – One of the clearest signs of a scam is a request for payment or investment during the application, interview or onboarding process. You should never have to part with your money to receive a legitimate offer.
    • Pressure tactics – Scammers may create urgency by setting short deadlines or claiming the offer will go to someone else if you don’t respond quickly. Genuine recruiters will allow you time to consider the opportunity.
    • Too-good-to-be-true offers – Is the offer vague or poorly explained? Did you receive it without a thorough interview? Are the salary or conditions unusually generous? Compare it with similar offers. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
    • Online presence – In the past, a simple online search could often expose a scam through its amateur website or unprofessional communication. Today, many criminal groups set up convincing companies or imitate well-known brands, often with a polished digital presence.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Harbour Grace — Harbour Grace RCMP responds to vehicle crash; driver flees from police in another vehicle and is arrested

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Harbour Grace RCMP responded to a vehicle crash near Hearts Desire that occurred on April 15, 2025. The driver of that vehicle fled the scene in another vehicle. Both drivers were arrested.

    Shortly before 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Harbour Grace RCMP received the report of the crash. As officers were attending, information received indicated that the driver of the vehicle was departing the crash in another vehicle. Police observed the described vehicle in the oncoming lane, traveling at a high rate of speed head-on towards the marked police vehicle. The police vehicle swerved to avoid a collision as the suspect vehicle passed by.

    Police turned the patrol vehicle around to attempt a traffic stop and observed the suspect vehicle pull into a residential driveway in Hearts Content. Officers pulled into the driveway, blocking the possible exit and the suspect vehicle reversed into the marked police vehicle. The driver of this vehicle, a 23-year-old woman, showed signs of drug impairment. She was arrested for impaired operation, flight from police and dangerous operation.

    The driver involved in the Hearts Desire crash, a 26-year-old man, was unlicensed and was operating a vehicle without insurance or registration. He remains under investigation for multiple offences under the Highway Traffic Act.

    The woman was transported to the detachment where a drug recognition evaluation was completed. Officers await the results of the testing to determine if charges of drug impaired driving are appropriate. She also remains under investigation for flight from police, dangerous operation and assault with a weapon. Charges are anticipated.

    No one was injured.

    The investigation is continuing.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Fengate appoints Warren Roll as Managing Director, Head of Digital Infrastructure

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIAMI, April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Fengate Asset Management (Fengate) today announced the appointment of Warren Roll as Managing Director, Head of Digital Infrastructure.

    Roll brings more than 25 years of experience to Fengate across global private equity, mergers and acquisitions, asset management, and operations in various infrastructure sectors. Prior to joining Fengate, Roll spent more than 10 years as a senior executive at DigitalBridge where he led their fiber and small cells strategy.

    Based in Fengate’s Miami office – the firm’s second office in the United States (U.S.), which opened earlier this year to service its infrastructure, private equity, and real estate businesses – Roll will drive Fengate’s digital infrastructure growth strategy including cell towers, distributed antenna systems, small cells, data centers, and satellites across the U.S. and Canada.

    “We are thrilled to welcome Warren to Fengate and look forward to scaling the digital sector within our infrastructure business under his leadership to deliver exceptional investment results for our clients,” said George Theodoropoulos, Managing Partner at Fengate. “Warren has significant transaction experience and a strong reputation in the digital infrastructure space across North America.”

    Roll’s appointment builds on the positive momentum of Fengate’s wireless communications towers and data center investments, including the firm’s CA$1.8bn acquisition of Montreal-based eStruxture Data Centers in 2024.

    “I have been impressed watching Fengate grow within the digital sector in North America and have always admired their stellar track record and strong reputation in the marketplace,” said Roll.

    “I am excited to join Fengate to lead its digital infrastructure strategy and look forward to working with the talented team to create growth and innovation in this critical sector.”

    Prior to DigitalBridge, Roll was a Senior Executive at PSP Investments in private equity and spent several years in investment banking based in Quebec, Canada.

    About Fengate

    Fengate is a leading alternative investment manager focused on infrastructure, private equity and real estate strategies, with more than $7 billion of capital commitments under management. The firm has been investing in infrastructure since 2006 with a focus on mid-market greenfield and brownfield infrastructure assets in the transportation, social, energy transition and digital sectors. Fengate is one of North America’s most active infrastructure investors and developers with a portfolio of more than 45 assets. Learn more at www.fengate.com.

    Media contact

    Maddison Sharples
    Vice President, Communications and Marketing
    +1 416 254 3326
    maddison.sharples@fengate.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Canada’s new immigration policy favours construction workers but leaves the rest behind

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Shiva S. Mohan, Research Fellow, Canada Excellence Research Chair in Migration & Integration program, Toronto Metropolitan University

    Migrant workers have long been recognized as essential to Canada’s economy. But that recognition rarely translates into meaningful inclusion. As Canada embarks on new immigration reforms, persistent inequalities continue to define who truly belongs, and who remains excluded.

    In March, the federal government announced a new national pathway to permanent residence for up to 6,000 out-of-status construction workers.

    Although framed as a recognition of essential labour, the new program highlights a deeper reality: Canada’s immigration reforms continue to prioritize business and industry needs. In this instance, those needs are in housing and construction.

    This selective approach reveals deeper patterns in Canada’s immigration system, often described as a hierarchy of deservingness. This framework assigns greater value to certain types of labour, while sidelining others. This sidelining is often based on race, gender and class and limits access to recognition and rights for all essential workers.

    Former Immigration Minister Marc Miller estimated that between 300,000 and 600,000 out-of-status people were living in Canada as of 2024. The new construction worker pathway, while important for some, will address only a tiny fraction of this population.



    Read more:
    A national caregiving strategy is coming — what could it mean for Canadians?

    Political and industry priorities

    With a federal election on the horizon, the construction worker pathway is as much a political move as a policy reform.

    The program expands on a pilot that granted permanent residence to approximately 1,365 people and their families in the Greater Toronto Area before closing in December 2024.

    The current national rollout of the program reflects public and industry pressure to address Canada’s housing crisis. Housing has become a top priority for governments across the country.

    Developers and industry groups, such as the Canadian Home Builders’ Association, have long lobbied for faster housing construction and more skilled trades workers. Their advocacy, combined with widespread concern over affordability, made it politically attractive to prioritize construction labour rather than implement broader regularization efforts.

    But this approach exposes who is left out. Sectors like caregiving, domestic work and agriculture, largely dominated by racialized and feminized labour continue to be excluded from clear and inclusive pathways to status.

    Canada’s low-wage economy has historically depended on the labour of racialized and immigrant women. Migrants in these sectors, often work in private or hidden spaces, making their labour less visible and politically legible.

    Caregiving and domestic work in Canada have historically been undervalued. It is often framed as natural extensions of women’s roles and systematically marginalized in immigration policy through programs like the Live-in Caregiver Program.

    Fragmented, insufficient system

    Research confirms that Canada’s approach remains fragmented and insufficient. As part of my work with MIrreM, an international project studying irregular migration and regularization policies, we found that Canadian programs are often small, sector-specific and constrained by narrow eligibility criteria.

    New federal government Home Care Worker Immigration pilots offer another highly competitive pathway to residency.

    But these programs remain narrowly targeted, restricted and quickly capped, with application limits often reached on the same day they open. They also provide little relief for the many out-of-status caregivers already living and working in Canada.

    Other countries have demonstrated that large-scale, inclusive reforms are possible, offering Canada a model to follow.

    Spain’s 2005 regularization program successfully granted legal status to 700,000 people. The Spanish assessment recognized employment records, community ties and long-term residence. This model shows that broad, fair regularization strategies can balance administrative efficiency with political feasibility.

    Meanwhile, Canada’s fragmented reforms exclude most out-of-status critical workers. And it leaves them without any sustainable pathway to status, prolonging their vulnerability and insecurity.



    Read more:
    Personal support workers are the backbone of health care but the bottom of the power structure

    A comprehensive immigration strategy needed

    Canada urgently needs a transparent, fair and scaleable immigration strategy. It must be one that values people’s contributions, not just the immediate needs of businesses.

    Cleaners, caregivers, farm labourers, food service workers and others deserve the same recognition and opportunity as those in construction.

    A comprehensive regularization strategy would not only uphold dignity and fairness. It would also strengthen Canada’s economy, improve labour protections and promote social inclusion.

    As Canadians prepare to head to the polls, the incoming government faces a critical choice.

    It can continue with piecemeal, politically convenient reforms that leave most out-of-status workers behind. Or it can commit to a broad, rights-based regularization strategy that recognizes the full social fabric of those who sustain this country.

    Shiva S. Mohan 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. Canada’s new immigration policy favours construction workers but leaves the rest behind – https://theconversation.com/canadas-new-immigration-policy-favours-construction-workers-but-leaves-the-rest-behind-253792

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –