NewzIntel.com

Category: Canada

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Boosting fire network for faster wildfire response

    [. Central to these efforts is the province’s fire weather network, which plays a vital role in predicting fire conditions and detecting fires earlier.

    That is why Alberta’s government is investing an additional $900,000 over three years, bringing the total to $1.9 million over three years for upgrades to the network and to add new stations to key locations. These improvements will ensure that Alberta Wildfire teams are equipped with the tools they need to respond to wildfire risks quickly and effectively.

    “Our government is continuing to make strategic investments to enhance our wildfire-fighting capabilities. By better predicting how fire risks evolve throughout the season, we’re not only helping Alberta Wildfire teams respond more effectively – we’re also helping communities reduce their exposure to wildfires. This technology is vital to keeping our firefighters safe, and to helping protect lives and livelihoods across the province.”

    Todd Loewen, Minister of Forestry and Parks

    Alberta’s fire weather network includes 150 strategically placed weather stations that collect information on environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, wind conditions and moisture levels. This real-time data helps Alberta Wildfire stay one step ahead of potential threats, guiding response teams and ensuring resources are deployed to where they’re needed most. New weather station locations will be determined in the near future, as Alberta Wildfire teams work to identify areas lacking weather monitoring coverage.

    “FortisAlberta is privileged to be tasked with providing safe and reliable electricity to customers and communities living in some of the most environmentally diverse and beautiful parts of Alberta. Investing in wildfire mitigation technology is not only the right thing to do to protect our communities, but it also helps protect customer affordability. We are very pleased to see the expansion of Alberta’s fire weather network and look forward to working with Minister Loewen and his team to manage wildfire risks for the benefit of all Albertans.” 

    Janine Sullivan, president and CEO, FortisAlberta Inc.

    Improved monitoring is especially important during the spring thaw, when melting snow can lead to drier conditions and increase wildfire risk. New sensors will track snowfall accumulation throughout the winter, providing Alberta Wildfire with valuable insights into how dry conditions might be as the season begins. These upgrades will not only enhance fire danger monitoring but also support more efficient resource planning, ensuring firefighting efforts are deployed effectively from the outset of the wildfire season.

    “Clearwater County is pleased by the province’s investment in Alberta’s fire weather network, which directly benefits our region. With 85 per cent of our county within the Forest Protection Area, real-time data is crucial for reducing wildfire risk. Our fire services team already collaborates closely with Alberta Wildfire, using its expertise to make informed decisions, such as pre-positioning resources for structure protection. The more data we receive, the better prepared we are to respond quickly and efficiently together, ensuring stronger protection for our residents and first responders, and the landscapes we call home.”

    Michelle Swanson, reeve, Clearwater County

    “This investment in Alberta’s fire weather network, and the inclusion of our region as a strategic location, will provide Alberta Wildfire teams with timely, accurate data to anticipate and respond to risks more effectively. For a community that understands the realities of wildfire, this kind of infrastructure is more than welcome – it’s essential. We’re grateful for this support and the continued efforts to protect our region and strengthen our resilience.”

    Nancy Dodds, mayor, Drayton Valley

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

    Quick facts

    • Alberta’s legislated wildfire season runs from March 1 to October 31.
    • Budget 2025 also provides:
      • $160 million for the base wildfire budget, an increase of $5 million from 2024.
      • $15 million for the Community Fireguard Program administered by the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta.
      • $10.8 million in FireSmart programming, ensuring Albertans have access to education and resources that enhance wildfire prevention, preparedness and mitigation efforts. 

    Related information

    ·Alberta Wildfire

    • Map of weather stations
    • Images of weather stations

    Related news

    • Alberta is ready for the 2025 Wildfire Season (March 4, 2025)
    • Start of 2025 wildfire season: Minister Todd Loewen (Feb. 28, 2025)

    Multimedia

    • Watch the news conference

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Premier directs government to cancel American contracts wherever viable

    The B.C. government has updated its direction to ministries, health authorities and core Crown corporations to critically review all contracts with United States companies to decrease the Province’s dependence on goods and services from U.S. suppliers.

    “As people are choosing to buy B.C. and buy Canadian, British Columbians expect their government to join them in choosing to avoid U.S. purchases wherever possible,” said Premier David Eby. “That’s why we’ve directed our government to use its purchasing power to exclude American suppliers and support Canadian companies and trusted and reliable trading partners instead. Today, we’re expanding that directive to include looking for every opportunity to move existing contracts away from U.S. suppliers and cancelling non-essential government travel to the United States.”

    The new directives order government, where viable, to:

    • exclude goods and services from U.S. suppliers under existing contracts with U.S. suppliers;
    • exclude goods and services from U.S. suppliers under the B.C. government’s goods and services catalogue and other corporate supply arrangements;
    • cancel subscriptions to U.S. publications and non-essential software;
    • avoid non-essential travel to the U.S.;
    • avoid renewal of, and pause participation in, U.S. industry and related associations;
    • develop mid- and long-term strategies to reduce dependence on goods and services from U.S. suppliers; and
    • exclude goods and services from U.S. suppliers pursuant to opportunities created by core government transfers.

    These directives will be applied, where viable, following an assessment of legal, financial, operational and other reasonable considerations.

    Government continues to be directed to exclude goods and services from U.S. suppliers in new procurement activities, wherever possible.

    “Now is the time to continue to support B.C. and Canadian businesses, as well as find new markets and develop deeper bonds with countries other than the U.S.,” Premier Eby said. “Just like when you’re at the grocery store, there isn’t always a non-American alternative, or sometimes that alternative comes at too high a price. Our goal is to find every opportunity to stand with British Columbians, support Canadian jobs and build an economy where we stand on our own two feet.”  

    Government is reviewing existing contracts to determine if companies from Canada or other countries can be newly sourced or replace existing U.S. suppliers.

    The directive is in effect immediately and enables government to monitor and adjust purchasing accordingly to exclude U.S. suppliers of goods and services:
    https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/tariffs

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Crossing borders and closing deals: Alberta’s Q1 update

    As trade threats escalate, Alberta is taking decisive action to secure new global markets, driving diversification and growth to protect the province’s economic future. Alberta is broadening its trade horizons – to reduce risk and build a more resilient economy, ready to weather any storm.

    Despite U.S. tariffs, Alberta’s economy is outperforming expectations, driven by its robust oil production, increased home construction and a diversified economic base.

    Alberta’s economy is built to last, anchored by three powerful pillars – diversifying trade, breaking down barriers and attracting investment. Together, they are driving future success for an economy that leads and outperforms.

    “During challenging economic times, Alberta is strengthening its economy by opening new global markets, eliminating trade barriers, and securing investments that generate jobs and ensure sustained growth.”

    Matt Jones, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade

    Unlocking Global Trade

    As the U.S. continues to introduce new barriers to trade, Alberta is focused on expanding its economic pathways elsewhere, such as in Europe, Asia and the Americas.

    In 2024, Alberta’s total trade with non-U.S. countries totalled almost $36 billion, an increase of 10 per cent over 2023. Alberta’s government will continue investing in this growth for the future. Between 2023 and 2024, Central Asia, South and East Asia, South America and Europe all increased the amount of goods they are buying from Alberta. This proves the world relies on Alberta’s high-quality goods and products. Alberta’s top-tier export performance fuels economic growth, creates high-paying jobs and enhances Canada’s global competitiveness, benefiting all Canadians.

    “Expanding our markets is critical to the future of oil and gas in Alberta and we are actively working towards this. The Alberta Petroleum Marketing Commission is exploring selling our oil and gas throughout Asia and Europe. Countries like Japan and Korea view our natural gas, hydrogen and ammonia as key to their future economies and transitioning from thermal coal.”

    Brian Jean, Minister of Energy and Minerals

    Alberta also doubled the 2025-26 budget for the Alberta Export Expansion Program, funding small- and medium-sized businesses and non-profits to promote their products globally. In 2024-25, the program helped more than 450 Alberta companies and organizations join 28 government-led trade missions to countries like Argentina, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Japan, United Kingdom, Indonesia, Philippines and Germany. In 2024-25, Alberta’s government facilitated more than 800 business-to-business meetings on trade missions that connected Alberta companies to global partners, to make substantial international deals.

    Leading Interprovincial Trade

    Alberta remains Canada’s leader in interprovincial trade and continues to lead the way by cutting red tape and reducing regulatory burdens, making it easier for businesses and workers to thrive across provincial borders. Since 2019, Alberta has eliminated almost 80 per cent of its party-specific exceptions under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement, unlocking smoother interprovincial trade and securing better opportunities for Albertans.

    Alberta is tearing down trade barriers to boost both the province’s and Canada’s economies. In February 2025, Alberta joined counterparts across the country in endorsing bold new commitments to further reduce regulatory barriers, implement mutual recognition for goods and services and create new economic opportunities for businesses and consumers. Alberta’s government is bulldozing internal trade barriers – turning roadblocks into smooth highways for Alberta industry.

    Attracting Job-Creating Investments

    When investors set their sights on Alberta, it is a win-win for companies, workers and Alberta’s economy. For example, thanks to the Investment and Growth Fund (IGF), Alberta’s government has secured more than $820 million in capital, created 1,250 jobs and leveraged $25 in private investment for every $1 spent. The IGF is attracting global giants like Lufthansa Technik from Germany, which is bringing 330 new jobs and $120 million in investment, along with NewCold from the Netherlands, which is adding 250 jobs and a $222 million boost to Alberta’s economy.

    “NewCold’s multi-million investment is a direct result of Alberta’s targeted approach to attracting global businesses through tools like the Investment and Growth Fund. With this support, we’re building one of the most advanced cold storage facilities in North America – right here in Alberta.”

    Jonas Swarttouw, executive vice-president commercial, NewCold

    Through strategic investment, Alberta is securing its future by diversifying export markets and expanding global partnerships, because when opportunity knocks, Alberta always answers.

    Alberta’s plan goes beyond braving changing trade-winds – it is about driving economic growth with a strategy built to endure any storm. By diversifying its international trade partners, tearing down barriers to internal trade and bringing in substantial investments, Alberta’s government is forging ahead on a path to an economically unstoppable future.

    Quick facts

    • Alberta’s exports to international markets in 2024 saw a 4.3 per cent increase year-over-year, with a total value of $182 billion.
    • Despite representing less than 12 per cent of Canada’s population, Alberta ranks second in exports nationwide, accounting for more than 25 per cent of the country’s total exports.
    • In 2024, Alberta exports, imports, and total trade with non-U.S. countries totalled $20.7 billion, $15.1 billion, and $35.8 billion, respectively.
    • Between 2023 and 2024, Alberta’s exports to Central Asia increased by 42.8 per cent, Southeast Asia increased by 41.4 per cent, South Asia increased by 39.9 per cent, East Asia increased by 15.9 per cent to $11.2 billion, Europe increased to $2.2 billion and South America increased by 6.1 per cent to $1.4 billion.
    • Alberta’s government has doubled the Alberta Export Expansion funding from $1 million to $2 million to support more businesses in their efforts to expand into global markets.
    • Recently, the IGF provided $2 million to Crust Craft, a high-capacity bakery company, to support its $51-million expansion in Alberta.
      • In this case, Alberta was competing with a U.S. jurisdiction for Crust Craft’s expansion.

    Related information

    • Alberta Export Expansion Program
    • Export, trade and international relations
    • Trade mission calendar
    • Latest Alberta investment – bringing in the dough

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Stephenville — Bay St. George RCMP seizes cocaine, other drugs and prohibited weapon; man arrested

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Bay St. George RCMP conducted a traffic stop on a parked vehicle on April 6, 2025, that resulted in the seizure of drugs and a weapon and the arrest of 28-year-old Austin Feltham.

    At approximately 3:00 a.m. on Sunday, Bay St. George RCMP checked on a vehicle that was parked on a commercial property on Carolina Avenue in Stephenville. The driver, Austin Feltham, was detained as part of an impaired driving investigation. Feltham was found in possession of cocaine and brass knuckles. He was arrested. A search of the vehicle was conducted. As part of this investigation, the following items were seized:

    • Nearly 30 grams of cocaine
    • Two tablets labeled as Xanax
    • More than 12 grams of an unknown substance that will be sent for a drug analysis
    • A prohibited weapon – brass knuckles
    • Other items consisted with possession for the purpose of trafficking

    Feltham is due to appear in court at a later date and is charged with the following criminal offences:

    • Possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking
    • Possession of a prohibited weapon
    • Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose

    The investigation is continuing with further charges possible.

    RCMP NL continues to fulfill its mandate to protect public safety, enforce the law, and ensure the delivery of priority policing services in Newfoundland and Labrador.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner & Kaine Join Colleagues in Introducing Legislation to Cut Taxes for Working Families

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) joined 43 of their Senate colleagues in introducing the Tax Cut for Workers Act and the American Family Act, legislation that would cut taxes for workers and families by expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and permanently expanding the Child Tax Credit (CTC), respectively.

    “As the Trump administration continues to sow chaos with policies that help his billionaire friends and hurt everyday Americans, I’m proud to introduce legislation that will cut taxes for the middle class and working families,” said Sen. Warner. “By increasing the Earned Income Tax Credit and permanently expanding the Child Tax Credit, we can provide financial relief to hard-working Americans and their families, ensure that parents have resources to help their children thrive, and encourage economic growth.”

    “Hard-working American workers and their families deserve a tax break. That’s why I’m glad to help introduce these bills to nearly triple the Earned Income Tax Credit for workers who do not have children and permanently expand the Child Tax Credit for those who do,” said Sen. Kaine. “At a time when the Trump Administration’s policies are centered around tax cuts for billionaires paid for by senseless tariffs and cuts to social services, this legislation is even more important. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join us in focusing on cutting taxes for the middle-class.”

    Specifically, the Tax Cut for Workers Act would nearly triple the maximum EITC for childless workers, and extended eligibility to workers over age 65 and qualifying workers under age 25.

    The CTC is one the most effective tools to reduce poverty and put money back in the pockets of working families. The American Family Act would increase the value of the CTC from the current level of $2,000 per child to $6,360 for newborns, $4,320 for children ages one through six, and $3,600 for children age six through 17. It would also end the longstanding, discriminatory policy that reduces the value of the CTC for low-income families, ensuring that the families of 17 million low-income children left out of the CTC under current law will receive the same credit as families in the middle class. In addition, the legislation would provide for monthly delivery of the credit so families have access to the credit as bills arrive and index the CTC for inflation to preserve the value of the credit moving forward.

    Sens. Warner and Kaine have long supported policies that would help working-class families. Both senators provided key votes for the passage of the American Rescue Plan Act in 2021, which dramatically reduced child poverty through an expansion of the Child Tax Credit. The senators both helped pass the landmark Inflation Reduction Act in 2022, which helped families in Virginia and across the nation through expanded subsidies for health insurance, clean energy tax credits for homes and automobiles, and investment in job creation. This month, Sens. Warner and Kaine successfully passed bipartisan legislation in the Senate to roll back President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods.

    Full text of the bills are available here and here. 

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Holyrood — Arrest warrant issued for Simon Dobbin (UPDATED)

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Update: Simon Dobbin was arrested by Holyrood RCMP on April 3, 2025.

    Holyrood RCMP is looking to arrest wanted man, 34-year-old Simon Dobbin of St. Joseph’s. Dobbin is wanted for charges of assault and two counts of breaching a release order.

    An image of Dobbin is attached.

    Anyone having information about Dobbin’s current location is asked to contact Holyrood RCMP at 709-229-3892. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers: #SayItHere 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), visit www.nlcrimestoppers.com or use the P3Tips app.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Prime Minister Carney speaks with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, spoke with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.

    The two leaders discussed the imposition of tariffs and ongoing threat of further unjustified global trade actions by the United States. In this context, they emphasized the importance of working together to deepen economic ties and promote economic security for people on both sides of the Atlantic. Prime Minister Carney highlighted his plan to fight tariffs targeting Canada, including those on our auto, steel and aluminum industries, protect Canadian workers and businesses, and strengthen Canada’s economy.

    The Prime Minister and the President discussed global issues of concern, including the imperative of supporting Ukraine in its defence against Russia’s invasion. They welcomed enhancing Canada-European Union defence and security co-operation in support of transatlantic security.

    Prime Minister Carney and President von der Leyen agreed to remain in close contact.

    Associated Links

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Hopes of a ‘Brexit benefit’ from tariffs were short-lived. Here’s what Trump’s pause means for the UK

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Maha Rafi Atal, Adam Smith Senior Lecturer in Political Economy, School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Glasgow

    The US has decided – again – to upend the global trading system. With the latest raft of tariffs just beginning to kick in, and after a week in which markets worldwide fell precipitously, the Trump administration announced that it would be suspending high tariffs on nearly 60 countries for 90 days.

    The announcement is only a partial reprieve. High tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China, as well as on global imports of steel, aluminium and automotives, remain, as does a 10% baseline tariff on all imports. US tariffs remain the highest they have been since the Great Depression, at levels unprecedented since the modern trade system was created after the second world war.

    Before the pause, the UK was already in line for the 10% rate – which some commentators described as a Brexit benefit when compared to the EU’s prospective 20%.

    While markets soared on the news of the pause, the damage is was already done. The subsequent rally is recouping some, but not all, losses incurred due to the tariffs already.

    Businesses that had prepared for tariffs by bulk-buying imported components ahead of time will have made cuts elsewhere to pay for it. They will not easily be able to reverse course.

    The implications for the UK of the latest developments are mixed. All the tariffs imposed on direct UK exports to the US (chiefly steel, automotives and aircrafts, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment) remain in place.

    While the US represents the second-largest market for UK goods, the majority of UK exports are in services (like banking and insurance), which the tariffs do not target. If tariffs were to hit direct UK-US goods trade only, the UK would likely be able to weather the shock.

    Unfortunately, that’s not how trade works in the 21st century. Instead, two-thirds of trade takes place in what are known as “global value chains”. These are complex networks through which companies move the component parts of products between their own facilities around the world and those of their subcontractors.

    Many UK businesses supply components that are incorporated by companies overseas into finished goods ultimately destined for the US. When the US imposes tariffs on those goods, UK manufacturers suffer too – even if direct UK exports to the US remain unchanged.

    Global value chains will also reorient in response to trade barriers, as already took place in Asia during Trump’s first term. If businesses reroute their supply chains to avoid the tariff markets, the UK (which is not imposing retaliatory tariffs) could become a “sacrifice zone” (a place where cheaply made, poor-quality or environmentally harmful items are dumped or disposed of, “sacrificing” the wellbeing of local people) for excess supply, undercutting domestic producers.

    Yet choosing not to retaliate is key to the UK’s diplomatic strategy. It hopes to stay close to the US in the hope of preferential treatment.

    The UK’s pursuit of a US trade deal has been politically sensitive since the previous Trump administration.
    JessicaGirvan/Shutterstock

    So far, that strategy is yet to bear fruit. The UK hopes to avoid the tariffs through a US trade deal, an objective that the countries have pursued since the UK left the European Union.

    The US has repeatedly sought access to the UK agrifood market, a demand that has always been refused due to political opposition to importing American beef and chicken.

    The sticky Brexit issue

    Brexit adds to this complexity, as the Windsor framework requires food products sold in Northern Ireland to conform to European Union standards. The more standards in the rest of the UK diverge from those of the EU (as they would have to do to secure a US trade deal), the more onerous the checks in the Irish Sea would become.

    Keir Starmer’s government has also sought to renegotiate parts of the agreement with the EU, seeking tighter economic ties that will require closer regulatory alignment. Pursuing deregulation to meet US trade demands, however, makes that unlikely.

    The tariffs compound this dilemma. If the higher rates return after 90 days, Northern Irish exports to the US will face a lower rate than those from the Republic of Ireland. But US imports to Northern Ireland will be hit with EU tariffs while imports to the rest of the UK will remain tariff-free.

    That will create some opportunities. Businesses might choose to operate in Northern Ireland to access a lower tariff rate on their US exports while also producing goods for the EU market.

    But it also creates risks. With three different tariff regimes in Britain, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, goods flowing across both the Irish Sea and the Irish land border could require additional checks. This would risk the very thing the Windsor Framework was meant to avoid.

    Given these risks, a 90-day reprieve is a window of opportunity. But with US government policy that can change on a dime (or a post), the UK risks being caught between the rival powers of the US and EU – and trampled in the crossfire.

    Maha Rafi Atal is a volunteer organizer with the US Democratic Party.

    – ref. Hopes of a ‘Brexit benefit’ from tariffs were short-lived. Here’s what Trump’s pause means for the UK – https://theconversation.com/hopes-of-a-brexit-benefit-from-tariffs-were-short-lived-heres-what-trumps-pause-means-for-the-uk-254307

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Measles outbreaks in US and Canada show that MMR vaccines are needed more than ever – an expert in children’s health explains

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Helen Bedford, Professor of Children’s Health, UCL

    Heather Hazzan, SELF Magazine

    Measles is one of the most challenging diseases to control. It requires a sustained uptake of well over 90% of two doses of a measles-containing vaccine such as MMR. But since the COVID pandemic, there has been a decline in uptake of routine vaccines in many countries including the US, Canada and Europe, resulting in outbreaks of the disease.

    For instance, despite eliminating measles in 2000, the US experienced an outbreak in April 2025. In Texas, the centre of this outbreak, 57 people were hospitalised and two unvaccinated school-aged children died.

    Canada has also exerienced its largest measles outbreak in 14 years, while last year, England experienced an outbreak of almost 3,000 confirmed cases and one death.

    Before the measles vaccine was introduced in the UK in 1968, virtually every child caught the highly infectious disease and hundreds of thousands of cases were reported each year. In a peak year, there were over 100 measles-related deaths.

    Twenty years after the introduction of a measles-only-vaccine, it was replaced with the combination vaccine MMR which also gives protection against mumps and rubella. The aim of this vaccine is to eliminate all three infections. There has been varying success in achieving this aim.

    Rubella – also known as German measles – is a very mild infection, but can be devastating if caught in the early stages of pregnancy. Fortunately, it is now a rare condition in the UK thanks to MMR.

    In rare cases, mumps can cause complications such as meningitis and hearing loss – but it too is now much less common than pre-MMR vaccine.

    Measles can be fatal and is highly contagious, so it’s much more difficult to control than most other infections. It has a high rate of complications, including pneumonia and inflammation of the brain.

    One vaccine dose gives about 95% protection against infection. But, because measles is so contagious, 95% uptake of two doses is needed to prevent outbreaks. Achieving such high uptake in all communities – and importantly, sustaining this high uptake once reached – is challenging.

    Vaccine hesitancy

    In 1998, research published in the medical journal The Lancet implied a link between the MMR vaccine and autism. This received intense media coverage and, not surprisingly, many parents decided not to have their children vaccinated.

    The research was subsequently discredited and the study formally retracted by The Lancet in 2010. Since then, many studies have found no link between the MMR vaccine and autism, but for some parents, these fears persist.

    Currently in England, vaccine uptake rates are too low. Only 89% of two-year-old children have had their first dose of MMR vaccine, and 83.9% have had two doses by the age of five. This means large numbers of unvaccinated children: more than 10% of children in each year group remain unprotected.

    Vaccine uptake varies widely around the country. In some parts of London, as many as half the children starting school at five years of age have not had the two doses of vaccine needed for best protection.

    Not only are current vaccine uptakes too low to prevent outbreaks of measles, but many years of less-than-optimal vaccine uptake – including among young adults who weren’t vaccinated as infants because of the autism scare – has resulted in a large number of unprotected people. The impact of COVID also resulted in many young children missing their vaccines.

    Many factors affect whether people are vaccinated or not, including how, where and when vaccination services are provided, as well as behavioural and social factors. For example, vaccine hesitancy, defined by the World Health Organization as a “delay in acceptance or refusal of vaccination despite availability of vaccination services”, is frequently blamed for people not getting vaccinated. Research suggests that vaccine hesitancy has increased since the COVID pandemic – even for vaccines such as MMR that have led to the near-eradication of some infectious diseases.

    In England, surveys are conducted regularly to investigate the views of parents of young children regarding vaccination. The most recent survey, conducted in 2023, showed that 84% of parents reported they considered vaccines to be safe – a [reduction from the previous year].

    These findings are reflected in other studies. Since COVID, some parents have reported that the pandemic has affected their views, either making them keener to have their children vaccinated or increasing their concerns about vaccination.

    Given the intense scrutiny and widespread discussion about vaccination that took place during the pandemic, this is not surprising. Unfortunately, due to pressures on general practice and other health services – resulting in a 40% reduction in the number of health visitors in England since 2015 – these trusted sources of advice about vaccination have become less easily available. In this context, people may turn to other sources of less reliable information, such as social media.



    Read more:
    Health misinformation is rampant on social media – here’s what it does, why it spreads and what people can do about it

    Although there is no robust evidence to show that health misinformation would stop a parent who was going to have their child vaccinated from doing so, it can be influential for people with existing concerns.

    Accessing services

    A large study using vaccination records of over ¾ million children born between 2000 and 2020 found that children born in the UK’s most deprived areas were less likely to receive the MMR vaccine. Parents also report having difficulty making or attending appointments as a barrier to vaccination.

    Addressing these obstacles requires a multi-pronged approach, ensuring parents are sent vaccination reminders and are able to attend appointments at suitable times and locations. This may mean holding vaccination clinics at places other than the general practice and at weekends and evenings.

    Work should be done with local communities to establish what works best for them to improve access to immunisation. Opportunistic immunisation is also important: when attending health services for another reason, unvaccinated children could be offered vaccines on the spot.

    Urgent action is needed to improve vaccine uptake – and it requires sustained commitment and increased funding.

    Helen Bedford receives funding from National Institute for Health and Care Research.

    – ref. Measles outbreaks in US and Canada show that MMR vaccines are needed more than ever – an expert in children’s health explains – https://theconversation.com/measles-outbreaks-in-us-and-canada-show-that-mmr-vaccines-are-needed-more-than-ever-an-expert-in-childrens-health-explains-221651

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Deer Lake — RCMP-RNC JFO West arrests two individuals found in possession of cocaine and cash at traffic stop on TCH near Deer Lake

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Two men, ages 64 and 42, of Deer Lake were arrested by RCMP-RNC Joint Forces Operation (JFO) West at a traffic stop on the Trans-Canada Highway on April 8, 2025.

    As part of an ongoing investigation, JFO West, with assistance from Deer Lake RCMP, stopped a vehicle on the TCH, near Deer Lake. Officers located and seized approximately 5 ounces of cocaine, more than $18,000.00 cash and other items consistent with possession for the purpose of trafficking.

    The two were released from custody and are set to appear in court at a later date. Each man will answer to a charge of possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine.

    The investigation is continuing.

    JFO West, which includes dedicated police officers from both the RCMP and RNC, targets drug trafficking and organized crime on the west coast of the province.

    If you are a resident on the province’s west coast and you suspect there is drug trafficking in your neighbourhood, JFO West wants to talk with you. You can remain anonymous while speaking directly with a police officer by contacting the JFO West designated drug line at (709) 637-4221.

    Residents in other areas of the province are encouraged to contact their local police detachment to report illegal drug activities.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoyer Joins Mfume, Maryland Congressional Delegation Members to Demand Answers on Tariff Impact on Port of Baltimore

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

    WASHINGTON, DC – This week, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) joined a letter led by U.S. Representative Kweisi Mfume (MD-07) alongside U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (both D-MD) and Representatives Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), and Johnny Olszewski (MD-02) calling on the Administration to detail the repercussions of newly announced tariffs on the Port of Baltimore. This letter, sent to United States Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, raises the lawmakers’ concerns regarding the latest announcement on tariffs, the costs for the American consumer, and the potential shock wave to major ports, industries, and workforces.

    “The Port of Baltimore is one of the nation’s most vital hubs for commerce, and it plays a crucial role in national supply chains,” said the lawmakers.

    “We are especially concerned about the latest announcement on tariffs considering the economic consequences for the American consumer. These tariffs effectively serve as a sales tax on consumers, placing the burden of revenue raising on American families. While White House trade adviser Peter Navarro stated recently that these tariffs are expected to raise about $600 billion a year in revenue, economists have clarified that the impact to consumers on spending will significantly reduce these revenue estimates. Instead, experts indicate these tariffs will raise prices for already-struggling consumers, trigger layoffs in industries with customers who rely on imports, and plunge our nation into a recession,” the lawmakers continued.

    The Members also emphasized the resiliency of the Port of Baltimore after the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in their letter and its ability to retain its standing as the nation’s top-ranked port for wheeled farm and construction machinery and the second most utilized port for importing cars in 2024.

    Considering the importance of the Port of Baltimore’s function in the local, state, national, and global economies, the lawmakers requested a response from Secretary Lutnick to the following inquiries within the next 14 days:

    1. What mechanism is the Department of Commerce utilizing to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of the tariffs issued under the Executive Order?
       
    2. What efforts will the Department of Commerce take to track how these tariffs impact everyday costs for the American consumer, and national and local economies?
       
    3. What are the long-term implications of these tariffs on our nation’s major ports, and on our national supply chains?
       
    4. How, specifically, do you expect the announced tariffs will impact automobile and light vehicle imports, coal exports, and agricultural equipment imports and exports?
       
    5. Will the Administration waive tariffs on certain goods or sectors, or provide aid to impacted small businesses, impacted workers (i.e. farmers, dockworkers, etc.), and industries, in response to significant negative economic outcomes in the United States?

    Full text of the letter can be viewed here and below. 

    April 7, 2025

    The Honorable Howard Lutnick
    Secretary of Commerce
    1401 Constitution Avenue NW
    Washington, D.C. 20230

    Re: Implications of Newly Announced Tariffs on the Port of Baltimore

    Dear Secretary Lutnick:

    We write to you today to communicate our extreme concern about the implications of the recently announced tariff regime on the Port of Baltimore (the “Port”). On April 2, 2025, 
    President Trump issued an Executive Order, titled Regulating Imports with a Reciprocal Tariff to Rectify Trade Practices that Contribute to Large and Persistent Annual United States Goods Trade Deficits (the “Executive Order”), that announced a minimum 10% tariff on all imported goods, to take effect April 5. On April 9, higher levels of “reciprocal” tariffs will be placed on goods imported from nations with which the United States has a trade deficit. This latest action comes one week after the Administration’s Executive Order titled, Adjusting Imports of Automobiles and Automobile Parts into the United States, which announced tariffs targeted at individual industries (i.e. automobiles, steel, aluminum) and countries (i.e. Canada, Mexico, China).

    The Port of Baltimore is one of the nation’s most vital hubs for commerce, and it plays a crucial role in national supply chains. Last year, when the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed, the Port was closed for nearly two months, causing significant disruption to our economy. The state of Maryland estimates that approximately 15,000 direct jobs and 139,000 indirect jobs depend on the Port of Baltimore, generating an estimated $3.3 billion in personal revenue, $2.6 billion in business income, and more than $395 million in taxes. The local economic impact was such that the United States Small Business Administration and the United States Department of Labor responded by issuing Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Dislocated Worker Grants for businesses and workers that were directly affected by the bridge’s collapse and closure of the Port.

    Despite the collapse, Baltimore’s resiliency speaks to the Port’s ability to retain its standing as our Nation’s top ranked Port for wheeled farm and construction machinery, and reigns as the nation’s second most utilized port for importing cars in 2024. In 2024, the Port of Baltimore exported more than $2.9 billion and imported nearly $23 billion in automobiles and light trucks. Additionally, the Port exported more than $2.92 billion in coal and more than $1.1 billion in agricultural equipment and materials. Overall, the Port of Baltimore exports roughly 28% of the nation’s coal, making it the second-largest coal exporting port in the United States.

    We are especially concerned about the latest announcement on tariffs considering the economic consequences for the American consumer. These tariffs effectively serve as a sales tax on consumers, placing the burden of revenue raising on American families. While White House trade adviser Peter Navarro stated recently that these tariffs are expected to raise about $600 billion a year in revenue, economists have clarified that the impact to consumers on spending will significantly reduce these revenue estimates. Instead, experts indicate these tariffs will raise prices for already-struggling consumers, trigger layoffs in industries with customers who rely on imports, and plunge our nation into a recession. 

    Considering the Port of Baltimore’s critical importance to the economic wellbeing of the city, state, and our nation, we request a response to the following inquiries within 14 days:

    1. What mechanism is the Department of Commerce utilizing to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of the tariffs issued under the Executive Order?
       
    2. What efforts will the Department of Commerce take to track how these tariffs impact everyday costs for the American consumer, and national and local economies?
       
    3. What are the long-term implications of these tariffs on our nation’s major ports, and on our national supply chains?
       
    4. How, specifically, do you expect the announced tariffs will impact automobile and light vehicle imports, coal exports, and agricultural equipment imports and exports?
       
    5. Will the Administration waive tariffs on certain goods or sectors, or provide aid to impacted small businesses, impacted workers (i.e. farmers, dockworkers, etc.), and industries, in response to significant negative economic outcomes in the United States?

    Thank you for your prompt attention to this important matter. We look forward to your reply.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Probationary licence issued to child-care program

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister’s statement on Indigenous Nurses Day

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Josie Osborne, Minister of Health, has released the following statement on the fourth annual B.C. Indigenous Nurses Day, April 10, 2025:

    “Today, April 10, is Indigenous Nurses Day, an opportunity to acknowledge, honour and celebrate Indigenous nurses for their incredible contributions to health care in British Columbia.

    “We recognize the unique knowledge, experience and determination of generations of First Nations, Métis and Inuit nurses who have advanced Indigenous health care. Bringing expertise that is rooted in interconnection with the environment, community, and culture, Indigenous nurses are a crucial part of our health-care system, providing culturally safe and appropriate care to people in communities across the province.

    “Indigenous nurses show ongoing dedication in creating and supporting culturally safe health services, programs and connections that increase Indigenous representation and access to evolving, team-based health care. Their contributions are essential to further develop and improve the quality of life, well-being and health outcomes for Indigenous Peoples in B.C.

    “This day is an opportunity to recognize the work to dismantle harmful colonial practices and systems and to continue to move forward on commitments to provide Indigenous-specific cultural safety, trauma-informed practices, and anti-racism initiatives in our health-care system, upheld with the In Plain Sight report and B.C.’s Health Human Resources Strategy.

    “It is with deep gratitude that we celebrate the achievements and contributions of First Nations, Métis and Inuit nurses, and reflect on the legacies of Canada’s first Indigenous nurses.

    “Charlotte Edith Anderson Monture, a Kanien’kehà:ka woman who was Canada’s first Indigenous registered nurse, served in the First World War as a nurse and was the first Indigenous women to vote, is a founding point of reference as we move forward on this path.

    “The life and work of Rose Casper, a St’at’imc woman and the first Indigenous nurse in Western Canada, who attended the Kamloops residential school and nursed for more than 50 years, is also a beacon of inspiration for Indigenous nurses, educators, and students helping to transform our health-care system.

    “This is a day for Indigenous nurses and their allies to come together to preserve the cultural integrity and traditional knowledge they hold, and recognize their tenacity, courage, and activism to meet the health-care needs of Indigenous Peoples.

    “Thank you to all Indigenous nurses for your amazing work and for ensuring access to integrated, trauma-informed, culturally safe health care for all.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: BC Transit expands bus service in Whistler

    People using transit in Whistler this spring will see improved and expanded transit options with increased frequency and extended hours of service on several bus routes.

    “People use public transit when it is reliable and affordable, when it can get them around their community to their work, school or to connect with friends and family,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Transportation and Transit. “This service expansion will keep transit services accessible and convenient for people who need them, when and where they need them.”

    To support convenient and reliable transit service for people in Whistler and surrounding communities, BC Transit and the Province are partnering with the local government to expand services in the region with an additional 6,000 annual service hours. This builds on the work done in communities throughout B.C. to provide improved transit services and connect communities.

    “Expanding transit service in Whistler is an important step toward a more connected, equitable local economy and community,” said Jeremy Valeriote, interim leader of the BC Greens and MLA for West Vancouver–Sea to Sky. “More service hours and improvements to key routes mean better access to convenient, reliable, affordable transportation, and less road congestion. I’m pleased that this expansion will continue to improve public transit options for Whistler.”

    The additional service will begin on April 22, 2025, with year-round improvements on several routes, including 21 Spring Creek, 31 Alpine and 32 Emerald. Investing in the local transit system ensures that people in Whistler and its surrounding communities have continued access to the services they rely on. The additional 6,000 hours will help to reduce seasonal fluctuations in service levels previously experienced by transit riders in the region.

    The Province has committed approximately $184 million in operating funding to BC Transit in 2025-26 to protect existing transit services and allow for targeted expansions that will benefit more people throughout B.C.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Funding will strengthen emergency support for evacuees

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Local governments and First Nations throughout the province will receive funding to improve emergency support services (ESS) for people evacuated from their homes during emergencies in British Columbia.

    “Emergency support services can be a lifeline for people who have to leave their homes during disasters,” said Kelly Greene, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness. “By investing in training and equipment, we help to ensure people receive the support they need quickly and efficiently.”

    The Province is providing more than $5 million through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF), through the ESS equipment and training stream, for 113 projects. The funding will help communities expand their capacity to provide emergency support services, through volunteer recruitment and retention efforts, volunteer training and the purchase of ESS equipment.

    “The people who provide Emergency Support Services are often the first source of respite and help for those impacted most by emergencies,” said Trish Mandewo, president, Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM). “This funding will help make those services more robust and resilient so help is there when British Columbians need it. UBCM is pleased to administer this program in partnership with the Province.”

    Local community projects include:

    • boosting training and response capacity in the Strathcona Regional District, through emergency exercises and ESS volunteer training;
    • enhancing Quatsino First Nation’s emergency-support capacity through volunteer training, digital registration tools, portable generators and comfort kits, as well as volunteer engagement activities to strengthen and sustain local response teams;
    • strengthening emergency response in Fort St. James and Nak’azdli Whut’en by developing a new ESS program for Nak’azdli and building capacity within Fort St. James’s existing program, with a focus on co-ordinated training and mutual support during emergencies;
    • enhancing Pouce Coupe’s emergency preparedness with a fully equipped, self-sufficient mobile ESS trailer to support more effective on-site emergency response with power, communication tools and essential supplies; and
    • improving group lodging supplies, office equipment and registration systems for Kwikwetlem First Nation to enhance emergency shelter capacity and support staff and volunteers in the southwestern B.C.

    The CEPF is a suite of funding programs designed to help local governments and First Nations better prepare for disasters and reduce risks from natural hazards in a changing climate. These programs include public notification and evacuation-route planning, emergency operations centre equipment and training, volunteer and composite fire department equipment and training, and Indigenous cultural safety and humility training. Composite fire departments are those that have a mix of paid staff and volunteers.

    Since its establishment in 2017, the Province has committed $369 million into CEPF. To date, approximately $315 million has been provided for approximately 2,400 projects across all CEPF streams. This fund is administered through the Union of British Columbia Municipalities.

    Quotes:

    Danielle Veach, mayor, Village of Pouce Coupe –

    “This funding for our mobile emergency response trailer will significantly enhance Pouce Coupe’s emergency preparedness and regional response capacity, and the fully equipped unit will strengthen on-site emergency services with power, communication tools and vital supplies. Beyond local needs, it will support regional emergency training and collaboration between local governments and Indigenous partners. This investment is a critical step toward a more connected, resilient and inclusive emergency response network across northeastern B.C.”

    Chief Tom Nelson, Quatsino First Nation –

    “This funding is helping Quatsino First Nation strengthen emergency preparedness and local response capacity. Investments in equipment such as digital registration tools, portable generators and comfort kits, along with volunteer training and mock disaster exercises, are helping us build a strong, community-led ESS program. These resources ensure we can respond quickly and confidently when emergencies arise, while also engaging and supporting our members to lead emergency response efforts on the ground.”

    Chief Ron Giesbrecht, Kwikwetlem First Nation –

    “This funding will significantly enhance our capacity for emergency response. The allocation of these resources will enable us to acquire essential group lodging supplies, office equipment, and registration systems. These enhancements will support timely and effective assistance during emergencies, ensuring first responders are well-prepared to meet community needs during an evacuation. This funding represents a vital step toward strengthening local resilience and improving the overall effectiveness of regional emergency response efforts.”

    Ryan McVey, fire chief/protective services director, District of Fort St. James –

    “This funding for equipment, training and recruitment will help the Nak’azdli Whut’en–Fort St. James joint ESS team strengthen the region’s ability to respond to emergencies. By investing in co-ordinated training and mutual support, this project continues to ensure our joint effort can assist not only those living in our community, but anyone in our northern region who needs essential services during an emergency.”

    Mark Baker, chair, Strathcona Regional District Board –

    “The support and compassionate care provided to displaced individuals depends greatly on the commitment of volunteers who selflessly dedicate their time to SRD’s emergency support services program. This funding will enhance both recognition and training for emergency support teams across eight communities, strengthening the heart of the region’s emergency response.”

    Quick Facts:

    • Since 2017, the Province has provided more than $18 million to support approximately 598 projects through the ESS Equipment and Training stream.
    • This funding program covers 100% of eligible costs, as much as $40,000 per eligible applicant.
    • CEPF projects support the implementation of the Emergency and Disaster Management Act by enhancing community response and recovery efforts.

    Learn More:

    For a backgrounder with details about CEPF recipients under the ESS Training and Equipment stream, visit:
    https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/BKGRND_CEPF_Emergency_Support_Services_APRIL2025.pdf

    For more information about Emergency Support Services, visit:
    https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-management/local-emergency-programs/ess

    For more information about the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund, visit:
    https://www.ubcm.ca/funding-programs/local-government-program-services/community-emergency-preparedness-fund

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government Procurement 90 Per Cent from Saskatchewan; 99 Per Cent Canadian

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on April 10, 2025

    The Government of Saskatchewan’s commitment to procuring from Saskatchewan based companies remains strong. Historically, Saskatchewan has awarded nearly 90 per cent of all procurements to Saskatchewan companies over the past five years. When Saskatchewan companies bid, that number has jumped to 95 per cent. In the same period, the province has awarded more than 99 per cent of procurements to Canadian companies, with less than one per cent awarded to US companies. For SaskBuilds’ major projects, all general contractors were Canadian and the majority were from Saskatchewan.

    “Our government will always put Saskatchewan people and Saskatchewan companies first,” SaskBuilds and Procurement Minister David Marit said. “With the vast majority of our procurement going to local businesses, we will continue to support local contractors and industries during this turbulent time.”

    The Ministry of Highways is also committed to Saskatchewan companies. In the 2024-25 construction year, over 96 per cent of the value of awarded contracts went to Saskatchewan companies.

    Saskatchewan’s Crown Corporations’ record of buying Saskatchewan is also strong. In the first three quarters of 2024-25, the Crown sector awarded $1.2 billion, or 75 per cent, of procurements to Saskatchewan suppliers. About three per cent of procurement came from the United States over the same period.

    As previously announced, Lotteries and Gaming Saskatchewan will be ensuring that the $43 million worth of VLTs and slot machines they will be procuring in 2025-26 will not be sourced from the United States. To date, 720 VLTs have been ordered from a Canadian subsidiary of a multi-national company that will assemble the VLTs in Mexico using Canadian, Mexican and Asian inputs.

    The Crown sector’s commitment to supporting Saskatchewan workers and businesses is also reflected in the recent announcement that SaskPower is accelerating the procurement of 10,000 tons of steel from EVRAZ over the coming months.

    SaskBuilds and Procurement continues to work through the details of implementing reporting and remains committed to getting the best value for the taxpayer dollar through the fair and transparent procurement process.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Royal Saskatchewan Museum Urban Wildlife Research Program Continues

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on April 10, 2025

    The Royal Saskatchewan Museum (RSM) is monitoring urban wildlife in and around Regina to study how wildlife responds to urbanization and which parts of the city provide important wildlife habitat. 

    Twenty-eight biodiversity monitoring stations have been set up over the last three years. They include motion-triggered trail cameras to monitor large mammals and automated microphones to record bird songs and bat calls. The monitoring stations are evenly distributed at locations in the middle of the city, on the edges and in more natural areas well outside the city boundaries. They are active for one-month periods in the spring, summer, fall and winter.

    “The Royal Saskatchewan Museum is not only an amazing museum – it is a centre for excellence when it comes to research,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Alana Ross said. “This is such a wonderful example of the innovative research taking place behind the scenes at the museum.”

    Some of the hot spots for wildlife activity include the Habitat Conservation Area in Wascana Park, AE Wilson Park and the old Craig Golf Course. 

    “Urban centres like Regina can provide valuable habitat for the conservation and management of wildlife,” RSM Curator of Vertebrate Zoology Dr. Ryan Fisher said. “This research helps us understand how different levels of urban development influence wildlife. So far, we detected 143 different bird species and 15 mammal species.” 

    Not surprisingly, American Robins and the Canada Goose were the most common birds they recorded. While the White-tailed Jackrabbit and Richardson’s Ground Squirrel were the most common mammals observed on their cameras.

    “Initial observations indicate no real impact from urbanization on the number of mammal species that we are seeing,” Dr. Fisher said. “This is likely because a lot of the mammals we observed around Regina are fairly well-adapted. Even in very urban areas such as the Regina Cemetery on 4th Avenue, we observed both deer and red fox.” 

    The rarest sighting for a mammal was an American Mink. Although they are well-known residents of the city, they are rarely seen. They also detected a couple of moose in Wascana Park, near the Wascana Country Club and SaskPolytech.

    Suburban sites had the highest diversity of birds, likely because of the mix of habitats available. However, certain species were found most often outside the city such as wetland and grassland birds. 

    Some notable audio recordings of birds include the Yellow Rail (a species of Special Concern), that was recorded near Wascana Country Club and a Black-billed Cuckoo, recorded near the Science Centre, which is an extremely rare sighting in Regina.

    “Regina supports a diverse wildlife community, especially in areas around Wascana Lake and Wascana Creek, but also in the various treed neighbourhoods, parks, and green spaces in the city,” Dr. Fisher said. “We will continue monitoring these same sites every few years to understand how wildlife is changing as Regina grows and expands.”

    Dr. Fisher reminds residents that if they do see the research equipment, please do not disturb it. 

    The Regina Urban Wildlife Project began in fall 2021 and is being done in conjunction with the University of Regina.

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

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Pierre Poilievre’s proposals on intimate partner violence will do little to stop it

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Walter S. DeKeseredy, Anna Deane Carlson Endowed Chair of Social Sciences, Director of the Research Center on Violence, and Professor of Sociology, West Virginia University

    Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre recently announced that if elected in Canada’s upcoming federal election, his party would enact tougher sentences for anyone accused of intimate partner violence.

    He has also vowed to institute a three-strikes policy for anyone who commits three serious offences, with a minimum 10-year prison sentence with no eligibility for parole.

    The proposed actions include creating a new offence of “assault of an intimate partner,” requiring stricter bail conditions for anyone accused of intimate partner violence and ensuring first-degree murder convictions for anyone who kills their partner.

    There are many steps policymakers who are concerned about victims could take. For example, they could fund a variety of effective prevention programs. However, the approach articulated by Poilievre does not appear to centre the victim, but rather the offender.

    Punishment is often ineffective

    Although government policies in Canada and other countries have emphasized punitive actions towards men who abuse their partners, relatively few of these men are arrested, incarcerated or treated.

    This is due in large part to the fact that most perpetrators are not reported to the police. In fact, one important factor hindering women from reporting their abuse to law enforcement is that officers often express distrust of victims.

    Starting with this survey in 1992, studies repeatedly show that at least one out of every four Canadian female undergraduate students will experience at least one type of sexual assault during their time at university.

    Furthermore, at least 11 per cent of Canadian women in marital or cohabiting relationships are physically abused by their male partners in a year, and in the mid-1990s, there was evidence showing that Canadian men appeared to have higher rates of physical violence towards female intimates than their U.S. counterparts.

    The prevalence of such violence is unlikely to decrease much if all the men who have beaten, raped or killed their partners are arrested and locked up. Decades of research shows that punishment is ineffective in reducing crimes like violence against women.

    Prison and other harsh legal sanctions do not deter abusive men from injuring their female partners any more than they deter the myriad of violent crimes that occur outside domestic or intimate contexts. This has been the conclusion of the majority of deterrence studies conducted in the past 50 years.

    Legal scholar Michelle Alexander and sociologists like Loic Wacquant and Bruce Western have outlined how incarceration can actually increase crime and exacerbate other social problems like unemployment and poverty.

    This information has been available to virtually every Canadian politician for many years, yet they have lacked the political will to act on this information. However, calls to institute more severe sentences often play into public desires to see those accused of crimes punished.

    Improve lives, not punish more

    Violence against women is often a key symptom of structured social inequality. Those who want to reduce it must find ways of reducing social inequality. Governments often compartmentalize social problems like violence against women along bureaucratic lines.

    In other words, some government departments are expected to handle economic issues and find ways to cut spending. However, those working for these departments rarely consider how reductions in unemployment or cuts to social programs and so on affect rates of abuse.

    Rather, the police and courts are often left to respond to male-to-female violence after it has happened. Yet, in real life, jobs, welfare, housing, employment equity, child care, gender inequality and a host of other factors affect the ways men treat women.

    It is time that we move beyond the well-worn path of using after-the-fact approaches to dealing with violence against women.
    (Shutterstock)

    It should be noted that police, courts, prisons and treatment programs play an important role in responding to violence against women. Nevertheless, neither the criminal justice system nor battered women’s shelters should be solely, or even primarily, responsible for dealing with violence against women. Relying only on them to make women’s lives safer is tantamount to “closing the barn doors after the horses have left.”

    Calling the police after a beating, rape or femicide does not prevent the crime from taking place. And although shelters are undoubtedly necessary in our society, shelter workers cannot be expected to solve the problem of woman abuse single-handedly.

    Therefore, it is time that we move beyond the well-worn path of using after-the-fact approaches. Hopefully, if implemented sensitively, what legal professor Leigh Goodmark refers to as a balanced policy approach will result in major reductions in violence against women.

    This approach entails using initiatives such as: putting cash resources directly in the hands of abused women, providing affordable housing and childcare, creating an anti-poverty movement, increased funding for the development and evaluation of community-based prevention programs and encouraging progressive men to be part of the solution.

    Will these strategies make a difference? As criminologist Elliott Currie puts it:

    “We have tried moral exhortation. We have tried neglect. We have tried punishment. We have even grudgingly, tried treatment. We have tried everything but improving lives.”

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Pierre Poilievre’s proposals on intimate partner violence will do little to stop it – https://theconversation.com/pierre-poilievres-proposals-on-intimate-partner-violence-will-do-little-to-stop-it-254014

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Security: St. John’s — RCMP NL warns of dangerous counterfeit pharmaceutical substances in circulation

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    RCMP NL is warning the public of the presence of counterfeit pharmaceuticals recently seized in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has confirmed a number of toxicity (overdose) deaths, involving youth that have ingested these substances.

    In recent cases, substances disguised as Xanax and Dilaudid have been seized as part of drug overdose investigations. Xanax, which is benzodiazepine (alprazolam), is medically prescribed to treat anxiety disorders. Dilaudid is a strong opioid composed of hydromorphone and is medically prescribed for pain management. The counterfeit substances seized, represented as Xanax and Dilaudid, contained non-medicinal drugs/substances.

    The counterfeit Xanax seized was comprised of bromazolam, methamphetamine and MDMA (ecstasy/molly). Bromazolam, while rarely fatal by itself, can cause significant health risks when combined with opioids. This combination can lead to respiratory depression and coma.

    The counterfeit Dilaudid seized was comprised of protonitazine, an opioid that is more than 20 times more potent than fentanyl. Protonitazine is extremely toxic, even to experienced drug users who have developed tolerance to other opioids.

    Images of the substances are attached. Parents and guardians are encouraged to speak with their children about the associated dangers of substance use.

    RCMP officers throughout the province are equipped with Naloxone kits, which are also readily available for free for the general public through Gov NL’s Health Services. Naloxone kits are only effective for suspected opioid overdose situations and are not effective for those under the influence of other drugs/substances (such as cocaine). Information on how to obtain a Naloxone kit can be found here:

    Naloxone Kit Distribution Sites – Health and Community Services

    If you suspect someone is experiencing a drug overdose, please call 911 immediately and obtain medical support. Residents are reminded of the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act, which offers some legal protections to those experience or witness a drug overdose death. More information on the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act can be found here:

    About the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act – Canada.ca

    Those who are suffering from drug addiction are encouraged to reach out for support. More information on available supports can be found here:

    Mental Health and Addictions – Health and Community Services

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Lung Screening Program Expands to Eastern Nova Scotia

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    More lives will be saved from lung cancer as the Lung Screening Program expands to Cape Breton and the eastern mainland.

    The program, which targets people at very high risk of developing lung cancer, is now available in Nova Scotia Health’s Eastern Zone, which includes all of Cape Breton and Antigonish and Guysborough counties.

    “Cancer screening saves lives, and expanding the lung screening program will improve outcomes for people by preventing or finding and treating lung cancer earlier,” said Addictions and Mental Health Minister Brian Comer, MLA for Cape Breton East, on behalf of Health and Wellness Minister Michelle Thompson. “I encourage Nova Scotians who are eligible for the program to make that call sooner than later. Your life could depend on it.”

    Nova Scotians aged 50 to 74 who have smoked daily for 20 years or more at any point in their lives can contact the program. Primary care providers may also refer patients to the program.

    People who meet the initial program criteria are offered a clinical assessment to determine their personal risk of lung cancer and whether they would benefit from a low-dose computerized tomography (CT) chest scan. Everyone who calls the program receives information about lung health and, if applicable, supports available to stop smoking.

    People can contact the Lung Screening Program by calling 1-833-505-LUNG (5864).

    To date, more than 2,700 people have called or been referred to the program, which launched in the central health zone (Halifax Regional Municipality and West Hants) in January 2024. It will continue to be rolled out across the province over the next year.

    Quotes:

    “More Nova Scotians die of lung cancer than all other cancers combined, and there is a lot of shame associated with it. Many people believe that they bring it on themselves because they smoke, but smoking is an addiction, and we are here to help. This is why the Lung Screening Program offers tobacco cessation supports to anyone interested in quitting. However, a person does not have to stop smoking to qualify for lung screening. Our job is to help Nova Scotians prevent lung cancer when we can or find it earlier when treatment works better.”
    — Dr. Daria Manos, Medical Director, Lung Screening Program

    “Screening programs put the power of prevention and early detection into the hands of our people. This is especially true for lung cancer, which is often diagnosed at late stage when treatment is less effective. The Lung Screening Program is changing this by finding lung cancer before there are warning signs or symptoms and making it more treatable. By expanding the Lung Screening Program to Eastern Zone communities – where incidence of lung cancer is high – we’re making early detection more accessible for people who are at high risk for the disease.”
    — Valerie Nugent, Director, Cancer Care, Eastern Zone, Nova Scotia Health

    Quick Facts:

    • lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in Nova Scotia; each year, about 1,000 Nova Scotians are diagnosed and 700 die of the disease
    • to date, more than 1,500 people have had a telephone assessment in the screening program, including:
      • 403 people who asked to be referred to smoking cessation counselling
      • 385 people who were determined to be at very high risk for lung cancer received free nicotine replacement therapy to help them stop smoking
      • 41 patients were found to possibly have lung cancer and were referred to a lung specialist for a diagnostic assessment
    • the government will invest about $3 million annually in the Lung Screening Program once fully implemented across the province

    Additional Resources:

    Lung Screening Program website: https://www.nshealth.ca/lungscreening

    Other than cropping, Province of Nova Scotia photos are not to be altered in any way

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Assessing the Global Climate in March 2025

    Source: US National Oceanographic Data Center

    March Highlights:

    Temperature

    The March global surface temperature was 2.36°F (1.31°C) above the 20th-century average of 54.9°F (12.7°C), making it the third-warmest March on record. According to NCEI’s Global Annual Temperature Outlook, there is a 6% chance that 2025 will rank as the warmest year on record. 

    Land and Ocean Temperature Percentiles for March 2025 (°C). Red indicates warmer than average and blue indicates colder than average.

    It was the second-warmest March for the global land air temperature and the second-warmest March for the global ocean surface temperature. Europe and Oceania had their warmest Marches on record, and Africa ranked third warmest.

    March temperatures were above average across much of the global land surface, particularly over the Arctic, Alaska, the eastern U.S., most of Europe, northwest Africa, and Australia. Much of central Canada and eastern Asia were much colder than average, and a few other areas such as southern Africa were slightly below normal. Sea surface temperatures were above average over most areas, while parts of the eastern tropical Pacific and parts of the Southern Ocean were below average.

    Surface Temperature Departure from the 1991–2020 Average for March 2025 (°C). Red indicates warmer than average and blue indicates colder than average.

    Snow Cover

    The Northern Hemisphere snow cover extent in March was well below average, ranking seventh smallest on record. Snow cover over North America and Greenland was below average (by 170,000 square miles), and Eurasia was also below average (by 550,000 square miles). A lack of snow cover was particularly obvious over the United States and Europe.

    Sea Ice

    Global sea ice extent was the second smallest in the 47-year record at 6.60 million square miles, which was 780,000 square miles below the 1991–2020 average. Arctic sea ice extent was below average (by 340,000 square miles), ranking lowest on record and Antarctic extent was below average (by 440,000 square miles), ranking fourth lowest on record.

    Map of the Arctic (left) and Antarctic (right) sea ice extent in March 2025.Map of the Arctic (left) and Antarctic (right) sea ice extent in March 2025.Map of the Arctic (left) and Antarctic (right) sea ice extent in March 2025.Map of the Arctic (left) and Antarctic (right) sea ice extent in March 2025.

    Tropical Cyclones

    Eight named storms occurred across the globe in March, which was slightly above the long-term average of six. A record five named storms occurred in the southwestern Indian Ocean while four occurred in the Australian region (one storm traversed the two basins).

    For a more complete summary of climate conditions and events, see our March 2025 Global Climate Report or explore our Climate at a Glance Global Time Series.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Fresche Solutions Recognized as One of Canada’s Top Small & Medium Employers for 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MONTREAL, April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Fresche Solutions, a global leader in AI-powered IT modernization, is proud to announce its selection as one of Canada’s Top Small & Medium Employers for the 11th consecutive year. This esteemed recognition highlights Fresche’s unwavering commitment to fostering an innovative, supportive, and people-centered workplace.

    “Being named one of Canada’s top employers for the 11th year in a row is a testament to our team’s passion, dedication, and commitment to excellence,” said Joe Zarrehparvar, President & CEO of Fresche Solutions. “This achievement reflects our core values of innovation, delivering exceptional customer experiences, and fostering the growth and well-being of our diverse employees. At Fresche, we are dedicated to building an empowering and inspiring workplace where everyone can thrive. This recognition reinforces our mission to set the benchmark for workplace excellence and continue being the employer of choice for top IT talent.”

    Canada’s Top 100 SME is an esteemed annual competition that recognizes organizations setting benchmarks for workplace excellence. Now in its 12th year, the editorial competition celebrates best practices, promotes transparency, and drives innovation across industries. Fresche is honored to stand among the renowned companies shaping meaningful and impactful workplaces.

    Fresche Solutions is distinguished by its people-first initiatives and a culture rooted in collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity. Some of the programs and policies that set Fresche apart include:

    • Paid Volunteer Days & Charitable Donation Matching: Fresche empowers employees to give back to their communities by offering paid time off for volunteering and matching charitable donations, up to $5,000 annually, doubling the impact of their generosity.
    • $1,000 Referral Bonuses: Employees are encouraged to help grow the team through referrals, with a generous $1,000 bonus for successful new hires. This initiative fosters collaboration and helps attract top talent while promoting an ownership culture across the organization.
    • Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): Fresche is deeply committed to creating an inclusive and equitable environment where every voice is valued. A culture fit interview is included in the hiring process to ensure alignment with company values, with a strong emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
    • Regular All-Hands Meetings: These company-wide meetings promote transparency, alignment, and open communication. They provide a forum to discuss strategy and the go-to-market approach, share updates, celebrate achievements, and review quarterly results, ensuring all employees stay connected and engaged.
    • Employee Recognition Programs: Fresche celebrates successes and acknowledges employee contributions through a recognition system that reinforces company values and strengthens morale across the organization.

    “This recognition is a reflection of the incredible culture we’ve built at Fresche,” said Mathieu Alarie, Chief Human Resources Officer. “I’m immensely proud of our team’s dedication, collaboration, and commitment to our shared vision. This award motivates us to continue fostering a workplace that supports growth, innovation, and success for everyone.”

    Fresche Solutions remains dedicated to empowering its team, driving innovation, and setting a gold standard for workplace excellence in the IT industry.

    ABOUT FRESCHE SOLUTIONS
    Innovators in AI-powered IT modernization, Fresche manages and maximizes the value of IBM i and Microsoft Azure business-critical systems to reduce technical debt. Our market-leading IP and proven solutions in Modernization, AI and Data Analytics, KTLO and Cloud Managed Services have earned the trust of global leaders from 2500+ companies. Reimagine your IT challenges into future growth and innovation with Fresche Solutions. Learn more at www.freschesolutions.com.

    Media Contact: 
    Kimberley Hernandez
    Corporate Marketing Manager
    Fresche Solutions Inc.
    kimberley.hernandez@freschesolutions.com
    +1 800 361 6782

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/19bfa8c8-e9d6-4b7b-bd80-e9b72899d583

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Jimmy Panetta Calls Out Trump Administration Trade Policy Chaos, Impact on Working Families

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

    Washington, DC – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) recently questioned U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer at a recent House Ways and Means Committee. During his line of questioning, Rep. Panetta called out the faulty economic data behind the Trump Administration’s chaotic tariff policies. 

    During the hearing, President Trump announced on social media that the Administration would place a 90-day pause on new tariffs on most nations, while raiding tariffs on China to 125 percent.  U.S. Trade Representative Greer said he was not informed about this new trade policy.

    “It is the largest self-inflicted wound to our economy in history, a self-inflicted wound that if it stays in place, it could constitute the largest tax increase on working families in more than 40 years, costing households more than $3,800,” said Rep. Panetta.  “I know that the president is saying, ‘we’re getting screwed,’ but the fact is, Trump is screwing us with these incoherent and inchoate tariffs.  In the short term and in the long term, domestically and internationally, and for our economy and for our national security, they are making us weaker.”

    Rep. Panetta questions the Administration’s top trade representative.
    Click play on the above video or click HERE to watch his remarks.

    A transcript of Rep. Jimmy Panetta’s remarks during the Ways and Means Committee hearing is below:

    “Before this week, talked to a lot of my colleagues about you.  They actually said a lot of good things about you. You had a good reputation until this week, I have to say, because I actually wanted to work with you on solutions when it comes to free trade agreements.  I think we still can once we get past this, and I hope that’s the case, but unfortunately, you’re defending a policy here from President Trump that’s absolutely incoherent.

    “It’s a self-imposed tariff regime of ten times the amount of tariffs that were in place before this president took office.  It is the largest self-inflicted wound to our economy in history, a self-inflicted wound that if it stays in place, it could constitute the largest tax increase on working families in more than 40 years, costing households more than $3,800.

    “Per year, a self-inflicted wound that prompted one of the largest three day moves on the markets since World War II, and it’s a self-inflicted wound that’s leading investors to expect a severe economic slowdown. Eight years ago, this president talked about American carnage.  Little did we know that he would create economic carnage that is spreading something similar across the entire global economy.

    “Now the reason for these tariffs is based on a national emergency that we have trade deficits according to him and you.  Unfortunately, the president’s thinking about trade is reflected in this policy. This weekend, after the markets tanked, after a small businesses fretted and after the president played golf all weekend, the president said, I consider any trade deficit a loss.

    “That type of scorecard thinking combined with the president’s 40-year fetish for tariffs.  That has put this policy in place and put us in the global economy in this position.  Now, I know the president is painting all trade deficits as bad, but they are a product of larger macroeconomic factors relating to a number of things as you know well, savings, investments, cultural demographics, and so on.

    “But the President is acting completely irrational when it comes to trade deficits.  He believes that trade deficits are subsidies paid by Americans to other countries.  His scorecard ignores our trade surpluses and services to the tune of $250 billion annually.  He is oblivious to the relationship of trade deficits to foreign investment in America in that when we send dollars abroad for goods and services, most of those dollars ultimately come back to America, and he refuses to grasp that tariffs are taxes paid by American importers and Americans, not foreigners.

    “A perfect example of this unreasonableness is our reasonable trade deficit with Canada.  The reason we have a trade deficit with Canada is because starting with FDR, we entered into an agreement that would sell US oil at well below market prices.  We entered into and maintain that deal because we may and we maintain the trade deficit with Canada so that we can buy cheap oil, which is a huge benefit for America.

    “And if we took that oil out of our trade relationship, guess what?  We’d have a trade surplus.  Yet Trump says we’re getting ripped off even though we are actually getting the benefit of that sweetheart deal.  Now, absolutely, sometimes a trade deficit is a loss.  Foreign trade barriers are a problem that includes tariffs and non-tariff barriers, but there are ways to remedy these things.

    “Free trade agreements don’t require a tariff policy that cripples our economy.  Yet due to the President’s fetish for tariffs and superficial thinking on trade deficits, the president has imposed a trade policy that makes the global baseline of 10% with countries that have trade surpluses like Singapore, Australia, Netherlands.

    “Countries we have free trade agreements are getting tariffs at 10%.  Countries that are free trade countries are getting tariff at 10%.  It does not make sense.

    “If other countries eliminate their tariffs and we eliminate ours, that’s just deal making. And we don’t raise revenue and businesses don’t relocate to the us. If it’s a permanent revenues source and you want to relocate to the us, then going to have these tariffs permanently and there are not going to be any deals.

    “So, what is clear is that you can’t have it both ways.  Additionally, tariffs undermine our national security as we’re seeing in the Indo-Pacific region.  Look, I know the president wants to bring back the rust belt.  I get that.  But a big part of that is political.  It’s nostalgia.  And nostalgia, as they say, is the rust of memory.

    “We are not victims here.  Our economy is the envy of the world, partly because it was our choice to invest in other countries over saving.  It was our choice to have bilateral trade deficits.  This is not some unexpected crisis here.  This is no extraordinary or unusual threat.  This is because we chose to invest in other countries where labor is cheaper and therefore products are cheaper.

    “And as we know it’s okay for working families to want to pay low prices for products in this country.  I know that the president is saying, ‘we’re getting screwed,’ but the fact is, is that Trump is screwing us with these incoherent tariffs.  That in the short term and in the long term, domestically and internationally, and for our economy and for our national security, they are making us weaker.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Stewiacke — Colchester County District RCMP charge three people after executing search warrant

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Colchester Country District RCMP has charged three people following the execution of a search warrant at a home in Stewiacke.

    On April 4, the Colchester Community Action Team (CCAT) learned through an ongoing investigation that a firearm had been discharged inside a residence on Rockwell Dr. No injuries were reported.

    On April 7, CCAT, with assistance from RCMP Police Dog Services, executed a search warrant at the home after safely arresting three people at the property, including a man who tried to flee on foot when officers arrived at the scene.

    As a result of the search, officers found evidence that a gun had been fired inside the home and investigators seized quantities of suspected cocaine, cannabis, and other substances.

    Alicia Marie Tanner, 27, of Bible Hill, and Madison Amanda Tanner, 24, of Stewiacke, have both been charged with:

    • Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
    • Possession of a Firearm Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
    • Careless Use of a Firearm
    • Possession of Cocaine

    Alicia Tanner is also charged with Possession of a Firearm Contrary to Order.

    The man, 42-year-old Robert Joseph Isaac Chestnut, was found to be in possession of methamphetamine, Dilaudid, cocaine, and a quantity of cash. He has been charged with:

    • Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (three counts)
    • Fail to Comply with Release Order

    The seized drugs will be analyzed, and the investigation is ongoing.

    Alicia Tanner and Madison Tanner were released on conditions and are due in Truro Provincial Court on June 11. Chestnut appeared in Truro Provincial Court on April 8 and was released on conditions.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Search and Rescue stations across New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island are open for 2025 operational season

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    April 10, 2025                                               

    Moncton, NB – The Canadian Coast Guard’s seasonal search and rescue stations across New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island are now open for the season:

    • Shippagan, NB
    • Summerside, PEI
    • Souris, PEI

    Waterways remain very cold at this time of year and take much longer to warm up when compared to the air, so boaters should ensure they take necessary precautions when near or on waterways. Transport Canada’s Safe Boating Guide is an excellent source of information in preparation for the recreational boating season.

    Emergencies on the water can be reported 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, toll-free (within Canada) at 1-800-565-1582. If toll-free service is unavailable (within Canada and the Unites States), please dial 1-902-427-8200.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI: Amongst Volatility in The Markets, More Organizations Embrace Bitcoin, Adding Cryptocurrency to Their Treasury

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALM BEACH, Fla., April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – A growing number of organizations are embracing Bitcoin as a financial asset, adding the cryptocurrency to their Treasury in order to safeguard wealth, as well as capitalize on other benefits. A recent article by industry insiders, Consultancy-me.com, outlines the opportunities that arise from integrating Bitcoin into corporate treasury strategies. It said: “The radical perception of Bitcoin in corporate treasuries is now a strategic reality, fostering a fundamental reassessment of traditional financial management. Well-known examples of companies embracing Bitcoin as a financial reserve include MicroStrategy (which holds over 100,000 Bitcoins), Tesla, Block (formerly Square), Galaxy Digital, energy multinational Aker, and even traditional financial institutions like Fidelity. Other companies worldwide too have made headlines by strategically allocating significant portions of their capital to Bitcoin, solidifying their perception as a crucial hedge against growing global economic uncertainties and an effective store of long-term value. The accelerating adoption of Bitcoin has prompted businesses to seriously consider integrating cryptocurrencies into their core treasury strategies. This approach offers various benefits, such as protecting against inflation, reducing reliance on traditional financial institutions, and increasing liquidity. Companies drawn to Bitcoin viewing the cryptocurrency as a robust store of value capable of mitigating the erosion caused by inflationary trends. By holding Bitcoin, companies also hope to capitalize on its potential for long-term appreciation.” Active companies in news today include: KULR Technology Group, Inc. (NYSE: KULR), MicroStrategy® Incorporated (NASDAQ: MSTR), Rumble (NASDAQ: RUM), MARA Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: MARA), Riot Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ: RIOT).

    The article continued: “Many companies are pioneering advanced treasury management strategies, tactically integrating Bitcoin and stablecoins to achieve optimal financial performance. Integrating Bitcoin into corporate treasuries presents a complex risk-reward scenario. While the potential for diversification and increased liquidity is attractive, the volatility of Bitcoin and the uncertain regulatory landscape necessitate a cautious approach. Added to this are the operational complexities and the need for specialized expertise. Worldwide, the trend of adding Bitcoin to corporate treasuries is still in its early stages, but it is reshaping how businesses approach asset management. With more companies likely to follow the lead of pioneers like MicroStrategy, Bitcoin is becoming an increasingly important part of the corporate finance landscape. However, challenges related to volatility, regulation, and security must be addressed for widespread adoption to occur. If the adoption of Bitcoin by corporate treasuries picks up, its pace will be gradual. Early adopters, such as those in the tech sector, may pave the way, followed by more traditional companies as the infrastructure and regulatory landscape mature.”

    KULR Technology Group, Inc. (NYSE American: KULR) CEO Michael Mo to Speak at Strategy World 2025 – Silver Sponsorship will support AI and Bitcoin focused conference hosted by Strategy – KULR Technology Group, Inc. (the “Company” or “KULR”) ($KULR), a leader in advanced energy management platforms, today announced that CEO and Co-Founder Michael Mo will speak at Strategy World 2025, the premier global conference focusing on AI and BI innovation, as well as the power of Bitcoin treasuries for corporations. KULR is a Silver sponsor of the conference – hosted by Strategy (NASDAQ: MSTR), formerly MicroStrategy – which will be held between May 5th and May 8th in Orlando, Florida.

    KULR is proud to support Strategy, the world’s largest Bitcoin Treasury Company, as they convene industry leaders, data innovators, and transformation-seeking businesses to discuss how two groundbreaking technologies – AI and Bitcoin – can be leveraged within business intelligence to transform individual companies and entire industries. The four-day event will include hands-on workshops, networking opportunities, and cutting-edge content to drive business success in data analytics and corporate strategy.

    In December 2024, KULR announced the launch of its Bitcoin treasury strategy following its Board of Directors’ agreement to include Bitcoin (“BTC”) as a primary asset in the Company’s treasury program. To date, KULR has purchased over 660 BTC – representing over $65 million in value – and has committed to allocating up to 90% of its surplus cash to BTC. By sponsoring Strategy World 2025 at the Silver level, KULR aims to promote discussion around the benefits of a Bitcoin treasury and engage with fellow business leaders who are on a similar path, ultimately furthering industry knowledge and efforts around both Bitcoin and AI.

    Mr. Mo will participate in the “Corporate Bitcoin Success Stories” panel on Tuesday, May 6th starting at 3:20 PM ET to discuss insights and learnings from KULR’s Bitcoin treasury strategy. His presentation will begin at 4:35 PM ET. The panel will include five case studies in which corporate leaders share why they adopted a Bitcoin strategy, how it aligned with their operating models, challenges they faced, and the impact since making the switch. Fellow panelists will include leaders from Semler Scientific, Metaplanet, MARA, and Jetking.

    “Having received insightful advice from Michael Saylor on leveraging Bitcoin as a core asset, we’ve taken steps to position our treasury for long-term growth and stability. This is part of our focus on distributed and decentralized systems, which also includes developing energy management solutions for the AI-enabled world,” said Mr. Mo. “As a Silver sponsor of Strategy World 2025, we’re excited to share our journey with AI and discuss the future of treasury strategies, as Bitcoin increasingly enters the corporate world.”

    KULR recently rebranded their Company website to KULR.ai. This reflects the Company’s integration of AI across its solutions, such as AI-driven software incorporated into battery management systems (BMS). Earlier this year, KULR announced a partnership with EDOM Technology to expand its energy management solutions across the global AI supply chain, ensuring data storage systems in AI-powered infrastructures remain efficient, reliable, and scalable. CONTINUED… Read this entire press release and more news for KULR at: https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-kulr/

    In other developments in the markets of note:

    Marathon Digital Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: MARA), a global leader in leveraging digital asset compute to support the energy transformation, recently announced that the Company is mining Kaspa (KAS), a proof-of-work (PoW) digital asset, to further diversify its portfolio of digital asset compute.

    Kaspa is currently the fifth largest proof-of-work digital asset by market cap. It boasts a market cap of $3.9 billion with approximately $64.8 million in daily trading volume as of June 25, 2024. The circulating supply is approximately 24 billion KAS with a current block reward of 103.83 KAS, and the terminal supply is capped at 28.7 billion KAS.

    Similar to Bitcoin, Kaspa is an open-source, decentralized, and fully scalable Layer-1 protocol that uses proof-of-work as its consensus mechanism. However, unlike Bitcoin’s blockchain, which is linear and processes one block every ten minutes, Kaspa utilizes a BlockDAG (Directed Acyclic Graph) that enables multiple blocks to be produced simultaneously. The Kaspa network currently processes one block every second, allowing for faster transactions and providing Kaspa miners with the opportunity to potentially earn more block rewards in a given time frame.

    Riot Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ: RIOT) recently launched www.ABetterBitfarms.com in connection with its requisition of a special meeting of shareholders (the “Special Meeting”) of Bitfarms Ltd. (BITF) (“Bitfarms” or the “Company”) to reconstitute the Bitfarms Board of Directors (the “Bitfarms Board”). As disclosed in Riot’s June 24, 2024 press release, Riot has nominated three director nominees (the “Nominees”) – John Delaney, Amy Freedman and Ralph Goehring – for election to the Bitfarms Board at the Special Meeting. The Special Meeting will also give Bitfarms shareholders the opportunity to vote on the removal of Bitfarms Chairman Nicolas Bonta and directors Andrés Finkielsztain and Fanny Philip. (Ms. Philip was recently appointed by the Bitfarms Board to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of co-founder Emiliano Grodzki, who was voted off the Bitfarms Board at the Company’s most recent Annual General and Special Meeting of Shareholders).

    Rumble Inc. (NASDAQ: RUM) recently announced financial results for the fiscal fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024.

    Rumble’s Chairman and CEO Chris Pavlovski commented, “While I am pleased with our topline quarterly growth of 48% year over year, I am even more impressed with the third to fourth quarter growth in U.S. and Canada MAUs of 21% to 52 million. This demonstrates how powerful our North America platform is. Rumble cemented its place in the online media eco-system by setting multiple records on the night of the U.S. election. In addition, the fourth quarter included our biggest announcement since going public: a $775 million strategic investment from Tether, the largest company in the digital asset industry and the most widely used dollar stablecoin across the world. Rooted in this investment was the extremely strong commonalities between cryptocurrency and free speech communities, both built on a passion for freedom, transparency and decentralization. As I look ahead, with the Tether transaction now closed, I could not be more excited about the possibilities and the new era we are entering for Rumble.”

    MicroStrategy® Incorporated (NASDAQ: MSTR) recently announced that it has entered into a sales agreement pursuant to which Strategy may issue and sell shares of its 8.00% series A perpetual strike preferred stock, $0.001 par value per share (the “perpetual strike preferred stock”), having an aggregate offering price of up to $21.0 billion (the “ATM Program”). Shares of the perpetual strike preferred stock are convertible by the holders into shares of Strategy’s class A common stock.

    Strategy expects to make sales of perpetual strike preferred stock pursuant to the ATM Program in a disciplined manner over an extended period, taking into account the trading price and trading volumes of the perpetual strike preferred stock at the time of sale. Strategy intends to use the net proceeds from the ATM Program for general corporate purposes, including the acquisition of bitcoin and for working capital.

    About FN Media Group:

    At FN Media Group, via our top-rated online news portal at www.financialnewsmedia.com, we are one of the very few select firms providing top tier one syndicated news distribution, targeted ticker tag press releases and stock market news coverage for today’s emerging companies. #tickertagpressreleases #pressreleases

    Follow us on Facebook to receive the latest news updates: https://www.facebook.com/financialnewsmedia
    Follow us on Twitter for real time Market News: https://twitter.com/FNMgroup
    Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/financialnewsmedia/

    DISCLAIMER: FN Media Group LLC (FNM), which owns and operates Financialnewsmedia.com and MarketNewsUpdates.com, is a third party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels. FNM is NOT affiliated in any manner with any company mentioned herein. FNM and its affiliated companies are a news dissemination solutions provider and are NOT a registered broker/dealer/analyst/adviser, holds no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security. FNM’s market updates, news alerts and corporate profiles are NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. The material in this release is intended to be strictly informational and is NEVER to be construed or interpreted as research material. All readers are strongly urged to perform research and due diligence on their own and consult a licensed financial professional before considering any level of investing in stocks. All material included herein is republished content and details which were previously disseminated by the companies mentioned in this release. FNM is not liable for any investment decisions by its readers or subscribers. Investors are cautioned that they may lose all or a portion of their investment when investing in stocks or current services performed FNM was compensated forty six hundred dollars for news coverage of the current press releases issued by KULR Technology Group, Inc. by a non-affiliated third party. FNM HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE.

    This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. “Forward-looking statements” describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as “may”, “future”, “plan” or “planned”, “will” or “should”, “expected”, “anticipates”, “draft”, “eventually” or “projected”. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company’s annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and FNM undertakes no obligation to update such statements.

    Contact Information:
    Media Contact email: editor@financialnewsmedia.com – +1(561)325-8757 

    SOURCE: FN Media Group

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: ETHWomen Returns for Its 3rd Year: A Free, Female-Focused Web3 Event in Toronto, Part of Blockchain Futurist Conference and Canada Crypto Week

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ETHWomen, a leading Web3 event championing inclusivity and female participation in Web3, returns for its third year on May 13, 2025, in Toronto, Canada. Presented by Blockchain Futurist Conference and Canada Crypto Week, ETHWomen continues its mission to empower women in blockchain by providing free access to educational panels, networking opportunities, and industry connections.

    In an industry that remains heavily male-dominated, ETHWomen is designed to break barriers by fostering a welcoming environment for women interested in Web3—whether they are developers, entrepreneurs, or simply curious about the space. The event encourages new talent to explore blockchain and cryptocurrency while also serving as a hub for women already making an impact to connect and collaborate.

    Blockchain4Her, a global initiative led by Bitget to empower and uplift women in blockchain, has been announced as a platinum sponsor of ETHWomen. As part of the partnership, Blockchain4Her will host the ETHWomen Happy Hour — creating a supportive and welcoming atmosphere where women in Web3 can build connections, exchange knowledge, and drive innovation in the decentralized space.

    Blockchain4her is proud to drive real-world impact and support women in technology through a special activation at ETHWomen. Attendees will receive custom B4H pins, and for each participant who wears one and shares it on social media, Bitget Wallet will donate $10 to a local women’s charity. This initiative fosters solidarity and creates tangible impact, providing support for women in technology.

    “Blockchain4Her is more than just an initiative — it’s a movement for real change. Our goal is to reshape the future of Web3, ensuring that women aren’t just participants but leaders at the forefront of innovation,” said Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget and initiator of Blockchain4her $10M initiative. “Through our sponsorship, we hope to empower women to come join us as we build bridges to a decentralized world that thrives on diverse voices.”

    Continuing the momentum of industry leaders supporting inclusivity in Web3, Unicoin, a next-generation asset-backed cryptocurrency, joins ETHWomen 2025 as a Platinum Sponsor, furthering its commitment to empowering women in Web3. As the official ETHWomen Stage Sponsor, Unicoin will help create a platform for influential voices shaping the future of blockchain.

    ETHWomen 2025 will feature panels, discussions, and fireside chats led by top female leaders in Web3, including:

    • Lisa Loud – Executive Director, Secret Network
    • Jelena Djuric – Co-Founder & CEO, Noble
    • Elena Sinelnikova – Co-Founder, CryptoChicks & Metis
    • Annelise Osborne – Chief Business Officer, Kadena
    • Koleya Karringten – Executive Director, Canadian Blockchain Consortium
    • Amanda Wick – Founder & CEO, Association for Women in Cryptocurrency
    • Justyna Osowska – Founder, Women in Blockchain Canada
    • Jamie Jung – Co-Founder, Women in Web3 Korea

    This uplifting event is supported by community partners including CryptoChicks, The Association for Women in Crypto, Growth for Girlies, and Shibwomen—organizations dedicated to inclusivity, education, and opportunities for women in blockchain.

    Following ETHWomen in Toronto on May 13, 2025, the next edition will take place in Greater Miami, Florida, on November 5-6, 2025, expanding its mission of empowerment and innovation to a global stage. Registration is now open for both Toronto and Miami, welcoming women from all industries to dive into Web3, blockchain, AI, and the future of technology.

    For more details and to secure your spot, visit ethwomen.com.

    Media inquiries: Laura Leparulo – laura@futuristconference.com

    Wire Service Contact:

    IBN
    Austin, Texas
    www.InvestorBrandNetwork.com
    512.354.7000 Office
    Editor@InvestorBrandNetwork.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b4856b9a-542d-40fd-817a-94f59967f5a6

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: BexBack Announces 100x Leverage and Double Deposit Bonus for All Traders, Bringing Crypto Trading Back to Basics

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In a market where traders seek flexibility, higher potential returns, and minimal fees, BexBack Exchange is stepping up its game with an exciting new promotion. To enhance the trading experience and empower its users, BexBack is offering 100x leverage on cryptocurrency futures trading along with a double deposit bonus. This initiative brings unmatched opportunities for both seasoned and new traders alike.

    Double Deposit Bonus — Earn Up to 10 BTC in Bonuses!

    BexBack is introducing a 100% deposit bonus, meaning that when you deposit, you will receive an additional bonus equivalent to your deposit — effectively doubling your funds. For example, if you deposit 1 BTC, you’ll receive 1 BTC as a bonus. This bonus can be used for trading, giving you the power to open larger positions and amplify your potential profits.

    The best part? The double deposit bonus is available for deposits up to 10 BTC, offering traders significant leverage right from the start. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, this bonus ensures that your trading power increases without needing to deposit excessive amounts upfront.

    100x Leverage — Maximize Your Trading Potential

    The 100x leverage on BexBack allows you to control large positions with a fraction of the capital, creating more opportunities to profit from market fluctuations. With 100x leverage, you can amplify your trades and potentially see significant returns on smaller price movements.

    Example:
    If you deposit 1 BTC and use 100x leverage, your position size will be equivalent to 100 BTC, which allows you to trade in a more powerful way and capitalize on volatile market conditions.

    No Spread, Lower Trading Costs

    One of the key advantages of trading on BexBack is that the platform offers zero spread on all trades, meaning you won’t have to pay the extra costs typically associated with buying or selling an asset. This leads to lower overall trading costs, allowing you to keep more of your profits.

    No KYC — Trade Without Complicated Verification

    BexBack takes pride in its no KYC policy, meaning you can start trading immediately without the need for complex identity verification. This makes it easier for traders worldwide to join the platform and start trading crypto futures without any delays.

    Why Choose BexBack?

    • 100x leverage — Amplify your trading positions and maximize potential profits.
    • 100% deposit bonus — Double your funds instantly with every deposit up to 10 BTC.
    • No spread — Trade with zero spread, reducing your trading costs.
    • No KYC — Start trading immediately without complicated verification processes.
    • Advanced trading tools — Access a range of tools to improve your trading strategy.
    • 24/7 support — Our dedicated customer support team is always ready to assist you.

    About BexBack?

    BexBack is a leading cryptocurrency derivatives platform that offers 100x leverage on BTC, ETH, ADA, SOL, XRP, and more than 50 other major altcoins. Headquartered in Singapore, with offices in Hong Kong, Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Argentina, BexBack holds a US MSB (Money Services Business) license and is trusted by over 500,000 traders worldwide. The platform accepts users from the United States, Canada, and Europe, and offers no deposit fees, along with exceptional customer service, including 24/7 support.

    How to Get Started?

    To claim your 100x leverage and 100% deposit bonus, simply sign up on the BexBack platform, deposit your funds, and start trading. The process is simple and designed to offer both new and experienced traders a seamless experience.

    Don’t Miss This Opportunity!

    BexBack is giving you the chance to maximize your trading potential with a 100% deposit bonus and 100x leverage. Whether you’re new to crypto trading or an experienced trader looking to scale your strategies, now is the perfect time to join.

    Sign up today to start trading with more power, more capital, and the best tools in the market!

    Website: www.bexback.com

    Contact: business@bexback.com

    Contact:
    Amanda
    business@bexback.com

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by BexBack The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector–including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining–complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release.Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: ‘Adolescence’ on Netflix: Evidence-based ways parents can support boys around masculinity norms

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Deinera Exner-Cortens, Associate Professor of Psychology and Tier 2 Canada Research Chair (Childhood Health Promotion), University of Calgary

    Teenage boys may retreat into a wall of silence as they detect gendered norms. Parents’ persistence to talk with them about their experiences, beliefs and emotions matters. (Netflix)

    This story contains spoilers about Netflix’s ‘Adolescence.’

    Since its release in mid-March 2025, Adolescence has been streamed almost 100 million times worldwide. The show tells the story of a 13-year-old boy who murders a female classmate after being radicalized by the manosphere.

    There has been mass public discussion about the series, including among parents. As stated by one commenter on the subreddit r/Parenting: “I have a fairly standard 15-year-old boy … After watching this on Netflix, I’ve got terrible anxiety about it all … ”

    As a developmental psychologist with a focus on adolescent boys, I believe this discourse is important, but the intense discussion can make it seem like these are new issues. Yet, psychologists and feminist scholars have been studying masculinities since at least the 1960s, including among adolescent boys.

    We have also learned how to create supportive spaces for boys through research on gender-transformative interventions. These interventions address issues like poor mental health, substance use and use of violence by focusing on how strict adherence to patriarchal masculine norms (such as emotional restriction, homophobia and aggression) can harm boys’ health and the health of those around them.

    Here, I offer three key takeaways parents and caregivers can learn from this research, and additional resources to explore.

    1. Curiosity is key.

    Many gender-transformative programs use ideas of transformational learning, where the experiences, beliefs and perspectives of boys are used to support critical reflection and change. Put simply, this means when boys say they like “that Andrew Tate shite” (Episode 2), adults respond with curiosity and not condemnation (for example, saying something like: “Why does that idea feel true to you?”).



    Read more:
    ‘Adolescence’ on Netflix: A painful wake-up call about unregulated internet use for teens

    Curiosity, however, does not equal agreement. By demonstrating that we are authentically engaged with what our teen is sharing, we can also (gently) push them to consider how these ideas might harm themselves or others (for instance: “How do you think that idea might make the girls around you feel?”). It is also OK to express disagreement when ideas cross a line, but explain why (for instance: “I am not OK with you calling girls bitches. Do you know where that word comes from?”).

    Another thing we have learned is that this style of engagement — while effective — is not a one-and-done. Effective gender-transformative intervention strategies take time to work, and these conversations need to be consistent and ongoing, ideally starting well before adolescence (though it is never too late to start).

    Adolescents may also not be the first to engage, so it’s important to regularly and intentionally create space for them to share their ideas and experiences. If you get a wall of silence, try again another time. One idea is to look for natural opportunities for moments of conversation, like on the way to an extracurricular activity, or when eating a meal together (like the lead detective does with his son in the second episode). Also look for activities you can do alongside your child, and where they can teach you something (for example, playing a video game together).

    This is hard work, and so finding support among like-minded parents (whether in-person or online) can be helpful.

    2. Masculinity is not ‘toxic’.

    Many pieces on Adolescence refer to “toxic masculinity.” However, this is a phrase to avoid, because for boys, this suggets there is something inherently flawed with a core aspect of their identity, making manosphere messages that celebrate misogynistic forms of masculinity all the more enticing. Instead, we can talk with boys about how they feel they are expected to act as a boy in their world, and the ways they might find some of these expectations restricting.

    For example, many boys want to share their emotions, and indeed do so until adolescence. But, as families, schools, peers and society start to place stricter expectations on the norm of boys suppressing their emotions, boys may retreat from this sharing.

    Yet, boys who are able to resist this norm — with the support of their families, peers and schools — do much better psychologically and socially.

    Parents and caregivers can support this resistance by actively asking boys about their emotions (and sharing our own), and giving boys words to label what they are feeling.

    For example, in Adolescence, Jamie’s dad does show emotional vulnerability several times, but never in front of Jamie. Instead, Jamie recounts a memory of his dad having a “proper rager” and the type of language we hear Eddie use when yelling at boys who tagged his van (“I’ll slap that f-king smile off your face … Listen to me, you little twat”) is mirrored by Jamie when he yells at the psychologist (“I don’t f-king wanna sit down! … Look at me now!”). In sum, what we say, do and share is key for boys’ positive development.

    3. Boys are individuals.

    As one boy in our research shared: “To be a guy is to be human, it’s OK to be sad or upset or nervous and stuff. It’s also good to be happy so it’s OK to show how you feel and that.” Yet, that essential opportunity to be human is often curtailed for boys by the gendered expectations and pressures they feel.

    In Adolescence, we learn Jamie once loved to draw, but at some point he stopped. Comparatively, another detective, who is a woman, discusses how she was helped to survive a tough school environment when a teacher supported her drawing. Jamie’s dad talks about how he encouraged Jamie to be “sporty,” while, by contrast, Jamie relays he is not good at sports, and knew his dad was ashamed of this. The messages Jamie received told him that he needed to be a certain way, and when he failed to live up to those expectations, he turned to online manosphere spaces for acceptance.

    Similarly, in our research with former incels, we learned that participants found the community when they were looking for online help for their struggles meeting masculinity norms. So, if boys are struggling, parents can help them find supportive spaces that promote messages about the many ways to be a guy in the world, and that match their needs and interests.

    Resources for parents and caregivers

    • Gender-transformative interventions in the U.S. and Canada with evidence of effectiveness include Coaching Boys Into Men, Manhood 2.0 and WiseGuyz

    • Books: Masculinity Workbook for Teens; Raising Cain: Protecting the Emotional Life of Boys

    • Podcast: On Boys

    • Canadian non-profit Next Gen Men, dedicated to changing how the world sees, acts and thinks about masculinity.

    • Common Sense Media has great guides and information, though for some content, a paid subscription is required.

    Deinera Exner-Cortens receives funding from the Public Health Agency of Canada. She has also been the lead evaluator for the WiseGuyz program since 2016.

    – ref. ‘Adolescence’ on Netflix: Evidence-based ways parents can support boys around masculinity norms – https://theconversation.com/adolescence-on-netflix-evidence-based-ways-parents-can-support-boys-around-masculinity-norms-253724

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Foreign interference threats in Canada’s federal election are both old and new

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Chris Tenove, Assistant director, Centre for the Study of Democratic Institutions, University of British Columbia

    Fears of foreign interference loom over the Canadian election. The federal inquiry on foreign interference revealed that entities aligned with India and China interfered in recent elections, albeit without major impact on the results, and concluded that disinformation campaigns pose the greatest threat to Canada’s long-term democratic health.

    Now, with a Canada-bashing American president adding to those foreign interference risks, Canada’s election integrity seems to be in an unprecedented state of fragility.

    However, foreign interference has a longstanding history in Canadian elections. Understanding what is and is not new about current efforts may help to turn down the heat and focus more on how Canadians can make their own decisions this election.



    Read more:
    Thanks to social media platforms, election interference is more insidious and pervasive than ever

    Covert techniques

    For starters, what is foreign interference?

    The commission, following established practice, defined it as an action whereby “states pursue their global interests using covert, corrupt, illegal or coercive techniques.” That means public comments on our election by foreign politicians is not interference, as Canadian government officials have made clear.

    While we largely agree with the commission’s definition, we argue that the interfering entity isn’t necessarily a state. Foreign corporations, crime syndicates and terrorist networks can also interfere in our elections.

    Elon Musk is a tricky case. He is a Canadian citizen, but his current role with the United States government may mean that he can be considered a “foreign entity” according to Canada’s election law, as legal scholar Eve Gaumond has pointed out.

    U.S. interference isn’t new

    History reveals a long menu of options for foreign interference, ranging from bribery to espionage and polling assistance.

    In the 1872 election campaign, Sir Hugh Allan, a Montréal shipping and railroad magnate, successfully used more than $350,000 of mostly U.S. funds to pressure John A. Macdonald and other Conservative party members to award Allan and his allies the contract to build the Canadian Pacific Railway. This was bribery to advance corporate aims.

    After these machinations became public in 1873, Macdonald eventually resigned over what became known as the Pacific Scandal, and Allan lost the Canadian Pacific Railway contract. Today his actions would be a violation of campaign finance laws, which prohibit foreign funding of electioneering. But until the late 19th century, such donations weren’t uncommon.

    Foreign policy has shaped Canadian elections before, even if the last Canadian election that focused almost primarily on tariffs with the U.S. was in 1911. But concerns about relations with other countries are different from foreign interference.

    To date, the most significant foreign interference came in Canada’s 1962 and 1963 elections. Again, Americans were behind it. The John F. Kennedy administration was frustrated by positions taken by Prime Minister John Diefenbaker.

    The Conservative government continued to trade with Cuba despite American sanctions, had made a deal to sell grain to the People’s Republic of China, and — most importantly — had not agreed to a U.S. proposal to station air defence missiles with nuclear warheads on Canadian soil.

    Rather than bribery, the U.S. provided Lester B. Pearson’s Liberal Party with assistance from pollster Lou Harris. Harris was a key figure both in Kennedy’s 1960 election win and in the nascent use of computer-assisted analysis of opinion polls to target specific demographic groups.

    The Kennedy administration went further in 1963 and issued a press release in the midst of the election, calling Diefenbaker a liar and disputing his positions on air defence. Neither of these actions was illegal at the time, though the secret provision of in-kind assistance to the 1962 Liberal campaign would now run afoul of the prohibition on foreign support for electioneering.

    Soviet, American interference

    The Soviets too were interested in Canadian politics, with some Canadians allegedly recruited as spies, according to Igor Gouzenko, a cipher clerk based at the Soviet embassy in Ottawa who defected to Canada in 1945.

    The revelations even led to the arrest of one member of Parliament, Fred Rose.

    In fact, American and Russian interference in general elections around the world was common in the 20th century. Political scientist Dov Levin has estimated that from 1946 to 2000, the U.S. and Soviet Union (Russia after 1991) intervened in 11.3 per cent of all global national elections.

    New digital techniques

    All these techniques can be pursued today, but there are at least three new forms of interference.

    First, foreign interference can include threats made against party leaders or other candidates. As in the past, these can come through clandestine networks or hired thugs. But today, an insult or false accusation from Trump, Musk or others with huge, hostile followings can expose politicians and others to a blizzard of online threats and abuse.

    Second, foreign interference can occur by providing money for electioneering. Rather than a single bundled sum offered to John A. Macdonald, funds are more likely to come through online donations, possibly including crypto-currency transfers that are difficult to monitor.

    For instance, in Romania’s 2024 election, the far-right, Russia-supporting candidate Calin Georgescu was accused of receiving hundreds of thousands of dollars in illegal campaign support. In late March, a crypto-currency businessman was arrested and accused of using TikTok’s “gifts” feature to provide US$879,000 to induce 265 people to vote for Georgescu.

    Such acts would be illegal in Canada. More ambiguous is whether social media platforms use their algorithms to amplify some views and diminish others.

    There is no doubt that X, Facebook and TikTok platforms have the capability to do this. While government officials said such actions would be investigated, it is less clear whether they could be detected or what the government would do in response.

    Finally, foreign interference can occur by trying to influence Canadians’ voting choices by threatening illegal or coercive actions or promoting misinformation.

    Trump has already violated trade agreements with Canada and threatened future illegal activities, even going as far as to threaten annexation. Any comments that link these threats to voting outcomes — for example, if Trump said something like “if Canadians choose Carney, they will see tariffs like they have never seen before” — would constitute interference.



    Read more:
    Forget booing the anthem, Canada must employ strategic communications to fight Trump’s lies

    What can be done?

    There are systems in place to detect foreign interference.

    Canadian intelligence agencies and law enforcement are monitoring for foreign interference, and a panel of five senior bureaucrats makes non-partisan decisions about whether to alert the public.

    Global Affairs Canada’s Rapid Response Mechanism is monitoring the online information environment for foreign interference. Elections Canada is also monitoring for violations of election law.

    Members of the public can help. Anyone can share cases of manipulated images and other misleading information related to the election with the Digital Threats Tipline, created by the Canadian Digital Media Research Network. (Our Centre for the Study of Democratic Institutions at the University of British Columbia is a member of this McGill University-based network.)

    These monitoring efforts will help us keep an eye on social media platforms. The companies have agreed to act on interference in the election, but experts are skeptical of their commitment.

    If platforms are pipelines of election interference, they should be more tightly regulated. For instance, the European Union’s Digital Services Act has enabled investigations and potential accountability measures in response to interference in Romania’s election.

    The most important thing Canadians can do is vote in this election based on their own well-informed priorities, worries and aspirations.

    While remaining alert to foreign interference, Canadians can perhaps take some comfort in the resilience of our democratic institutions in the face of a long history of attempts to undermine elections.

    Chris Tenove receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council to research global policies to address online interference in elections.

    Heidi J. S. Tworek receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council and the Canada Research Chair programe. She is a senior fellow with the Centre for International Governance Innovation and testified before the Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference in October 2024.

    – ref. Foreign interference threats in Canada’s federal election are both old and new – https://theconversation.com/foreign-interference-threats-in-canadas-federal-election-are-both-old-and-new-253600

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –