NewzIntel.com

Category: Canada

  • MIL-OSI China: California sues Trump administration over ‘unlawful tariffs’

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    California governor Gavin Newsom announced on Wednesday that the western U.S. state which has the largest economy in the nation is suing the Trump administration over the President’s sweeping “unlawful tariffs” on international trading partners.

    “President Trump’s unlawful tariffs are wreaking chaos on California families, businesses, and our economy – driving up prices and threatening jobs,” Newsom said in a statement, adding that “We’re standing up for American families who can’t afford to let the chaos continue.”

    “Donald Trump does not have the authority to impose these destructive and chaotic tariffs. America stands to lose too much,” said the governor in a post on X platform.

    “We’re taking him to court,” said the governor.

    “California is the largest manufacturing state in our union, one of the largest trading partners around the globe. No state will be impacted more than the state of California as it relates to the unilateral authority that’s been asserted by the Trump administration to impose the largest tax increases in modern American history,” he noted.

    Newsom pointed out that “In America, forty percent of goods movements in this country come through two ports of entry in California. About 50 percent of that from China itself.”

    In the lawsuit, expected to be filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, California officials will argue that the law, known as the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which Trump cited to impose the tariffs, does not grant him the ability to unilaterally adopt those tariffs.

    California, also the most populated U.S. state, is the first state in the nation to sue Trump administration on tariffs.

    The Golden State is the largest importer among all U.S. states, with more than 675 billion U.S. dollars in two-way trade supporting millions of jobs throughout the state. Mexico, Canada and China are California’s top three export destinations, buying nearly 67 billion dollars in California exports, which was over one-third of the state’s 183 billion dollars in exported goods in 2024, according to the data released by the governor’s office. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: Gran Tierra Energy Inc. Announces New US$75 Million Credit Facility

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, April 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gran Tierra Energy Inc. (“Gran Tierra” or the “Company”) (NYSE American:GTE)(TSX:GTE)(LSE:GTE) today announced that it has, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Gran Tierra Energy Colombia GmbH, a Swiss limited liability company, entered into a reserve-based lending facility with commitments of up to US$75 million as of the date hereof (the “closing date”). The new facility has a final maturity date in 36 months from the closing date.

    Ryan Ellson, Chief Financial Officer of Gran Tierra, commented today:

    “We are very pleased to have successfully closed a new credit facility which enhances our liquidity and underscores the strength and resilience of our business. Securing this facility during a period of market volatility is a testament to the quality of our assets, the consistency of our cash flow generation, and the confidence our partners have in Gran Tierra’s strategy. This facility supports our continued commitment to strengthening our balance sheet, enhancing operational flexibility, and delivering long-term value to all stakeholders.”

    Highlights of the new facility include:

    • A commitment of US$75 million, redetermined annually (beginning May 1, 2026)
    • Interest payable on the facility is based on a Term Secured Overnight Financing Rate plus a margin of 4.50% per annum
    • Final maturity date of 36 months from the closing date
    • All outstanding principal, interest, and other payment obligations are due on the maturity date with option to prepay without prepayment penalty
    • The loan is secured by, among other things, the economic rights over certain contracts together with Gran Tierra’s Colombian commercial establishment

    Contact Information

    For investor and media inquiries please contact:

    Gary Guidry
    President & Chief Executive Officer

    Ryan Ellson
    Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    +1-403-265-3221

    info@grantierra.com

    About Gran Tierra Energy Inc.

    Gran Tierra Energy Inc., together with its subsidiaries, is an independent international energy company currently focused on oil and natural gas exploration and production in Canada, Colombia and Ecuador. The Company is currently developing its existing portfolio of assets in Canada, Colombia and Ecuador and will continue to pursue additional new growth opportunities that would further strengthen the Company’s portfolio. The Company’s common stock trades on the NYSE American, the Toronto Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol GTE. Additional information concerning Gran Tierra is available at www.grantierra.com. Except to the extent expressly stated otherwise, information on the Company’s website or accessible from our website or any other website is not incorporated by reference into and should not be considered part of this press release. Investor inquiries may be directed to info@grantierra.com or (403) 265-3221.

    Gran Tierra’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) are available on the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov. The Company’s Canadian securities regulatory filings are available on SEDAR+ at http://www.sedarplus.ca and UK regulatory filings are available on the National Storage Mechanism website at https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism.

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 or “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release, and those statements preceded by, followed by or that otherwise include the words “will,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “project,” “target,” “goal,” “guidance,” “budget,” “plan,” “objective,” “potential,” or similar expressions or variations on these expressions are forward-looking statements. The Company can give no assurances that the assumptions upon which the forward-looking statements are based will prove to be correct or that, even if correct, intervening circumstances will not occur to cause actual results to be different than expected. Because forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. There are a number of risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the impact and benefits of the new credit facility and the crude oil sales contracts; the nature of the Company’s relationship with Trafigura; the Company’s cash flows and liquidity; and those factors set out in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and in the Company’s other filings with the SEC. Although the Company believes the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, the Company cannot guarantee future results, level of activity, performance or achievements. Moreover, neither the Company nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of any of these forward-looking statements. Investors should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. The information included herein is given as of the date of this press release and, except as otherwise required by the securities laws, the Company disclaims any obligation or undertaking to publicly release any updates or revisions to, or to withdraw, any forward-looking statement contained in this press release to reflect any change in the Company’s expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any forward-looking statement is based.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Bigstack Opportunities I Inc. Enters Into Definitive Agreement For Qualifying Transaction

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, April 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bigstack Opportunities I Inc. (“Bigstack”) (TSXV: STAK.P), a capital pool company as defined under the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the “TSXV” or the “Exchange”), is pleased to announce that, further to the non-binding letter of intent dated November 3, 2024 between Bigstack and Reeflex Coil Solutions Inc. (“Reeflex”) and its press releases dated November 4, 2024 and January 17, 2025, it has entered into a business combination agreement dated April 14, 2025 (the “Business Combination Agreement”) with Reeflex and 2704122 Alberta Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bigstack (“Subco”). Reeflex and all of the shareholders (the “Coil Shareholders”) of Coil Solutions Inc. (“Coil”) have entered into a share purchase agreement dated April 14, 2025 (the “Share Purchase Agreement”).

    Terms of the Transaction

    The Business Combination Agreement provides for a three-cornered amalgamation (the “Business Combination”), whereby (i) Reeflex will amalgamate with Subco under the Business Corporations Act (Alberta), (ii) all of the issued and outstanding common shares in the capital of Reeflex (the “Reeflex Shares”) immediately prior to the Business Combination will be cancelled and, in consideration therefor, the holders thereof (the “Reeflex Shareholders”) will receive one common share in the capital of Bigstack (“Bigstack Share”) on the basis of one Reeflex Share for one Bigstack Share at a deemed price of $0.10 per Bigstack Share and (iii) the amalgamated corporation (the “Amalco”) will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bigstack, all on the terms and conditions of the Business Combination Agreement.

    Prior to the completion of the Business Combination, pursuant to the Share Purchase Agreement, it is intended that Reeflex will purchase all of the issued and outstanding shares in the capital of Coil (the “Acquisition” and, together with the Business Combination, the “Transaction”) from the Coil Shareholders for aggregate consideration of $5.8 million, subject to a post-closing working capital adjustment, which is expected to be paid and satisfied by way of (i) Reeflex issuing secured non-interest bearing promissory notes to each Coil Shareholder with an aggregate principal amount equal to $1,700,000 that are to be fully paid within 5 business days of the closing of the Acquisition, (ii) Reeflex issuing secured promissory notes to each Coil Shareholder with an aggregate principal amount equal to $2,300,000 that bear interest at the prime rate published by the Bank of Canada from time to time and are paid down monthly and to be fully paid on the fifth anniversary of the closing of the Acquisition and (iii) Reeflex issuing an aggregate of 18,000,000 Reeflex Shares to the Coil Shareholders at a deemed price of $0.10 per Reeflex Share, all upon the terms and conditions of the Share Purchase Agreement.

    After giving effect to the Transaction, the Reeflex Shareholders will collectively exercise control over Bigstack, Bigstack will wholly-own Amalco and Amalco will wholly-own Coil. Bigstack, as it exists upon completion of the Transaction (the “Resulting Issuer”), is expected to continue the business of Coil.

    It is anticipated that all convertible securities of Bigstack will be exercised prior to completion of the Transaction; however, if any warrants to purchase common shares of Bigstack remain outstanding following the completion of the Transaction, they shall continue to be exercisable for common shares of the Resulting Issuer in accordance with their terms. It is anticipated that Bigstack will change its name to “Reeflex Solutions Inc.” on or immediately prior to the completion of the Transaction.

    Immediately prior to the closing of the Transaction, it is anticipated that (i) assuming completion of the anticipated exercise of all convertible securities of Bigstack, there will be 10,662,000 Bigstack Shares issued and outstanding and (ii) holders of Reeflex Shares will hold 36,239,500 Reeflex Shares. Therefore, immediately following the closing of the Transaction, it is anticipated that there will be 46,901,500 common shares of the Resulting Issuer issued and outstanding.

    Bigstack anticipates that the Transaction will constitute its Qualifying Transaction pursuant to Policy 2.4 – Capital Pool Companies of the Exchange (the “CPC Policy”), as such term is defined in the policies of the Exchange, and it is expected that Bigstack will be a Tier 2 Industrial Issuer on the Exchange upon completion of the Transaction.

    The proposed Transaction is not a “Non-Arm’s Length Qualifying Transaction” as such term is defined in the CPC Policy. No Non-Arm’s Length Party to Bigstack (as such term is defined in the CPC Policy) (a) has any direct or indirect beneficial interest in Reeflex or Coil, or (b) is an insider of Reeflex or Coil. There is no relationship between or among a Non-Arm’s Length Party to Bigstack and a Non-Arm’s Length Party to the Qualifying Transaction (as such terms are defined in the CPC Policy). It is not expected that the Transaction will be subject to approval by the shareholders of Bigstack.

    Completion of the Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, the satisfaction of all conditions provided for in the Business Combination Agreement, which will include representations, warranties, covenants and conditions customary for a transaction of this nature, and the receipt of all necessary regulatory, corporate and third party approvals, including TSXV acceptance and, if applicable pursuant to TSXV requirements, majority of the minority shareholder approval. Where applicable, the Transaction cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all. Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular or filing statement to be prepared in connection with the Transaction, any information released or received with respect to the Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of a capital pool company should be considered highly speculative. The TSXV has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

    Business and History of Reeflex

    Reeflex is a privately-held corporation incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (Alberta) on June 14, 2024. Its head and registered offices are located in Calgary. Reeflex currently has no business operations or assets other than cash and a management team that has been working on the Transaction and the proposed going public structure for the past year.

    Business and History of Coil

    Founded in 2007 in Redcliff, Alberta, Coil specializes in innovative drilling products and services for the global oil and gas industry. In 2010, Coil expanded its operations, opening a second facility in Calgary, Alberta, introducing a line of downhole fracking tools and venturing into custom tool design. In 2012, Coil launched its coil tubing injector line. In 2013, Coil opened a third facility in Red Deer, Alberta. In 2014, Coil developed two distinct models of, and manufactured, its first full coil tubing units. In 2016, Coil expanded sales to Asia, Africa, Australia, North America, South America and Europe. In 2017, Coil designed and built the largest free-standing mast unit in the world. In 2022, Coil established a dedicated manufacturing division in Calgary, Alberta, operating under its tradename, Ranglar, for injectors and mobile equipment. In 2024, Coil completed a reorganization with its shareholders, which resulted in the conversion of preferred shares and debt into common shares. Today, Coil continues to focus on coiled tubing solutions and downhole tools, offering a comprehensive range of services including rentals, sales, training, testing and consulting. With 41 employees, Coil has developed patented products that are distributed worldwide, including a key distributor in Germany and more than 60 active clients.

    The following tables set out selected financial information of Coil for the periods indicated therein:

      Financial Year ended
    2024
    (audited)
    ($)    		 Financial Year ended
    2023
    (audited)
    ($)
    Total revenues 14,265,524 14,069,331
    Income from continuing operations 1,750,495 2,193,603
    Net income or loss, in total 1,089,024 1,554,716
    Total assets 9,969,946 11,752,788
    Total long term financial liabilities 735,009 1,006,362
    Cash dividends NIL 111,736

    Concurrent Financing

    In advance of the Transaction, Reeflex completed a non-brokered private placement of 4,139,500 subscription receipts (each, a “Subscription Receipt”) at a price of $0.20 per Subscription Receipt, for aggregate gross proceeds of $827,900 (the “Concurrent Financing”).

    The gross proceeds resulting from the Concurrent Financing are (and will continue to be) held by Marrelli Trust Company Limited as subscription receipt and escrow agent until certain escrow release conditions are satisfied, including the completion of the Acquisition and the receipt of written confirmation from the TSX Venture Exchange that all conditions precedent to the Transaction have been satisfied (collectively, the “Escrow Release Conditions”). Upon satisfaction of the Escrow Release Conditions, and prior to the completion of the Transaction, the gross proceeds from the Concurrent Financing will be released from escrow and each Subscription Receipt will automatically convert into one Reeflex Share. In connection with the Concurrent Financing, Reeflex has paid to registered dealers and such other persons permitted under applicable securities laws who act as finders for the Concurrent Offering a finder’s fee an aggregate of $21,336, representing 7% of the gross proceeds resulting from subscriptions that were introduced to Reeflex by the finder. Except for the foregoing, it is not expected that any finder’s fee or commission will be payable in connection with the Transaction.

    Reeflex intends to use the proceeds of the Concurrent Financing for general corporate and working capital purposes.

    Resulting Issuer

    The Parties expect that the Resulting Issuer following from the Transaction will carry on the existing business of Coil and be an industrial issuer focused on providing coiled tubing and downhole tool solutions to the oil and gas industry. See “Terms of the Transaction” above for details concerning the expected corporate structure of the Resulting Issuer upon completion of the Transaction.

    Upon completion of the Transaction, the Parties expect that the board of directors of the Resulting Issuer will consist of the following four (4) directors, of whom three (3) will be independent. John Babic will not be independent as he will be the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Resulting Issuer.

    John Babic – Proposed President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Resulting Issuer

    John Babic is an accomplished executive with nearly 40 years of experience in the oil and gas sector, covering upstream, downstream, and manufacturing operations. He currently serves as the President and CEO of 1175317 Alberta Ltd., an investment and real estate holding company.

    Throughout his career, Mr. Babic has held several senior executive positions, including CEO of Reeflex Coil Solutions Inc. and CEO and Director of various public companies such as Dalmac Energy Inc., an oilfield transportation and services company; Raydan Manufacturing Inc., a manufacturer specializing in heavy-duty transportation suspension systems; Hyduke Energy Services Inc., a manufacturer of oilfield equipment, including drilling and service rigs; and Sawtooth Resources Inc., an oil and gas exploration and production company.

    In addition, Mr. Babic has served for 7 years as a Director of Edmonton Economic Development Corporation, contributing to the city’s economic growth and development initiatives.

    Mr. Babic holds both a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Alberta.

    Shawn Szydlowski – Proposed Director of Resulting Issuer

    Shawn Szydlowski is a seasoned business leader with over 30 years of experience in corporate management, entrepreneurship, and financial oversight. As the founder of Care For A Ride, established in 2009, Mr. Szydlowski built a successful business focused on providing safe, reliable transportation for seniors, enabling them to maintain independence and quality of life.

    His career also includes 15 years with Dalmac Energy, where he held key roles such as Interim CFO and Chairman of the Audit Committee. Mr. Szydlowski played a crucial role in navigating the company through complex financial challenges, ensuring regulatory compliance, and fostering sustainable growth. Additionally, he brings 20 years of experience in corporate sales and account management, where he consistently drove strategic results, earning the President’s Club Award for three consecutive years.

    Eric Szustak – Proposed Director of Resulting Issuer

    Mr. Szustak is currently the President, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Corporate Secretary and a director of Bigstack. He is a Chartered Professional Accountant and Chartered Accountant with over 35 years’ experience in financial services, business development, marketing, accounting, and as Chief Financial Officer of various reporting issuers. Mr. Szustak is currently Chairman and Corporate Secretary of Quinsam Capital Corporation, which is a public merchant bank listed on the CSE, a director of Copper Road Resources Inc., a mining company listed on the TSXV, and a director of Nevada Organic Phosphate Inc., a fertilizer company listed on the CSE. Mr. Szustak’s previous experience also includes 14 years with three national brokerage firms: Midland Walwyn, Merril Lynch and BMO Nesbitt Burns, in various positions, including private client wealth groups, management and securities compliance. Mr. Szustak will be Chair of the Audit Committee of the Resulting Issuer in addition to his general duties as a director of the Resulting Issuer. Mr. Szustak will devote such percentage of his working time to the affairs of the Resulting Issuer as is required to fulfill his duties to the same.

    Derrek Dobko – Proposed Director of Resulting Issuer

    Derrek Dobko is a seasoned financial officer with over 20 years of experience in the oilfield service, manufacturing, and transportation industries. He has held senior finance positions in both public and private companies, showcasing his expertise in financial management and reporting.

    As controller of Raydan Manufacturing, Mr. Dobko was responsible for the company’s financial reporting in accordance with IFRS and the preparation of all financial information required under TSXV reporting standards. His career also includes senior accounting roles at Peak Energy Services, Alta-Fab Structures, and his current position with NTS Amega Canada.

    Additionally, Mr. Dobko has gained valuable operational experience in the transportation sector, particularly in managing financial operations for Liquids in Motion, a mid-sized trucking company. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Alberta and is a Certified Professional Accountant (CPA), with a designation from CPA Alberta.

    Upon completion of the Transaction, the following persons are also expected to constitute insiders of the Resulting Issuer:

    Trevor Conway – Proposed Chief Financial Officer and Secretary of Resulting Issuer

    Trevor Conway is an accomplished mid-market investment banking professional with extensive transaction experience across various industry sectors, including energy. He previously served as CFO of Reconciliation Energy Transition Inc., a Calgary-based energy transition project development company and as Special Advisor to BluMaple Capital Partners, a Calgary-based private equity firm focused on low-carbon energy innovators.

    Prior to these roles, Mr. Conway was the Managing Director and Head of Energy Investment Banking at iA Capital Markets, a division of iA Private Wealth and part of iA Financial Group, a leading Canadian financial institution.

    Mr. Conway holds an MBA from the Ivey Business School at Western University, a BA (Special) in Economics from the University of Alberta, and a Sustainable Investment Professional Certificate (SIPC) from the John Molson Executive Centre at Concordia University. He is also a former Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute (FCSI).

    In addition to his professional work, Mr. Conway has contributed to several industry and community initiatives. He has served on the National & Local Advisory Committee of the TSX Venture Exchange and was Past Director and Governor of the Canadian Energy Executive Association.

    George Wu – Proposed Director of Amalco

    George Wu is a distinguished financial executive with a proven track record in leading complex financial strategies and driving portfolio success. With extensive expertise in bank debt, structured finance, fixed income, and equity analysis, he excels in portfolio management and strategic financial planning. His leadership has successfully optimized portfolios, resulting in a 20% increase in returns over the past three years.

    Known for his exceptional relationship-building skills, Mr. Wu has effectively engaged as a financial strategist with c-suite executives and diverse stakeholders. He holds a CFA, MBA, and B.Sc. (Honours Program) and currently serves as Portfolio Manager and Chief Compliance Officer at a leading independent portfolio management firm in Edmonton, ensuring top-tier financial stewardship and compliance.

    In addition to his professional accomplishments, Mr. Wu mentors commerce undergraduates through the University of Alberta’s PRIME Program, contributing to the development of future leaders in investment management. Mr. Wu and his family have called Edmonton home since 2000, where they enjoy a multilingual household speaking English, French, and Mandarin Chinese.

    Cecil Hassard – Proposed Director of Amalco

    Mr. Cecil Hassard is an accomplished entrepreneur and business leader with a proven track record of driving innovation and operational excellence in the oil and gas industry. In 2007, he co-founded Coil which has grown to become a global provider of high-quality products and innovative solutions for the energy sector. He further diversified the company’s offerings by introducing the “Ranglar” division, based in Calgary, Alberta, which manufactures custom mobile equipment for industries such as oil and gas, mining, and more.

    Under his leadership, Coil has established a strong presence in Canada and the United States, and in serving clients worldwide. He broadened Coil’s capabilities with the “Ranglar” division, enabling tailored solutions to a broader range of industries with specialized equipment. He has driven advancements in operational efficiency and provided cutting-edge solutions for the energy sector. Mr. Cecil Hassard’s entrepreneurial vision has established Coil as a dynamic and influential leader in the global oil and gas industry.

    Bryan Hassard – Proposed Chief Operating Officer of Coil

    Mr. Bryan Hassard is an accomplished business leader and co-founder of Coil, established in 2007. He serves as the Vice President of Manufacturing and a director of Coil, playing a critical role in the company’s operations and strategic direction.

    Mr. Bryan Hassard’s leadership has been instrumental in expanding Coil’s sales from Canada to the United States and globally, enhancing the company’s ability to serve the oil and gas industry on a broader scale utilizing distributors in different areas. As Vice President of Manufacturing, he oversees production processes, ensuring high-quality standards and operational efficiency. Mr. Bryan Hassard’s dedication to innovation and excellence has significantly contributed to the growth and success of Coil.

    Sponsorship

    Sponsorship of a qualifying transaction of a capital pool company is required by the TSXV unless an exemption from the sponsorship requirement is available. Bigstack has applied for a waiver from the sponsorship requirements. There is no assurance that the Bigstack will be able to obtain such a waiver.

    Trading Halt

    Trading in the Bigstack Shares was halted, as previously disclosed in Bigstack’s press release dated November 4, 2024, and is not expected to resume until the Transaction is completed or until the Exchange receives the requisite documentation to resume trading.

    Further updates with respect to the Transaction may be provided as the Transaction proceeds.

    Overview of Bigstack

    Bigstack is a “capital pool company” under the policies of the Exchange and it is intended that the Transaction will constitute the “Qualifying Transaction” of Bigstack, as such term is defined in CPC Policy. The Bigstack Shares are currently listed on the Exchange and Bigstack is a reporting issuer in the provinces of Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario. Bigstack was incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) on November 25, 2020.

    Additional Information

    All information contained in this press release with respect to Reeflex and Coil was provided by Reeflex and Coil, respectively, to Bigstack for inclusion herein. Bigstack and its directors and officers have not independently verified such information and have relied exclusively on Reeflex and Coil for any information concerning Reeflex and Coil.

    Forward Looking Information

    This press release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking information” (“forward-looking information”) within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking information and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this press release. Any statement that discusses predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend” or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking information.

    More particularly and without limitation, this press release contains forward-looking statements concerning the Transaction and its constituents steps, including the Acquisition and the Business Combination (including the completion, structure, terms and timing thereof), the binding definitive agreements relating to the Transaction, including in respect of the Acquisition, the expected capital structure and expected shareholders of, and the expected size of their shareholdings in, the Resulting Issuer, the expected corporate structure of the Resulting Issuer and its subsidiaries, if any, the future financial performance of the Resulting Issuer or any of the parties, the Concurrent Financing, including the amount expected to be raised thereunder, any finder’s fees or commissions payable in relation to the same, and expected use of proceeds therefrom, the Subscription Receipts and Escrow Release Conditions, the expected composition of the board of directors and management of the Resulting Issuer and its subsidiaries, if any, TSXV sponsorship requirements and any exemptions therefrom, the issuance of additional press releases describing the Transaction, the trading of the Bigstack Shares on the TSXV and the holding of shareholder meetings in connection with the Transaction. Although Bigstack believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, it can give no assurance that the expectations of any forward-looking information will prove to be correct. Known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include, but are not limited to: delay or failure to receive board, shareholder or regulatory approvals; inability to complete the Concurrent Financing on the terms described herein or at all; and general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties. There can be no certainty that the Transaction and related transactions will be completed on the terms set out in the Letter of Intent and other agreements among the Parties or at all. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking information contained in this press release. Except as required by law, Bigstack disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information to reflect actual results, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, changes in factors affecting such forward-looking information or otherwise.

    Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular or filing statement to be prepared in connection with the Transaction, any information released or received with respect to the Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of a capital pool company should be considered highly speculative.

    The TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

    Bigstack Opportunities I Inc.

    For further information, please contact Eric Szustak, the President, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Corporate Secretary and a director of Bigstack.

    Eric Szustak
    President, CEO, CFO, Corporate Secretary and Director
    Email: eszustak@jbrlimited.com
    Telephone: (905) 330-7948

    Neither 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.

    The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirement. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Alberta acts to end maltreatment in sport

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Graduated licensing changes improve accessibility, safety

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    The Province has introduced legislation to improve graduated licensing programs to create a simpler, more accessible process for new drivers, while improving safety standards for motorcycle drivers.

    “These changes are intended to improve road safety for new drivers and motorcyclists by ensuring they gain more on-road experience, and improve licensing accessibility by addressing barriers experienced by Indigenous and rural and remote communities,” said Garry Begg, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “By removing unnecessary barriers for new drivers and strengthening safety measures for new riders, we’re making the licensing system more accessible, while helping to reduce serious injuries and fatalities on our roads.”

    If approved, the changes will update the Graduated Licensing Program (GLP) to remove the requirement for a second road test to obtain a Class 5 licence. Instead, for those drivers eligible to move to a Class 5 licence, government will be creating a new 12-month restriction period, during which they must demonstrate safe driving behaviour to progress.

    Research indicates that age and inexperience contribute to crash risk. As new drivers get more experience, their crash risk decreases. Evidence shows that having an extended period with restrictions and enhanced driver-record reviews builds the necessary skills and behaviours to promote safe driving. The changes remove requirements not proven to increase road safety, which will reduce wait times for those seeking a road test to earn their Novice (Class 7) licence.

    The proposed legislative changes will also establish a new Motorcyclist Licensing Program (MLP) that all new motorcycle riders will need to complete. This approach ensures new riders gain the unique skills required to ride safely. The new MLP will also have a restriction period and enhanced safety measure requirements for protective gear, which will be established through regulations. These changes will help reduce fatalities and serious injuries resulting from motorcycle-related crashes.

    Proposed changes to the GLP and MLP will continue to be informed by engagements with key partners, including Indigenous communities, driver training schools and health authorities, with implementation planned for early 2026.

    Quotes:

    David Wong, president and CEO, ICBC – 

    “Since its introduction more than 25 years ago, our graduated licensing programs have helped improve road safety in our province. We’re looking forward to working with government and our partners to both build on those improvements and ensure new drivers and riders are confident and ready to safely travel on our roads.”  

    Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, president, Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) – 

    “We are working with the Province to implement recommendations from the UBCIC’s Road to Reconciliation report, which identifies the profound impacts that the driver licensing regime has on First Nations, as well as the current barriers many First Nations face. We welcome the amendments to the GLP and MLP as important steps to help remove barriers that prevent First Nations from accessing driver licenses.”

    Denise Lodge, C.O.R.E.Y (coalition of riders educating youth), CoreySafe Society – 

    “As someone who’s dedicated to rider safety, I fully support these changes. When learning to ride, introducing changes like zero drugs and alcohol, as well as protective gear, are common-sense measures that will help save lives. Giving new riders more time to learn is an investment in a safer future. It will help riders gain the skills and awareness they need to stay safe and be seen by all road users.”

    Quick Facts:

    • B.C.’s graduated licensing programs for passenger vehicles and motorcycles has not been significantly updated in the past 25 years.
    • The decision to update provincial licensing programs is guided by a commitment to road safety and aligns with most other jurisdictions.
    • Ontario will be the only province that requires a second road test to exit the Graduated Licensing Program.
    • Removing the second road test will make the process more efficient while drivers continue to develop safe driving habits.
    • Motorcycle riders are over-represented in fatal crashes in B.C.
    • They make up 3.7% of insured vehicles yet are involved in 14.2% of all road fatalities.
    • Of motorcycle crashes where licensed riders were at fault, 46% involved a licensed rider with less than five years of riding experience. 

    A backgrounder follows.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: ‘STOP the American takeover of Canada!’ — Inspiration and humour from a London, Ont. art movement

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Ruth Skinner, Sessional instructor, School for Advanced Studies in the Arts & Humanities, Western University

    Facing American tariffs and taunts of becoming the 51st state, Canada can look inward for inspiration, humour and reassurance.

    On social media, many arts figures or associations have shared versions of Canadian artist Greg Curnoe’s (1936-92) Map of North America.

    As seen on accounts that include the Arts Canada Institute, the Banff Centre’s Derek Beaulieu, filmmaker Stephen Broomer, the Embassy Cultural House, the Curnoe estate and others, the map erases the United States from the continent. It re-imagines the longest border to lie between Canada and Mexico.

    Curnoe’s Map of North America, first created in 1972, is inseparable from his hometown of London, Ont. The work, artist and city offer valuable insights for navigating this new relationship with our nearest neighbour. My recent doctoral dissertation explores the cosmopolitan outlook of London’s artists and arts publishers, both historic and present. This includes their incisive commentary on Canada-U.S. relations.

    London as test market

    London is a leading test market for Canadian and American retailers. This is thanks to its moderate size, demographic composition and proximity to major cities, highways and the border.

    Test marketing involves localized experience with a concept or product before incurring large-scale expense. A landmark example for London was the development of Wellington Square, North America’s first enclosed shopping centre, in 1961.

    A 1967 cover of the London arts publication 20 Cents Magazine satirically celebrated this “test market” status. It also chided the reader: “Are you getting your share of the business, for fair?” Artists of London have long played with the local flavour of their city, and the city has a distinct arts scene.

    Distinct arts scene

    Curator and author Barry Lord profiled the city in a 1969 Art in America feature entitled “What London, Ontario Has That Everywhere Else Needs.” Lord positioned London as “younger than Montréal, livelier than Toronto, vying with Vancouver in variety and sheer quantity of output [and] in many ways the most important of the four.”

    This scene included the burgeoning London Regionalist movement — an art movement of which Curnoe was a feature — and the birth of Canadian Artists’ Representation (now Canadian Artists’ Representation/Le Front des artistes canadiens). Lord lauded London artists as “indelibly Canadian, and perhaps among the first global villagers.”

    Nationalist with wicked humour

    What would Curnoe make of the present dynamic between Canada and its closest neighbour?

    “I think he would be fired up,” says Jennie Kraehling, associate director of Michael Gibson Gallery, which represents the Curnoe estate.

    Kraehling continues: “Greg would be making a lot of statements, and I think he’d be very passionate. Just knowing his devout patriotism, his interest in the local and his pro-Canadian sentiments, I think that he would be trying to get a movement going.” Rather than anti-American, however, Kraehling describes Curnoe as a nationalist with a wicked sense of humour.

    As the late journalist Robert Fulford wrote in a 2001 column, in the early 80s Curnoe noted: “My work is about resisting as much as possible the tendency of American culture to overwhelm other cultures.”

    Social critique

    Historian Judith Rodger emphasizes Curnoe’s Map as “tongue-in-cheek” even as it levies sharp social critique. Observing the negotiations between Canada, the U.S. and Mexico that would lead to the North American Free Trade Agreement, Curnoe revisited the work through the 1980s and 1990s in lithographs and clay.

    Curnoe’s Nihilist Party of Canada (NPC), an absurdist political movement formed in 1963, advertised regularly in 20 Cents magazine. One ad encouraged the reader to “STOP the American takeover of Canada,” and to “Stop Pollution, Stop Killing, Stop Exploitation … Get off your Butt – Do Something! THINK NEGATIVELY.”

    Rodger notes that despite its strong politics, the party had “no platform and no candidates.”

    The NPC preceded the Nihilist Spasm Band, an internationally lauded, multi-member noise band that inspired a second generation of artistic collaboration. Members have included performers John Boyle, Murray Favro, John Clement, Bill Exley, Art Pratten, Aya Onishi, as well as the late Hugh McIntyre, Archie Leitch and Curnoe.

    The track “Destroy the Nations” opens their 1968 No Record album. It begins with Pratten railing: “Destroy the nations! Destroy America! England is dead! Destroy America! AHHHHHH!” The NSB’s performance is a howl against imperial servitude and corporate greed.

    In a city forever mimicking the topography and titles of an older London, and so close to the U.S., Ontario’s Londoners are aware of an implied second-fiddle position. Yet Curnoe volleyed his pro-Canadian attitude at the border, just 200 kilometres south. In one of his bicycle series paintings, Mariposa 10 Speed No. 2 (1973), the words “CLOSE THE 49th PARALLEL ETC.” are emblazoned across Curnoe’s bike’s top tube.

    Canada, U.S. markets and fine art

    Yet the situation is not entirely insular, nor is it comparable with the “Buy Canadian” encouragement seen at supermarkets, liquor stores and other retail outlets today.

    Canada’s art market is, in the words of Mackenzie Sinclair of the Art Dealers Association of Canada, “a fragile ecosystem.” Canada’s GDP (including its art) is deeply integrated with the U.S.: many Canadian artists have American dealers, show in American galleries and use American-made materials.

    With ongoing threats of American tariffs and export restrictions, Canadian collectors and galleries are abstaining from American art fairs and seeking stronger connections with European markets. Canada’s only international art fair, Art Toronto, is fostering a special new partnership with Mexican galleries, enacting a version of Curnoe’s Map of North America in real time.

    Curation about nationalist rhetoric

    Curnoe’s nationalist perspective is an important one right now. However, nationalism can quickly devolve into dangerous and exclusivist rhetoric.

    Until recently, London-based artist Angie Quick was in a group exhibition curated by Andil Gosine for Washington’s Art Museum of the Americas. The show was abruptly cancelled. Speaking with the Globe and Mail, Gosine speculated this was due to due to the museum pre-emptively bending to the new political order in D.C. in light of the exhibition’s queer perspectives.

    For Quick, this cancellation signals a transnational warning. She notes that The Museum of the Americas is an arm of the Organization of the American States, a regional organization that brings together North and South American governments including Canada, the U.S. and Mexico.

    The call to cancel, she says, far exceeds a phenomena happening only in the U.S.:

    “It is a reminder of what role funding has in liberation politics when it comes to the arts. And as we [Canadians] like to other ourselves from the U.S. it’s just as important to remember we are just as much at risk to nationalism dictating values in the arts.”

    Ruth Skinner has received funding from The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) and the London Arts Council (LAC).

    – ref. ‘STOP the American takeover of Canada!’ — Inspiration and humour from a London, Ont. art movement – https://theconversation.com/stop-the-american-takeover-of-canada-inspiration-and-humour-from-a-london-ont-art-movement-252980

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: Quorum Announces Q4 and Year End 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Adjusted EBITDA1up 18% to $8.3 Million for 2024

    Cash EBITDA2up 89% to $5.5 Million for 2024

    CALGARY, Alberta, April 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Quorum Information Technologies Inc. (TSX-V: QIS) (“Quorum”), a North American SaaS Software and Services company providing essential enterprise solutions that automotive dealerships and Original Equipment Manufacturers (“OEMs”) rely on for their operations, released its results today for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. Financial references are expressed in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated. Please refer to the MD&A and Financial Statements posted onto SEDAR related to non-IFRS measures and risk factors.

    “The company achieved record Adjusted EBITDA of $8.3 million, an increase of 18% over the prior year, while revenue remained relatively consistent,” stated Maury Marks, President and CEO. “Our profitable growth strategy which commenced in 2023 delivered a Cash EBITDA margin of 14% in 2024. This improved profitability allowed us to strengthen our balance sheet by prepaying $4.8 million on our BDC Capital Facility reducing the balance from $9.1 million to $4.0 million. Our improved cash flow positions us to consider future strategic investment opportunities.”

    “I would like to sincerely express my appreciation to our employees, whose commitment to Quorum was crucial to achieving our 2024 plan and strong annual results,” said Mr. Marks. “Their hard work is enhanced by our integrated suite of 13 essential software solutions and services. This product suite is fundamental to our profitable growth strategy, as it facilitates product cross-selling and plays a vital role in driving the success of our dealerships, thereby increasing value for both Quorum and its customers.”

    Consolidated Results for Q4 2024 and Fiscal Year 2024

      Q4 2024 %Change Q4 2023
    		   2024 % Change 2023
    Total Revenue $10,008,563  1%  $9,920,932 
    		   $39,953,997 
    		 (1%)  $40,263,528 
    SaaS Revenue $7,183,148  2%  $7,017,756    $28,839,189  2%  $28,191,238 
    BDC Revenue $2,558,313  (1%)  $2,588,181    $9,973,810  (8%)  $10,880,534 
    Recurring Revenue $9,741,461  1%  $9,605,937    $38,812,999  (1%)  $39,071,772 
    Gross Margin $4,848,227  0%  $4,844,654    $19,810,340  3%  $19,262,519 
    Gross Margin % 48%    49%    50%    48% 
    Net Income (Loss) per Share $0.003    $(0.014)    $0.035    $0.003 
    Net Income (Loss) $244,754  123%  $(1,049,589)    $2,545,951  988%  $233,950 
    Adjusted EBITDA $1,960,886  (6%)  $2,084,217 
    		   $8,309,000 
    		 18%  $7,036,468 
    Adjusted EBITDA Margin 20    21% 
    		   21% 
    		   17% 
    Cash EBITDA $1,233,620  10%  $1,117,577 
    		   $5,457,906 
    		 89%  $2,889,317 
    Cash EBITDA Margin 12    11% 
    		   14% 
    		   1% 
     

    Fourth Quarter Results

    • Total revenue increased by 1% to $10.0 million in Q4 2024 compared to Q4 2023.
    • SaaS revenue increased by 2% to $7.2 million in Q4 2024 compared to Q4 2023.
    • BDC revenue decreased by 1% to $2.6 million in Q4 2024 compared to Q4 2023.
    • Gross margin remained consistent at $4.8 million in Q4 2024 compared to Q4 2023.
    • Adjusted EBITDA was $2.0 million in Q4 2024 compared to Q4 2023, a decrease of $0.1 million.
    • Cash EBITDA was $1.2 million in Q4 2024 compared to Q4 2023, an increase of $0.1 million.

    Fiscal Year 2024 Results

    • Total revenue decreased by 1% to $40.0 million in 2024 compared to 2023.
    • SaaS revenue increased by 2% to $28.8 million in 2024 compared to 2023.
    • BDC revenue decreased by 8% to $10.0 million in 2024 compared to 2023.
    • Gross margin increased by 3% to $19.8 million in 2024 compared to 2023.
    • Adjusted EBITDA was $8.3 million in 2024 compared to 2023, an increase of $1.3 million.
    • Cash EBITDA was $5.5 million in 2024 compared to 2023, an increase of $2.6 million.

    Quorum Q4 and Fiscal Year 2024 Results Conference Call Details and Investor Presentation

    Maury Marks, President and Chief Executive Officer and Marilyn Bown, Chief Financial Officer will present the Q4 and Fiscal Year 2024 Results at a conference call with concurrent audio webcast, scheduled for:

    An updated Investor Presentation, replay of the results conference call, and transcripts of the conference call, will also be available at www.QuorumInformationSystems.com.

    About Quorum Information Technologies Inc.

    Quorum is a North American SaaS Software and Services company providing essential enterprise solutions that automotive dealerships and Original Equipment Manufacturers (“OEMs”) rely on for their operations, including:

    • Quorum’s Dealership Management System (DMS), which automates, integrates, and streamlines key processes across departments in a dealership, and emphasizes revenue generation and customer satisfaction.
    • DealerMine CRM, a sales and service Customer Relationship Management (“CRM”) system and set of Business Development Centre services that drives revenue into the critical sales and service departments in a dealership.
    • Autovance, a modern retailing platform that helps dealerships attract more business through Digital Retailing, improve in-store profits and closing rates through its desking tool and maximize their efficiency and Customer Satisfaction Index through Autovance’s F&I menu solution.
    • Accessible Accessories, a digital retailing platform that allows franchised dealerships to efficiently increase their vehicle accessories revenue. 
    • VINN Automotive, a premier automotive marketplace that streamlines the vehicle research and purchase process for vehicle shoppers while helping retailers sell more efficiently.

    Contacts:

    Maury Marks
    President and Chief Executive Officer
    403-777-0036
    Maury.Marks@QuorumInfoTech.com

    Marilyn Bown
    Chief Financial Officer
    403-777-0036
    Marilyn.Bown@QuorumInfoTech.com

    Forward-Looking Information

    This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (“forward-looking information”) within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “plan”, “intend”, “objective”, “continuous”, “ongoing”, “estimate”, “expect”, “may”, “will”, “project”, “should” or similar words suggesting future outcomes. Quorum believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking information should not be unduly relied upon.

    Forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and involves a number of risks and uncertainties some of which are described herein. Such forward-looking information necessarily involves known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause Quorum’s actual performance and financial results in future periods to differ materially from any projections of future performance or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking information.

    Quorum has filed its 2024 audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto as at and for the year ended December 31, 2024, and accompanying management and discussion and analysis in accordance with National Instrument 51-102 – Continuous Disclosure Obligations adopted by the Canadian securities regulatory authorities.

    Quorum Information Technologies Inc. is traded on the Toronto Venture Exchange (TSX-V) under the symbol QIS. For additional information please go to www.QuorumInformationSystems.com.

    Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) has reviewed this release and neither accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    1 Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) – Net income (loss) before interest and financing costs, taxes, depreciation, amortization, stock-based compensation, impairment, gain on bargain purchase, one-time acquisition-related expenses and restructuring fees. 

    2 Cash EBITDA (non-GAAP) – Adjusted EBITDA less stock-based compensation, one-time acquisition-related expense, repayment of lease liability, purchase of property and equipment and software development costs.

    PDF available: http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/9cb6bc7a-48bf-443f-8038-d58e125d5e99

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Vehicle Ordering and Replacement: A Growing Focus for Fleet Managers According to Element 2025 Market Pulse Report

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • 61 per cent are prioritizing lowering total cost of ownership to offset inflation  
    • 73 per cent are prioritizing vehicle ordering and replacement   
    • 60 per cent of respondents without existing EV initiatives are interested in adding hybrid vehicles or other alternative fuel vehicles

    TORONTO, April 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Element Fleet Management Corp. (TSX:EFN) (“Element” or the “Company”), the largest publicly traded, pure-play automotive fleet manager in the world, today released its 2025 Market Pulse Report. The report, grounded in data analysis and industry insights across its clients’ fleets from the U.S. and Canada, delves into the business priorities driving fleet management decisions in the year ahead. 

    “The annual Market Pulse Report provides a comprehensive and collective summary of reflections and analysis from business and fleet leaders and serves as an invaluable resource for our clients and industry at large,” says David Madrigal, Element’s Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer. “This year’s report offers a roadmap for our clients, helping them navigate through an ever-evolving business landscape, ensuring they have access to the key insights they need to deliver on their business objectives through safer, smarter, and more efficient fleet solutions.

    Key insights from the report include: 

    • Shifting fleet priorities: Operational stability has become the priority over strategic investments. Respondents identified ordering and vehicle replacement (73 per cent), cost savings (61 per cent) and driver safety (53 per cent) are their top priorities for the year.  
    • Increased interest in hybrid vehicles: More than 60 per cent of respondents are exploring hybrid vehicles, as a practical alternative to transitioning to full EVs.
    • Strong focus on driver behaviour: The majority of organizations interviewed (80 per cent) are planning to implement driver safety initiatives; however, only half (51 per cent) are already actively using the latest driving safety technology. 
    • A return to normal markets: Used car prices have settled in the U.S. and Canada, providing more predictability for planning and vehicle strategies. 

    “As a Purpose-driven organization, one way we Move the world through intelligent mobility is by providing pro-active, client-centered insights that enable businesses to make decisions more confidently,” says Steve Jastrow, Senior Vice President, Advisory and Analytics at Element. “Our goal with this report is to offer a closer look at the factors shaping attitudes, strategies, and best practices in the fleet management industry.

    The 2025 Market Pulse Report is the result of an annual survey conducted by Element with fleet operators across Canada and U.S. The report provides a clear view of current priorities and pressing challenges fleets are facing as they plan and strategize for the year ahead. Read the report here: elementfleet.com/move

    About Element Fleet Management 

    Element Fleet Management (TSX: EFN) is the largest publicly traded pure-play automotive fleet manager in the world. As a Purpose-driven company, we provide a full range of services, addressing every aspect of our clients’ fleet requirements. Clients benefit from Element’s expertise as one of the largest fleet solutions providers in its markets, offering economies of scale and insight used to reduce operating costs and enhance efficiency and performance. At Element, we maximize our clients’ fleet so they can focus on growing their business. For more information, please visit: www.elementfleet.com. 

    This press release contains certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information regarding Element, its business and the fleet industry, which are based upon Element’s current expectations, estimates, projections, assumptions and beliefs. In some cases, words such as “plan”, “expect”, “intend”, “believe” and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions “may” or “will” occur are intended to identify forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements or information. Forward-looking statements and information in this news release may include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to, among other things, the Company’s expectations regarding industry trends, market dynamics and client preferences. By their nature, these statements require us to make assumptions and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that may be general or specific, which give rise to the possibility that our predictions, forecasts, projections, expectations or conclusions will not prove to be accurate, that our assumptions may not be correct. External factors outside of Element’s reasonable control may impact our ability to achieve our goals and expectations, including industry dynamics, legislation and regulatory actions, and client decisions and preferences. These and other factors may cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements and may require Element to adjust its initiatives and activities. The forward-looking statements in this news release speak only as of the date hereof and are presented for the purpose of assisting our stakeholders and others in understanding our objectives and strategic priorities and may not be appropriate for other purposes. We do not undertake to update any forward-looking statement except as required by law. In addition, a discussion of some of the material risks affecting Element and its business appears under the heading “Risk Management & Risk Factors” in Element’s Management Discussion and Analysis for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2024, and under the heading “Risk Factors” in Element’s Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2024, as well as Element’s other filings with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities, which have been filed on SEDAR+ and can be accessed on Element’s profile on www.sedarplus.com. 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell Joins WA Small Business Owners at Port of Seattle to Explain Harms of Trump Trade Wars

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell

    04.16.25

    Cantwell Joins WA Small Business Owners at Port of Seattle to Explain Harms of Trump Trade Wars

    Trump’s chaotic tariffs drive up costs for local companies and threatens to put them out of business; “Congress needs to get back in the game,” says Cantwell; her bipartisan bill would reassert Congressional role in U.S. trade policy

    SEATTLE – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, joined nine local business owners and leaders at the Port of Seattle to push back against the Trump administration’s tariffs-first trade policy.

    “These businesses here today are reminding us what we already should know: that this kind of tariff policy disrupts an integrated economy, hurts small businesses, and basically disrupts what is an important opportunity for the United States to grow more jobs for the future,” said Sen. Cantwell. “Building alliances and [strengthening] our innovation economy is what we should be doing.”

    “In my 32 years of designing and manufacturing KAVU has survived tough times, but nothing close to this,” said Barry Barr, CEO of KAVU. “Due to the extreme spikes in prices, we are expecting that many if not all of our 2,000 independent outdoor retailers … will cancel their orders, leaving us with no sales and at the precipice of shutting down.”

    “I never thought geopolitics would get in the way of making delicious pizza, yet here were are,” said Joe Fugere, CEO of Tutta Bella. “People in the United States should not have to travel overseas to enjoy the religious experience of great Italian pizza. We can have it right here at home. But only if we’re smart about how we unlock access to the world’s best products.”

    “Last month we brought in a container with a value of about $200,000, and we had to pay an extra $20,000 to bring that in with the 10% [tariff],” said Jeff Demir, COO of SwaddleDesigns. “This month we’re bringing in another container, that container will cost us an extra $40,000 because the China tariffs went from 10% to 20%. … We have a container that’s right now sitting in China ready to ship, that container would cost us $300,000 of extra tariffs given the 145% [tariff]. Obviously that container is going to stay in China and it’s not going to be brought over here. Our company will have to operate with the product that we have until this gets resolved.”

    Also appearing at today’s event were: Northwest Seaport Alliance and Northwest Seaport Alliance Co-Chair and Port of Tacoma Commissioner John McCarthy; Port of Seattle Commissioner Sam Cho; Gordon Bluechel, CEO of Access Laser; Chris Stone, Deputy Director of the Washington State Wine Commission; Blas Alfaro, Partner at Fulcrum Coffee Roasters; and Molly Neitzel, CEO of Molly Moon’s.

    Sen. Cantwell recently introduced the bipartisan Trade Review Act of 2025 to reaffirm Congress’ key role in setting and approving U.S. trade policy, and reestablish limits on the president’s ability to impose unilateral tariffs. Since the introduction, Sen. Cantwell has appeared on CNN International, CNBC , CBS’s Face the Nation, MSNBC’s All In with Chris Hayes, MSNBC’s The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell, to discuss the bill.

    Sen. Cantwell’s bill has since picked up 12 additional cosponsors – an equal mix of Republicans and Democrats – and been endorsed by multiple major U.S. business organizations, including the National Retail Federation, which is the largest retail trade association in the world. Last week, a bipartisan House companion bill was introduced.

    In Washington state, two out of every five jobs are tied to trade and trade-related industries. More information about how those tariffs will affect consumers and businesses in the State of Washington can be found HERE.  

    For the past three months, President Trump has been sowing economic chaos across the country with unpredictable and ever-changing tariff announcements. His back-and-forth announcements and actions, which have whipsawed American businesses and consumers, as well as close neighbors and allies, include:

    • On January 31 — citing punishment for failing to crack down on fentanyl trafficking — the Trump administration announced plans to impose a 25% tax on many goods imported into the U.S. from Canada and Mexico and a 10% tax on goods imported from China, then abruptly postponed those tariffs.
    • In February, he doubled down, announcing an additional 25% tax on all steel and aluminum imports.
    • At 12:01 a.m. ET on March 4, President Trump’s long-promised 25% tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada and 10% tariff increase on goods from China took effect, causing stock prices in the United States to plummet.
    • Then, on March 5, he announced that automobiles from Canada and Mexico would be exempt from his tariffs for one month.
    • The morning of March 6, he announced that he would suspend the tariffs for some products from Mexico. Then, later that same afternoon, he announced he was suspending most new tariffs on products from both Mexico and Canada until April 2.
    • On March 11, Trump threatened to double tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum – increasing them to 50% – before reversing himself later the same day.
    • On March 13, he threatened 200% tariffs on alcoholic products from the European Union, including all wine and Champagne.
    • On March 27, he announced plans to impose a 25% tax on all imported sedans, SUVs, crossovers, minivans, cargo vans, and light trucks, as well as some auto parts, beginning on April 2.
    • On March 29, President Trump said, “I couldn’t care less,” if automakers raise the price of cars in response to his tariffs.
    • On April 2, he announced a “National Economic Emergency,” and signed an executive order declaring a 10% minimum baseline tariff on all countries as well as additional tariffs on nearly 60 countries.
    • On April 7, he threatened to impose an additional 50% tariff on China.
    • On April 9, he announced a rollback of his April 2 tariffs down to the 10% baseline across the board, with the exception of China, which he increased to 125%.
    • On April 11, the administration announced that electronics, including smartphones and laptops, would be exempt from the 125% rate.

    Video of today’s press conference is HERE; photos are HERE; video of Sen. Cantwell’s remarks is HERE; audio of Sen. Cantwell’s remarks is HERE; and a transcript of Sen. Cantwell’s remarks is HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Growing threats faced by women candidates undermine our democracy

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Inessa De Angelis, PhD Student, Faculty of Information, University of Toronto

    As Liberal MP Pam Damoff prepares to leave politics, she joins other Canadian women MPs in warning that growing threats and harassment are driving them out of politics.

    Their call adds to the voices of other politicians in Australia and the United Kingdom who caution that misogyny and threats of violence, especially on social media, have caused them to refrain from seeking re-election.

    With the Canadian federal election approaching, campaigns expose politicians to increased online incivility and abuse. Nearly 19 per cent of tweets analyzed by the Samara Centre for Democracy during the 2021 campaign contained harassment.

    Harassment undermines democracy and threatens the equal participation of women in politics. When women politicians don’t seek re-election, we lose key voices advocating for a more equitable future.

    Despite threats to our democracy being a key theme of the ongoing federal election campaign, barely anyone is talking about the threat harassment poses.

    Harassment is a threat to representation

    Women remain underrepresented in Canadian Parliament. Canada currently ranks 70th out of 190 countries for representation of women in politics. Following the federal election in 2021, women held only 30.9 per cent of the seats in the House of Commons.

    While research shows women who run for office are just as likely to win as their male counterparts, women require more convincing to step up and put their name on the ballot.

    Once women politicians are elected, they face more barriers in Parliament. Some of these barriers include family obligations and fewer promotions to high-profile roles.

    However, gender-based heckling, violence and harassment are additional barriers.

    Shaping voter behaviour

    Violence against women politicians aims to silence and exclude women from participating in politics simply because they are women.

    And while men and women politicians receive similar amounts of online harassment, online attacks against women politicians tend to be more personal and sexist in tone.

    Online harassment isn’t just driving women out of politics; it’s also shaping voter behaviour.

    In fact, research shows that women voters are less likely to participate in political discussions on social media because they fear getting harassed as women politicians are.

    These findings align with outgoing Liberal MP Jennifer O’Connell’s letter to her constituents that cites online threats of sexual violence fuelled by misinformation and disinformation as rationale for not seeking re-election.

    Increasing security

    The rising threats of harassment against all politicians led the Privy Council Office to offer private-sector security services for candidates who feel intimidated and threatened during the 2025 campaign.

    The goal of private security is to offer an extra level of protection when the threshold for police protection is not met. Through the program, candidates can get an unarmed guard to watch their surroundings and manage risks.

    Which metrics are used to determine if the threshold is met? Private security services should protect all candidates equally. However, the lived experiences and concerns of women politicians are often discounted and not taken seriously.

    A new way to measure harassment

    Defining and quantifying types of harassment is hard. Hate speech is recognized as explicit harassment, but this raises questions about who gets to decide which less explicit incidents count as harassment.

    There are more subtle forms of harassment like sexist microaggressions that threaten women candidates just as much as blatant hate speech. But these subtle microaggressions are often brushed off as not being harassment.

    With no single definition or agreed-upon way to measure harassment, I developed a seven-point scale to categorize nuanced forms of online harassment. This scale takes into account more subtle forms of harassment, including social media comments that question the authority of women politicians to explicit hate speech.

    I found that 86 per cent of replies to tweets sent to women MPs contained some form of harassment.

    We cannot view each incident of harassment such as threatening social media comments, volunteers being screamed at or signs being vandalized as isolated events. Understanding all of these incidents, regardless of their severity, as being connected allows us to track the growing forms and impacts of violence.

    Legislation needed

    Steps have already been taken at Parliament to fight harassment through Bill C-65, which strengthens federal workplace protections against violence and sexual harassment. But more should be done on the campaign trail.

    The Privy Council Office’s new private-sector security service is a start. However, candidates should not be expected to quantify how threats make them feel to receive help. Political parties and the Privy Council Office should proactively offer more support to all candidates.

    Social media platforms must take greater responsibility for applying their terms of service to minimize harmful content.

    New legislation should be drafted to address threats faced by politicians. Regardless of who forms the next government, all parties need to work together to pass online harms legislation.

    Harassment is used as a barrier to stop women from running for office. This is fundamentally about making sure their voices are heard in our democracy.

    Inessa De Angelis receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and the Province of Ontario.

    – ref. Growing threats faced by women candidates undermine our democracy – https://theconversation.com/growing-threats-faced-by-women-candidates-undermine-our-democracy-254371

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: BigCommerce to Announce First Quarter 2025 Financial Results on May 8, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AUSTIN, Texas, April 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BigCommerce Holdings, Inc. (“BigCommerce”) (Nasdaq: BIGC), an open SaaS, composable ecommerce platform for fast-growing and established B2C and B2B brands and retailers, today announced it will report its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025, before market open on Thursday, May 8, 2025.

    The financial results and business highlights will be discussed on a conference call and webcast scheduled at 7:00 a.m. CT (8:00 a.m. ET) on Thursday, May 8, 2025. The conference call can be accessed by dialing (833) 634-1254 from the United States and Canada or (412) 317-6012 internationally and requesting to join the “BigCommerce conference call.” The live webcast of the conference call can be accessed from BigCommerce’s investor relations website at http://investors.bigcommerce.com.

    Following the completion of the call through 11:59 p.m. ET on Thursday, May 15, 2025, a telephone replay will be available by dialing (877) 344-7529 from the United States, (855) 669-9658 from Canada or (412) 317-0088 internationally with conference ID 2980116. A webcast replay will also be available at http://investors.bigcommerce.com for 12 months.

    About BigCommerce

    BigCommerce (Nasdaq: BIGC) is a leading open SaaS and composable ecommerce platform that empowers brands, retailers, manufacturers and distributors of all sizes to build, innovate and grow their businesses online. BigCommerce provides its customers sophisticated professional-grade functionality, customization and performance with simplicity and ease-of-use. Tens of thousands of B2C and B2B companies across 150 countries and numerous industries rely on BigCommerce, including Coldwater Creek, Harvey Nichols, King Arthur Baking Co., MKM Building Supplies, United Aqua Group and Uplift Desk. For more information, please visit www.bigcommerce.com or follow us on X and LinkedIn.

    BigCommerce® is a registered trademark of BigCommerce Pty. Ltd. Third-party trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Athene Announces Fixed Income Investor Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WEST DES MOINES, Iowa, April 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Athene Holding Ltd. (“Athene”), a subsidiary of Apollo Global Management, Inc. (NYSE:APO), announced it will host a Fixed Income Investor Call on Monday, May 12, 2025 at 10:00AM ET.

    The call will feature members of Athene’s senior management team, who will provide an update on current business trends, new business origination, the investment portfolio, and capital.

    An accompanying presentation, live webcast, and webcast replay will be available on the Investor Relations section of Athene’s website at ir.athene.com.

    Conference Call Details:
    Dial-in: Toll-free at 877-404-1236 (domestic) or + 1 215-268-9888 (international)

    About Athene
    Athene is the leading retirement services company with over $360 billion of total assets as of December 31, 2024, and operations in the United States, Bermuda, Canada, and Japan. Athene is focused on providing financial security to individuals by offering an attractive suite of retirement income and savings products and also serves as a solutions provider to corporations. For more information, please visit www.athene.com.

    Contact:
    Jeanne Hess
    Vice President, External Relations
    +1 646 768 7319
    jeanne.hess@athene.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: DT Midstream to Announce First Quarter 2025 Financial Results, Schedules Earnings Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DETROIT, April 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — DT Midstream, Inc. (NYSE: DTM) plans to announce first quarter 2025 financial results before the market opens on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.

    DT Midstream has scheduled a conference call to discuss results for 9:00 a.m. ET (8:00 a.m. CT) the same day. Investors, the news media and the public may listen to a live internet broadcast of the call at this link. The participant toll-free telephone dial-in number in the U.S. and Canada is 888.596.4144, and the toll number is 646.968.2525; the passcode is 9881735. International access numbers are available here.

    The webcast will be archived on the DT Midstream website at investor.dtmidstream.com.

    About DT Midstream

    DT Midstream (NYSE: DTM) is an owner, operator and developer of natural gas interstate and intrastate pipelines, storage and gathering systems, compression, treatment and surface facilities. The company transports clean natural gas for utilities, power plants, marketers, large industrial customers and energy producers across the Southern, Northeastern and Midwestern United States and Canada. The Detroit-based company offers a comprehensive, wellhead-to-market array of services, including natural gas transportation, storage and gathering. DT Midstream is transitioning towards net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, including a plan of achieving 30% of its carbon emissions reduction by 2030. For more information, please visit the DT Midstream website at www.dtmidstream.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Stifel Financial Schedules First Quarter 2025 Financial Results Conference Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ST. LOUIS, April 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Stifel Financial Corp. (NYSE: SF) will release its first quarter financial results before the market opens on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. The company will host a conference call to review the results at 9:30 a.m. Eastern time that same day. The conference call may include forward-looking statements.

    All interested parties are invited to listen to Stifel Chairman and CEO Ronald J. Kruszewski by dialing (866) 409-1555 and referencing participant ID 2769458. A live audio webcast of the call, as well as a presentation highlighting the company’s results, will be available through Stifel’s website, www.stifel.com. For those who cannot listen to the live broadcast, a replay of the broadcast will be available through the above-referenced website beginning approximately one hour following the completion of the call.

    Stifel Company Information
    Stifel Financial Corp. (NYSE: SF) is a financial services holding company headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, that conducts its banking, securities, and financial services business through several wholly owned subsidiaries. Stifel’s broker-dealer clients are served in the United States through Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, including its Eaton Partners and Miller Buckfire business divisions; Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc.; and Stifel Independent Advisors, LLC; in Canada through Stifel Nicolaus Canada Inc.; and in the United Kingdom and Europe through Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited. The Company’s broker-dealer affiliates provide securities brokerage, investment banking, trading, investment advisory, and related financial services to individual investors, professional money managers, businesses, and municipalities. Stifel Bank and Stifel Bank & Trust offer a full range of consumer and commercial lending solutions. Stifel Trust Company, N.A. and Stifel Trust Company Delaware, N.A. offer trust and related services. To learn more about Stifel, please visit the Company’s website at www.stifel.com. For global disclosures, please visit https://www.stifel.com/investor-relations/press-releases.

    Stifel Investor Relations Contact
    Joel Jeffrey, Senior Vice President
    (212) 271-3610 direct
    investorrelations@stifel.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: New Aussie film The Correspondent is an extraordinary retelling of Peter Greste’s story

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrea Jean Baker, Senior Lecturer in Journalism, Monash University

    Maslow Entertainment

    The Correspondent is a film every journalist should see.

    There are no spoiler alerts. It is based on the globally-publicised jailing in Cairo in 2013 of Australian journalist Peter Greste (played by Richard Roxburgh) and his Al Jazeera English colleagues, Canadian journalist Mohamed Fahmy (Julian Maroun) and local reporter Baher Mohamed (Rahel Romahn).

    The trio were jailed for over 400 days. They were accused of allegedly working without media accreditation, spreading fake news in the aftermath of the Arab Spring and associating with the banned Muslim Brotherhood.

    Skilfully directed by Kriv Stenders, The Correspondent follows Greste’s 2017 memoir. Roxburgh’s performance as the embattled journalist is breathtaking and career defining. With a tight screenplay by Peter Duncan, the film is a masterclass in political subtlety.

    Authenticity in truth telling

    At its world premiere at Adelaide Film Festival in October, Greste said The Correspondent “paid huge respect” to his memoir.

    The film begins with Greste’s surprise arrest in 2013 by Egyptian authorities at the Marriott hotel in Cairo. This is juxtaposed with historical snippets of the Arab Spring uprising in Tahrir Square in January 2011, which ended the 30-year dictatorship of President Hosni Mubarak.

    The next president after Mubarak was Mohamed Morsi, leader of the Freedom and Justice Party. This party was affiliated with the Brotherhood, the country’s oldest and largest Islamist organisation.

    In June 2013, a militarised coup d’état in Egypt was led by Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s regime. Morsi was jailed by the freshly minted President al-Sisi. By December, the Brotherhood was blacklisted and declared a terrorist organisation.

    The Correspondent argues the Al Jazeera English journalists were political pawns for the new Egyptian regime. The regime had a problematic relationship with its wealthy neighbour, Qatar, a country that partially funds Al Jazeera and publicly supported the Muslim Brotherhood.

    Working from a media bunker in the Marriott because their offices were subject to a series of raids and closed down by local police, the trio were accused of illegally mastering a grand conspiracy against al-Sisi’s authoritarian regime.

    Struggle for justice and risky business

    Set between the grimy underworld of the Egyptian jail and the endless circus of Egyptian court trials, The Correspondent is a look into the psychological torment of Greste and his colleagues.

    Between card playing, sarcastic humour and planned hunger strikes, the ritual reality of cell life sets in. Friendships are tested and forged between the journalists, student activist detainees and prison authorities.

    Greste spent decades writing headlines from conflict zones before becoming a headline himself.

    A repetitive motif in The Correspondent is Greste’s flashbacks to his BBC
    days during 2005 in Mogadishu, Somalia, where his producer Kate Peyton (Yael Stone) was killed outside the Sahafi Hotel. In these flashbacks, we are privy to Greste’s guilt-driven internal monologues.

    Roxburgh’s performance as the embattled journalist is breathtaking and career defining.
    Maslow Entertainment

    In three studies, I examined the reportage by the ABC, the BBC and the Al Jazeera network about Greste’s case. Across these publications, the safety of journalists received minimal coverage.

    Coverage focused on the innocence of the trio, impact of Greste’s sentencing on his ageing parents and press freedom. All these facets of the story are reflected in The Correspondent.

    Safety of journalists

    The Correspondent is a wake-up call about the safety of journalists.

    This month, the International Federation of Journalists said at least 156 journalists and media workers have been killed in the current war in Palestine. In December, the Committee to Protect Journalists put the number at more than 137, “making it the deadliest period for journalists since [the committee] began gathering data in 1992”.

    Imprisonment of a Western foreign correspondent often generates international headlines, but most journalists who are imprisoned are local journalists. Foreign correspondents rely on these local journalists, wrote Greste, “when they land in a new, dangerous environment”.

    In focusing tightly on Greste, the film omits the story of the local journalists imprisoned at the same time.
    Maslow Entertainment

    Local journalists hold power to account, as Greste describes it in “ways far more dangerous than any of us in more secure environments could possibly imagine”.

    In focusing tightly on Greste’s story, The Correspondent fails to shine a light on the dozens of local journalists imprisoned at the same time.

    As Greste said during the #FreeAJStaff campaign:

    Rarely have so many of us been imprisoned and beaten up, intimidated or murdered in the course of our duties.

    The Correspondent is an extraordinary film about human resilience and the importance of global diplomacy in the ongoing fight for press freedom.

    The Correspondent is in cinemas from today.

    Andrea Jean Baker 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. New Aussie film The Correspondent is an extraordinary retelling of Peter Greste’s story – https://theconversation.com/new-aussie-film-the-correspondent-is-an-extraordinary-retelling-of-peter-grestes-story-237476

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lakelands — Update: Missing man located deceased

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    The 47-year-old New Minas man who was reported missing April 13 in Lakelands has been located deceased.

    Criminality is not believed to be a factor.

    East Hants District RCMP appreciated partnership with Ground Search & Rescue teams during this investigation.

    Our thoughts are with the man’s family at this difficult time.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Assault on inmate at Millhaven Institution 

    Source: Government of Canada News

    April 16, 2025 – Bath, Ontario – Correctional Service Canada

    On April 15, 2025, an inmate was the victim of an assault at Millhaven Institution, a maximum-level security federal institution.

    The injured inmate was evaluated by staff members and transported to an outside hospital to receive treatment.

    The Ontario Provincial Police and the institution are currently investigating.

    No staff members or other inmates were injured during this incident.

    The safety and security of institutions, their staff, and the public remains the highest priority in the operations of the federal correctional system.

    In order to improve practices aimed at preventing this type of incident, the Correctional Service of Canada will review the circumstances of the incident and take the appropriate measures.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto, Small Businesses Highlight Devastating Impacts of Sweeping Tariffs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto

     ***VIDEO AVAILABLE***

    Video download is available here.

    Las Vegas, Nev. – Today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) highlighted the devastating impacts the chaos of the Trump Administration’s tariffs have had on the cost of operating small businesses and on the American economy itself. President Donald Trump recently implemented sweeping new tariffs that will raise the cost of groceries, energy, and household goods for Nevada businesses and families and are impacting travel and tourism to Nevada. The Senator was joined by Co-Founder of Tacotarian Kristen Corral, CEO and Founder of Mothership Coffee Juanny Romero, and Owner of BAMBU Dessert Drinks Santy Luangpraseuth.

    “In his first 100 days, President Trump has done nothing but create chaos and uncertainty, impacting hardworking families across the country,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “Nevada’s small businesses know better than anyone just how hard it has been to operate right now. I will never stop fighting for our small business owners.”

    Senator Cortez Masto has continued to push the Trump Administration to address the impacts of Trump’s tariffs on working families. Earlier this month, the Senator wrote a letter to the Administration demanding they provide their plan to mitigate the economic stress caused by the implementation of President Donald Trump’s tariffs and other executive actions. During a Senate Finance Committee hearing, Cortez Masto pressed U.S. Trade Representative Greer about the impacts of President Trump’s blanket tariffs on Nevadans, particularly those employed in the tourism and hospitality industry. The Senator introduced the Tariff Transparency Act to require the U.S. International Trade Commission to investigate how Donald Trump’s recent tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada will impact the American people and make that information public.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Shaheen Raises Concerns About Defense Supply Chain Impacts of Administration’s Trade War, Demands Swift Response from Secretary Hegseth

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen

    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a top member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee and Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth detailing her concerns about the impact of President Trump’s trade war on America’s national defense and military readiness. Specifically, Shaheen expressed how the administration’s announced tariffs on imports from virtually every country in the world will increase prices for the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DOD) defense acquisitions – harming DOD’s purchasing power, weakening supply chains and raising costs on small businesses. Shaheen called on Secretary Hegseth to explain how DOD is addressing the threats to military readiness and preventing cost overruns no later than April 30. 

    Senator Shaheen wrote, in part: “In the short term, the announced tariffs alone will increase costs for U.S. defense industrial supply chain companies. […] In the long term, tariffs will drive up DOD’s contracting and procurement costs, limit DOD buying power and ultimately harm the warfighter and our military readiness.” 

    She continued: “Additionally, we are concerned about DOD’s ability to secure its own supply chains and fully assess how much of its industrial base is foreign-sourced. […] With the globalization of supply chains, these suppliers and their goods come from a wide array of places. Some foundational industrial supply chain sectors, like optical instruments, mechanical gears, welding equipment and printed circuit boards source a large part of their components from outside North America.” 

    Senator Shaheen concluded: “I request answers to the following questions no later than April 30, 2025: 1.) What critical imported supplies are currently subject to new tariffs this year? 2.) How do you calculate the monetary impact of tariffs on DOD contracts? 3.) How is DOD factoring increased costs due to tariffs into fixed-price contracts? 4.) What is the impact of increased costs due to tariffs on DOD’s purchasing power? 5.) Can DOD defense industrial base contractors continue to use Chapter 98 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule to purchase critical materials without duties under all tariff actions this year? If not, which actions does this apply to?” 

    The full text of the letter can be found here and below. 

    Dear Secretary Hegseth:  

    I write out of concern regarding the impact of President Trump’s trade war on our defense industrial base (DIB) and military readiness. So far this year, new tariffs have been placed on imports from virtually every country in the world, including allies like Canada, the European Union and Japan, in addition to product-specific tariffs on aluminum, and more tariffs are expected. According to the Chamber of Commerce’s Defense and Aerospace Council, “prices will increase” for DOD’s defense acquisitions due to these tariffs, and I am concerned these increased costs will hurt both DOD’s purchasing power and small contractors.  

    As you may know, these tariffs would come on top of the pressing budgetary pressures highlighted by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) in a November 2024 report on the Future Years Defense Program (FYDP) for Fiscal Year 2025. According to CBO, if the Department’s costs grow at rates consistent with CBO’s economic forecast (in areas such as compensation) or historical trends (in areas such as weapons acquisition), they would be about 4 percent higher from 2025 to 2029 and about 5 percent higher from 2025 to 2039. To accommodate those higher costs, CBO said the Department of Defense (DOD) would need to scale back its plans or request larger budgets than are anticipated in the 2025 FYDP.  

    Adding unexpected tariffs on top of the budgetary risks cited by CBO will place even more unnecessary burdens on the DIB. In the past decade, more than 40 percent of small businesses left the DIB supply chain, and over 15,000 U.S. suppliers are at risk of leaving the defense industrial supply chain in the next decade, according to the Government Accountability Office. In the short term, the announced tariffs alone will increase costs for U.S. defense industrial supply chain companies. DIB companies and their suppliers may be forced to absorb those costs which could drive more companies and jobs out of the defense industrial supply chain, stifling innovation. In the long term, tariffs will drive up DOD’s contracting and procurement costs, limit DOD buying power and ultimately harm the warfighter and our military readiness. 

    Moreover, without proper planning and thoughtful consideration of U.S. productive capacity, these tariffs have the potential to balloon the DOD budget far beyond CBO’s expected increases. According to a former Pentagon acquisition official, “[t]here’s going to be shortages of supplies… [s]ome potentially vital supplies are either going to cost a whole heck of a lot more than what they did or they’re just not going to be available.” 

    Additionally, we are concerned about DOD’s ability to secure its own supply chains and fully assess how much of its industrial base is foreign-sourced. The average American aerospace company relies on roughly 200 first tier suppliers. The second and third tiers have more than 12,000 companies. With the globalization of supply chains, these suppliers and their goods come from a wide array of places. Some foundational industrial supply chain sectors, like optical instruments, mechanical gears, welding equipment and printed circuit boards source a large part of their components from outside North America. 

    Lastly, Chapter 98 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule typically allows for duty-free entry of material procured by authorized agencies and certified by the Commissioner of Customs. However, given the number of different tariff actions announced this year, it is unclear how widely Chapter 98 applies. Providing clarity on this front would help businesses throughout the defense supply chain.  

    Therefore, it is critical that the Department keep an account of these actions to prevent cost overruns. I request answers to the following questions no later than April 30, 2025: 

    • What critical imported supplies are currently subject to new tariffs this year? 
    • How do you calculate the monetary impact of tariffs on DOD contracts? 
    • How is DOD factoring increased costs due to tariffs into fixed-price contracts? 
    • What is the impact of increased costs due to tariffs on DOD’s purchasing power? 
    • Can DOD defense industrial base contractors continue to use Chapter 98 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule to purchase critical materials without duties under all tariff actions this year? If not, which actions does this apply to?  

    Thank you for your timely response to my questions. 

    Senator Shaheen is helping lead efforts in Congress to mitigate the harmful impacts of President Trump’s tariffs. Earlier this month, Shaheen took to the Senate floor to highlight the devastating impacts that President Trump’s tariffs and trade war will have on American families and the economy. In January, Shaheen introduced the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes on Imported Goods Act which would limit the president’s ability to leverage sweeping tariffs that increase costs for American consumers and families. Her effort to pass this bill by unanimous consent was blocked by Senate Republicans. In recent months, Shaheen has traveled across the Granite State to visit businesses including Chatila’s Bakery, C&J, DCI Furniture, Mount Cabot Maple and American Calan Inc. to hear directly from Granite Staters impacted by the administration’s tariffs.    

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: People in British Columbia encouraged to prepare for seasonal hazards

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    People in British Columbia are urged to prepare for seasonal hazards as the warming weather increases the likelihood of climate-related emergencies, including spring flooding, wildfires and drought.

    “Over the past year, we’ve taken significant action to strengthen our ability to mitigate and respond to emergencies to better support people,” said Kelly Greene, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness. “Preparing for emergencies is a team effort, and as warmer weather arrives, it’s equally important that people have their own emergency plan, have a grab-and-go bag ready and know what to do in all types of emergency situations. By being prepared, we will get through whatever this season brings together.”

    Warming weather in the coming weeks will cause snowpack to melt, leading to increased spring runoff. When paired with heavy or extended rainfall, this can heighten the risk of flooding in rivers, streams and lakes. The latest snowpack surveys from the River Forecast Centre, released on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, show B.C.’s overall snowpack is at 79% of normal. Comparatively, in April 2024, the provincial snowpack averaged 63% of normal, the lowest it had been in 50 years.

    “Even though it’s only April, drier than normal conditions in parts of the province, combined with long-term water supply challenges, mean we already need to be mindful of water use,” said Randene Neill, Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship. “That’s why we continue to update our Drought and Water Scarcity Response Plan and invest in long-term water security, including through the $100-million Watershed Security Fund.”

    Flooding and drought preparedness:

    To prepare for potential flooding, people living in low-lying areas are encouraged to move equipment and other assets to higher ground and clear perimeter drains, eavestroughs and gutters. People should be on alert if they notice a rapid change in water levels, especially a drop, as this indicates a problem upstream. People should call their local fire, police or public works department immediately if they suspect something is out of the ordinary.

    The River Forecast Centre snowpack survey also provides insight into how people and communities in B.C. could be affected by drought. In summer 2024, many parts of the province experienced one of the most severe droughts in recorded history. As B.C. continues to get less snow and rain than average, it’s having a lasting impact on water levels and there is potential for prolonged drought this year.

    Communities and businesses are encouraged to take steps to use water more efficiently and plan for potential drought conditions. Everyone can help save water. Small changes make a big difference when people do them together.

    Wildfire preparedness:

    BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) forecasts indicates that British Columbia may experience an active spring wildfire season due to persistent drought conditions. This activity is expected to increase if there continues to be limited precipitation over the next several weeks and months. Until significant and sustained rains occur, the risk of ignition will remain elevated.

    “Every day, the hard-working members of the BC Wildfire Service are preparing for the 2025 wildfire season,” said Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests. “We don’t know what it will bring, but we are putting in the work each and every day to protect our communities. With warmer weather just around the corner, I urge British Columbians to do their part to help protect their homes and communities through our provincial FireSmart program.”

    The Province is working to keep communities safe by focusing on all four phases of emergency management: prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. As part of these efforts, a series of enhancements were made to improve firefighter recruitment and training, step up wildfire-prevention work, expand BCWS contracts for aerial support and incorporate new technologies to better support firefighting.

    How people can prepare for emergencies:

    To prepare for seasonal hazards, people should put together an emergency kit that includes essentials, such as water, non-perishable food, medication and a first-aid kit. In addition, pack a grab-and-go bag, which is a small emergency kit that’s easy to take with you, in case you need to leave right away. Having a home emergency plan with important details, such as contact information and emergency meeting places, is also encouraged.

    When there is an evacuation order, Emergency Support Services (ESS) will be available to support people with their short-term basic needs, such as accommodation, food and clothing. People can create an Emergency Support Services profile here: https://ESS.gov.bc.ca
    In the event you are evacuated, having a profile can make it even easier and quicker to receive support.

    In 2024, the Province improved how people are supported by ESS, including introducing the option for evacuees to receive $200 per night for accommodation, providing evacuees with a direct deposit payment option to reduce lineups at reception centres during large-scale emergencies, and establishing the BC Evacuation Helpline to help people get connected to supports remotely.

    Having home or tenant insurance is one of the best ways people can protect their families, homes and property in the event of an emergency. In B.C., home insurance that provides coverage for fire damage and losses is readily available in every community in B.C. Both home and tenant insurance policies typically have additional coverage for living expenses if you need to leave your home during an evacuation order.

    Quick Facts:

    • The Province issues BC Emergency Alerts to cellphones, radio and television for wildfires, floods, extreme heat and tsunamis.
    • Natural Resources Canada issues emergency alerts for earthquakes. 
    • Since 2017, the Province has provided approximately $500 million to First Nations and local governments for approximately 2,600 disaster-preparedness and mitigation projects through Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness funding programs.
    • For wildfire-prevention initiatives through BCWS, FireSmart initiatives and the Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC), $90 million has been allocated in 2025.
    • There are 88 cultural and prescribed burn projects planned for 2025, 48 were completed in 2024.

    Learn More:

    To learn more about how to prepare for emergencies, including information about emergency kits, household emergency plans and hazard-specific guides, visit: https://PreparedBC.ca  

    For information on evacuation alerts and orders, visit: https://EmergencyInfoBC.ca or follow @EmergencyInfoBC on X.

    To learn about flood conditions and advisories, visit: https://gov.bc.ca/riverforecast

    To learn about how to prepare for wildfires, visit: https://firesmartbc.ca/

    To learn more about open burning safety, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status

    Real-time wildfire information can be found on the BC Wildfire Service mobile app, which is available for Apple and Android users.

    To register with Emergency Support Services, visit: https://ess.gov.bc.ca/  

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Canadian Manufacturer to Invest $9.3 Million in High Point for First U.S. Manufacturing Operation

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Canadian Manufacturer to Invest $9.3 Million in High Point for First U.S. Manufacturing Operation

    Canadian Manufacturer to Invest $9.3 Million in High Point for First U.S. Manufacturing Operation
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    Today, Governor Josh Stein announced that Opsun Corporation, a manufacturer of structures for solar panels, will create 20 new jobs in Guilford County. The company will invest $9.3 million to build its first United States production facility in High Point.

    “This announcement is yet another illustration of how much companies want to do business in North Carolina,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Our skilled workforce, commitment to sustainability, and convenient East Coast location continues to attract global manufacturers like Opsun Corporation. I am proud of North Carolina’s continued commitment to our clean energy economy, and I am excited to welcome Opsun to our state.”

    Headquartered in Quebec City, Opsun Corporation designs and manufactures aluminum solar panel mounting structures for commercial, industrial, and residential markets. These high-quality mounts are engineered for durability, renewability, and energy optimization. As a third manufacturing site, Opsun’s new facility will increase efficiency, add more warehouse space, and triple the footprint of the current operations.

    “We’re thrilled to open our first US-base factory in such a booming economic and strategic center” said François Gilles-Gagnon, President of Opsun Corporation. “This new facility will be a key to Opsun’s growth in the USA, and together with our North Carolina workforce and local suppliers, we will help drive the growth of solar installations across the state and throughout the United States. Opsun always sourced all components in North America and this new U.S. facility reinforces our commitment for domestically made, high performance solar mounting systems.”

    “In addition to our manufacturing workforce of nearly 470,000 North Carolinians, our state is within a day’s drive of 170 million people,” said N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “As the fourth largest state for installed solar energy capacity, Opsun is a great addition to North Carolina’s clean energy supply chain and we’re confident that they will be in great company in Guilford County.”

    While wages vary by position, the annual average salary for the new positions will be $63,015, exceeding Guilford County’s average of $60,195. These new jobs could potentially create an annual payroll impact of more than $1.2 million for the region.

    A performance-based grant of $40,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will help the company locate in North Carolina. The OneNC Fund provides financial assistance to local governments to help attract economic investment and to create jobs. Companies receive no money upfront and must meet job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for payment. All OneNC grants require matching participation from local governments and any award is contingent upon that condition being met.

    “These new jobs are a great addition to Guilford County and the entire state of North Carolina,” said N.C. Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger. “The manufacturing workforce and accessible talent in the region are second to none, and we know Opsun will have a prosperous future here.”

    In addition to the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, other key partners in this project include the North Carolina General Assembly, North Carolina Community College System, NC Carolina Core, Guilford Technical Community College, GuilfordWorks, Guilford County, Guilford County Economic Development Alliance, City of High Point, and Greensboro Chamber. 

    Apr 16, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Olympia Gaming Launches Mobile Apps, LB Rewards and CF Rewards

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, April 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Olympia Gaming, the developer of Casino Fandango in Carson City, NV and Legends Bay Casino in Sparks, NV and Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) today announced the rollout of mobile apps, LB Rewards and CF Rewards. With this launch, Olympia Gaming becomes the first operator in Northern Nevada to deliver the QCI Player App, setting a new regional standard for real-time, mobile guest engagement.

    Current Features (Now Available):

    • Player Account Information – live tier status, point balance, free play, and comp dollars
    • Offer Listing – view of current and upcoming offers including free play, dining and hotel
    • Secure Tax Forms – digital retrieval of win/loss statements and tax documentations
    • Push Notifications & Event Alerts – real-time updates tailored to guest preferences

    Future Features (Coming Soon):

    • Entertainment & Special Event Schedule – full calendar of concerts and events
    • Host Chat & Service Requests – direct, secure messaging for concierge-level support
    • Interactive Property Navigation – maps, parking guidance, and way-finding tools
    • Interactive Prizes – in-app rewards that are redeemable at either casino

    “Launching the QCI Player App is a milestone for both Casino Fandango and Legends Bay Casino,” said DeCourcy Graham, Chief Operating Officer at Olympia Gaming. “Our guests can now see their rewards, view exclusive offers, and even access tax forms—all from their mobile device, furthering the value of our rewards program. We are thrilled to pioneer this technology in Northern Nevada and elevate the guest experience across our properties.”

    With a combined focus on value and exceeding guest expectations, Olympia Gaming and QCI’s collaboration is delivering on a promise to set a new industry standard, offering capabilities that surpass current market offerings.

    “Olympia Gaming challenged us to create an app that goes beyond basic account lookup and truly empowers the player,” said Dr. Ralph Thomas, Chief Executive Officer at QCI. “This successful launch reflects a close collaboration between the Olympia team and QCI, and we are excited to see the QCI Player App drive deeper engagement and new revenue opportunities for both properties.”

    The LB Rewards and CF Rewards mobile apps are now available for download on Apple IOS and Google Play store.

    ABOUT Olympia Gaming
    Olympia Gaming is the gaming development division of Olympia Companies, whose subsidiaries and related entities include Casino Fandango in Carson City and Legends Bay Casino in Sparks. Voted the best casino in Carson City year after year, Casino Fandango features a wide variety of gaming, dining, and entertainment venues. Legends Bay Casino builds upon Olympia’s success in Carson City with the latest slots and table games, northern Nevada’s only Circa Sports Sportsbook, several original dining and bar concepts, as well as seamless access to the open-air shopping and dining at the Outlets at Legends and the adjacent Sparks Marina. For more information, visit Olympia Gaming.

    ABOUT QCI
    Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) has pioneered the revolutionary QCI Enterprise Platform, an artificial intelligence platform that seamlessly integrates player development, marketing, and gaming operations with powerful, real-time tools designed specifically for the gaming and hospitality industries. Our advanced, highly configurable software is deployed in over 250 casino resorts across North America, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Latin America, and Europe. The QCI AGI Platform, which manages more than $35 billion in annual gross gaming revenue, stands as a best-in-class solution, whether on-premises, hybrid, or cloud-based, enabling fully coordinated activities across all aspects of gaming or hospitality operations. QCI’s data-driven, AI-powered software propels swift, informed decision-making vital in the ever-changing casino industry, assisting casinos in optimizing resources and profits, crafting effective marketing campaigns, and enhancing customer loyalty. QCI was co-founded by Dr. Ralph Thomas and Mr. Andrew Cardno and is based in San Diego, with additional offices in Las Vegas, St. Louis, Dallas, and Tulsa. Main phone number: (858) 299.5715. Visit us at www.quickcustomintelligence.com.

    ABOUT Dr. Ralph Thomas
    Ralph is a product visionary in applied analytics and the founder of two companies that deliver solutions in casino gaming, education, and adult learning. As a gaming industry veteran, Dr. Thomas has substantial experience implementing analytics into single and multi-property gaming companies to drive tangible and measurable gains to the bottom line and has built business intelligence tools for multibillion-dollar casinos. Dr. Thomas is co-author of seven books and over 80 articles on applied analytics and data science in gaming, an inventor on dozens of patents, and understands gaming from raw data up through casino operations, giving him a unique, 360-degree view of the industry.

    For all media inquiries, please contact:
    Jeff Wagner: jeff@jeffwagneragency.com
    Michelle Loosbrock: michelle@jeffwagneragency.com
    Joel Rovics: jrovics@quickcustomintelligence.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom files lawsuit to end President Trump’s tariffs

    Source: US State of California 2

    Apr 16, 2025

    What you need to know: California today filed a lawsuit challenging President Trump’s authority to unilaterally enact tariffs, which have created economic chaos, driven up prices, and harmed the state, families, and businesses.

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom and California Attorney General Rob Bonta today filed a lawsuit in federal court challenging President Trump’s use of emergency powers to enact broad-sweeping tariffs that hurt states, consumers, and businesses. The lawsuit argues that President Trump lacks the authority to unilaterally impose tariffs through the International Economic Emergency Powers Act, creating immediate and irreparable harm to California, the largest economy, manufacturing, and agriculture state in the nation. 

    These tariffs have disrupted supply chains, inflated costs for the state and Californians, and inflicted billions in damages on California’s economy, the fifth largest in the world.

    “President Trump’s unlawful tariffs are wreaking chaos on California families, businesses, and our economy — driving up prices and threatening jobs. We’re standing up for American families who can’t afford to let the chaos continue.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    “The President’s chaotic and haphazard implementation of tariffs is not only deeply troubling, it’s illegal. As the fifth largest economy in the world, California understands global trade policy is not just a game. Californians are bracing for fallout from the impact of the President’s choices — from farmers in the Central Valley, to small businesses in Sacramento, and worried families at the kitchen table — this game the President is playing has very real consequences for Californians across our state. I am proud to go to bat alongside Governor Newsom to fight for California’s vibrant economy, businesses, and residents.”

    Attorney General Rob Bonta

    The lawsuit, filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, requests the court to declare the tariffs imposed by President Trump void and enjoin their implementation. 
     

    The President lacks authority to enact unilateral tariffs

    The lawsuit argues that President Trump lacks the authority to unilaterally impose tariffs against Mexico, China, and Canada or create an across-the-board 10% tariff. The President’s use of the International Economic Emergency Powers Act (IEEPA) to enact tariffs is unlawful and unprecedented. 
     

    The IEEPA gives the President authority to take certain actions if he declares a national emergency in response to a foreign national security, foreign policy, or economic threat.  The law, which was enacted by Congress in 1977, specifies many different actions the President can take, but tariffs aren’t one of them. In fact, this is the first time a president has attempted to rely on this law to impose tariffs. 
     

    Supreme Court precedent

    The lawsuit invokes the U.S. Supreme Court’s major questions doctrine, which holds that in novel matters of vast economic and political significance, federal agencies and the executive branch must have clear and specific authorization from Congress. In recent years, the Court has applied this standard to strike down major initiatives, including President Obama’s Clean Power Plan and President Biden’s student loan forgiveness program, ruling that novel executive actions with broad impacts on the national economy cannot rest on vague statutory authority. 

    It is difficult to imagine a more economically significant set of actions than the one Trump is taking on tariffs, which have inflicted hundreds of billions of dollars in economic losses on a whim, using a statute that doesn’t mention tariffs. The Court, applying this doctrine even-handedly, will find that such expansive action absent congressional approval is a clear violation of the law. 

    California is the backbone of the nation’s economy 

    California’s gross domestic product was $3.9 trillion in 2023, making it 50% bigger than the GDP of the nation’s next-largest state, Texas. The state drives national economic growth and also sends over $83 billion more to the federal government than it receives in federal funding. California is the leading agricultural producer in the country and is also the center for manufacturing output in the United States, with over 36,000 manufacturing firms employing over 1.1 million Californians. The Golden State’s manufacturing firms have created new industries and supplied the world with manufactured goods spanning aerospace, computers and electronics, and, most recently, zero-emission vehicles.

    The Golden State is global leader in two-way trade

    California engaged in nearly $675 billion in two-way trade in 2024, supporting millions of jobs throughout the state. California’s economy and workers rely heavily on this trade activity, particularly with Mexico, Canada, and China – our top 3 trade partners. Over 40% of California imports come from these countries, totaling $203 billion of the more than $491 billion in goods imported by California in 2024. These countries are also our top three export destinations, buying nearly $67 billion in California exports, which was over one-third of the state’s $183 billion in exported goods in 2024. 

    Tariffs irreparably harm California businesses and consumers

    As the largest economy in the nation, the largest agriculture state in the nation, and the largest U.S. trading partner, the harm of the tariffs on the state of California is immense. President Trump’s policies have already inflicted hundreds of billions of dollars in economic losses. 

    Tariffs have an outsized impact on California businesses, including its more than 60,000 small business exporters. 

    Standing up for California families and businesses 

    Governor Newsom has responded quickly to help reduce negative impacts from the Trump tariffs on California’s economy and maintain California’s strong partnerships worldwide. Today’s lawsuit follows the Governor’s recent announcement of California’s goal to create new strategic trade relationships with international partners aimed at strengthening shared economic resilience and protecting California’s manufacturers, workers, farmers, businesses, and supply chains.  The Governor has also announced a new international campaign to help maintain the strong tourism partnership between California and Canada.

    More opposition to President Trump’s tariffs

    U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas): “Listen, I love President Trump, I’m his strongest supporter, and I think he’s doing incredible things as president. But here’s one thing to understand, a tariff is a tax.”

    U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-Kentucky): “Every dollar collected in tariff revenue comes straight out of the pockets of American consumers.”

    U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska): “And if the global implications of these tariffs have shown us nothing else, it’s that measures that are as important as these should be considered by the 535 elected individuals that are in tune with the American people, rather than vesting that with just one individual acting unilaterally.”

    Ben Shapiro, political commentator: “The idea that this is inherently good and makes the American economy strong is wrongheaded; it is untrue…”

    U.S. Chamber of Commerce: “What we have heard from business of all sizes, across all industries, from around the country is that these broad tariffs are a tax increase that will raise prices for American consumers and hurt the economy.”

    National Retail Federation: “American consumers could lose between $46 billion and $78 billion in spending power each year if new tariffs on imports to the United States are implemented.”

    The Wall Street Journal Editorial Board: “The dumbest trade war in history.”

    Recent news

    Apr 15, 2025

    News What you need to know: The passage of Proposition 1 by California voters adds rocket fuel to Governor Gavin Newsom’s transformational overhaul of the state’s behavioral health system. These reforms refocus existing funds to prioritize Californians with the most…

    Apr 15, 2025

    News What you need to know: The First Partner released the final report of a working group tasked with developing recommendations for policymakers, healthcare providers, law enforcement, and the judicial system in order to better support survivors of sexual assault….

    Apr 15, 2025

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: CBSA seizes over 17 kg of cocaine at Montréal-Trudeau Airport

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Montréal, Québec, April 16th, 2025 – Canada Border Services Agency

    On April 4, 2025, border services officers detected and seized 17.6 kg of cocaine at the Montréal-Trudeau airport. This seizure is the result of a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) inspection of baggage from a flight from Rio Hato, Panama.

    Border services officers found several bricks of a white substance after examining a suitcase on the baggage carousel. A drug test confirmed the substance to be cocaine. A total of 16 bricks were seized, for an approximate value of $2,193,625.00 CAD. The drugs have been turned over to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and an investigation is currently underway.

    In 2024, the CBSA made 60 cocaine seizures in the Quebec Region for a total of 39.97 kg. Moreover, in 2024, across Canada, the CBSA seized 4,589 kg of cocaine at the border, an increase of 156% from 2023.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Lights, camera, Alberta! Boosting cultural industries | Lumières, caméra, Alberta! Stimuler les industries culturelles

    [. This investment will continue the momentum of Alberta’s growing cultural industries by creating jobs and developing skilled local talent.

    Behind the scenes, the Film and Television Tax Credit is revitalizing communities across the province, including communities in rural Alberta. These productions are expected to spend about $1.5 billion in Alberta across a range of industries, generating an estimated gross domestic product of $852 million and supporting more than 14,400 Albertan jobs.

    “Our government’s investment into our cultural industries is putting Alberta on centre stage. By further supporting film, television, music and publishing, we are driving economic growth while sharing our culture and stories – provincially, nationally and internationally.”

    Tanya Fir, Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women

    On National Canadian Film Day, our government recognizes how the cultural industries play a starring role in Alberta’s economy. Since 2020, film and television projects supported through the Alberta Media Fund have generated more than $35 million in spending in the province and created more than 450 jobs. From catering to construction supplies, accommodations, local rentals, transportation and more, film and television production strengthens the economy and creates jobs for Albertans in every corner of the province.

    “Our film and television industry is not only a creative force but also a major contributor to Alberta’s economy. Through programs like the Film and Television Tax Credit, we are continually working to respond to industry needs, making sure Alberta remains a top destination for film and television productions.”

    Matt Jones, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade

    Budget 2025 also commits $235 million to the Film and Television Tax Credit program over the next three years. The Film and Television Tax Credit program offers tax incentives and makes Alberta an attractive destination for medium- and large-scale productions. Since its inception in 2020, more than 200 productions have leveraged the Film and Television Tax Credit program, with many more on the way.

    “The continuing support of Alberta’s government for the creative economy enables us to attract world-renowned projects, share Alberta’s unique stories with global audiences and drive growth in the province’s economy and job market.”

    Luke Azevedo, CEO, Edmonton Screen

    “I’m proud to see Alberta continuing to build momentum in the film and television industry. There’s a renewed energy and programs here in the province geared to developing new talent and crew. With initiatives and ongoing discussions, I hope for Alberta to stay well-positioned to remain competitive on the global stage while simultaneously developing our own local Canadian talent.”

    Martin Cochingco, professional stunt performer, co-owner of the Stunt Gym

    Alberta’s film and television industry is vital to the province’s economy. The government’s continued investment in the Alberta Media Fund and Film and Television Tax Credit program will support economic growth, create jobs, ensure competitiveness and attract investment.

    Alberta is primed for the limelight, and the government will continue to position the province as a premier destination for the film and television industry.

    Budget 2025 is meeting the challenge faced by Alberta with continued investments in education and health, lower taxes for families and a focus on strengthening our economy.

    Quick facts

    • More than 60 per cent of all Alberta-made projects filmed or are planning to film in small cities, towns and rural locations across the province, boosting the economy in all corners of Alberta.
    • The Alberta Media Fund supports locally produced books, magazines, music, film and television.
    • The fund allocates $2.6 million for publishing and music, and $5.4 million for film and television.
    • In 2022, cultural industries contributed $2.5 billion to Alberta’s economy and sustained 19,233 jobs in the province (Statistics Canada).
    • The Film and Television Tax Credit program supports medium- and large-scale productions with total production costs of at least $499,999.
    • To date, almost one-third of all productions participating in the Film and Television Tax Credit program did their filming in rural Alberta.

    Related information

    • Alberta Media Production Industries Association
    • Alberta Magazine Publishers Association
    • Book Publishers Association of Alberta
    • Alberta Music

    Related news

    • Movie star treatment for Alberta screen producers | Traitement de vedette pour les producteurs de l’Alberta (Sep 18, 2024)
    • Lights, camera, action for film and television (Jun 7, 2024)
    • Investing in more chapters of Alberta’s stories | Investir dans d’autres chapitres des histoires albertaines (Apr 23, 2024)

    Multimedia

    • Watch the news conference

    Le gouvernement de l’Alberta stimule l’économie en investissant dans les industries culturelles, en braquant les projecteurs sur la province dans les domaines du cinéma, de la télévision, de la musique et de l’édition.

    Le budget de 2025 prévoit un investissement de 8 millions de dollars pour le Fonds des médias de l’Alberta afin de soutenir les secteurs créatifs de la province. Cet investissement permettra de maintenir l’élan des industries culturelles de l’Alberta en créant des emplois et en encourageant les talents locaux qualifiés.

    En coulisses, le crédit d’impôt pour le cinéma et la télévision revitalise les communautés de toute la province, y compris les collectivités rurales de l’Alberta. Ces productions devraient dépenser environ 1,5 milliard de dollars en Alberta dans tout un éventail de secteurs, générant un produit intérieur brut estimé à 852 millions de dollars et soutenant plus de 14 400 emplois albertains.

    « Les investissements de notre gouvernement dans nos industries culturelles permettent à l’Alberta de voler la vedette. En soutenant davantage le cinéma, la télévision, la musique et l’édition, nous stimulons la croissance économique tout en partageant notre culture et nos histoires – à l’échelle provinciale, nationale et internationale. »

    Tanya Fir, ministre des Arts, de la Culture et de la Condition féminine

    À l’occasion de la Journée du cinéma canadien, notre gouvernement reconnaît que les industries culturelles jouent un rôle de premier plan dans l’économie de l’Alberta. Depuis 2020, les projets cinématographiques et télévisuels soutenus par le Fonds des médias de l’Alberta ont généré plus de 35 millions de dollars de dépenses dans la province et ont créé plus de 450 emplois. De la restauration au matériel de construction, en passant par l’hébergement, la location de locaux, le transport et bien d’autres secteurs, la production cinématographique et télévisuelle renforce l’économie et crée des emplois pour les Albertains et les Albertaines partout dans la province.

    « Notre industrie cinématographique et télévisuelle n’est pas seulement une force créatrice, mais aussi un contributeur majeur à l’économie de l’Alberta. Grâce à des programmes tels que le crédit d’impôt pour le cinéma et la télévision, nous nous efforçons constamment de répondre aux besoins de l’industrie et de faire en sorte que l’Alberta reste une destination de choix pour les productions cinématographiques et télévisuelles. »

    Matt Jones, ministre de l’Emploi, de l’Économie et du Commerce

    Le budget de 2025 prévoit également 235 millions de dollars pour le programme de crédit d’impôt pour le cinéma et la télévision au cours des trois prochaines années. Ce programme offre des incitatifs fiscaux et fait de l’Alberta une destination attrayante pour les productions de moyenne et grande envergure. Depuis sa création en 2020, plus de 200 productions ont bénéficié du programme de crédit d’impôt pour le cinéma et la télévision, et de nombreuses autres prévoient leur emboîter le pas.

    « Le soutien continu du gouvernement de l’Alberta aux secteurs créatifs nous permet d’attirer des projets de renommée mondiale, de présenter les histoires uniques de l’Alberta à des publics internationaux et de stimuler la croissance de l’économie et du marché de l’emploi de la province. »

    Luke Azevedo, PDG, Edmonton Screen

    « Je suis fier de voir que l’Alberta continue à se tailler une place dans l’industrie du cinéma et de la télévision. Il y a un regain d’énergie et des programmes ici dans la province qui visent à soutenir de nouveaux talents et de nouvelles équipes. Grâce aux initiatives et aux discussions en cours, j’espère que l’Alberta restera bien positionnée pour rester compétitive sur la scène mondiale tout en développant nos propres talents canadiens. »

    Martin Cochingco, cascadeur professionnel, copropriétaire du Stunt Gym

    L’industrie cinématographique et télévisuelle de l’Alberta est vitale pour l’économie de la province. L’investissement continu du gouvernement dans le Fonds des médias de l’Alberta et le programme de crédit d’impôt pour le cinéma et la télévision soutiendra la croissance économique, créera des emplois, garantira la compétitivité et attirera des investissements.

    L’Alberta est prête pour les feux de la rampe, et le gouvernement continuera à travailler pour que la province demeure une destination de choix pour l’industrie du film et de la télévision.

    Le budget de 2025 s’attaque aux défis auxquels l’Alberta est confrontée en continuant à investir dans l’éducation et la santé, en réduisant les impôts pour les familles et en mettant l’accent sur le renforcement de notre économie.

    En bref

    • Plus de 60 % de tous les projets réalisés en Alberta ont été ou seront tournés dans des petites villes, des villages et des zones rurales de la province, ce qui stimule l’économie dans tous les coins de l’Alberta.
    • Le Fonds des médias de l’Alberta soutient les livres, les magazines, la musique, le cinéma et la télévision produits localement.
    • Le fonds alloue 2,6 millions de dollars à l’édition et à la musique, et 5,4 millions de dollars au cinéma et à la télévision.
    • En 2022, les industries culturelles ont contribué à hauteur de 2,5 milliards de dollars à l’économie de l’Alberta et ont soutenu 19 233 emplois dans la province (Statistique Canada).
    • Le programme de crédit d’impôt pour le cinéma et la télévision soutient les productions de moyenne et grande envergure dont le coût total de production est d’au moins 499 999 $.
    • À ce jour, près d’un tiers des productions participant au programme de crédit d’impôt pour le cinéma et la télévision ont été tournées dans les régions rurales de l’Alberta.

    Informations connexes (en anglais seulement)

    • Alberta Media Production Industries Association
    • Alberta Magazine Publishers Association
    • Book Publishers Association of Alberta
    • Alberta Music

    Actualités connexes

    • Movie star treatment for Alberta screen producers | Traitement de vedette pour les producteurs de l’Alberta (18 septembre 2024)
    • Lights, camera, action for film and television (7 juin 2024)
    • Investing in more chapters of Alberta’s stories | Investir dans d’autres chapitres des histoires albertaines (23 avril 2024)

    Multimédia (en anglais seulement)

    • Regarder la conférence de presse

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE Cincinnati seeks additional victims in alleged child exploitation case

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    April 16, 2025Cincinnati, OH, United StatesChild Exploitation

    CINCINNATI — Special agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Jonathan Travis Mackey, a 46-year-old resident of Cincinnati, Ohio, on charges related to alleged sexual exploitation of children and receipt of child sex abuse material April 15.

    Investigators allege he exploited victims both online and in-person.

    Mackey operated online under the username “john370000#0” and “johnm1861#0.

    Jonathan Mackey held a position of public trust as an employee of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and ICE Homeland Security Investigations wants to identify any other victims/survivors.

    If you have any information that may be relevant to this investigation, please contact the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE.

    The FDIC Office of Inspector General assisted in this investigation.

    ICE HSI takes a victim-centered approach to child exploitation investigations by working to identify, rescue and stabilize victims. ICE encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free tip line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or by completing its online tip form. Both are staffed around the clock. From outside the United States and Canada, dial 802-872-6199. Hearing impaired users may call TTY 802-872-6196. Please mention your tip is related to this press release.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Protecting the World’s 5th Largest Economy: Attorney General Bonta, Governor Newsom Sue Trump Administration Over Unlawful Imposition of Tariffs

    Source: US State of California Department of Justice

    Tariffs threaten California’s economy, people, small businesses 

    STANISLAUS COUNTY — California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Governor Gavin Newsom today filed a lawsuit challenging President Trump’s unlawful use of power to impose tariffs and direct the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Customs and Border Patrol (CPB) to implement and enforce those tariffs without the consent of Congress. Since early February, the Trump Administration has issued over a dozen executive orders under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 (IEEPA) to impose tariffs that have sent shockwaves through financial markets, businesses, and consumers in every corner of the globe. In the lawsuit today, Attorney General Bonta and Governor Newsom challenge the President’s use of the IEEPA to levy those tariffs, arguing that the IEEPA does not authorize the President to impose these tariffs. The emergency tariffs challenged under the lawsuit are projected to, at a minimum, shrink the U.S. economy by $100 billion annually, increase inflation by 1.3%, and cost the average American family $2,100. The economic impact of the President’s unlawful tariffs could have resounding impacts on California’s economy, budget, and consumers. California is a significant and frequent purchaser of goods impacted by the tariffs and the projected increase in cost to the state is significant. 

    “The President’s chaotic and haphazard implementation of tariffs is not only deeply troubling, it’s illegal. As the fifth largest economy in the world, California understands global trade policy is not just a game,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “Californians are bracing for fallout from the impact of the President’s choices — from farmers in the Central Valley, to small businesses in Sacramento, and worried families at the kitchen table — this game the President is playing has very real consequences for Californians across our state. I am proud to go to bat alongside Governor Newsom to fight for California’s vibrant economy, businesses, and residents.” 

    “President Trump’s unlawful tariffs are wreaking chaos on California families, businesses, and our economy — driving up prices and threatening jobs,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.“We’re standing up for American families who can’t afford to let the chaos continue.”

    California is the nation’s largest importer and second-largest exporter. The President’s tariffs will impact California’s businesses, including its ports and small businesses that rely on trade. California’s agricultural sector, which exports goods around the world, will also face particularized challenges as other countries impose retaliatory tariffs and decrease trade in response to President Trump’s tariffs. Furthermore, the tariffs directly harm California’s ability to contract, purchase, and sell goods. These effects are already too real: vendors who contract with California have indicated that they will pass their increased costs from President Trump’s tariffs on to the state directly.  

    Claiming authority under the IEEPA, President Trump has issued multiple executive orders to impose, pause, re-start, and modify 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada and a universal 10% tariff on every other U.S. trading partner. Separately and in addition, the President’s actions have goaded China into a full-blown trade war, with tariffs reaching 145% on Chinese goods, and China imposing reciprocal 125% tariffs on U.S. goods. Additionally, President Trump has imposed individualized reciprocal tariffs of up to 50% on nearly 90 specific countries; they are currently paused for 90 days before going into effect. Once the 90-day “pause” expires, the harms will only compound further. And new tariffs are being contemplated or announced nearly every day. 

    To justify his tariffs, the President has declared national emergencies and extended prior declared emergencies beyond the bounds of reason. But with or without emergencies, the President does not have the power to levy tariffs under the IEEPA.   

    The impacts of President Trump’s dizzying array of tariff plans have already wreaked havoc on our financial systems: the U.S. stock market suffered the largest two-day loss in its history in the two days following the announcement of President Trump’s most sweeping tariffs. These actions and the near-daily threats to impose new tariffs have already inflicted and continue to inflict serious financial harms on California. 

    The complaint filed today alleges that the Constitution expressly gives the authority to impose tariffs to Congress, not the President, and the IEEPA does not provide the required congressional authorization for President Trump to impose tariffs — Congress enacted the IEEPA to limit Presidential authority and to prevent Presidential abuse of power — not to give the President these powers. The complaint asks the court to declare that tariff orders made under the purported authority of the IEEPA are unlawful and void and to halt DHS and CPB from implementing and enforcing these orders.  

    A copy of the complaint is available here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Ontario, P.E.I. Join Nova Scotia With Legislation to Remove Internal Trade Barriers

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Nova Scotia has received national attention for efforts to remove borders on interprovincial trade. Now, Prince Edward Island and Ontario have joined the Province by introducing reciprocal legislation that will help foster an environment of mutual recognition of goods, services and labour mobility between these provinces.

    “Leaders across the country are expressing interest in removing trade barriers, and I’m very pleased that P.E.I. and Ontario have tabled legislation to remove all their trade barriers,” said Premier Tim Houston, who is also the Minister of Trade. “This is a significant moment for our country, and these actions say a lot about our commitment to make our economies stronger. This moment is too important to miss for the sake of all Canadians.”

    P.E.I.’s and Ontario’s legislation match the spirit of Nova Scotia’s Free Trade and Labour Mobility within Canada Act, are concise and impactful and would remove barriers once and for all.

    Other provinces and territories have also indicated their willingness to remove barriers, and some have indicated that although they do not have new legislation, they have effectively removed barriers through a combination of steps, including amendments to existing legislation, ministerial notes and other correspondence. Nova Scotia is hopeful this has been achieved and will work with each to assess whether the sum total of these steps do, in fact, effectively and permanently remove all barriers.

    Nova Scotia’s Free Trade and Labour Mobility within Canada Act specifically addresses:

    • goods manufactured, produced or approved for use in a reciprocating province or territory, which will be treated the same as those produced in Nova Scotia
      • this will eliminate additional fees or testing requirements for goods from these provinces and territories
    • service providers and licensees properly certified or licensed in a reciprocating province, who will be recognized as if they are licensed in Nova Scotia if they are in good standing with no outstanding complaints in a reciprocating jurisdiction
      • they must register with the equivalent Nova Scotia regulator and obtain licensing or certification or insurance
      • this ensures that businesses providing services can operate across provincial borders without the burden of additional licensing or certification.

    Quotes:

    “I’m thrilled to be joined by Premier Houston as we take the next step in tearing down costly and unnecessary interprovincial trade barriers within Canada. Premier Houston and Nova Scotia have been leaders on this front, and I’m looking forward to working together to make our country more prosperous, more united and more able to withstand whatever comes our way.”
    — Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario

    “Nova Scotia’s Free Trade and Mobility within Canada Act shows what governments can accomplish when there is real political will. With small businesses across Canada facing increased trade uncertainty, eight in 10 are now urging their respective provinces to follow Nova Scotia’s lead. It has been positive to see other provinces table similar legislation. Small businesses now want to see governments move quickly by following through with real action.”
    — Duncan Robertson, Director of Legislative Affairs (Nova Scotia), Canadian Federation of Independent Business

    Quick Facts:

    • more than $530 billion worth of goods and services move across provincial and territorial borders every year – equal to 20 per cent of Canada’s gross domestic product
    • interprovincial exports contribute about 17 per cent of Nova Scotia’s gross domestic product and make up about half of Nova Scotia’s total exports (about 48 per cent of all goods and services)
      • in 2023, the value of Nova Scotia’s interprovincial exports was nearly $29 billion
    • Ontario is the largest market for Nova Scotia’s goods and services in Canada
    • in Canada, Prince Edward Island is Nova Scotia’s largest market on a per capita basis, followed by New Brunswick
    • last year, one-third of Canadian businesses participated in internal trade by buying or selling goods across provincial or territorial borders

    Additional Resources:

    Free Trade and Mobility within Canada Act: https://nslegislature.ca/sites/default/files/legc/statutes/free%20trade%20and%20mobility%20within%20canada.pdf

    P.E.I. news release – Premier Lantz tables bill aimed to eliminate trade barriers: https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/news/premier-lantz-tables-bill-aimed-to-eliminate-trade-barriers

    Bills tabled during the current session of the Ontario legislature are available at: https://www.ola.org/en/legislative-business/bills/current

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Community projects countering racism receive $300,000

    Community-based organizations throughout B.C. have received grants from the Province to fund projects countering racism and promoting multiculturalism.

    Under the annual B.C. Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Grants program, projects that battle racial inequity and foster intercultural understanding in B.C. are receiving a total of $300,000 to cover direct costs.

    Organizations have applied for as much as $5,000 for projects using the arts, education, awareness and interactive campaigns to help reduce racism and promote diversity. To be eligible, projects were required to begin by April 1, 2025, and wrap up by March 31, 2026.

    Projects receiving funding this year include:

    • Intersectional Advocacy Resources – the non-profit agency Independent Living Vernon will gather and create advocacy information resources to help Indigenous and racialized people navigate large government systems;
    • Harmonies of Unity: A Convergence of Indigenous and Korean Traditional Arts – hosted by the Garden of Compassion Society in Port Moody, this cultural event will feature traditional performances and art exhibitions from Indigenous and Korean communities;
    • B.C. Black Film Festival – a weekend-long Black film festival planned for fall 2025 in Victoria, featuring projects of Black filmmakers, producers and artists from B.C.;
    • Building Bridges: Thriving Communities – the Chilliwack-based non-profit agency Love Without Borders will help refugees and marginalized communities by providing housing, employment opportunities, education and a support network; and
    • Antisemitism Legal Helpline – Access Pro Bono Society of B.C. connects people who have experienced antisemitism with trauma-informed volunteer lawyers to help identify next steps or available remedies. The grant will enable in-person visits to smaller, more rural Jewish communities.

    This grant program is part of the Province’s ongoing efforts to advance multiculturalism and build a more welcoming and equitable B.C. for all. Other government anti-racism initiatives include:

    • the Racist Incident Helpline, launched last year, which helps connect people who have experienced racism with community support and resources;
    • the Resilience BC Anti-Racism Network, which connects communities with information, supports and training needed to respond to and prevent future incidents of racism and hate; and
    • the Anti-Racism Act, which the Province is implementing with the aim of dismantling systemic racism in government programs and services.

    Learn More:

    For the complete list of 2024-25 B.C. Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Grant recipients, visit: http://news.gov.bc.ca/files/2024-25Anti-RacismGrants.pdf

    To access the Racist Incident Helpline, visit: https://racistincidenthelpline.ca

    To learn more about the Resilience BC Anti-Racism Network, visit: https://www.resiliencebc.ca

    To learn more about the Anti-Racism Act, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/30655

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: New Attractions and Easter Break Activities at the Royal Saskatchewan Museum

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on April 16, 2025

    Just in time for the Easter break, the Royal Saskatchewan Museum has added two exciting new attractions to the museum’s already amazing line-up of world-class exhibits and displays.

    Saskatchewan – North to South Saskatchewan is a stunning introduction to the Life Science Gallery using high-definition photography and videos to explore Saskatchewan’s four ecozones and 11 ecoregions through an interactive display. The regions light up on a large map while showing Saskatchewan’s beauty through vignettes on a large video wall.

    “This new exhibit will showcase breathtaking vistas and will be one of the first things visitors see when arriving at the Museum,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Alana Ross said. “These beautiful and remote locations, from Saskatchewan’s far north to its southern plains, show the diversity of the province while providing wonderful backdrops that will appear as if you are actually there.”  

    Some of the featured images are from Saskatchewan Provincial Parks, such as Lac La Ronge and Duck Mountain.  

    The Animal Sounds interactive display is the second new attraction opening at the museum. Visitors can listen to eight different audio files recorded in natural settings from the province’s four ecozones. As the recording plays, visitors will see the animals in the recording on a video screen along with a visual representation of the audio recording.  

    An interactive guessing game of 58 animals making various sounds is also part of the new display. The sounds are played randomly, giving visitors a chance to guess what is making the sound before a video reveals the animal.  

    The handheld speakers in Animal Sounds also includes an audio induction loop – a special type of sound system for use by people with hearing aids.

    All the work in these two new exhibits was completed by Saskatchewan companies, including Hillman AV, Twisted Pair, Christi Lighting, Mark Greschner Photography and Sticks and Doodles, as well as the museum’s exhibits team and the support of Saskatchewan Tourism.

    With fun-filled activities, programs and amazing exhibits for guests of all ages, there is always an adventure waiting around the next corner at the Royal Saskatchewan Museum.

    Easter Break Programing

    Learning Lab: All About Eggs – April 18-27 (1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.)
    In the SaskTel Be Kind Online Learning Lab, Royal Saskatchewan Museum staff will have drop-in activities that focus on bird egg specimens from around the province.  

    Scotty’s Dino Egg Hunt – April 18 to April 27
    Take part in Scotty’s Dino Egg Hunt where visitors search for “dino eggs” hidden throughout our galleries. Record the letters from each egg and unscramble the puzzle for a chance to WIN a prize basket from the Museum Shop!  

    Share your Dino Egg Hunt fun with #EggHuntRSM.

    Earth Day 2025 at the Royal Saskatchewan Museum – Tuesday, April 22

    • Reflect & Learn (10 a.m. to 11 a.m.) – SOS Theatre (Ages 12+)
      • Join Royal Saskatchewan Museum curators as they share details of their ecological research in our Science-on-a-Sphere theatre, then enjoy an introduction to environmental mindfulness with a guided meditation from Deb Froh, who leads the prairie-wide Climate Compassion Circle.
      • Note: 15 online signups; 10 more spaces for walk-ins.
    • Connect & Celebrate (1 p.m. to 4 p.m.) – Lower T Rex Gallery (All Ages)
      • Join Royal Saskatchewan Museum staff as they kick off an entire afternoon of green activities with songs under Scotty, then host some of Saskatchewan’s sustainability superheroes in our galleries. Craft a biodegradable noisemaker in the Learning Lab and sound off during an eco-parade at 3 p.m. – led by our very own Munchie the T. rex.

    To learn more about the Royal Saskatchewan Museum’s exhibits, events, programming and world class research, visit: https://royalsaskmuseum.ca/.  

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    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –