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Category: Canada

  • MIL-OSI Europe: OCEANIA – Debt crisis in the Pacific: Jubilee Year campaign aims to provide relief

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Port Moresby (Agenzia Fides) – “Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and Samoa are Pacific countries at risk of experiencing the worst consequences of internal and external debt. The Caritas Internationalis Jubilee campaign, ‘Transform Debt into Hope,’ should convince everyone to be vigilant about what political elites could do to avoid the dire circumstances of debt growth,” writes Father Giorgio Licini, missionary of PIME (Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions) and Caritas collaborator of the Episcopal Conference of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, in a letter sent to Fides. “About fifty civil society and religious organizations around the world support the ‘Turn Debt into Hope’ petition and campaign. However, there are none from Oceania,” Father Licini points out, referring to the specific situation in Papua New Guinea, the country where he lives.”Papua New Guinea,” he points out, “owes creditors approximately 50 billion kina (approximately 11 billion euros, ed.), as the country prepares to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of its independence in September. The country’s solid financial position in the first two decades after independence from Australia, when the national currency was essentially equal to or more than the US dollar, is now a distant memory.” “The country,” he explains, “is classified as rich in resources but has poor human development indicators. About 75 percent of the population lives in poverty or has only the bare necessities of life, often in remote and inaccessible areas lacking basic services. The debt accumulated in recent years is more or less evenly distributed between domestic and foreign debt.”Corruption is a social challenge: “The perception that the country is at least partially determined by corruption and mismanagement is strong. Gaining government positions and jobs is widely perceived as an opportunity for personal enrichment, with family, clan, and allies benefiting in every way possible,” the missionary reports. “Yet,” he continues, “with clear political will, Papua New Guinea can curb corruption, keep its debt under control, and avoid the worst results seen in other developing countries, which are now unable even to pay the interest on their debts.”In light of this global concern, Caritas Internationalis has launched a campaign in the 2025 Jubilee Year entitled “Turn Debt into Hope,” which puts into practice the call for debt relief suggested by Pope Francis in the Bull of Indiction for the Jubilee Year.There are concrete figures on the current “debt crisis,” which affects more than 100 countries: The International Monetary Fund and the World Bank estimate that 60 percent of low-income countries are in “debt distress” or are on the verge of defaulting on their repayment obligations. “As many as 48 developing countries,” says Father Licini, “spend more on debt interest payments than on health and education, further perpetuating inequality and poverty. More than 3.3 billion people live in these countries.”And while rich countries hold the majority of the debt, “the cost of borrowing for developing countries is two to twelve times higher, trapping many of them in a cycle of rising debt,” Father Licini notes. “In 2023, countries in the Global South spent 12.5 times more on debt repayment than on combating climate change, making them vulnerable to its devastating impacts. What we urgently need, then, is a bold commitment from governments and financial institutions to stop the debt crisis now: the cancellation of unjust and unsustainable debts to prevent debt crises from recurring by addressing their root causes.” They also call for “a reform of the global financial system to prioritize people and the planet” so that the same crisis cannot repeat itself cyclically.A particular goal of the Caritas Internationalis campaign, according to the missionary, “is the cancellation of ‘unsustainable debt,’ i.e., debt that cannot truly be repaid.” At the international level, the petition will be presented wherever world leaders gather to discuss politics and economics, for example at the G7 summit in Canada in June, the G20 summit in South Africa in November, and the COP30 summit in Brazil. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 5/4/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Hassan Statement on Republican Proposal to Take Medicaid Coverage Away From Granite Staters

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Maggie Hassan
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) released the following statement after voting against a Republican proposal that allows for massive cuts to Medicaid funding — taking health care coverage away from Granite Staters — in order to pay for tax giveaways for billionaires and for corporate special interests:
    “In the middle of the night and over bipartisan opposition, Senate Republicans advanced their effort to take Medicaid health coverage away from millions of people in order to pay for tax cuts for corporate special interests and billionaires. I put forward a number of amendments to chart a different path forward, one where we would work together on a bipartisan basis to lower costs for Americans and protect Medicaid, Medicare, and the Social Security benefits that hardworking Americans have paid into and deserve, but Republicans once again doubled down. At a time when American families are struggling to keep up with high costs, I can imagine few ideas more ill-advised, outrageous, and devastating than to rip lifesaving health care away from millions of our fellow Americans, and therefore I voted against this budget resolution.”
    Senator Hassan proposed over a dozen amendments to urge Congressional Republicans to reverse course and instead work on a bipartisan basis to help lower costs for Granite Staters, stand up for the rule of law, and protect individual freedoms. Senator Hassan’s proposed amendments included those to:
    Stop unelected billionaires from advancing their own financial interests at the expense of American taxpayers
    Prevent any efforts to cut Medicare or Medicaid benefits for seniors, children, and families
    Prevent any efforts to cut Social Security benefits for seniors, increase wait times for Social Security benefits, or close Social Security offices
    Overturn broad-based tariffs on allies like Canada that raise costs for American families
    Promote childhood vaccinations against measles
    Provide tax cuts for middle-class workers and small businesses
    Lower the cost of housing, groceries, and prescription drugs

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Votes No on Republicans’ Destructive Budget Senate

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    Welch Votes No on GOP’s Destructive Budget Senate Republicans rejected Welch-led amendment to help hardworking Vermonters 
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance and Judiciary Committees and Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, voted against the Senate Republicans’ budget plan early this morning:
    “Since taking office, President Trump has made it crystal clear that he’s willing to bulldoze programs hardworking Americans rely on to line the pockets of billionaires. It’s truly outrageous that Republicans agreed to this cruel budget, which will have disastrous long-term consequences for Americans across the country—from farmers and seniors in Vermont to Social Security beneficiaries and small businesses in Texas. I voted no on the GOP’s budget,” said Senator Welch.
    Senator Welch filed 61 amendments to Senate Republicans’ budget plan. The Senator’s amendments aim to help working families through the affordability crisis, defend vital government services and disaster aid from Elon Musk’s “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE), and combat President Trump’s reckless, illegal agenda. Senate Republicans rejected Senator Welch’s amendment to block tax cuts to billionaires paid for by cutting meals for hungry seniors and eliminating child care services for families.
    Senate Republicans’ budget, unveiled Wednesday, attacks Medicaid, Medicare, and the health care of seniors, children, people with disabilities, and rural patients; threatens Social Security for millions; raises costs for working families and enables President Trump’s trade war; jeopardizes support and health care for veterans; and gives DOGE a greenlight to destroy the federal government—all in the service of paying for Trump’s tax cut to billionaires.  
    Senator Welch offered amendments to the Republican budget resolution aimed to:   
    Address the Affordability Crisis: 
    An amendment to block tax cuts to billionaires paid for by cutting meals for hungry seniors and eliminating child care services for families. 
    Amendments to support federal dairy programs, organic farmers, and young and beginning farmers. 
    An amendment to address the impacts of disasters in rural communities.   
    An amendment to promote innovation, domestic job creation and U.S. competitiveness. This amendment would support Vermont’s growing semiconductor industry and America’s Tech Hubs. 
    Amendments to block the extension of tax cuts for the wealthy and large corporations until all federal services are provided. 
    Defend Federal Programs and Disaster Aid from Elon Musk: 
    Amendments to prohibit cuts to the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, the Weatherization Assistance Program, and to improve rural access to nutrition programs. 
    Amendments to protect and defend rural broadband deployment and promote internet affordability.   
    An amendment to prohibit the elimination of over-to-phone identity verification for Social Security beneficiaries. 
    Amendments to prohibit the reduction or elimination of funding for rural care providers, health centers, and critical access hospitals.   
    Amendments to limit affiliates of the Department of Government Efficiency’s ability to access federal payment systems and personally identifiable information of Social Security beneficiaries. 
    An amendment to protect disaster survivors’ data privacy during any interaction with Department of Government Efficiency personnel. 
    An amendment prohibiting any reduction in disaster response and recovery programs for States and local communities. 
    Combat Trump’s Reckless and Illegal Agenda:   
    Amendments to preserve relations between the United States and Canada, and to prohibit Canadian energy tariffs that raise energy costs domestically.  
    An amendment to block legislation that enables U.S. troops to operate in Gaza to assist in the displacement or removal of Palestinians from Gaza. 
    An amendment to prevent enforcement of the Alien Enemies Act, unless there is a declared war between the United States and any foreign government, or an invasion of predatory incursion is perpetrated. 
    An amendment to prevent the arrest, detainment and deportation of college students and faculty on the grounds they have expressed views the sitting administration objects to. 
    An amendment that would block legislation banning the Associated Press from the White House. 
    An amendment that would preserve United States-Denmark relations. 
    An amendment to address global hunger including hiring aid workers and facilitating the dispersal of aid into Gaza 
    In addition, Senator Welch cosponsored 31 amendments. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: BexBack Launches No KYC, 100x Leverage, $50 Welcome Bonus, and Double Deposit – Start Trading Today!

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, April 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As Bitcoin continues to trade below $85,000 and analysts predict that the crypto market will remain volatile, holding spot positions may not generate short-term profits. Recent economic shifts, including policy announcements such as President Trump’s tariff decisions, have brought some stabilization, but the volatility remains. For investors seeking to maximize returns in these uncertain times, BexBack Exchange offers a powerful solution. With 100x leverage, a 100% deposit bonus, and a $50 welcome bonus for new users, BexBack empowers traders to seize market opportunities. And with no KYC requirements, it provides a seamless and efficient way to trade.

    What Is 100x Leverage and How Does It Work?

    Simply put, 100x leverage allows you to open larger trading positions with less capital. For example:

    Suppose the Bitcoin price is $60,000 that day, and you open a long contract with 1 BTC. After using 100x leverage, the transaction amount is equivalent to 100 BTC.

    One day later, if the price rises to $63,000, your profit will be (63,000 – 60,000) * 100 BTC / 60,000 = 5 BTC, a yield of up to 500%.

    With BexBack’s deposit bonus

    BexBack offers a 100% deposit bonus. If the initial investment is 2 BTC, the profit will increase to 10 BTC, and the return on investment will double to 1000%.

    Note: Although leveraged trading can magnify profits, you also need to be wary of liquidation risks.

    How Does the 100% Deposit Bonus Work?
    The deposit bonus from BexBack cannot be directly withdrawn but can be used to open larger positions and increase potential profits. Additionally, during significant market fluctuations, the bonus can serve as extra margin, effectively reducing the risk of liquidation.

    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.

    Why recommend BexBack?

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    100% Deposit Bonus: Double your funds, double your profits.

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    Comprehensive Trading Options: Feature-rich trading available via Web and mobile applications.

    Convenient Operation: No slippage, no spread, and fast, precise trade execution.

    Global User Support: Enjoy 24/7 customer service, no matter where you are.

    Lucrative Affiliate Rewards: Earn up to 50% commission, perfect for promoters.

    Take Action Now—Don’t Miss Another Opportunity!

    If you missed the previous crypto bull run, this could be your chance. With BexBack’s 100x leverage and 100% deposit bonus and $50 bonus for new users (complete one trade within one week of registration), you can be a winner in the new bull run.

    Sign up on BexBack now, claim your exclusive bonus and start accumulating more BTC today!

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    Amanda
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    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.

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lake Pleasant — Lunenburg District RCMP responds to sudden deaths

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Lunenburg County District RCMP, along with the Nova Scotia Medical Examiner Service, is investigating the sudden deaths of two people.

    On April 4, at approximately 1:10 p.m., RCMP officers responded to a report of a sudden death on a trail in Lake Pleasant. Upon arrival at the scene, officers located an 84-year-old woman deceased. Shortly after, the remains of an 85-year-old man were found nearby.

    At this time, the deaths are not believed to be suspicious. However, the investigation is ongoing with the assistance of Annapolis District RCMP, RCMP Digital Forensic Services and the Nova Scotia Medical Examiner Service.

    Our thoughts are with the victims’ family and the community.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Coons condemns Trump’s tariffs, urges colleagues to end tariffs on Canada in speech before Senate vote

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) spoke on the U.S. Senate floor tonight, where he lambasted the new global tariffs imposed by President Trump this afternoon and called on his colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support a resolution that would end the tariffs President Trump has imposed on Canada. The resolution passed, 51-48. Senator Coons is a cosponsor of the resolution.

    “I rise to bring the attention of this body to a broken promise by our president. Our president promised in the campaign, and recently in an address to all of us here in Congress, to make America affordable again,” Senator Coons said. “Today, President Trump has announced he is going to impose tariffs on virtually every trading partner we have, and I rise in support of a piece of legislation we’re about to vote on here in the Senate that gives us a chance to do something.”

    Tonight, the Senate voted on a resolution by U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.) to revoke the “emergency” President Trump earlier this year declared that has allowed him to unilaterally implement tariffs on Canada. Several decades ago, Congress passed a law giving the president the power to declare an emergency, assuming that presidents would only use that authority during a time of war or other national security crisis. President Trump has abused that power to unilaterally impose tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and other trading partners.

    “Canadians have served alongside us in virtually every war we’ve ever fought. They are a NATO ally and partner, and for my small but mighty State of Delaware, our major export destination and the nation from which we import the most,” said Senator Coons. “And yet…President Trump is moving ahead with slapping tariffs on Canada.”

    Earlier today, on what President Trump declared ‘Liberation Day,’ President Trump imposed sweeping new tariffs on nearly everything imported into the United States, as well as significantly higher tariffs on nearly every other country, from Taiwan to Israel to the European Union. Financial markets immediately plummeted upon the news. Economists and business organizations have called them “monstrously destructive” and “catastrophic for American families.”

    “This is not Liberation Day, but Tax Day – a new national sales tax that will harm the imports we buy from virtually every country, and because of the countervailing tariffs, harm our exports,” Senator Coons said.

    Senator Coons is a member of the Senate Small Business Committee. In February, he introduced the STABLE Trade Policy Act with Senator Kaine, which would institute a requirement of congressional approval before a president could impose new tariffs on U.S. allies and free trade agreement partners such as Canada.

    A video and transcript of Senator Coons’ remarks are available below.

    WATCH HERE.

    SENATOR COONS: Mr. President, I rise to bring the attention of this body to a broken promise by our president.

    Our president promised in the campaign, and recently in an address to all of us here in Congress, to make America affordable again. To deal with the high prices – groceries, of fruits and vegetables, of housing, of housing supplies, of energy – to deal with high prices. Millions of Americans who voted for President Trump said they did so out of frustration about high prices. Well today, President Trump has announced he is going to impose tariffs on virtually every trading partner we have, and I rise in support of a piece of legislation we’re about to vote on here in the Senate that gives us a chance to do something.

    So to my colleagues, if you’ve heard as I have from your constituents, calling with concern and alarm about how much prices have not gone down, but have gone up, I recommend you think about one country: one of our most trusted and loyal allies, some of the nicest people on the planet.

    Who doesn’t like Canadians? Canadians have served alongside us in virtually every war we’ve ever fought. They are a NATO ally and partner, and for my small but mighty State of Delaware, our major export destination and the nation from which we import the most. And yet, because of an emergency at our border – which I think is wholly unjustified by the data of how little fentanyl actually comes into our country across the northern border – President Trump is moving ahead with slapping tariffs on Canada.

    Tonight you have a chance, I say to my colleagues, to vote to undo the declaration of an “emergency” on our northern border. You can vote to undo the harm to businesses, to small families, to retirement accounts. Don’t look at your 401(k) if you want to know tomorrow the consequences of indiscriminately slapping tariffs on every one of our major trading partners. This is not Liberation Day, but Tax Day – a new national sales tax that will harm the imports we buy from virtually every country, and because of the countervailing tariffs, harm our exports.

    A tariff is a tax. Tonight we will take a vote, and I hope some of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle will join with Senator Kaine and many of us in recognizing it is ludicrous to use the special emergency powers that Congress gave to the president assuming he would only do so in a case of war or active open hostility, not in the case of one of our trusted and loyal partners and allies, the great and kind people of Canada.

    In recent meetings with Canadian leaders, they’ve said ‘Don’t make us do it. Don’t make us impose tariffs on you.’ But tonight, the Trump administration has imposed tariffs on dozens and dozens of our trading partners. To my friends and colleagues, let’s vote to undo this phony crisis and vote to undo the tariffs on US-Canada trade. Thank you.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: California aims to forge own trade path amid US tariffs

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    California Governor Gavin Newsom announced a bold initiative on Friday to shield the state’s economy from the impacts of the U.S. tariff policies by pursuing independent trade relationships with international partners.

    “Donald Trump’s tariffs do not represent all Americans,” Newsom said in a video message. “California remains a stable trading partner,” he said, directing his administration to pursue new trade opportunities globally.

    The move came just two days after U.S. President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs, including a 10-percent “minimum baseline tariff” on all imports, with higher rates for certain trading partners, effective on April 5.

    The new tariffs have drawn backlash from economies around the world, with countermeasures already pledged by some. Newsom urged the state’s “long-standing trade partners” to exempt California-made products from any retaliatory measures.

    “California leads the nation as the #1 state for agriculture and manufacturing — and it’s our workers, families, and farmers who stand to lose the most from this Trump tax hike and trade war,” said the governor in a statement.

    “To our international partners: As the fifth largest economy in the world, the Golden State will remain a steady, reliable partner for generations to come, no matter the turbulence coming out of Washington. California is not Washington, D.C.”

    With a gross domestic product of 3.9 trillion U.S. dollars, California is the largest importer among all U.S. states, with more than 675 billion dollars in two-way trade supporting millions of jobs across the state. Its economy is 50 percent bigger than the GDP of the nation’s next largest state, Texas, according to the governor’s office.

    The initiative directed the state administration to identify collaborative opportunities with trading partners that protect California’s economic interests, including workers, manufacturers and businesses, as well as broader supply chains linked to the state’s economy.

    The tariffs announced by the Trump administration could result in a 2.3 percent increase in overall inflation in the United States this year, including a 2.8 percent increase in food prices and an 8.4 percent increase in automotive prices. The tariffs’ impact could cost the average household 3,800 dollars a year, according to analysis by the Budget Lab at Yale University.

    Newsom is particularly concerned about the state’s agricultural sector. California produces about 80 percent of the world’s almonds, generating an industry worth approximately 5.6 billion dollars and supporting more than 100,000 jobs.

    The almond industry alone contributes about 11 billion dollars in added value to California’s economy, according to industry data. About 70 percent of the state’s almond crop is exported to more than 100 economies worldwide.

    Beyond agriculture, Newsom’s administration was concerned about disruptions to the state’s manufacturing sector. Manufactured goods dominate both California’s exports (87 percent) and imports (89 percent), making the state particularly vulnerable to tariff impacts.

    The Port of Los Angeles, a major trade hub, anticipates a possible 10 percent decrease in cargo volume due to the tariffs, which could result in job losses in the port and related industries.

    The governor’s initiative also aimed to safeguard access to critical construction materials needed for recovery efforts following the recent Los Angeles wildfires. Officials noted that current tariffs on Canadian lumber of 14 percent could rise to nearly 27 percent, hampering rebuilding efforts.

    State officials also expressed concern about supply chains between California and Baja, Mexico. They argued that taxing component goods each time they cross the border will raise final product prices for Californians.

    Moreover, the Sacramento Bee reported Friday that Newsom faced another serious question: “How much of a problem will tariffs be for the state’s economy, which is heavily reliant upon high-income earners, many of whom draw their wealth from stocks.”

    The UCLA Anderson Forecast issued a recession watch last month, citing tariffs as one factor in a possible downturn. But there are others, notably Trump’s crackdown on undocumented immigrants, which the Forecast saw as having the potential for reducing the labor pool in the state.

    Though legal experts noted that individual states do not have the constitutional authority to independently negotiate global trading deals regarding tariffs, as this power is reserved for the federal government, California has been cultivating relationships with foreign governments and officials independent of the current federal administration.

    California has a history of active engagement in international trade through various agreements and initiatives. It has entered into 38 international agreements with 28 different foreign partners, according to the governor’s office.

    The state government has established the International Affairs and Trade Development Interagency Committee, which advises Newsom on international trade matters and coordinates related state activities, and California maintains trade and investment desks in key markets to further its international economic objectives. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: To Improve Republican Budget Resolution, Shaheen Offers Dozens of Amendments that Would Lower Health Care Costs, Shield Families and Businesses from Rising Prices, Keep Americans Safe and Secure

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen

    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a top member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations and Armed Services Committees and Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, will offer dozens of amendments to the budget resolution tonight that would make health care more affordable, lower the costs of energy bills, protect American consumers and businesses from rising prices imposed by President Trump’s tariffs and keep Americans safe by enhancing military preparedness, strengthening our air traffic controller workforce, cracking down on drugs and investing in the northern border. 

    “Let’s be very clear: Tonight’s budget resolution process is all about slashing critical services and raising costs on families to free up dollars for tax cuts to the wealthiest in the country. Meanwhile, I’m offering opportunities for bipartisan collaboration to deliver commonsense solutions for Americans grappling with high costs,” said Shaheen. “Americans want, expect and deserve their elected representatives to work together to make progress on the issues they’re facing – and partisan exercises like this do nothing to make their lives better. I’m working to cut through Washington dysfunction and advocate for Granite Staters.” 

    Below is an overview of the dozens of amendments Senator Shaheen is introducing for consideration tonight. 

    To help lower everyday costs, Shaheen introduced amendments that would: 

    • Protect Americans from a national sales tax that raises costs on clothing, toys, electronics and energy. 
    • Help families struggling with high grocery bills by restoring cancelled federal food assistance programs. 
    • Support American jobs and manufacturers hurt by Trump’s tariffs. 
    • Enhance housing affordability by preventing construction cost increases due to tariffs and delays and expanding investment in housing development. 
    • Help households afford groceries, including preventing broad tariffs which would raise the price of food or cuts to food aid for families. 
    • Prevent funding cuts to child care or early childhood education programs helping New Hampshire families. 
    • Support affordable housing in disaster recovery by rebuilding with resilient and cost-effective methods, especially those that lower home insurance rates. 
    • Lower sugar prices for American businesses and consumers harmed by the U.S. sugar program. 

    To help make health care more affordable and accessible, Shaheen introduced amendments that would: 

    • Prioritize Affordable Care Act tax credits that give 22 million Americans access to affordable, quality health insurance. 
    • Ensure that Medicaid expansion programs aren’t eliminated by drastic cuts to federal funding, including New Hampshire’s Granite Advantage covering more than 60,000 Granite Staters. 
    • Ensure that patients suffering from diabetes do not face unnecessary barriers to care, including access to $35 insulin. 
    • Ensure hospitals and doctors working in rural areas can keep their doors open and continue providing lifesaving care for their patients. 
    • Ensure that our community health centers can continue to provide vital care to their patients. 

    To help enhance public safety and keep families secure, Shaheen introduced amendments that would: 

    • Make investments in the Air Traffic Controller workforce and overturning the reckless firing of hundreds of Federal Aviation Administration personnel critical to aviation safety. 
    • Support her Cooper Davis Act and limit illegal drug sales on social media. 
    • Improve cell service and communications for emergency services along the northern border. 
    • Ensure that DHS has the technology needed to monitor and defend the U.S.-Canada border against the flow of drugs and illegal migration. 
    • Raise pay for U.S. Bureau of Prisons correctional officers in New Hampshire and across the country. 
    • Preserve funding for programs that support survivors of sexual and domestic violence. 
    • Ensure local law enforcement agencies and communities are not left with the bill for unfunded federal mandates. 
    • Prioritize the deportation of undocumented individuals who pose threats to our national security or public safety. 
    • Ensure that increased funding for the DOJ and DHS is focused on stopping the flow of illegal drugs into the United States. 
    • Restore retention incentives and union protections for federal correctional officers and staff, including those at FCI Berlin. 

    To help lower American households’ energy costs, Shaheen introduced amendments that would: 

    • Protect Americans from higher energy costs for gas, heating oil and propane due to broad tariffs. 
    • Protect bipartisan investments that lower energy costs, promote electric grid reliability and improve drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, including addressing PFAS contamination. 
    • Protect families, farmers and businesses from higher energy costs by ensuring energy saving and renewable energy projects funded by Congress continue. 
    • Prevent Congress from blocking state or local governments from updating their building codes to protect life and property, reduce losses from disasters or lower energy costs for families. 
    • Support energy efficient building construction and retrofits to lower energy costs and enhance electric grid reliability. 
    • Support resources that help make home heating more affordable, including energy assistance from the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and weatherization. 

    To help bolster America’s national security and support American service members and their families, Shaheen introduced amendments that would: 

    • Support military service members, veterans and families, including by protecting family members who were recently fired from federal employment solely because they were new to a job. 
    • Replenish the defense industrial base ramping up to support Ukraine. 
    • Replenish the defense industrial base ramping up to support the defense of Taiwan. 
    • Ensure that federal employees essential to national security are not impacted by federal hiring freezes or reduction in force (RIF) initiatives. 
    • Require oversight over wasteful spending. 
    • Protect DoD’s policy that ensures service women receive the same coverage for contraception as civilian women. 
    • Ensure that U.S. farmers do not suffer economic harm due to the freeze on U.S. assistance. 
    • Call on the Administration to use the REPO Act authorities to seize Russian assets and support Ukraine. 

    Additional amendments introduced by Shaheen would: 

    • Prevent a reduction in postal service for rural America, including by preventing closure of processing centers. 
    • Ensure that Americans are protected against fraud, price gouging and higher rental and housing prices caused by illegal price information sharing. 
    • Support funding to assist Afghan SIVs and refugee resettlement. 
    • Cut more than $40 billion in wasteful agriculture spending going to large corporate farm operations while preserving benefits to small family farms. 
    • Ensure strong funding for the Northern Border Regional Commission. 
    • Prevent adding $5 trillion of tax cuts to the national debt and raising interest rates when the Federal Government is already paying $1 trillion per year in interest. 
    • Support American farmers and address world hunger. 
    • Address corruption and conflicts of interest from Special Government Employees like Elon Musk by prohibiting them from receiving federal contracts while they’re working for the government. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: California aims to forge its own path in global trade amid US tariffs

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    California Governor Gavin Newsom announced a bold initiative on Friday to shield the state’s economy from the impacts of the U.S. tariff policies by pursuing independent trade relationships with international partners.

    “Donald Trump’s tariffs do not represent all Americans,” Newsom said in a video message. “California remains a stable trading partner,” he said, directing his administration to pursue new trade opportunities globally.

    The move came just two days after U.S. President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs, including a 10-percent “minimum baseline tariff” on all imports, with higher rates for certain trading partners, effective on April 5.

    The new tariffs have drawn backlash from economies around the world, with countermeasures already pledged by some. Newsom urged the state’s “long-standing trade partners” to exempt California-made products from any retaliatory measures.

    “California leads the nation as the #1 state for agriculture and manufacturing — and it’s our workers, families, and farmers who stand to lose the most from this Trump tax hike and trade war,” said the governor in a statement.

    “To our international partners: As the fifth largest economy in the world, the Golden State will remain a steady, reliable partner for generations to come, no matter the turbulence coming out of Washington. California is not Washington, D.C.”

    With a gross domestic product of 3.9 trillion U.S. dollars, California is the largest importer among all U.S. states, with more than 675 billion dollars in two-way trade supporting millions of jobs across the state. Its economy is 50 percent bigger than the GDP of the nation’s next largest state, Texas, according to the governor’s office.

    The initiative directed the state administration to identify collaborative opportunities with trading partners that protect California’s economic interests, including workers, manufacturers and businesses, as well as broader supply chains linked to the state’s economy.

    The tariffs announced by the Trump administration could result in a 2.3 percent increase in overall inflation in the United States this year, including a 2.8 percent increase in food prices and an 8.4 percent increase in automotive prices. The tariffs’ impact could cost the average household 3,800 dollars a year, according to analysis by the Budget Lab at Yale University.

    Newsom is particularly concerned about the state’s agricultural sector. California produces about 80 percent of the world’s almonds, generating an industry worth approximately 5.6 billion dollars and supporting more than 100,000 jobs.

    The almond industry alone contributes about 11 billion dollars in added value to California’s economy, according to industry data. About 70 percent of the state’s almond crop is exported to more than 100 economies worldwide.

    Beyond agriculture, Newsom’s administration was concerned about disruptions to the state’s manufacturing sector. Manufactured goods dominate both California’s exports (87 percent) and imports (89 percent), making the state particularly vulnerable to tariff impacts.

    The Port of Los Angeles, a major trade hub, anticipates a possible 10 percent decrease in cargo volume due to the tariffs, which could result in job losses in the port and related industries.

    The governor’s initiative also aimed to safeguard access to critical construction materials needed for recovery efforts following the recent Los Angeles wildfires. Officials noted that current tariffs on Canadian lumber of 14 percent could rise to nearly 27 percent, hampering rebuilding efforts.

    State officials also expressed concern about supply chains between California and Baja, Mexico. They argued that taxing component goods each time they cross the border will raise final product prices for Californians.

    Moreover, the Sacramento Bee reported Friday that Newsom faced another serious question: “How much of a problem will tariffs be for the state’s economy, which is heavily reliant upon high-income earners, many of whom draw their wealth from stocks.”

    The UCLA Anderson Forecast issued a recession watch last month, citing tariffs as one factor in a possible downturn. But there are others, notably Trump’s crackdown on undocumented immigrants, which the Forecast saw as having the potential for reducing the labor pool in the state.

    Though legal experts noted that individual states do not have the constitutional authority to independently negotiate global trading deals regarding tariffs, as this power is reserved for the federal government, California has been cultivating relationships with foreign governments and officials independent of the current federal administration.

    California has a history of active engagement in international trade through various agreements and initiatives. It has entered into 38 international agreements with 28 different foreign partners, according to the governor’s office.

    The state government has established the International Affairs and Trade Development Interagency Committee, which advises Newsom on international trade matters and coordinates related state activities, and California maintains trade and investment desks in key markets to further its international economic objectives. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Consumers are boycotting US goods around the world. Should Trump be worried?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alan Bradshaw, Professor of Marketing, Royal Holloway University of London

    US alcohol has been removed from sale in the Canadian province of British Columbia. lenic/Shutterstock

    As politicians around the world scramble to respond to US “liberation day” tariffs, consumers have also begun flexing their muscles. “Boycott USA” messages and searches have been trending on social media and search engines, with users sharing advice on brands and products to avoid.

    Even before Donald Trump announced across-the-board tariffs, there had been protests and attacks on the president’s golf courses in Doonbeg in Ireland and Turnberry in Scotland in response to other policies. And in Canada, shoppers avoided US goods after Trump announced he could take over his northern neighbour.

    His close ally Elon Musk has seen protests at Tesla showrooms across Europe, Australia and New Zealand. New cars have been set on fire as part of the “Tesla take-down”, while Tesla sales have been on a deep downward trend. This has been especially noticeable in European countries where electric vehicles sales have been high, and in Australia.

    This targeting of Trump and Musk’s brands are part of wider boycotts of US goods as consumers look for ways to express their anger at the US administration.

    Denmark’s biggest retailer, Salling Group, has given the price label of all European products a black star, making it easy for customers to avoid US goods.

    Canadian shoppers are turning US products upside down in retail outlets so it’s easier for fellow shoppers to spot and avoid them. Canadian consumers can also download the Maple Scan app that checks barcodes to see if their grocery purchases are actually Canadian or have parent companies from the USA.

    Who owns what?

    The issue of ostensibly Canadian brands being owned by US capital illustrates the complexity of consumer boycotts – it can be difficult to identify which brands are American and which are not.

    In the UK, for example, many consumers would be surprised to learn how many famous British brands are actually American-owned – for example, Cadbury, Waterstones and Boots. So entwined are global economies that attempts by consumers to boycott US brands may also damage their local economies.

    This complexity is also present in Danish and Canadian Facebook groups that are dedicated to boycotting US goods. Consumers exchange tips on how to swap alternatives for American products.

    The fact that Facebook is a US-based company only demonstrates how deeply embedded consumer culture is in US technologies. European businesses often depend on American operating systems and cloud storage while consumers rely on US-owned social media platforms for communication.

    Even when consumers succeed in weeding out American products, if they pay using Visa, Mastercard or Apple Pay, a percentage of the price will nonetheless be rerouted to the US. If a touch payment is made with Worldpay, the percentage could be even greater.

    These American financial services show just how embedded US businesses are in retail in ways that consumers may not appreciate. In practice, an absolute boycott of US business is almost unimaginable.

    All-American brands

    But American branding is not always subtle. In addition to brands directly connected to the US administration – such as the Trump golf courses and Tesla – many other companies have always been flamboyantly American. Coca-Cola, Starbucks and Budweiser are just some examples where their American identities and proudly on show.

    As such, it’s possible that consumers will increasingly avoid blatantly American brands. They may be less concerned about the complexities and contradictions of a more comprehensive boycott.

    Consumer actions where the goal is political change are known as “proxy boycotts” because no particular company is the ultimate target. Rather, the brands and firms are targeted by consumers as a means to an end.

    Do boycotts work?

    A classic example of a proxy boycott took aim at French goods, particularly wine, in the mid-1990s. This was in response to president Jacques Chirac’s decision to conduct nuclear tests in the Pacific. The large-scale consumer boycotts contributed to France’s decision to abandon its nuclear tests in 1996.

    In Britain, for example, French wines in all categories lost market share as demand fell during the boycott. At the time, it cost the French wine sector £23 million (about £46 million today).

    These boycotts are a reminder that the interplay between corporations, brands and consumer culture are inevitably embedded in politics. The current political impasse demonstrates that consumers can participate in politics, not just with their votes, but also with their buying power.

    Trump clearly wants to demonstrate American strength. The “liberation day” tariffs, which were higher than most observers expected, bear this out. But many US corporations will now be worrying about how consumers in the US and around the world might respond. Trump could see a mass mobilisation of consumer power in ways that will give the president something to think about.

    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. Consumers are boycotting US goods around the world. Should Trump be worried? – https://theconversation.com/consumers-are-boycotting-us-goods-around-the-world-should-trump-be-worried-253389

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven Outlines Importance of Border Security in Stopping Flow of Fentanyl into American Communities

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven

    04.04.25

    Hoeven Outlines Importance of Border Security in Stopping Flow of Fentanyl into American Communities

    Click for video and audio.

    WASHINGTON – During remarks delivered on the floor of the U.S. Senate this week, Senator John Hoeven outlined the importance of border security in stopping the flow of fentanyl into the U.S. from Mexico and Canada. The senator pointed to the success of President Trump enforcing the law and reinstating the kinds of policies that discourage illegal crossings and empower U.S. border professionals to do their jobs. 

    The remarks come as part of Hoeven’s efforts to push back on illegal immigration, advance policies that will make the border truly secure and protect America’s communities against criminal organizations that smuggle fentanyl and other illicit substances into the U.S. Among other efforts, Hoeven joined the U.S. Senate last month in passing the Halt All Lethal Trafficking (HALT) Fentanyl Act, legislation to permanently classify fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I and apply mandatory minimum sentencing for the trafficking of fentanyl-related substances.

    “The result of our country returning to common-sense border security policies can be seen in the numbers. In March, Border Patrol agents encountered just 7,181 illegal immigrants attempting to cross the southern border. This is a stark contrast compared to just one year ago, when under President Biden the total encounters for the month of March totaled 137,473. That represents a 95 percent decrease in crossings,” said Hoeven. 

    “On his first day in office, President Trump signed a series of executive orders addressing the border crisis that have been affecting our country, and began the process of removing criminals who had illegally entered under the previous administration. These executive actions have served as the first step in reversing the catch and release policies that allowed members of cartels, gangs, and violent transnational criminal organizations, like MS-13 and Tren de Aragua, to remain in the United States while operating criminal enterprises. By declaring an emergency at the border – DHS, DOD, and DOJ – were able to take a whole of government approach and began working together to identify the criminals that were illegally operating these networks within our country.

    “The result of these harmful Democrat open border policies has been felt by us all, and have turned every state into a border state. Leadership for the DEA Omaha Division, which includes my state, said it plainly and simply – the repeated presence of fentanyl in our communities is due to outside forces… CBP officers, Border Patrol agents, state, local, and tribal law enforcement are stepping up to take on the fentanyl crisis at our borders. I urge my Democratic colleagues to join us in a bipartisan way and support the effort to continue securing our border, and going after the criminals that have illegally entered our country and continue to do harm.”

    In addition, Hoeven stressed that the efforts of the Trump administration have resulted in Canada and Mexico stepping up their own border enforcement to help stop drug trafficking. Hoeven highlighted that:

    • In February, the President of Mexico agreed to send 10,000 National Guard troops to help secure its northern border with the U.S.
    • The Canadian government has:
      • Named a fentanyl czar and listed Mexican cartels as terrorist groups.
      • Launched a Canada-U.S. Joint Strike Force to combat organized crime, fentanyl and money laundering.
      • Increased its law enforcement presence at the border with a 56 percent increase in border personnel at land borders and ports of entry.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Keating Cross Road exit from Pat Bay northbound closed for utility work

    Drivers are advised that the northbound left turn (Exit 18) from the Pat Bay Highway (Highway 17) onto Keating Cross Road is closed.

    Utility lines are down on Keating Cross Road just west of Highway 17, and BC Hydro crews will be making repairs.

    The duration of the closure is currently unknown. 

    Drive BC will be updated when more information is available.

    Drivers normally exiting onto Keating Cross Road should use Island View Road instead. The exit will be reopened when repairs are completed.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: CMHA Cowichan Valley Branch opens Youth Emergency Shelter with support of legacy donor

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    From CMHA-Cowichan Valley Branch: https://assets.nationbuilder.com/cowichancmha/pages/102/attachments/original/1743800294/NR_CMHA_Media_Release_FINAL_updated.pdf?1743800294

    In June 2024, the Ministry of Children and Family Development and Canadian Mental Health Association – Cowichan Valley Branch (CMHA-CVB) announced plans to establish a Youth Emergency Shelter or YES pilot project. Less than one year later, the Cowichan YES is now officially open and ready to support the youth in Duncan who need it most.

    Youth aged 15 to 18 years who are in crisis, or at risk of harm or homelessness, will have access to critical supports delivered by the Cowichan YES open day and night for youth in need.  

    Several youth who have visited the YES have echoed the essence of the program’s purpose. “Wow, this is a house, and it feels like a home” –  youth aged 16. Another youth noted the comfort of the bedrooms. “I can come and stay in a real bedroom with a real bed, some of the beds are huge.” – youth aged 17. Another excited youth commented on the program’s amenities by joyfully exclaiming, “You have a gym in here? When can I use it?”

    “I am pleased to announce that a safe space for the most vulnerable youth in the Cowichan Valley is not only a reality today but will become a legacy for years to come,” said Laurie Harding, CMHA-CVB board chair. “This dream was made possible by CMHA-CVB, along with the incredible support of hundreds of local community members volunteering their time, resources, and donations through our annual Coldest Night of the Year campaign.”  

    Approximately $204,000 was raised between 2022 and 2024 through the CMHA-CVB campaigns and those funds were used as a down payment to purchase a home, which has been transformed into this vital shelter space for youth.

    “With the opening of this shelter, the most vulnerable youth in the Cowichan Valley will have a safe place to turn, day or night, when they find themselves with nowhere else to go,” said Jodie Wickens, Minister of Children and Family Development. “This home is another important resource to keep Cowichan youth safer by connecting them to the supports they need when they need them.”

    In addition to the funds from the Coldest Night of the Year campaigns and up to $4 million funding from the Province, the Mischa Weisz Foundation donated $450,000. That donation will allow CMHA-CVB to pay off the mortgage and to purchase a van to provide outreach to youth in Duncan and outlying communities within the Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD). The significant legacy donation will help transform the lives of some of the most vulnerable young people in the Cowichan Valley.

    Recognizing with respect that YES Cowichan is located on Quw’utsun lands, and for the generous donation by the Mischa Weisz Foundation, the name Mischa Lelum has been chosen to recognize both the legacy of Mischa Weisz and because “Lelum” is a fitting Hulqiminum word meaning home.

    “We know that many young people in our community have been facing significant challenges since the pandemic,” said Debra Toporowski, MLA, Cowichan Valley. “It’s so gratifying to see the dedication and hard work of Cowichan Tribes, CMHA, community partners, the B.C. government and even an individual donor, come to fruition to make a difference for vulnerable youth.”

    “The creation of this home is reflective of our collective strength as a community, wisdom as an organization, and the unwavering care and concern for those we serve,” says Laurie Harding, CMHA-CVB board president. “Through a commitment to supporting a healthier community, it is our hope that our actions clearly demonstrate that ‘Everyone Matters.’  We cannot do this work alone, and we are extremely grateful to community partners who have supported our work by walking with us, volunteering, and through their generous donations. Thank you as well to MCFD, Guido Weisz, and all of you here today for working collaboratively with us. Through our partnerships, we demonstrate that ‘We are Better Standing Together’ and that our youth matter.”  

    The Cowichan Valley YES is one more youth-centred service that CMHA-CVB offers.

    Background:

    YES Cowichan

    The Youth Emergency Shelter is a 24/7 therapeutic community-based crisis service in Duncan that provides a temporary safe placement (one to 14 days) for youth who are experiencing homelessness, or unstable/precarious living situations, and are in need of a temporary placement and support services. Currently there are three bedrooms available. YES consists of three essential elements: overnight shelter, drop-in day programming, and outreach services. Community partners will provide wraparound supports to youth accessing the YES and will work together to ensure youth receive the resources and assistance they require. Youth will be involved in the design and implementation of the programs to ensure those fit their needs.  The first YES opened in Maple Ridge in December 2023.

    Cowichan Youth at Home Team

    The YES program is a result of efforts led by the Cowichan Youth at Home Team: a partnership organization made up of members from CMHA-CVB, Cowichan Tribes, Cowichan Valley School District, Cowichan Valley Youth Services, Island Health Population and Public Health, Our Communities Health Network, and the Ministry of Children and Family Development. “We are grateful to our community partners for their collective commitment and hard work in making a safe space a reality. Together we are making a difference because we believe that ‘Every Child Matters’.”

    Mischa Weisz Foundation

    The Mischa Weisz Foundation has been supporting unhoused youth by providing a grant that has been delivering food and making critical connections over the past three years. Mischa was an entrepreneur whose life was, sadly, cut short. Deeply grounded in his life values, Mischa believed that youth are the future and that we should invest in them if we want to make the world a better place. He also believed that “while people may be trapped in unfortunate circumstances, or disadvantaged by complex factors, all of us have potential within us,” says his brother Guido Weisz. Mischa created the Mischa Weisz Foundation which has been co-managed by his brother.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Video: Kaine Speaks on Senate Floor to Oppose ‘Economic Idiocy’ of Tariffs, Program Cuts to Pay for Billionaire Tax Breaks

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
    BROADCAST-QUALITY VIDEO IS AVAILABLE HERE.
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Budget Committee, spoke on the Senate floor to highlight his strong opposition to Republicans’ budget plan. President Donald Trump and Republicans are proposing using the revenue from tariffs and massive, across-the-board cuts to programs that Virginians rely on—including Medicaid—to pay for tax cuts for billionaires. Republicans are using a legislative process known as “reconciliation,” which allows certain legislation to be expedited and passed in the Senate by a simple majority, avoiding the 60-vote threshold needed for most other legislation.
    “President Trump deemed these tariffs as ‘reciprocal tariffs,’ but I got another phrase for them: They are economic idiocy,” said Kaine. “They will hurt our families, they will hurt our businesses, they will hurt our farmers, and all the economic signs suggest that President Trump is flipping the world’s strongest economy toward recession.”
    “President Trump started with the strongest economy in the world the day he was inaugurated—a strong stock market, strong consumer confidence, strong growth rates and growth projections, manufacturing up, infrastructure up, America building again,” Kaine continued. “In two months, his chaotic economic idiocy has turned it around… the American economy has nothing but red lights and question marks all over it.”
    “Trump says these are reciprocal tariffs—we are putting tariffs on nations who are treating us unfairly in trade. But he’s imposing tariffs even on nations that put no tariffs on U.S. products, that have no trade barriers on U.S. products,” Kaine continued. “He said he was imposing tariffs on nations where the U.S. has trade deficits … but guess what? We have trade surpluses with Brazil, Australia, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, Singapore, and the U.K. So what did Donald Trump do? He put tariffs on them anyway.”
    “The tariffs are not designed to punish adversaries since we are hurting allies and treating them worse than adversaries in many ways. The tariffs are not designed to lower trade barriers since nations with no trade barriers are still getting socked. The tariffs are not designed to counter trade deficits since nations where we have trade surpluses are getting socked,” Kaine said. “So why do them at all? Why punish Americans with a national sales tax, which all the economists say is the largest peacetime tax ever imposed in U.S. history?”
    “It’s about raising money to fund a tax cut for the rich,” Kaine continued. “These tariffs will raise $6 trillion over the course of the next 10 years—about $600 billion all taken out of the pockets of everyday Americans who are paying more for groceries, who are paying more for building supplies when they do a home renovation, farmers who are paying more for fertilizer… the $6 trillion dollars that these tariffs will raise all come out of the pocketbooks of Americans who are working hard and who don’t want to pay more taxes.”
    “President Trump and my colleagues here are setting up a budget where they’ll take that $6 trillion and they’ll add to it all of these ‘slash-and-burn’ cuts,” Kaine said. “They’ll combine the tariff revenue with the savings from Medicaid cuts or cuts to school nutrition or cuts to the Pell Grant program, and then they will take all of that revenue and hand it over to the richest people in this country, many of whom are the richest people on the Planet Earth.”
    “That’s what we’re going to fight against in this budget, and in the same way that we succeeded by getting Republicans to vote with us against the Canadian tariffs a few days ago, it is my hope that when we get to the end of this process, we will have some Republican colleagues, in this house and the next, who will stand up against a President who thinks one man can shatter the economy and impose costs on everyday people to benefit himself and his friends,” Kaine concluded.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Files Budget Amendments to Help Hardworking Vermonters  

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    Welch filed 61 amendments to the budget 
    WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee and Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, filed 61 amendments to Senate Republicans’ budget plan. The Senator’s amendments aim to help working families through the affordability crisis, defend programs, services, and disaster aid from Elon Musk’s so-called “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE), and combat President Trump’s reckless, illegal agenda.  
    Senate Republicans’ budget plan, unveiled Wednesday, attacks Medicaid, Medicare, and the health care of seniors, children, people with disabilities, and rural patients; threatens Social Security for millions; raises costs for working families and enables President Trump’s trade war; jeopardizes support and health care for veterans; and gives DOGE a greenlight to destroy the federal government—all in the service of paying for Trump’s tax cut to billionaires.  
    “A budget plan says a lot about your values, and President Trump and Senate Republicans’ budget is cruel. They’re threatening the economic and physical health of families, seniors, children, and folks across the country. They’re trying to cut federal funding for hardworking Americans and pass $7 trillion in tax breaks for billionaires and corporations. I’m standing up against their nonsense every step of the way,” said Senator Welch. “That’s why I’ve filed 61 amendments to their budget, which will better address the affordability crisis Vermonters face right now and defend against Elon Musk’s attempts to dismantle our government and the programs people rely on.”   
    Senator Welch’s amendments to the Republican budget resolution would:   
    Address the Affordability Crisis: 
    An amendment to block tax cuts to billionaires paid for by cutting meals for hungry seniors and eliminating child care services for families. 
    Amendments to support federal dairy programs, organic farmers, and young and beginning farmers. 
    An amendment to address the impacts of disasters in rural communities.   
    An amendment to promote innovation, domestic job creation and U.S. competitiveness. This amendment would support Vermont’s growing semiconductor industry and America’s Tech Hubs. 
    Amendments to block the extension of tax cuts for the wealthy and large corporations until all federal services are provided. 
    Defend Federal Programs and Disaster Aid from Elon Musk: 
    Amendments to prohibit cuts to the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, the Weatherization Assistance Program, and to improve rural access to nutrition programs. 
    Amendments to protect and defend rural broadband deployment and promote internet affordability.   
    An amendment to prohibit the elimination of over-to-phone identity verification for Social Security beneficiaries. 
    Amendments to prohibit the reduction or elimination of funding for rural care providers, health centers, and critical access hospitals.   
    Amendments to limit affiliates of the Department of Government Efficiency’s ability to access federal payment systems and personally identifiable information of Social Security beneficiaries. 
    An amendment to protect disaster survivors’ data privacy during any interaction with Department of Government Efficiency personnel. 
    An amendment prohibiting any reduction in disaster response and recovery programs for States and local communities. 
    Combat Trump’s Reckless and Illegal Agenda:   
    Amendments to preserve relations between the United States and Canada, and to prohibit Canadian energy tariffs that raise energy costs domestically.  
    An amendment to block legislation that enables U.S. troops to operate in Gaza to assist in the displacement or removal of Palestinians from Gaza. 
    An amendment to prevent enforcement of the Alien Enemies Act, unless there is a declared war between the United States and any foreign government, or an invasion of predatory incursion is perpetrated. 
    An amendment to prevent the arrest, detainment and deportation of college students and faculty on the grounds they have expressed views the sitting administration objects to. 
    An amendment that would block legislation banning the Associated Press from the White House. 
    An amendment that would preserve United States-Denmark relations. 
    An amendment to address global hunger including hiring aid workers and facilitating the dispersal of aid into Gaza 
    In addition, Senator Welch cosponsored 31 amendments. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Partners Value Split Corp. to Redeem Its Class AA Preferred Shares, Series 11

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, April 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Partners Value Split Corp. (the “Company”) announced today its intention to redeem all of its 6,000,000 outstanding Class AA Preferred Shares, Series 11 (“Preferred Shares, Series 11”) for cash on April 22, 2025 (the “Redemption Date”) in accordance with the terms of the Preferred Shares, Series 11.

    The redemption price per Preferred Share, Series 11 will be equal to C$25.00 per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends of C$0.17 per share to April 21, 2025, representing a total redemption price of C$25.17 per share (the “Redemption Price”).

    Notice has been delivered to holders of the Preferred Shares, Series 11 in accordance with the terms of the Preferred Shares, Series 11.

    From and after the Redemption Date, the Preferred Shares, Series 11 will cease to be entitled to dividends or any other participation in any distribution of the assets of the Company and the holders thereof shall not be entitled to exercise any of their rights as shareholders in respect thereof except to receive the Redemption Price (less any tax required to be deducted and withheld by the Company). After the redemption of the Preferred Shares, Series 11, the Company will consolidate the existing capital shares held by Partners Value Investments Inc. so that there are an equal number of preferred shares and capital shares outstanding.

    About Partners Value Split Corp.

    The Company owns a portfolio consisting of approximately 120 million Class A Limited Voting Shares of Brookfield Corporation and approximately 30 million Class A Limited Voting Shares of Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. (collectively, the “Brookfield Shares”) which are expected to yield quarterly dividends that are sufficient to fund quarterly fixed cumulative preferential dividends for the holders of the Company’s preferred shares and to enable the holders of the Company’s capital shares to participate in any capital appreciation of the Brookfield Shares.

    Brookfield Corporation is a leading global investment firm focused on building long-term wealth for institutions and individuals around the world. Brookfield Corporation has three core businesses: alternative asset management, wealth solutions, and its operating businesses which are in renewable power, infrastructure, business and industrial services, and real estate. Brookfield Corporation is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol BN.

    Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. is a leading global alternative asset manager, headquartered in New York, with approximately US$1 trillion of assets under management across renewable power & transition, infrastructure, private equity, real estate, and credit. Brookfield Asset Management Ltd.’s objective is to generate attractive, long-term risk-adjusted returns for the benefit of its clients and shareholders. Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol BAM.

    For further information, contact Investor Relations at 416-643-7621.

    This news release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of Canadian provincial securities laws and regulations. The words “expected”, “will”, “agreed” and “enable” and other expressions are predictions of or indicate future events, trends or prospects and do not relate to historical matters or identify forward-looking information. Forward-looking information in this news release includes statements with regard to the redemption of Class AA Preferred Shares, Series 11.

    Although the Company believes that the anticipated future results or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information and statements are based upon reasonable assumptions and expectations, the reader should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking information and statements because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from anticipated future results, performance or achievement expressed or implied by such forward-looking information and statements.

    Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated or implied by forward‐looking statements and information include, but are not limited to: the financial performance of Brookfield Corporation and Brookfield Asset Management Ltd., the impact or unanticipated impact of general economic, political and market factors; the behavior of financial markets, including fluctuations in interest and foreign exchanges rates; limitations on the liquidity of our investments; global equity and capital markets and the availability of equity and debt financing and refinancing within these markets; strategic actions including dispositions; changes in accounting policies and methods used to report financial condition (including uncertainties associated with critical accounting assumptions and estimates); the effect of applying future accounting changes; business competition; operational and reputational risks; technological change; changes in government regulation and legislation; changes in tax laws; risks associated with the use of financial leverage; catastrophic events, such as earthquakes and hurricanes; the possible impact of international conflicts and other developments including terrorist acts; and other risks and factors detailed from time to time in the Company’s documents filed with the securities regulators in Canada.

    We caution that the foregoing list of important factors that may affect future results is not exhaustive. When relying on our forward-looking information to make decisions with respect to the Company, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Except as may be required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information or statements, whether written or oral, that may be as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Reference should be made to the Company’s most recent Annual Information Form for a description of the major risk factors.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Briefing with industry stakeholders on Canada’s response to U.S. tariffs

    Source: Government of Canada News

    April 4, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – Department of Finance Canada

    Today, the Department of Finance hosted a recurring briefing with Canadian industry and labour stakeholders, as well as provincial and territorial representatives, on Canada-U.S. economic issues. Canada’s Embassy in the U.S. also joined the call.

    The discussion focused on the recent tariff actions by the U.S., including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act invoked on April 2 to apply “reciprocal tariffs” on goods from nearly all countries, not including Canada and Mexico, as well as new U.S. tariffs imposed on automobiles that entered into force on April 3.

    Officials highlighted Canada’s countermeasures response to U.S. auto tariffs, including yesterday’s announcement by the Prime Minister, and outlined the tariff support measures that have been introduced to support Canadian workers and businesses. This includes introducing temporary special measures to the EI Work-Sharing Program, providing up to $40 billion in liquidity to businesses by deferring corporate income tax payments and GST/HST remittances, and providing liquidity support through Canada’s financial Crown corporations.

    The government underscored its commitment to continue fighting against the unjustified tariffs imposed by the U.S. while protecting impacted workers and businesses and building Canada’s economy.

    Related links

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Canada providing assistance in response to earthquake’s devastation in Myanmar

    Source: Government of Canada News

    April 4, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

    Following the powerful earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28, 2025, and the resulting significant loss of lives and destruction of infrastructure, Canada is responding by providing up to $9.75 million in humanitarian assistance. This funding will support emergency medical services and provide shelter, food and other essential items, and is being allocated as follows:

    • $4 million to the Canadian Red Cross to support the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
    • $2 million to the World Food Programme
    • $2 million to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs to support the Myanmar Humanitarian Fund
    • Up to $1.75 million to the Humanitarian Coalition and its members through the Canadian Humanitarian Assistance Fund.

    Canada also welcomes the release of US$5 million from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund, to which Canada is a long-standing donor, to support urgent humanitarian needs such as shelter, food and water. 

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: United States Secures the Extradition from Canada, Colombia, Germany, Honduras, Kosovo, Israel, Mexico, Spain and Thailand of Fugitives Wanted for Murder, Drug Trafficking, Child Sexual Abuse and Cybercrime in California, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Minne

    Source: US State of Vermont

    Extensive coordination and cooperation efforts between the United States Department of Justice and law enforcement authorities in Canada, Colombia, Germany, Honduras, Kosovo, Israel, Mexico, Spain, and Thailandresulted in the extraditions last week of individuals alleged to have committed murder child sexual abuse, drug trafficking, cybercrime, money laundering, and fraud.

    The fugitives extradited to the United States include:

    • Roberto Avina-Casillas, 30, a Mexican citizen, was extradited from Mexico to stand trial in Franklin County, Ohio for murder, felonious assault and endangering children. Avina-Casillas evaded arrest for more than 11 years after he was accused of the Aug. 7, 2013 death of his former girlfriend’s 3-year-old son.
    • Justin David Lanoue, 44, a Canadian citizen, was extradited from Canada to stand trial in Washington County, Utah, on charges filed against him in 2015 related to child rape and felony sexual abuse of a minor. The Washington County Attorney’s Office is handling the prosecution.
    • Dominik Rydz, 24, a Polish national, was extradited from Germany to stand trial in the state of Michigan, where he faces two counts of criminal sexual conduct in the second degree and one count of unlawful imprisonment. On the night of Sept. 3, 2023, Rydz allegedly lured a woman away from her friends at a social gathering and proceeded to sexually assault the victim and would not let her leave. Rydz’s extradition was first sought from Poland, where he resided. While out on release from the Polish proceedings, Rydz travelled to Germany and was arrested there on an INTERPOL Red Notice.
    • Olof Kyros Gustafsson, also known as “El Silencio,” 31, a Swedish national, was extradited from Spain to face conspiracy, wire and mail fraud, and money laundering charges in a 115-count federal indictment filed in the Central District of California alleging that he licensed the rights to use the name and persona of the late Colombian narco-terrorist Pablo Escobar and defrauded investors around the world by marketing and selling products — including flamethrowers and cellphones — that did not exist and that he never delivered to paying customers.
    • Ardit Kutleshi, 26, and Jetmir Kutleshi, 28, both Kosovo nationals, were extradited from Kosovo to face identity theft, access device fraud, and money laundering charges in the Western District of Pennsylvania for their roles as the alleged administrators of the Rydox cybercrime marketplace, an illicit website dedicated to selling stolen personal information, access devices, and other tools for carrying out cybercrime and fraud. The Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania are handling the prosecution.
    • Rene Javier Santos Alfaro, 53, a Honduran citizen, was extradited from Honduras to stand trial in the Southern District of Florida for drug trafficking offenses. Santos Alfaro is an alleged leader of a drug trafficking organization based in Honduras that was allegedly responsible for importing large quantities of cocaine from Honduras directly into Miami via commercial aircraft.
    • Cristian Eduardo Garcia Jerez, 36, a Colombian national, was extradited from Colombia to face drug trafficking charges in the Northern District of Georgia. Garcia Jerez is alleged to have owned two cocaine processing laboratories and coordinated the manufacturing of cocaine in Colombia and the smuggling of cocaine from Colombia into the United States.
    • Jose Guillermo Granja Rojas, 36, a Mexican national, was extradited from Colombia to face a money laundering conspiracy charge in the Northern District of Georgia. Granja Rojas was allegedly a money launderer for a Mexico-based drug trafficking organization (DTO) who collected hundreds of thousands of dollars of proceeds from the sale of methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin in the United States and transferred them to Mexico. DTO members directed the deposit of drug proceeds into accounts allegedly controlled by Granja Rojas, and Granja Rojas also allegedly traveled from Mexico to the United States to receive cash drug proceeds in person.
    • Tien Vy Tai Truong, 46, an alleged leader of a transnational drug trafficking organization, was extradited from Thailand to face conspiracy to export methamphetamine charges in a 2024 indictment filed in the Central District of California. Truong is alleged to have engaged in negotiations with a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) confidential human source to export about 200 pounds of methamphetamine from the United States to Australia for sale.

    The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs (OIA) provided significant assistance in securing the defendants’ arrests and extraditions along with the U.S. Marshals Service. OIA and the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section’s Office of Judicial Attaché in Bogotá, Colombia provided significant assistance in securing the arrests and extraditions from Colombia. The Criminal Division’s Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training (OPDAT) also provided assistance with the extraditions from Kosovo. The Justice Department thanks and acknowledges the instrumental role of its law enforcement partners in Canada, Colombia, Germany, Honduras, Kosovo, Israel, Mexico, Spain, and Thailand for making these extraditions possible.

    An indictment and criminal complaint are merely allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: United States Secures the Extradition from Canada, Colombia, Germany, Honduras, Kosovo, Israel, Mexico, Spain and Thailand of Fugitives Wanted for Murder, Drug Trafficking, Child Sexual Abuse and Cybercrime in California, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Minne

    Source: United States Attorneys General 11

    Extensive coordination and cooperation efforts between the United States Department of Justice and law enforcement authorities in Canada, Colombia, Germany, Honduras, Kosovo, Israel, Mexico, Spain, and Thailandresulted in the extraditions last week of individuals alleged to have committed murder child sexual abuse, drug trafficking, cybercrime, money laundering, and fraud.

    The fugitives extradited to the United States include:

    • Roberto Avina-Casillas, 30, a Mexican citizen, was extradited from Mexico to stand trial in Franklin County, Ohio for murder, felonious assault and endangering children. Avina-Casillas evaded arrest for more than 11 years after he was accused of the Aug. 7, 2013 death of his former girlfriend’s 3-year-old son.
    • Justin David Lanoue, 44, a Canadian citizen, was extradited from Canada to stand trial in Washington County, Utah, on charges filed against him in 2015 related to child rape and felony sexual abuse of a minor. The Washington County Attorney’s Office is handling the prosecution.
    • Dominik Rydz, 24, a Polish national, was extradited from Germany to stand trial in the state of Michigan, where he faces two counts of criminal sexual conduct in the second degree and one count of unlawful imprisonment. On the night of Sept. 3, 2023, Rydz allegedly lured a woman away from her friends at a social gathering and proceeded to sexually assault the victim and would not let her leave. Rydz’s extradition was first sought from Poland, where he resided. While out on release from the Polish proceedings, Rydz travelled to Germany and was arrested there on an INTERPOL Red Notice.
    • Olof Kyros Gustafsson, also known as “El Silencio,” 31, a Swedish national, was extradited from Spain to face conspiracy, wire and mail fraud, and money laundering charges in a 115-count federal indictment filed in the Central District of California alleging that he licensed the rights to use the name and persona of the late Colombian narco-terrorist Pablo Escobar and defrauded investors around the world by marketing and selling products — including flamethrowers and cellphones — that did not exist and that he never delivered to paying customers.
    • Ardit Kutleshi, 26, and Jetmir Kutleshi, 28, both Kosovo nationals, were extradited from Kosovo to face identity theft, access device fraud, and money laundering charges in the Western District of Pennsylvania for their roles as the alleged administrators of the Rydox cybercrime marketplace, an illicit website dedicated to selling stolen personal information, access devices, and other tools for carrying out cybercrime and fraud. The Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania are handling the prosecution.
    • Rene Javier Santos Alfaro, 53, a Honduran citizen, was extradited from Honduras to stand trial in the Southern District of Florida for drug trafficking offenses. Santos Alfaro is an alleged leader of a drug trafficking organization based in Honduras that was allegedly responsible for importing large quantities of cocaine from Honduras directly into Miami via commercial aircraft.
    • Cristian Eduardo Garcia Jerez, 36, a Colombian national, was extradited from Colombia to face drug trafficking charges in the Northern District of Georgia. Garcia Jerez is alleged to have owned two cocaine processing laboratories and coordinated the manufacturing of cocaine in Colombia and the smuggling of cocaine from Colombia into the United States.
    • Jose Guillermo Granja Rojas, 36, a Mexican national, was extradited from Colombia to face a money laundering conspiracy charge in the Northern District of Georgia. Granja Rojas was allegedly a money launderer for a Mexico-based drug trafficking organization (DTO) who collected hundreds of thousands of dollars of proceeds from the sale of methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin in the United States and transferred them to Mexico. DTO members directed the deposit of drug proceeds into accounts allegedly controlled by Granja Rojas, and Granja Rojas also allegedly traveled from Mexico to the United States to receive cash drug proceeds in person.
    • Tien Vy Tai Truong, 46, an alleged leader of a transnational drug trafficking organization, was extradited from Thailand to face conspiracy to export methamphetamine charges in a 2024 indictment filed in the Central District of California. Truong is alleged to have engaged in negotiations with a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) confidential human source to export about 200 pounds of methamphetamine from the United States to Australia for sale.

    The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs (OIA) provided significant assistance in securing the defendants’ arrests and extraditions along with the U.S. Marshals Service. OIA and the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section’s Office of Judicial Attaché in Bogotá, Colombia provided significant assistance in securing the arrests and extraditions from Colombia. The Criminal Division’s Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training (OPDAT) also provided assistance with the extraditions from Kosovo. The Justice Department thanks and acknowledges the instrumental role of its law enforcement partners in Canada, Colombia, Germany, Honduras, Kosovo, Israel, Mexico, Spain, and Thailand for making these extraditions possible.

    An indictment and criminal complaint are merely allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Hut 8 Operations Update for March 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    102% increase in deployed hashrate from an average of 4.6 EH/s in February 2025 to 9.3 EH/s as of the end of March 2025

    31% improvement in fleet efficiency from an average of 29.3 J/TH in February 2025 to 20.1 J/TH as of the end of March 2025

    Launch of American Bitcoin in partnership with Eric Trump

    MIAMI, April 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hut 8 Corp. (Nasdaq | TSX: HUT) (“Hut 8” or the “Company”), an energy infrastructure platform integrating power, digital infrastructure, and compute at scale to fuel next-generation, energy-intensive use cases such as Bitcoin mining and high-performance computing, today released its operations update for March 2025.

    “This month, we achieved strong alignment between operational momentum and long-term strategic direction,” said Asher Genoot, CEO of Hut 8. “Thanks to our team’s disciplined execution, our fleet upgrade has already more than doubled deployed hashrate to 9.3 EH/s while driving fleet efficiency down to 20.1 J/TH as of the end of March.”

    “This operational progress set the stage for a pivotal milestone in our platform strategy: the carveout of substantially all of our ASIC miners into American Bitcoin, a standalone mining entity and majority-owned subsidiary of Hut 8 purpose-built for scale, speed, and capital efficiency. We are excited to launch American Bitcoin in partnership with Eric Trump and to welcome him as a strategic advisor to Hut 8 as we scale our platform.”

    “As we advance the evolution of Hut 8 toward Power and Digital Infrastructure, we are also evolving our approach to disclosure. Going forward, Hut 8 will no longer publish monthly operational updates. Instead, we’ll provide more holistic updates on a quarterly basis or as material developments arise, aligning with disclosure standards followed by peers in the energy and digital infrastructure sectors.”

    “Importantly, the ASIC miners we now operate for American Bitcoin generate revenue for Hut 8 across two distinct reporting segments: Managed Services within Power and ASIC Colocation within Digital Infrastructure.”

    Highlights

    • Step function changes in deployed hashrate and fleet efficiency
    • Launch of American Bitcoin, a pure-play mining subsidiary formed with Eric Trump
    • Shift to institutional reporting cadence

    Operating Metrics

      March 2025 February 2025
      As of the end of the period Average during the period unless otherwise noted
    Total energy capacity under management (mining)1,3 665 MW 665 MW2
    Total deployed miners under management4 120.8K 109.2K
    Total hashrate under management5 16.9 EH/s 12.3 EH/s
         
    Bitcoin Mining6    
    Deployed miners7,8 53.8K 41.5K
    Deployed hashrate9 9.3 EH/s 4.6 EH/s
    Fleet efficiency 20.1 J/TH 29.3 J/TH
    Bitcoin produced10 88 BTC 46 BTC2
    Bitcoin held in reserve11 10,264 BTC 10,237 BTC2
         
    Managed Services12    
    Energy capacity under management 280 MW 280 MW2
    Deployed miners under management8 83.8K 84.4K
    Hashrate under management 9.3 EH/s 9.4 EH/s
         
    ASIC Colocation    
    Deployed miners under management8,13 67.0K 67.7K
    Hashrate under management14 7.6 EH/s 7.7 EH/s


    Energy Infrastructure Platform    2

            Contracted Revenue Stream(s)15
    Site Location Owner16 Power Capacity Bitcoin Mining Managed Services ASIC Colocation CPU Colocation / Data Center Cloud Power Generation
    Vega17 Texas Panhandle Hut 8 205 MW     Yes    
    Medicine Hat Medicine Hat, AB Hut 8 67 MW Yes18        
    Salt Creek Orla, TX Hut 8 63 MW Yes18        
    Alpha Niagara Falls, NY Hut 8 50 MW Yes18        
    Drumheller19 Drumheller, AB Hut 8 42 MW          
    Kelowna Kelowna, BC Hut 8 1.1 MW       Yes  
    Mississauga Mississauga, ON Hut 8 0.9 MW       Yes  
    Vaughan Vaughan, ON Hut 8 0.6 MW       Yes  
    Vancouver II Vancouver, BC Hut 8 0.5 MW       Yes  
    Vancouver I Vancouver, BC Hut 8 0.3 MW       Yes  
    King Mountain20 McCamey, TX Hut 8 (JV) 280 MW Yes18 Yes Yes    
    Iroquois Falls21 Iroquois Falls, ON Hut 8 (JV) 120 MW         Yes
    Kingston21 Kingston, ON Hut 8 (JV) 110 MW         Yes
    North Bay21 North Bay, ON Hut 8 (JV) 40 MW         Yes
    Kapuskasing21 Kapuskasing, ON Hut 8 (JV) 40 MW         Yes
    Total     1,020 MW          
    Notes:  
      (1) Energy capacity under management (mining) includes (i) 180 MW of Bitcoin Mining sites comprised of Alpha, Medicine Hat, and Salt Creek, (ii) 205 MW of ASIC Colocation capacity at Vega, which is currently under construction, and (iii) 280 MW of capacity under management at King Mountain.
      (2) As of the end of the period.
      (3) Includes 205 MW of capacity at Vega as the site is expected to host miners for BITMAIN.
      (4) Includes all miners that are racked with power and networking, rounded to the nearest 100, in Bitcoin Mining, Managed Services, and ASIC Colocation infrastructure with power and networking, including all miners at the King Mountain site.
      (5) Includes all Bitcoin Mining, Managed Services, and ASIC Colocation hashrate, including 100% of the hashrate at the King Mountain site.
      (6) Bitcoin Mining operations for Hut 8 include 100% of operations at the King Mountain site.
      (7) Deployed miners are defined as those physically racked with power and networking, rounded to the nearest 100; deployed Bitcoin Mining miners net of the 50% share of the King Mountain JV held by Hut 8’s joint venture partner was 45.4K during March and 33.1K during February.
      (8) Miners are rounded to the nearest 100.
      (9) Indicates the target hashrate of all deployed miners; deployed Bitcoin Mining hashrate net of the 50% share of the King Mountain JV held by Hut 8’s joint venture partner was 8.5 EH/s during March and 3.8 EH/s during February.
      (10) Bitcoin produced net of the 50% share of the King Mountain JV held by Hut 8’s joint venture partner was 78 during March and 38 BTC during February.
      (11) Includes 968 Bitcoin pledged and transferred to a third-party wallet to finance Hut’s previously announced fleet upgrade.
      (12) Managed Services includes 280 MW of capacity under management at King Mountain.
      (13) 41.9K deployed miners under management net of the 50% share of the King Mountain JV held by Hut 8’s joint venture partner during March compared to 33.8K during February.
      (14) 4.7 EH/s under management net of Hut 8’s joint venture partner’s 50% share of the King Mountain JV during March compared to 3.8 EH/s during February.
      (15) Reflects revenue sources to Hut 8, its subsidiaries, and/or joint ventures in which they participate during the period.
      (16) Owned denotes ownership of power infrastructure at owned or leased data center locations, except for HPC sites where owned denotes ownership of mechanical and electrical infrastructure at leased data center locations.
      (17) Site is currently under development.
      (18) As of April 1, 2025, as a result of the launch of American Bitcoin, the site no longer generates revenue under Bitcoin Mining and instead generates revenue under Managed Services and ASIC Colocation.
      (19) Site currently shut down; Hut 8 maintaining lease with option value of re-energizing site.
      (20) Owned by a JV between Hut 8 and a Fortune 200 renewable energy producer in which Hut 8 has an approximately 50% membership interest.
      (21) Owned by a JV between Hut 8 and Macquarie in which Hut 8 has an approximately 80% membership interest.


    About Hut 8     

    Hut 8 Corp. is an energy infrastructure platform integrating power, digital infrastructure, and compute at scale to fuel next-generation, energy-intensive use cases such as Bitcoin mining and high-potential computing. We take a power-first, innovation-driven approach to developing, commercializing, and operating the critical infrastructure that underpins the breakthrough technologies of today and tomorrow. Our platform spans 1,020 megawatts of energy capacity under management across 15 sites in the United States and Canada: five colocation and Managed Services sites in Alberta, New York, and Texas, five high performance computing data centers in British Columbia and Ontario, four power generation assets in Ontario, and one non-operational site in Alberta. For more information, visit www.hut8.com and follow us on X (formerly known as Twitter) at @Hut8Corp.

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward–Looking Information

    This press release includes “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Canadian securities laws and United States securities laws, respectively (collectively, “forward-looking information”). All information, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events, or developments that Hut 8 expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including statements relating to the Company’s platform strategy and evolution, including the success of American Bitcoin.

    Statements containing forward-looking information are not historical facts, but instead represent management’s expectations, estimates, and projections regarding future events based on certain material factors and assumptions at the time the statement was made. While considered reasonable by Hut 8 as of the date of this press release, such statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including, but not limited to, failure of critical systems; geopolitical, social, economic, and other events and circumstances; competition from current and future competitors; risks related to power requirements; cybersecurity threats and breaches; hazards and operational risks; changes in leasing arrangements; Internet-related disruptions; dependence on key personnel; having a limited operating history; attracting and retaining customers; entering into new offerings or lines of business; price fluctuations and rapidly changing technologies; construction of new data centers, data center expansions, or data center redevelopment; predicting facility requirements; strategic alliances or joint ventures; operating and expanding internationally; failing to grow hashrate; purchasing miners; relying on third-party mining pool service providers; uncertainty in the development and acceptance of the Bitcoin network; Bitcoin halving events; competition from other methods of investing in Bitcoin; concentration of Bitcoin holdings; hedging transactions; potential liquidity constraints; legal, regulatory, governmental, and technological uncertainties; physical risks related to climate change; involvement in legal proceedings; trading volatility; and other risks described from time to time in Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. In particular, see the Company’s recent and upcoming annual and quarterly reports and other continuous disclosure documents, which are available under the Company’s EDGAR profile at www.sec.gov and SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

    Hut 8 Corp. Investor Relations
    Sue Ennis
    ir@hut8.com

    Hut 8 Corp. Public Relations
    Gautier Lemyze-Young
    gautier.young@hut8.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pallone Blasts Republicans, NJ’s Grid Manager for Raising Electricity Rates in the State

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank Pallone (6th District of New Jersey)

    Washington, D.C. – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr (NJ-06), the top Democrat on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, today lashed out at PJM, the organization that manages New Jersey’s electric grid, for raising electricity bills in the state.

    Pallone explained over 27 years ago, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Order 888 brought competition to electricity markets around the country. Since that time, the competition encouraged by these markets has broadly lowered wholesale energy prices and made the grid cleaner, all while ensuring reliability.

    “But that’s not guaranteed, and I’m worried that some of the rules of the road that govern PJM and other Regional Transmission Organizations could start to harm consumers. Last year, partially as a result of poor market design, capacity prices in the PJM region exploded from $29 to $270 per megawatt-day. These price increases aren’t abstract – they are directly responsible for a roughly $25 per month increase in New Jersey power bills that my constituents will start feeling in June,” said Pallone.

    “For the third time this Congress, we’re having an important hearing focusing on the reliability and affordability of electricity in this country. And for the third time, my Republican colleagues are going to purposefully ignore the fact they’re attempting to repeal the single biggest incentive to build electricity capacity in this country – the Inflation Reduction Act,” said Pallone. “Repealing billions of dollars in technology funding for all types of new energy is not the way you address the increasing need for energy.”

    “It also ignores the fact that the Trump Administration is freezing federal funding and trying to rescind grants for grid reliability projects that the grid operators sitting before us today have said are vital to addressing increasing energy demand. It also ignores the fact that President Trump is attempting to put tariffs on electricity imports from Canada, which could seriously drive-up energy costs for people in the Midwest and Northeast,” Pallone continued.

    Pallone mentioned that last week, yet another study came out – this time from Energy Innovation – showing that repealing the Inflation Reduction Act would increase American families’ power bills. Pallone said that Republicans are talking about the importance of affordability, but their actions don’t match their words.

    “As we continue this discussion today, it’s important we recognize that in this time of increased demand for electricity, families are increasingly at risk of their power bills becoming unaffordable. Grid operators – and, frankly, FERC – must remember that they have a legal obligation to ensure that their policies are just and reasonable. Anything else does a disservice to the American people who depend on you,” Pallone continued.

    The interconnection process — how regional grid operators like PJM approve new energy projects — has become one of the biggest bottlenecks to expanding affordable, clean electricity. It now takes up to five years for a typical wind or solar project to gain approval, compared to less than two years in 2008. In response, FERC issued Order 2023, which requires grid operators to shift from a “first-come, first-served” approach to a “first-ready, first-served” model that prioritizes viable projects and penalizes delays. While PJM has filed a plan to comply with Order 2023, FERC found the proposal lacking in detail and has yet to approve it. Until PJM fully complies and clears its interconnection backlog, consumers will continue bearing the cost of inaction — both in higher bills and in lost opportunity to add low-cost, low-carbon energy to the grid.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Klobuchar Leads Bipartisan Legislation with Senators Cantwell and Grassley to Stop the Tariff Chaos

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn)
    Follows Senate passage of Klobuchar’s bipartisan bill with Senators Kaine and Warner to end President Trump’s tariff taxes on Canada
    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) joined Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) to introduce the Trade Review Act of 2025, bipartisan legislation that would restore congressional oversight over President Trump’s tariff taxes. The bill aims to bring stability and accountability to U.S. trade policy by reestablishing limits on the president’s ability to unilaterally impose tariffs without the approval of Congress.
    In addition to Klobuchar, Cantwell, and Grassley, the legislation was cosponsored by Senators Jerry Moran (R-KS), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Mark Warner (D-VA), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Peter Welch (D-VT).;
    This legislation follows Senate passage of Klobuchar’s bipartisan resolution with Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Mark Warner (D-VA) to end President Trump’s tariff taxes on Canadian goods. It comes amid sharp economic fallout from the President’s new across-the-board tariff taxes on all imports, which triggered a nearly 5% drop in the stock market yesterday—the steepest decline since the pandemic crash in March 2020—and additional losses today. Altogether, Trump’s tariff taxes will raise consumer costs by nearly $4,000 per household—representing the largest tax increase since 1968.
    “President Trump’s tariff tax is raising costs for Americans and creating economic uncertainty. The erratic way these tariffs have been announced, un-announced, and re-announced has made it difficult for families and businesses to plan for the future. That is why I’m introducing bipartisan legislation to restore sanity and stability to our trade policy by ensuring they are subject to additional review and approval.” 
    The Trade Review Act of 2025 reaffirms Congress’ authority over tariffs, as granted in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution by placing the following limits on presidential tariff actions:
    The president must notify Congress within 48 hours of imposing or increasing a tariff on imported goods.
    The congressional notification must include the reasoning behind the tariff, and an analysis of the potential economic impact on American businesses and consumers.
    Any new tariff will expire after 60 days unless Congress passes a joint resolution of approval.
    Congress may terminate any imposed tariffs at any time through a joint resolution of disapproval.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: World premiere of Vancouver director Lyana Patrick’s feature documentary Nechako at DOXA. Lantern Films/Experimental Forest Films/NFB co-production follows two Indigenous Nations fighting for our collective future.

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    April 3, 2025 – Vancouver – National Film Board of Canada (NFB)

    Stellat’en First Nation filmmaker Lyana Patrick’s feature doc Nechako: It Will Be a Big River Again will be making its world premiere in her home base of Vancouver in the DOXA Documentary Film Festival’s Justice Forum.

    A Lantern Films/Experimental Forest Films/National Film Board of Canada (NFB) co-production, Nechako will be presented at the VIFF Centre (1181 Seymour Street) on Saturday, May 3, at 5 p.m., followed by a panel discussion with the director and special guests.

    About the film

    • When the Kenney Dam was built in the 1950s, 70 percent of BC’s Nechako River was diverted into an artificial reservoir, severely impacting the lives of local Stellat’en and Saik’uz Nations. What followed were decades of resistance, including legal actions against the Canadian federal and provincial governments and Rio Tinto Alcan, a subsidiary of a global mining conglomerate.
    • Nechakofollows the people fighting today to restore a river and a way of life: Nations going up against industry, community leaders advocating for their people, Elders documenting their histories and community members living off the land.

    About the director

    • Committed to elevating Indigenous stories, Lyana Patrick studied film at the Native Voices Program, University of Washington. Her acclaimed short films A Place to Belongand The Train Station have been showcased at prestigious festivals like Hot Docs, DOC NYC and the Vancouver International Film Festival.

    – 30 –

    Stay Connected

    Online Screening Room: nfb.ca
    NFB Facebook | NFB Twitter | NFB Instagram | NFB Blog | NFB YouTube | NFB Vimeo
    Curator’s perspective | Director’s notes

    About the NFB

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Ratification vote pending on Kitselas Treaty, Constitution

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Eligible voters are voting on whether to ratify the Kitselas Treaty and self-government Constitution. While voting has been in progress online and through mail-in ballots, the in-person vote is being held on April 10, 2025.

    In June 2024, the chief negotiators from all three parties — Kitselas First Nation (Kitselas), the Government of Canada (Canada), and the Government of British Columbia (B.C.) — initialled the Kitselas Treaty. This milestone in the treaty negotiations process signalled the conclusion of substantive negotiations, subject to certain caveats such as ongoing legal and technical review and consultation with neighbouring First Nations. The legal and technical review of the treaty concluded in January 2025, resulting in the ratification version of the Kitselas Treaty.

    Ratification is the approval process that treaties must go through before they can come into effect. The first step in this process is the Kitselas ratification vote. To ratify, the treaty and constitution require a double majority vote outcome by Kitselas eligible voters. This means more than 50% of eligible voters on the voters list cast a ballot, and more than 50% of those voters cast a ballot in favour of the treaty and constitution.

    Should eligible voters vote in favour of ratifying the Kitselas Treaty and Constitution, B.C. and Canada will undergo their own respective ratification approval processes. This includes passing provincial, and then federal treaty implementation legislation to bring the Kitselas Treaty into law. If ratified by all three parties, the effective date for the treaty is anticipated for 2028.

    Kitselas entered treaty negotiations in the early 1990s. Working closely with the BC Treaty Commission, an independent facilitator of the made-in-B.C. treaty negotiations framework, negotiators for Kitselas, Canada, and B.C. reached an agreement-in-principle (AIP) in 2015. The AIP established agreement on the substantive elements to be detailed in the completed treaty.

    In the years since, Kitselas, B.C. and Canada have engaged with local and regional governments, industry, interest holders, and people in the region on various elements of the proposed treaty. Kitselas has worked closely with its local government partners to invest in shared services and regional economic development. B.C. and Canada are also continuing Crown consultation with neighbouring First Nations including those with overlapping territories.

    Engagement has provided opportunities for people to share their needs and shape treaty provisions. As a result, the ratification version of the Kitselas Treaty reflects work together on shared regional priorities established in the 2015 AIP.

    If ratified, the treaty would:

    • ensure Aboriginal rights are recognized and not extinguished for Kitselas, and describe the parties’ agreement on the exercise of rights;
    • clarify that the treaty does not infringe or extinguish the rights of neighbouring First Nations;
    • lay out negotiated approaches to self-governance and law-making authorities, and confirm lands to be owned and governed by Kitselas;
    • address existing interests and tenures on proposed treaty lands (interest-holders have been engaged on the proposed approach to their tenure or interest); and
    • formalize consultation and opportunities for co-management of lands and resources within the First Nation’s traditional territory.

    Once the ratification vote is complete, there will be further opportunities for regional and public engagement as well as ongoing consultation with neighbouring First Nations.

    Learn More:

    For more information, including the ratification version of the Kitselas Treaty, visit:

    Kitselas Treaty and Kitsumkalum Treaty Negotiations

    For treaty and enrolment information for eligible voters, visit: https://kitselastreaty.ca/

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Economic and Social Council Fills Vacancies in 15 Subsidiary Bodies

    Source: United Nations 4

    The Economic and Social Council convened today to conduct elections, nominations, confirmations, and appointments to fill vacancies in 15 of its subsidiary bodies. 

    The Council, which plays a vital role in advancing the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development, oversees a complex ecosystem of subsidiary entities, comprising regional and functional commissions, standing committees, and expert and ad hoc bodies. 

    For instance, its Statistical Commission, established in 1946, is responsible for the development of international statistics concepts and methods, including their implementation at the national and international level.  The United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, formed in 2000, advises the Council on Indigenous peoples’ rights and provides recommendations to Member States on issues affecting indigenous communities. And the Commission on Narcotic Drugs formulates international drug policies and oversees the implementation of global drug control treaties. 

    Statistical Commission

    The Council by secret ballot today elected Romania to the Statistical Commission for a four-year term beginning on 1 January 2026 and expiring on 31 December 2029.  In a second round of balloting, the Russian Federation was elected for the same four-year term. 

    Since the number of candidates from the African States, the Asia-Pacific States, the Latin American and Caribbean States and the Western European and other States was equal to the number of vacancies, the Council also elected Austria, Benin, Brazil, Burundi, China, Cuba, Eritrea, Finland, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Peru and Uzbekistan by acclamation for the same four-year term. 

    Commission on Population and Development

    To the Commission on Population and Development, the Council elected Bolivia, Cameroon, China, Cuba, Ireland, Ghana, Malaysia, Mongolia, Norway, Russian Federation, Senegal, United Kingdom and the United Republic of Tanzania by acclamation for a four-year term of office beginning at the first meeting of the Commission’s sixtieth session in 2026 and expiring at the close of its sixty-third session in 2030. 

    The Council also elected Albania, by acclamation, to the Commission for a term of office beginning on 4 April 2025 and expiring at the close of the Commission’s fifty-ninth session in 2026.  Japan and the Philippines were elected, by acclamation, for a four-year term beginning at the first meeting of the fifty-ninth session and expiring at the close of the sixty-second session in 2029.

    Commission on the Status of Women

    To the Commission on the Status of Women, the Council elected Cabo Verde, China, Gabon, Japan, Maldives, Mongolia, Morocco, Qatar, United Republic of Tanzania and Zimbabwe, by acclamation, for a four-year term of office beginning at the first meeting of the Commission’s seventy-first session in 2026 and expiring at the close of its seventy-fourth session in 2030.

    Commission on Narcotic Drugs

    To the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, the Council elected from the Asia-Pacific States — by secret ballot — Pakistan, Kazakhstan, United Arab Emirates and Kyrgyzstan for a four-year term beginning on 1 January 2026 and expiring on 31 December 2029.  From the Eastern European States, it elected Slovenia, Lithuania and Ukraine, and from the Western European and Other States, it elected Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Australia and, in a second round of balloting, France, for the same four-year term beginning on 1 January 2026. 

    Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice

    From the African States and the Latin American and Caribbean States, the Council elected Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Honduras, Mauritania and Trinidad and Tobago, by acclamation, to the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice for a four-year term of office beginning on 1 January 2026.

    Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues

    To the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, the Council elected by secret ballot from the Eastern European States Valts Ernštreits of Latvia and Suleiman Mamutov of Ukraine for a three-year term of office beginning on 1 January 2026.

    Since the number of candidates from the African States, the Asia-Pacific States, the Latin American and Caribbean States and the Western European and other States was equal to or less than the number of vacancies, the Council elected Brenda Gunn of Canada, Nan Li of China, Rodrigo Paillalef Monnard of Chile, Diego A. Tituaña Matango of Ecuador and Anne-Chantal Nama of Cameroon, by acclamation, for the same three-year term of office. 

    Executive Board of the United Nations Children’s Fund

    Since the number of candidates from the Asia-Pacific States, the Eastern European States, the Latin American and Caribbean States and the Western European and other States was equal to or less than the number of vacancies, the Council elected Antigua and Barbuda, China, Georgia, Guatemala, Iceland, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Norway, Ukraine and the United Kingdom, by acclamation, to the Executive Board of the United Nations Children’s Fund for a three-year term of office beginning on 1 January 2026.

    The Council also elected by acclamation Canada, Türkiye and Liechtenstein to complete the unexpired term of office of Australia, France and Portugal, respectively, beginning on 1 January 2026 and expiring on 31 December 2027.  Australia, France and Portugal resigned from their seats on the Executive Board effective 31 December 2025.  

    Executive Board of the United Nations Development Programme/United Nations Population Fund/United Nations Office for Project Services

    Next, the Council elected Armenia, Bolivia, China, Cuba, Estonia, Finland, Japan, Nepal, Norway, Rwanda and the United States, by acclamation, to the Executive Board of the United Nations Development Programme/United Nations Population Fund/United Nations Office for Project Services for a three-year term of office beginning on 1 January 2026.

    The Council also elected by acclamation Monaco, New Zealand and Türkiye to complete the unexpired term of office of Austria, Luxembourg and Ireland, respectively, beginning on 1 January 2026 and expiring on 31 December 2026.  Switzerland was elected to complete the unexpired term of office of Belgium, beginning on 1 January 2026 and expiring on 31 December 2027.  Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg and Ireland resigned from their seats on 31 December 2025.

    Executive Board of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women

    The Council next elected Burkina Faso, China, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Japan, the Philippines, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Rwanda and Senegal by acclamation to the Executive Board of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women for a three-year term of office beginning on 1 January 2026. 

    Executive Board of the World Food Programme

    The Council also elected Cuba, Gabon and Kenya by acclamation to the Executive Board of the World Food Programme for a three-year term of office beginning on 1 January 2026.

    Programme Coordinating Board of the Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS)

    The Council by secret ballot elected Ukraine to the Programme Coordinating Board of the Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) for a three-year term of office beginning on 1 January 2026.  Further, it elected Kenya, by acclamation, to the Programme Coordinating Board for the same term.

    The Council then elected by acclamation the Philippines to complete the unexpired term of office of Japan, beginning on 4 April 2025 and expiring on 31 December 2027.

    Committee for Programme and Coordination

    The Council next nominated China, Cuba, Egypt, Nigeria, Republic of Korea and Senegal, for election by the General Assembly to the Committee for Programme and Coordination for a three-year term beginning on 1 January 2026. 

    Commission for Social Development 

    To the Commission for Social Development, the Council elected Switzerland, by acclamation, for a term beginning on 4 April 2025 and expiring at the close of the Commission’s sixty-seventh session in 2029. 

    Intergovernmental Working Group of Experts on International Standards of Accounting and Reporting

    Next, the Council elected Belarus, Colombia, India and Kyrgyzstan, by acclamation, to the Intergovernmental Working Group of Experts on International Standards of Accounting and Reporting, each for a term of office beginning on 4 April 2025 and expiring on 31 December 2027.  Greece was elected, by acclamation, to the same body for a term of office beginning on 4 April 2025 and expiring on 31 December 2026.

    Committee for the United Nations Population Award

    Finally, the Council elected Cyprus, by acclamation, to the Committee for the United Nations Population Award for a term of office beginning on 4 April 2025 and expiring on 31 December 2027.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Work continues to repair washout damage on Westside Road

    Drivers are advised that Westside Road will remain closed through the weekend for repairs following a significant washout on Tuesday, April 1, 2025.

    Repairs to the road include debris removal and the installation of new culverts at the washout site. The Ministry of Transportation and Transit anticipates reopening Westside Road to single-lane-alternating traffic sometime on Monday, April 7, 2025.

    The washout occurred following heavy rainfall, which triggered water and debris to release down a channel and cover the road.

    The ministry, along with its maintenance contractors, is collaborating with local governments, Indigenous communities and stakeholders to ensure a co-ordinated and safe approach to the repairs. Work is restricted to daylight hours. The ministry will provide updates about the schedule for reopening of the road as the work progresses.

    For up-to-date information about road conditions, visit DriveBC: https://DriveBC.ca  

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Returning snowbirds are reminded of tariffs on certain U.S. goods

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    April 4, 2025
    Ottawa, Ontario

    The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Canadian Snowbird Association remind Canadians who have spent the winter in warmer climates to plan ahead for a smooth return home.

    In response to U.S. tariffs on Canadian-made goods, Canada has imposed a 25% counter tariff on certain U.S. products brought into Canada. The CBSA is collecting the tariffs on behalf of the Government of Canada in the form of a surtax.

    This means you may need to pay a surtax (as well as any applicable duties and taxes) on some of the goods you have purchased and are bringing back with you from the U.S. The lists of these products is on the Department of Finance website: products surtaxed as of March 4 and as of March 13. The surtax is assessed by the CBSA at the port of entry and must be paid before you enter Canada.

    Remember that residents of Canada have personal exemptions that allow them to bring goods, including alcohol and tobacco (up to a certain value), back to Canada without paying regular duty and taxes.

    For example, if you have been away for 48 hours or more, you can claim goods worth up to CAN$800 without paying duties or taxes, including the new surtax. The surtax only applies on the amount of goods that exceeds your personal exemption.

    Be sure to have your receipts readily available for any goods you are bringing with you. For goods that exceed your personal exemption limits, you may be required to provide proof of where the goods were made, produced or originated from (proof of origin).

    Whether travelling by land, air or water, you can help speed up processing times by having your travel documents handy. We encourage you to read and follow our travel tips before arriving at the border.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Province takes action to improve wildfire resiliency, enhance forest stewardship

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    The Province is taking action to adapt B.C.’s forests to ensure long-term sustainability and good-paying jobs by enlisting BC Timber Sales (BCTS) to play a larger role in reducing wildfire risk and enhancing forest and community resilience through its operations.

    This work is increasingly urgent given the threat of sector-specific tariff threats coming from the United States.

    “The U.S. President is threatening our softwood lumber industry even more than the Americans already have with their unfair duties on our products,” said Premier David Eby. “Tariffs and duties drive up the cost of housing in the states and will cost jobs on both sides of the border. We stand with forestry workers, and this is just one of many actions we are taking to support the forestry industry as we get through this.”

    BCTS manages forest harvesting on more than 20% of B.C.’s public land. In January 2025, the Ministry of Forests initiated a review of BCTS, undertaken by an expert task force, to create pathways for a stronger, more resilient forestry sector. A progress update was announced at the Council of Forest Industries convention on Friday, April 4, 2025.

    “We have all witnessed the impacts of wildfire on B.C.’s communities, and we are uniting all parts of my ministry to tackle this challenge head on,” said Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests. “Feedback from the review has made it clear: BCTS is more than just a market-pricing system. It has the expertise and the tools to play a bigger role in active forest management and addressing climate change, and British Columbians want to see that happen.”

    BCTS will work shoulder to shoulder with all divisions within the Ministry of Forests, including the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS), local communities, First Nations and industry partners to:

    • reduce fuel loads in high-risk areas;
    • remove health-damaged trees to improve recreational site safety and ecosystem resilience;
    • expand the use of commercial thinning to maintain forest health while supplying fibre to the market;
    • rehabilitate rangelands to restore productive landscapes; and
    • strengthen its partnership with BCWS to expand the use of prescribed fire as a key forest-management tool.

    As this work progresses, the Province will determine how an expanded role for BCTS fits into a broader strategy to protect communities from wildfire and support healthy, resilient forests that meet the needs of people in British Columbia.

    During the Council of Forest Industries conference in Prince George, the Premier and minister of forests outlined government’s goal to have forest and wildfire salvage permits turned around in 25 days instead of 40. To address the cost of transporting B.C.’s wood products to market, the Premier also announced the approval of the nine-axle lumber truck and trailer combination for use on some logging routes in B.C.

    Government is also committed to improving infrastructure projects in the province to get more B.C. goods, such as lumber, to international markets. As the Province continues to build the schools, hospitals and facilities people need, there is a renewed commitment to explore every opportunity to build with B.C. wood.

    Learn More:

    To learn more about the review of BC Timber Sales, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/forestry/bc-timber-sales/economic-prosperity/bcts-review

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: NOIA Announces 2025-2026 Term for the Executive Committee, Board of Directors

    Source: National Ocean Industries Association – NOIA

    Headline: NOIA Announces 2025-2026 Term for the Executive Committee, Board of Directors

    Washington, D.C. – The National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) appointed and approved the 2025-2026 term of the NOIA Board of Directors and Executive Committee. In a separate press release today, NOIA announced the election of Joe Leimkuhler, Chief Operating Officer of Beacon Offshore Energy, as the NOIA Chair and Eric Zimmermann, Chief Operating Officer of LLOG, as the incoming NOIA Vice Chair.
    Note: NOIA Executive Committee Members also serve on the NOIA Board of Directors. 
    Appointed to the NOIA Executive Committee of the Board of DirectorsChris Bradshaw, President & CEO, Bristow GroupPaul Danos, Owner, President & CEO, DanosChris Golden, Senior Vice President, U.S. Upstream, EquinorBrent Gros, Vice President, Gulf of Mexico Business Unit, ChevronLee Jackson, Chairman & CEO, Jackson Offshore OperatorsAndy Krieger, Senior Vice President Gulf of Mexico and Canada, bpJonathan Landes, President, Subsea, TechnipFMCJoe Leimkuhler, COO, Beacon Offshore EnergyRichard Lynch, Senior Vice President, Technology & Services, HessSasha Mackler, SVP, Global Head of Strategic Policy, ExxonMobilMike McCauley, Senior Vice President, Asset Management & Special Projects, White Fleet AbandonmentCourt Ramsay, President & CEO, Aries Marine CorporationMolly Smith, SVP, Engineering & Technology, Murphy OilRick Tallant, EVP, Supply Chain & Contracting Procurement, ShellClay Thompson, Director, Gulf of Mexico Operations, OxyEric Zimmermann, COO, LLOG
    Appointed to the NOIA Board of DirectorsPaa-Joe Akoto-Ampaw, Vice President, Gulf of Mexico, Woodside EnergyKarthik Annadorai, President & Chief Revenue Officer, GATE EnergyDavid Barton, Senior Vice President Gulf of Mexico, Marubeni Oil & GasLanis Belaire, Co-Founder & Owner, Pharma-Safe Industrial ServicesCraig Broussard, Vice President Gulf of Mexico, Subsea 7David Cherechinsky, President, CEO and Director, DistributionNOWMark Cizek, Vice President and General Manager, Gulf of Mexico, WilliamsAmanda Dasch, Region CEO, ØrstedRobert Eifler, President & CEO, Noble CorporationBryan Ellis, President, Services Division, Superior Energy ServicesLoren Fowler, Vice President Sales & Business Development – Americas, Heerema Marine ContractorsJohn Gellert, President & CEO, SEACOR MarineCéline Gerson, Group Director Americas/President USA, FugroAnna Guichard, Managing Director North America Offshore, SLBDavid Hajovsky, Executive Vice President, Multi-Client, TGSRichard Kirkland, CEO, CantiumCliffe Laborde, Managing Member, Laborde MarineRod Larson, President & CEO, Oceaneering InternationalTerry Lechinger, Vice President, Stress EngineeringTodd Lee, CEO, TotalEnergies E&P USAJennifer Medcalf, President, The REACH GroupChet Morrison, CEO, Morrison Energy GroupScott Moses, Executive Vice President & COO, Oil States InternationalBill New, President, New IndustriesBrent Ozenne, CEO, Arena OffshoreJoe Pope, Vice President – Sales & Marketing, ValarisDavid Reid, Chief Technology Officer & Chief Marketing Officer, NOVMark Richard, President, Western Hemisphere, HalliburtonW. David de Roode, Partner & Executive Vice President, Global Energy & Marine, Lockton PartnersNeal Shah, CFO, Kosmos EnergyNiloy Shah, COO, Ridgewood EnergySteve Weyel, Founder & Owner, EnVen Energy VenturesJim Wicklund, Managing Director – Energy Group, PPHB

    MIL OSI Economics –