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Category: Canada

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Urban deer removal complete in Cranbrook, Kimberley

    The Province, with the support of the ʔaq’am First Nation and the cities of Cranbrook and Kimberley, has completed the removal and testing of urban deer to curb the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD).

    The operation took place Feb. 18-28, during which time 100 deer were removed from Cranbrook and 26 from Kimberley. All deer removed in this project were tested for CWD at a Ministry of Agriculture laboratory in Abbotsford. One white-tailed adult female from Cranbrook tested positive for CWD by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. All other deer tested negative.

    CWD is a fatal infection that affects species in the deer family (cervids), such as mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk, moose and caribou. The disease spreads through grooming, body fluids, and shared spaces. While highly contagious among cervids, there have been no reported cases of CWD spreading to humans or pets. It is inadvisable for people or pets to consume meat from an infected animal.

    The risk of spread is higher in urban deer because of population density. Urban deer populations in Cranbrook and Kimberley are of special concern because of their proximity to five CWD cases detected in the Kootenay region in the last year.

    Targeted removal was undertaken by trained professionals following strict protocols to ensure public safety and minimize stress on the animals.

    Future management decisions will continue to be made in consultation with First Nations and local municipalities. An urban deer collaring program has been initiated to better understand the movement and ranges of these animals to inform risk assessment and an appropriate response. Other actions may include additional removals and testing of urban deer in Cranbrook and Kimberley.

    Provincial wildlife staff thank all the volunteers and partners who assisted with this project.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Statement from the Honourable Kody Blois, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Rural Economic Development

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Cutting red tape to ensure the resiliency and competitive advantage of Canada’s agricultural sector

    March 18, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – Canadian Food Inspection Agency

    As Canada’s new Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Rural Economic Development, ensuring the resilience of our agriculture sector and enabling a competitive advantage and level playing field for Canadian agricultural products are among my top priorities.

    To support these priorities, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is working to remove unnecessary red tape and burden and ensure that our processes and regulations continue to enable prosperity for our agriculture producers, agri-food businesses, and communities across Canada. These measures include:

    • Speeding up product approvals to provide alternatives to U.S.-sourced animal feed.
      This measure will alleviate the burden of tariffs on animal feed producers, by increasing the number of approved feed ingredients from within Canada or from other countries. The CFIA will work with industry to understand prioritization needs and provide new guidance to facilitate the pre-market evaluation process for the approval or registration of some feeds products which are already authorized by a trusted foreign regulator. Together, these measures will enable quicker access to alternative feeds, reduce costs to farmers in the short-term, and support future supply chain sustainability for Canadian producers for years to come.
    • Aiming to harmonize our bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) enhanced feed ban with U.S. requirements. Globally, the incidence of BSE has declined significantly and in 2021, the World Organisation for Animal Health recognized Canada as a country with negligible risk for BSE. Currently, differences between Canadian and U.S. requirements put our beef industry at a competitive disadvantage to their U.S. counterparts. We are working with industry on options to reduce unnecessary costs and improve competitiveness while continuing to protect animal health and maintain Canada’s international trade access.
    • Addressing stakeholder irritants and leveling the playing field for Canadian producers through advancing key regulatory changes that support industry growth and enable fair trade. Canada will explore increasing the maximum slaughter age for feeder calves from 36 to 40 weeks to permit a higher market price for Canadian producers. We are also working to ensure parity between Canadian hatcheries and U.S. hatcheries by harmonizing testing requirements for salmonella enteritis, in line with recent updates to Canadian hatchery regulations.
    • Removing outdated prescriptive requirements and supporting innovation to enable industry-led actions to meet consumer demands and evolving market conditions. We will examine removing unnecessary or outdated labelling requirements for r fresh fruit and vegetables. In addition, we will continue work on a new approach to modernizing fresh fruit and vegetable grades, with the goal of having grades that are outcome-based, harmonized with trading partners where possible, and align with the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations. The CFIA is committed to working with industry to understand obstacles and consult on requirements like standardized food container sizes, which can create unintended trade barriers within Canada, and internationally.

    We will continue to use all available measures to reduce red tape, streamline our processes, modernize our regulations, and reinforce our commitment to open and fair trade.

    Canada’s farmers, producers, and agri-food businesses are essential to our economy, and we are committed to ensuring they have the tools and support they need to succeed at home and on the world stage.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Claire Anderson to the Spectrum Summit 2025

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Nanaimo, British Columbia
    March 18, 2025

    Claire Anderson, Commissioner for British Columbia and Yukon
    Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)

    Check against delivery

    Thank you for the introduction and the warm welcome. Before I begin, I would like to acknowledge that we are gathered here today on the territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nation. I understand that in the Sarlequun Snuneymuxw Treaty of 1854, the British Crown recognized Snuneymuxw self-determination and Aboriginal title, and that today, Snuneymuxw governance is rooted in Snawayalth (teachings), and this model of governance upholds the Nation’s self-determination and territorial sovereignty.

    It is a real pleasure to be here with all of you today. I want to thank the Indigenous Connectivity Institute for inviting me to speak and for gathering us all together to discuss this important subject. The Institute is an important, Indigenous-led voice helping to tackle the challenges that affect our own Indigenous communities. This includes the digital divide that disproportionately affects Indigenous communities and affects their ability to fully participate in the 21st-century global economy.

    As participants to this Summit, many or most of you have insight into what those challenges look like and how deep their roots grow. And that places you in a unique position to examine solutions that work best for your own communities.

    Access to wireless frequency ranges, or spectrum as we have come to call it, is critical to any telecommunications service provider. Access to spectrum helps a company provide its customers with reliable and clear wireless services. So it only makes sense that as more and more Indigenous-led companies and community groups look to improve connectivity in their communities, they are increasingly interested in spectrum management and access to this vital resource.

    Spectrum management and the CRTC’s role

    This is why I was so happy that we all had the chance to hear this morning from Mark Saunders at Innovation, Science and Economic Development (or ISED). ISED is responsible for managing spectrum in Canada, including how spectrum is allocated through the auction system that Mark touched on.

    Indigenous communities and companies who want to create local solutions to their community’s connectivity challenges need spectrum access. ISED’s ‘use it or lose it’ policy and, most importantly, its announcement of a new licensing framework for unused spectrum in rural, remote and Indigenous areas, should improve this access. This included, as Mark touched on, the ongoing development of the Indigenous priority window spectrum policy framework. I look forward to the seeing the results and the final policy when it is released.

    At the CRTC, our work focuses on telecommunications companies and the services they provide over spectrum, as well as the infrastructure that facilitates access to these services.

    Support structures, small cells and access

    For example, one of our areas of focus in the recent past has been working on regulatory measures to make access to telecommunications poles and other forms of existing infrastructure easier and more efficient.

    In fact, less than two months ago we released a decision designed to make it easier for companies to deploy new communications networks. It laid out the terms and conditions which will allow companies to access the poles, lines and other support structures controlled by large telephone companies, so that smaller competitors – such as Indigenous-led companies and co-ops – can deploy their own networks.

    There are several more granular and detailed changes that were made, as part of this decision, which I won’t cover today. But I will point out that all were made with the intent of making this new access as smooth and as easy as possible for new competitors to enter new markets. It will improve competition, lower prices, and provide high-quality telecom services to communities across the country, while also supporting continued investment.

    Building on this access, we are working on another decision concerning wireless attachments to these poles. Ensuring high-speed wireless connectivity on 5G networks and beyond will require the deployment of thousands of additional cell sites across Canada.

    We are now in the final stages of a consultation on whether the CRTC should allow third parties to attach wireless equipment like small cells onto poles across Canada. As this is still a matter before the CRTC, I cannot hint at the details of any decision that the Commission might make. But what I can say is that we expect to release a decision soon.

    Broadband Fund

    As we work on these key regulatory issues, we are also a part of the Government of Canada’s larger effort to connect all communities to reliable high-speed Internet services. In 2019, the CRTC launched the Broadband Fund to help connect rural, remote and Indigenous communities across the country. The Broadband Fund’s focus is broader than our scope today, focusing on wireline broadband services in addition to wireless services.

    To date, the fund has improved high-speed Internet and cellphone services in more than 270 communities, connecting essential institutions such as schools, health care facilities and community centres. We are wrapping up our evaluations of the projects proposed in our third call for applications – a call that garnered applications seeking more than $1.9 billion in funding. In the past year alone we committed funding that will better connect Inuit communities in northern Quebec and Nunavut, improve access along nearly 100 kilometres of major roads in Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec and Ontario, and improve connectivity along roads and to rural communities in Yukon, northern Manitoba, and right here in B.C.

    In addition to these funding commitments, we are also working to improve the fund itself. We want to make it easier for prospective recipients to apply for funding and make the evaluation process simpler and more transparent. And once an application is approved, we want to consolidate and simplify reporting requirements.

    As part of this review, we are also looking at how we can better engage with Indigenous communities and facilitate their access to the Broadband Fund. This includes changing the way we consult and engage with Indigenous communities, and we have created our Indigenous Relations Team within the CRTC to help. Furthermore, we are in the process of developing a distinct Indigenous stream of the Broadband Fund. I look forward to sharing more details as it progresses.

    Spectrum, telecom, and economic reconciliation

    And as I continue today, I want to acknowledge the opportunities for reconciliation that are found through telecommunications. Historically, when we spoke about reconciliation, it seemed as though there was an expectation that one party to a relationship had to reconcile or compromise their values to serve a larger interest. But we are moving away from that understanding of reconciliation, and placing a stronger emphasis on hearing how Indigenous communities can heal from historically damaging colonial relationships.

    I’ve been attending Indigenous connectivity conferences and learning from you about the opportunities that exist for communities to create revenue through telecommunications. The Commission has heard in multiple proceedings what communities stand to gain if they are included in the management and ownership of networks: jobs are created, skill sets are expanded, and relationships are nourished. Reconciliation is advanced through partnerships with existing telecom providers, but also when we have wholly Indigenous-owned service providers.

    Often, Indigenous communities are on the fringes of society, geographically and, unfortunately, politically speaking. And a way for Indigenous nations to assert self-determination and sovereignty has been through ownership of major critical infrastructure, including telecommunications infrastructure and services. The importance of jobs in remote communities where services and employment opportunities are sparse cannot be overstated. Keeping money in the community can be a deciding factor in whether or not a family has food in the fridge.

    One of the objectives of the Broadband Fund review that I mentioned earlier is to help advance reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. As we noted in one of our policy decisions resulting from that ongoing review, Indigenous groups told us of the barriers they face that discourage them from applying for Broadband funding. We have taken steps to streamline the application process and make it easier for Indigenous people to pick up the phone and call a point of contact in our Indigenous Relations Team instead of having to navigate our processes alone. We also are exempting Indigenous funding recipients from having to provide wholesale open access to transport infrastructure, because we believe they should have the choice to make that determination for themselves.

    Additionally, we are providing funding for up to two years of technical training for Indigenous staff in communities that propose to serve as part of funded capital projects, and we aren’t requiring a 10% holdback on projects with approved funding of $5 million or less.

    Furthermore, we are requiring each Broadband Fund applicant to obtain and show consent from any Indigenous community in which it plans to build infrastructure as part of its funded capital project. Meaningful consultation and community consent means that Indigenous communities are able to benefit from funded projects that happen on their territories.

    These are measures that result in capacity training, job growth and economic opportunities for Indigenous communities and people.

    Conclusion

    I believe the Commission is on the right path of advancing reconciliation, because reconciliation is integral to the public interest, and at the CRTC, the public interest is at the heart of everything we do. In everything I have discussed today, from our regulatory work to our funding decisions, we are supporting continued investments in our networks while also putting the needs of everyone in this country first.

    That includes our Indigenous communities. But while we can’t go back and change the past, we can ensure that the regulatory and funding decisions we make chart a course for a better future.

    And everyone gathered here today can influence that future. Every decision we make is based on an extensive public record including consultations, hearings, and public outreach.

    So I encourage you to get involved in our processes. Make your voice, and the voices of your community, heard. If you are unsure how to do that, get in touch with our Indigenous Relations Team or contact your regional CRTC Commissioner.

    Because the only way we can build that brighter future is by doing so together.

    If we have time for some questions, I’d like to invite any Indigenous youth to ask questions before moving on to questions from Indigenous participants and then all other participants.

    Thank you. Gunalcheesh.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Canada to make an important announcement on the Hôpital-Général de Québec Monastery

    Source: Government of Canada News

    March 18, 2025                 City of Québec, Quebec                        Parks Canada

    On behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Culture and Identity, Parks Canada, the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Member of Parliament for Québec, will make an announcement regarding the Hôpital-Général de Québec Monastery, the oldest convent in the country.

    Dating back to the 17th century, it is of vital importance to Canada’s medical, religious and social history.

     

    Please note that this advisory is subject to change without notice.

     

    The details are as follows:

     

    Date:            March 19, 2025

    Time:           1:00 p.m. EDT

    Location:     Hôpital-Général de Québec Monastery
                          260 Blvd Langelier, Québec, QC

    Members of the media who wish to attend the event must RSVP by contacting: Steve Carignan
    Office of the Member of Parliament Jean-Yves Duclos
    Member of Parliament for Québec
    Community Affairs Manager
    steve.carignan359@parl.gc.ca
    Tel.: 418-523-6666
    Cel.: 418-564-8314

                                                                                                                   -30-

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Hochul is a Guest on “PBS Newshour”

    Source: US State of New York

    arlier today, Governor Kathy Hochul was a guest on PBS NewsHour with Amna Nawaz to discuss how governors across the nation are responding to threats from the federal administration including DOGE, tariffs, and entitlement cuts.

    VIDEO: The interview is available to stream on YouTube here.

    AUDIO: The Governor’s interview is available in audio form here.

    A rush transcript of the Governor’s remarks is available below:

    Amna Nawaz, PBS News:  As President Donald Trump’s cost cutting agenda continues through the government, Democratic governors are now looking to recruit fired federal workers to their states. The State of New York has launched a campaign for those impacted by DOGE cuts, including billboards in New York City’s Moynihan Train Hall and in train and metro stations throughout Washington, D.C.

    Joining me now to discuss that effort and the other ways that New York is pushing back against the Trump administration is New York Governor Kathy Hochul. Governor, welcome back to the NewsHour. Thank you for joining us.

    Governor Hochul: Thank you.

    Amna Nawaz, PBS News: Let’s start with that effort then to recruit some of those fired federal workers. Have you had fired federal workers applying for those jobs? How many have you been able to hire so far?

    Governor Hochul: No, we certainly have. In fact, a couple weeks ago, I did a roundtable inviting a number of recently fired federal employees from the New York City area to come and one of them was a father of four. He’d done four tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. He worked at the VA. He was one week from ending his probation and he was dismissed and he was so upset and distraught about it.

    And I gathered others who were just really still reeling from the unexpectedness of it. They never thought this would happen to them. So, I told them we would take care of these individuals. I literally have almost 7,000 open jobs in state government. We are not back to our pre-pandemic levels, and we certainly have openings in law enforcement and education and social work, a lot of issues – we want to take care of our citizens.

    So, I think it’s a great opportunity. I was literally meeting with President Trump in the White House last week. I went to Union Station afterward and I saw our billboard that said, “DOGE may say ‘You’re fired,’ but in New York, we say, ‘You’re hired.’” And it’s been really successful. And I will give you the real numbers once we know for sure. But a lot more have applied than we expected. And I find that exciting.

    Amna Nawaz, PBS News: So tell me a little bit more about that meeting with President Trump last week, because you and the President have disagreed and clashed before, right? You’ve accused him of federal overreach. You’ve disagreed on his immigration approach, but you said it’s important to keep that dialogue open. So where can you work with this president? What did you agree on in that meeting?

    Governor Hochul: One area where we should all be able to agree on is infrastructure. Continuing important investments. Many started under the Biden Administration. But I want to make sure that we look at an asset like Penn Station in New York City, which is really the welcome mat for millions of people who come through that station, and it looks deplorable. We’ve been renovating certain parts of it, but I want to make it to be a beautiful train hall. Something that natural light comes in and that people will come through there and feel that this is a really world class experience. So, knowing that Donald Trump is a New Yorker, I appealed to his sense of understanding how important this asset is to our city and its identity. And we agreed to work on this together.

    Amna Nawaz, PBS News: What about on tariffs? Because we’ve seen publicly he has doubled down on the use of tariffs, particularly in Canada – which I know impacts your state quite a bit. You said you’ve told him that the tariffs are devastating for upstate farm and factory workers. Was he receptive to that?

    Governor Hochul: You know, he does believe that it’s short term pain for long term gain. Just that the people who are expecting prices to go down on Inauguration Day, are really in for a rude awakening. Not only did they not go down as promised, but they’re going up. And if you look at the possible impacts of $2,000 to $3,000 more a year for a family. I mean, especially in places like upstate New York, on the border with Quebec, and western New York – where I’m from – on the border of Ontario, this is not a foreign country to us. This is a natural trading partner. It’s part of a larger, broader community. So this really sent shockwaves through our state. And I wanted him to know that a lot of these people supported him. Many areas of Upstate New York did support him in the election, and now they’re just wondering what happened.

    Amna Nawaz, PBS News: Governor, on the immigration front, we know New York City has been in this administration’s crosshairs for a while. You’ve said you are not going to allow ICE to come in and take people off the streets, but the reports show that they’ve sort of already been doing that to some extent. We saw local New York reports show that during one week in February, there were 100 people arrested. Do you know how many people ICE has arrested and potentially deported from New York?

    Governor Hochul: Well, I had a conversation with the President about this a couple of times, and I said, “I am aligned with your interest in removing dangerous criminals off the streets and sending them back to where they came from.” It’s in my interest. My number one priority is public safety, and that particularly includes Venezuelan gang members who have been terrorizing parts of our city since their arrival. So this is not a bad outcome to have them removed. But we understand there’s a difference, and I explained this once again, saying, “We’re not separating families. We’re not going to allow that to happen.”

    Amna Nawaz, PBS News: But Governor, we know among the thousands of people already deported have been people who have no criminal record. Do you know how many of those people have been from New York?

    Governor Hochul: No, I don’t know how many, but I will say that we don’t cooperate in those cases. That’s why I don’t have information. We will cooperate — my State Police will cooperate — in a situation where you have a warrant, or it’s someone on a terrorism watch list; someone who’s committed crimes in their own country or here. That’s a different category from where we will not cooperate when it comes to just saying, – identifying who these people are and we’re going to take them. We’re not going to help with that.

    Amna Nawaz, PBS News: I need to ask you, too, about the Democratic Party, because it’s been a rough few weeks. You’ve seen the leader of your party in the Senate under fire from fellow Democrats, including your fellow New Yorkers, Hakeem Jeffries and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, for choosing to avoid a government shutdown and back a Republican funding bill. In your view, was that the right choice?

    Governor Hochul: I know that Senator Schumer has New York State’s best interest at heart, because he’s also not just a majority leader for the Senate, but also our state. He has delivered time and time again for New Yorkers. There can be disputes within our party. This is not unusual in a family to have disagreements on a strategy. But also at the end of the day – he and Hakeem Jeffries put out a statement together, working together to fight the Medicaid cuts. We cannot afford these cuts. So, already there’s a unity that’s restored.

    And again, going down the road, there will be more disagreements. That’s okay. But the bottom line is, who brought us to this place? Never forget it was the Republicans. And every day that we’re hitting each other, is another day that Republicans are getting away with what they’re doing. I’m going to continue to remind everybody, let’s stand together as often as we can, as loudly as we can, against what the Republicans are trying to do to undermine – not just our democracy, but our basic sense of security here. The chaos of the stock market, what you’re doing with tariffs, what you’re doing to make lives more expensive here — we have to stand up and call that out.

    Amna Nawaz, PBS News: Governor, there was clearly a divide within your party though on this one issue. Was it the right choice for Senator Schumer to vote for that bill?

    Governor Hochul: Listen, I’m focused on New York State here. I spent time in Congress, I would answer questions on federal issues when it came to that. He made a decision that he thought was best not to have the shutdown. Others disagree with that. I’m focused on making sure that New York can get through this tumultuous time, whatever happens, and agree that a shutdown would have been difficult for our state.

    Amna Nawaz, PBS News: That is New York Governor, Kathy Hochul, joining us tonight. Governor Hochul, good to see you again. Thank you again for making the time.

    Governor Hochul: Thank you.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Purpose Investments Inc. Announces March 2025 Distributions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Purpose Investments Inc. (“Purpose”) is pleased to announce distributions for the month of March 2025 for its open-end exchange-traded funds and closed-end funds (“the Funds”).

    The ex-distribution date for all Open-End Funds is March 27, 2025. The ex-distribution date for all closed-end funds is March 31, 2025.

    Open-End Funds Ticker Symbol Distribution per share/unit Record Date Payable Date Distribution Frequency
    Apple (AAPL) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Units APLY $0.1667 03/27/2025 04/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Canadian Financial Income Fund – ETF Series BNC $0.1225¹ 03/27/2025 04/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Global Bond Fund – ETF Units BND $0.0840 03/27/2025 04/02/2025 Monthly
    Berkshire Hathaway (BRK) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Units BRKY $0.1000 03/27/2025 04/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Bitcoin Yield ETF – ETF Units BTCY $0.0850 03/27/2025 04/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Bitcoin Yield ETF – ETF Non-Currency Hedged Units BTCY.B $0.0970 03/27/2025 04/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Bitcoin Yield ETF – ETF USD Units BTCY.U US $0.0815 03/27/2025 04/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Credit Opportunities Fund – ETF Units CROP $0.0875 03/27/2025 04/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Credit Opportunities Fund – ETF USD Units CROP.U US $0.0975 03/27/2025 04/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Ether Yield – ETF Units ETHY $0.0405 03/27/2025 04/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Ether Yield ETF – ETF Non-Currency Hedged Units ETHY.B $0.0500 03/27/2025 04/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Ether Yield ETF – ETF Units Non-Currency Hedged USD Units ETHY.U US $0.0395 03/27/2025 04/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Global Flexible Credit Fund – ETF Units FLX $0.0461 03/27/2025 04/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Global Flexible Credit Fund – Non-Currency Hedged – ETF Units FLX.B $0.0551 03/27/2025 04/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Global Flexible Credit Fund – Non-Currency Hedged USD – ETF Units FLX.U US $0.0385 03/27/2025 04/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Global Bond Class – ETF Units IGB $0.0860¹ 03/27/2025 04/02/2025 Monthly
    Microsoft (MSFT) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF units MSFY $0.1100 03/27/2025 04/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Active Balanced Fund – ETF Units PABF $0.1650 03/27/2025 04/02/2025 Quarterly
    Purpose Active Conservative Fund – ETF Units PACF $0.1900 03/27/2025 04/02/2025 Quarterly
    Purpose Active Growth Fund – ETF Units PAGF $0.1550 03/27/2025 04/02/2025 Quarterly
    Purpose Enhanced Premium Yield Fund – ETF Series PAYF $0.1375¹ 03/27/2025 04/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Total Return Bond Fund – ETF Series PBD $0.0590¹ 03/27/2025 04/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Core Dividend Fund – ETF Series PDF $0.1050¹ 03/27/2025 04/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Enhanced Dividend Fund – ETF Series PDIV $0.0950¹ 03/27/2025 04/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Real Estate Income Fund – ETF Series PHR $0.0720¹ 03/27/2025 04/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose International Tactical Hedged Equity Fund – ETF Series PHW $0.1500 03/27/2025 04/02/2025 Quarterly
    Purpose International Dividend Fund – ETF Series PID $0.0780 03/27/2025 04/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Monthly Income Fund – ETF Series PIN $0.0830¹ 03/27/2025 04/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Multi-Asset Income Fund – ETF Units PINC $0.0840 03/27/2025 04/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Diversified Real Asset Fund – ETF Series PRA $0.2100 03/27/2025 04/02/2025 Quarterly
    Purpose Conservative Income Fund – ETF Series PRP $0.0600¹ 03/27/2025 04/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Premium Yield Fund – ETF Series PYF $0.1100¹ 03/27/2025 04/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Premium Yield Fund Non-Currency Hedged – ETF Series PYF.B $0.1230¹ 03/27/2025 04/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Premium Yield Fund Non-Currency Hedged – ETF USD Series PYF.U US $0.1200¹ 03/27/2025 04/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Core Equity Income Fund – ETF Series RDE $0.0875¹ 03/27/2025 04/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Emerging Markets Dividend Fund – ETF Units REM $0.0950 03/27/2025 04/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Canadian Preferred Share Fund – ETF Units RPS $0.0950 03/27/2025 04/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose US Preferred Share Fund – ETF Series RPU $0.0940 03/27/2025 04/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose US Preferred Share Fund Non-Currency Hedged – ETF Units2 RPU.B / RPU.U $0.0940 03/27/2025 04/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Strategic Yield Fund – ETF Units SYLD $0.0970 03/27/2025 04/02/2025 Monthly
    AMD (AMD) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Series YAMD $0.2000¹ 03/27/2025 04/02/2025 Monthly
    Amazon (AMZN) Yield Shares Purpose ETF- ETF Units YAMZ $0.4000 03/27/2025 04/02/2025 Monthly
    Alphabet (GOOGL) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Units YGOG $0.2500 03/27/2025 04/02/2025 Monthly
    META (META) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Series YMET $0.1600¹ 03/27/2025 04/02/2025 Monthly
    NVIDIA (NVDA) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Units YNVD $0.7500 03/27/2025 04/02/2025 Monthly
    Tesla (TSLA) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Units YTSL $0.5500 03/27/2025 04/02/2025 Monthly
    Costco (COST) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Series YCST $0.1000¹ 03/27/2025 04/02/2025 Monthly
    Palantir (PLTR) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Series YPLT $0.2500¹ 03/27/2025 04/02/2025 Monthly
    UnitedHealth Group (UHN) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Series YUNH $0.1100¹ 03/27/2025 04/02/2025 Monthly
    Coinbase (COIN) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Series YCON $0.3000¹ 03/27/2025 04/02/2025 Monthly
    Netflix (NFLX) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Series YNET $0.1100¹ 03/27/2025 04/02/2025 Monthly
    Broadcom (AVGO) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Series YAVG $0.1500¹ 03/27/2025 04/02/2025 Monthly
    Tech Innovators Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Series YMAG $0.2000¹ 03/27/2025 04/02/2025 Monthly
    Closed-End Funds Ticker Symbol Distribution
    per share/unit    		 Record Date Payable Date Distribution Frequency
    Big Banc Split Corp, Class A BNK $0.1200¹ 03/31/2025 04/14/2025 Monthly
    Big Banc Split Corp, Class A BNK.PR.A $0.0700¹ 03/31/2025 04/14/2025 Monthly


    Estimated March 2025 Distributions for Purpose USD Cash Management Fund, Purpose Cash Management Fund, Purpose High Interest Savings Fund, and Purpose US Cash Fund

    The March 2025 distribution rates for Purpose USD Cash Management Fund, Purpose Cash Management Fund, Purpose High Interest Savings Fund, and Purpose US Cash Fund are estimated to be as follows:

    Fund Name Ticker Symbol Estimated Distribution per unit Record Date Payable Date Distribution Frequency
    Purpose USD Cash Management Fund – ETF Units MNU.U US $0.3440 03/27/2025 04/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Cash Management Fund – ETF Units MNY $0.2657 03/27/2025 04/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose High Interest Savings Fund – ETF Units PSA $0.1105 03/27/2025 04/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose US Cash Fund – ETF Units PSU.U US $0.3374 03/27/2025 04/02/2025 Monthly

    Purpose expects to issue a press release on or about March 26, 2025, which will provide the final distribution rate for Purpose USD Cash Management Fund, Purpose Cash Management Fund, Purpose High Interest Savings Fund, and Purpose US Cash Fund. The ex-distribution date will be March 27, 2025.

    (1) Dividend is designated as an “eligible” Canadian dividend for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and any similar provincial and territorial legislation.
    (2) Purpose US Preferred Share Fund Non-Currency Hedged – ETF Units have both a CAD and USD purchase option. Distribution per unit is declared in CAD; however, the USD purchase option (RPU.U) distribution will be made in the USD equivalent. Conversion into USD will use the end-of-day foreign exchange rate prevailing on the ex-distribution date.

    About Purpose Investments Inc.

    Purpose Investments is an asset management company with more than $22 billion in assets under management. Purpose Investments has an unrelenting focus on client-centric innovation and offers a range of managed and quantitative investment products. Purpose Investments is led by well-known entrepreneur Som Seif and is a division of Purpose Unlimited, an independent technology-driven financial services company.

    For further information, please email us at info@purposeinvest.com

    Media inquiries:
    Keera Hart
    keera.hart@kaiserpartners.com
    905-580-1257

    Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees, and expenses may all be associated with investment fund investments. Please read the prospectus and other disclosure documents before investing. Investment funds are not covered by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government deposit insurer. There can be no assurance that the full amount of your investment in a fund will be returned to you. If the securities are purchased or sold on a stock exchange, you may pay more or receive less than the current net asset value. Investment funds are not guaranteed; their values change frequently, and past performance may not be repeated.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Quick Custom Intelligence Launches Advanced Real-Time Host Management Features

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI), the premier provider of real-time analytics and customer engagement solutions for the gaming and hospitality industries, today announced the launch of its latest enhancements to the QCI Platform. These enhancements address industry challenges related to coding and offer management, dynamic host incentive programs, and cross-platform communication—capabilities that set QCI apart from their competitors.

    Comprehensive Integration with Casino Management Systems for Coding and Offer Management

    QCI’s updated platform streamlines the intricate process of coding offers, importing and pushing lists, and integrating directly with casino management systems. By providing robust programmatic interfaces, the platform enables properties to seamlessly manage complex coding requirements and deliver tailored offers to guests in real time. This level of integration and flexibility empowers operators to maximize their campaign performance and guest engagement.

    Lynette O’Connell, VP of Customer Success for QCI, commented “With this enhanced integration, casinos can now execute highly targeted campaigns with greater accuracy and efficiency. By simplifying offer management and streamlining complex coding, we’re empowering operators to maximize guest engagement and ROI.”

    Dynamic Metrics Adjustments and Tiering for Host Incentive Programs

    Building on QCI’s core principle of real-time customization, the platform now offers advanced functionality to dynamically adjust player metrics and targets—such as theo net freeplay and comps—and reassign goal parameters based on mid-quarter book changes. These new tools enable properties to create adaptive host incentive programs with tiered goals and thresholds, ensuring that every incentive structure remains both profitable and continually optimized. Targets are cascaded down to the player level, giving hosts clear direction on who to engage and how to manage their players effectively.

    Nick Salemi, Sr. Customer Engagement Manager for QCI, stated “One of the biggest compliments I hear about our software is how easy it makes managing host books and their targets. Player development leaders can focus on coaching and developing their teams, knowing the math behind host targets is accurate. If player relationships change, managers can trust that the data and targets will reflect those updates. From a host’s perspective, my favorite insight to highlight is the relationship between ADT and visit frequency, showing just how valuable each guest and visit truly is.”

    Seamless Host Communication and Task Management Across Platforms

    Responding to the industry need for a unified host workflow, QCI’s latest enhancements centralize text message tracking, email integration (including Outlook), and real-time task assignments under one intuitive user interface. Hosts and property managers can collaborate more efficiently, gain immediate visibility into host activities, and document performance for comprehensive reporting—far surpassing capabilities offered by QCI competitors.

    Julie Margeson, Sr. Customer Engagement Manage for QCI, explained “Collaboration between Hosts, Slots, and Marketing is transforming how casinos engage with their customers. Slots teams coordinate with Hosts and players when games are added or removed from the floor, Hosts gain visibility into non-redeemers for Marketing campaigns, and Marketing creates targeted campaigns to promote new Slot Floor sections—inviting select players to generate excitement around new areas or games. By working together, these teams ensure players stay informed, enhance retention, and deliver a seamless, holistic customer experience rather than addressing isolated aspects of their journey.”

    Executive Commentary

    “In today’s rapidly evolving gaming environment, operators need agile solutions that bridge all aspects of player development—from comprehensive coding in IGT to dynamic host management and communications,” said Dr. Ralph Thomas, CEO of Quick Custom Intelligence. “We are committed to providing these high-level capabilities in a seamless platform so that our partners can maximize their revenue and strengthen player relationships.”

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

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

    ABOUT Lynette O’Connell
    Lynette’s expertise is comprised of 20 years of high-volume gaming operations experience in CRM, database marketing, analysis, and loyalty club development. She leads the QCI customer team as well as being the customer advocate at QCI, focused on customer adoption, best practices, gathering feedback, and working to ensure that the customer’s goals are achieved satisfactorily, thus helping to increase sales as well. She defines and optimizes the customer’s journey post-installation, helping them develop best practices and working with them to measure success and see the ROI in QCI products.

    ABOUT Nick Salemi
    Nick earned a B.S. in Business Management and followed that up with a decade working in customer related roles from hockey teams to video technology companies, eventually finding his place in the casino gaming industry. He then focused on casino operations specifically as it pertains to customer loyalty and retention by delivering a positive experience and managing these relationships. He now brings all of this experience to the QCI Customer Success Team.

    ABOUT Julie Margeson
    Julie is a diversely skilled Technical Engineer with over 20 years of experience helping businesses in the casino industry maintain smooth operations and an optimal workflow. She is committed to applying emerging technologies to streamline product development and business operations. Her extensive background includes several years spent at top casinos in Las Vegas including The Cosmopolitan, Wynn, Encore and The Mirage. Now she brings her exceptional industry skills to work with the QCI Customer Success Team.

    Contact:
    Laurel Kay, Quick Custom Intelligence
    Phone: 858-349-8354

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Canada Supports Tree-Planting Activities in Gatineau and Across Quebec

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    News release

    March 18, 2025                                      Gatineau, Quebec                                Natural Resources Canada

    Today, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, along with the Honourable Steven Guilbeault,  Minister of Canadian Culture and Identity, Parks Canada and Quebec Lieutenant, announced more than $16 million in funding for four tree-planting projects that will bring environmental, health and social benefits to both urban and rural communities across the province of Quebec.

    The City of Gatineau and the City of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu are receiving funding for urban tree-planting projects that will plant new trees on public lands, helping to capture carbon, increase biodiversity and cool areas vulnerable to extreme heat.

    With the funding announced today, the City of Gatineau will:

    • increase its urban tree canopy to 30 percent by planting 80,000 new trees in all the city’s communities over the next six years;
    • establish urban forests that will help improve air and soil quality, support biodiversity and contribute to the health and well-being of citizens; and
    • create five new jobs in the region, as well as long-term contracts for forest maintenance over the years. 

    The City of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu will carry out its own tree-planting project that will:

    • plant 70,000 new trees and increase its urban tree canopy to 20 percent, with the longer-term goal of 30-percent tree cover;
    • beautify the city by planting trees and establishing micro-forests along roadways, riverbanks and in existing forests; and
    • sequester carbon while increasing the city’s resilience to the effects of climate change.

    Two more federally funded projects across the province will contribute toward reforestation and afforestation in rural areas of Quebec:

    • Harpur Farm LTD is receiving funds to plant 251,000 trees in western Quebec, afforesting more than 208 acres of marginal lands and reforesting 41 acres in degraded woodlands.  In collaboration with Nature Conservancy Canada, this project will expand the critical Plaisance–Tremblant ecological corridor, to allow wildlife to move freely north–south and will establish multi-species forests with edible forest products such as nuts, acorns, fruit and maple syrup.
    • Pepinière Forestière Tshitassinu is receiving funds to develop a 100-percent automated, Indigenous-led tree nursery in Mashteuiatsh, Lac-Saint Jean, that will be able to produce more than 10 million seedlings per year. The proponent will set up 30 state-of-the-art greenhouses to produce seedlings to reforest the boreal forest.

    These projects are being supported in part by Canada’s 2 Billion Trees (2BT) program. This program is dedicated to working with governments and organizations across the country to support the expansion of Canada’s forests while creating sustainable jobs in communities. 

    Quotes

    “Trees are essential to our lives: they clean the air we breathe, they make the outdoors even more enjoyable, they provide new habitats for wildlife, and they help us adapt to a changing climate. The Government of Canada is pleased to be supporting municipalities and private organizations in Quebec in their efforts to increase urban green spaces and forests. By planting the right tree in the right place, we are creating a greener, healthier and more-resilient Canada for generations to come.”

    The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson
    Minister of Energy and Natural Resources 

    “Trees are one of the most effective ways to fight climate change and tackle biodiversity loss. We’re helping communities across the country become greener and more sustainable. In the cities of Gatineau and Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, this means planting tens of thousands of new trees — reducing pollution, improving air quality and combating urban heat islands, especially during extreme heat. This initiative will increase the urban tree canopy by over 20 percent in both cities and increase the quality of life for families. With over $12 billion invested in conservation and climate solutions since 2015, our government is building a greener, more sustainable future for generations to come.”

     

    The Honourable Steven Guilbeault
    Minister of Canadian Culture and Identity, Parks Canada and Quebec Lieutenant

    “Thanks to this investment from the federal government, Gatineau is taking another step toward implementing its Urban Forestry Plan and building a more sustainable city to reduce vulnerability to climate change. Planting 80,000 new trees is more than just an environmental initiative — it’s a concrete commitment to enhancing the quality of life for our residents by creating cooler, more attractive and accessible neighborhood’s and public spaces. With this vision, the city of Gatineau is accelerating the balance between urban development and the preservation of natural spaces.”

    Maude Marquis-Bissonnette
    Mayor, City of Gatineau

    “Valuable to our community, this funding allows us to increase our efforts to green our territory, one of the main objectives of our Tree Policy. As a City, we are working to provide a greener, more resilient and sustainable environment for our citizens in a context where climate change is already having a real impact. This support is a new incentive in achieving these collective goals, whose impacts will be felt quickly and well beyond our generation.”

    Andrée Bouchard
    Mayor, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu

    “Harpur Farms is a multi-generational family forestry business. We strongly believe that ‘great societies are those where people plant trees in whose shade they will never sit’. It is our privilege to work with a partner who shares the same long-term view.”

    Jordan Harpur
    President, Harpur Farms Ltd. 

    “First Nations want to play an active role in forest industry activities — especially in land management, forest reforestation and the production of forest seedlings to be planted on our Nitassinan (Territory) — and, above all, to leave an incredible legacy to our future generations.”

    Ricardo Arias
    President and Founder, Pepinière Forestière Tshitassinu

    Quick facts

    • The Government of Canada is contributing $2.7 million toward the City of Gatineau’s urban tree-planting project. The project is expected to plant 80,000 trees throughout the city by March 31, 2031.

    • The City of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu received $2 million in funding from Canada’s 2BT program to plant 70,000 trees by March 31, 2031.

    • Harpur Farm LTD received $1.9 million from Canada’s 2BT program to plant 251,000 trees on 208.5 acres of marginal lands and 41.9 acres in degraded woodlands. 

    • Canada’s 2BT program is funding $10 million to Pepinière Forestière Tshitassinu to build a fully automated Indigenous-led forest nursery. 

    • These projects are being supported by Canada’s 2 Billion Trees program. 2BT is part of the Government of Canada’s broader approach to nature-based climate solutions. The program is dedicated to working together with provinces, territories, local communities, non-and for-profit organizations and Indigenous Peoples across the country to ensure that the benefits of tree planting will endure for generations.

    • 2BT engages with applicants to understand their plans for preparing sites, how they are selecting species and how they plan to monitor after planting. Funding recipients report every year, and the program has a long-term monitoring plan to monitor the progress and the health of the trees. By ensuring the initial job is done well, nature can then thrive, maintaining the long-term health of forested sites. 

    • As of September 2024, the Government of Canada has secured or is negotiating agreements with partners to plant over 716 million trees.

    Associated links

    Contacts

    Natural Resources Canada
    Media Relations
    343-292-6096
    media@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca

    Joanna Sivasankaran
    Director of Communications
    Office of the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
    Joanna.Sivasankara@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca

    Rachel Rivard
    Manager – Public Relations, Gatineau
    819 243-2345, ext 4001
    rivard.rachel@gatineau.ca

     

    Marie-Pier Gagnon
    Digital Strategy and Media Relations Advisor, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu
    450 357-2098, ext 2078
    m.gagnon@sjsr.ca

    Carl Simoncelli
    Vice-President, Harpur Farms Ltd.
    514-282-1996
    carl.simoncelli@taoco.com

    Ricardo Arias
    President and Founder, Pepinière Forestière Tshitassinu
    418-275-4545, ext 22
    arias.ricardo175@gmail.com

    Follow us on LinkedIn

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: With U.S. tariffs on the horizon, Province strengthens forestry sector

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    While on tour in the Okanagan this week listening to people’s priorities and and concerns and sharing how the Province is fighting back against U.S. President Donald J. Trump’s economic threats, Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests, gathered with workers and members of the Salmon Arm community to celebrate the official opening of Canoe Forest Products’ new kiln.

    The new kiln was made possible with funding from the Province’s BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund (BCMJF).

    “When a giant throws punches, you don’t fight with one hand tied behind your back. That’s why we’re taking strong action to protect B.C. jobs, industries and workers,” said Parmar. “B.C.’s local wood-manufacturing companies like Canoe Forest Products are at the heart of our communities and are the best of what ‘Made in Canada’ has to offer.”

    Canoe received more than $2.2 million in November 2023 to commission a new kiln, boosting both production and sustainability at its operation in Salmon Arm and help protect 200 good-paying jobs. Canoe has been a stalwart member of B.C.’s forestry sector for more than 60 years and is part of the Gorman Group, made up of four facilities across the province in Salmon Arm (Canoe), West Kelowna (Gorman Brothers) and Revelstoke (Downie and Selkirk).

    Parmar accompanied Canoe employees, community guests, and Nick Arkle, chief executive officer of the Gorman Group, at an opening ribbon-cutting ceremony. The ceremony included a tour of Canoe’s new kiln and meeting Canoe employees.

    “Having Minister Parmar today at the ribbon cutting for the commissioning of the new dryer at Canoe Forest Products is important in recognizing the B.C. government’s support through the Manufacturing Jobs Fund,” said Arkle. “This investment strengthens our operations through increased efficiency of cost and quality, while supporting local jobs and the long-term sustainability of our business.”

    The new kiln will transform Canoe’s long-term business as a softwood sheathing, veneer and specialty-plywood manufacturer, allowing the company to diversify the species of wood it processes and reduce its reliance on Douglas fir. It will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 10% through the drying process.

    “We’re actively supporting local manufacturers to create sustainable jobs, diversify product lines and scale up operations throughout B.C.,” said Diana Gibson, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation. “The BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund has been a catalyst for growing local economies, helping companies innovate and diversify, and strengthening our supply chains.”

    As part of a listening and learning tour of the Thompson Okanagan, Parmar is also visiting three other recipients of BCMJF grants. Tolko Industries received $8 million to help expand Tolko’s Heffley Creek operation. Family-run Gilbert Smith Forest Products in Barriere received $1.1 million to support facility modernization and new equipment. AcuTruss Industries Ltd. in Vernon received $100,000 to support the purchase and commissioning of equipment to manufacture precision cut I-joists through automation, while creating 12 new jobs.

    The BCMJF supports forestry-product manufacturers to innovate their business lines and grow their operations, supporting a strong and resilient forestry sector throughout B.C. Building new markets and strengthening existing ones is integral to a strong future for B.C.’s forestry sector and economy.

    Quick Facts:

    • The BCMJF has committed more than $97 million to forestry-sector manufacturers in the province.
    • To date, these investments have incentivized more than $680 million in private sector capital flowing into forestry-product manufacturing.
    • Combined, these investments have led to the direct creation and protection of more than 3,500 forestry-sector jobs.

    Learn More:

    To learn more about Canoe Forest Products, visit: https://www.canoefp.com/

    To learn more about how the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund has supported the B.C. forest sector, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/economic-development/support-organizations-community-partners/rural-economic-development/manufacturing-jobs-fund

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Canada Announces Funding for Clean and Reliable Energy in First Nations and Inuit Communities

    Source: Government of Canada News

    March 18, 2025                                    Thunder Bay, Ontario                          Natural Resources Canada

    Indigenous and remote communities across Canada are leading the way in prioritizing cleaner, more affordable and more-reliable energy sources as they continue to experience some of the deepest impacts of climate change. Investing in community-led clean energy solutions in Indigenous communities enables energy security, reconciliation, self-determination and economic development.

    Today, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, the Honourable Patty Hajdu and the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree announced over $11 million in funding mainly through the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities (CERRC) program, which will support fifteen clean energy projects in Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, Ontario, British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Quebec.

    This funding will support the development of a range of community-led clean energy initiatives in Northern and remote Indigenous communities, such as:

    • forest biomass and bioenergy systems;
    • solar photovoltaics and battery energy storage systems;
    • capacity building, feasibility and front-end engineering and design
    • studies; and  energy efficiency and building retrofits

    By opting for cleaner forms of energy, communities can reduce their reliance on diesel while saving money.

    As Canada and the world increase their use of cheaper and less-polluting forms of energy, the Government of Canada is stepping up to support rural and remote communities that want to reduce their reliance on imported diesel and are leading their own clean energy solutions. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting community-led clean energy projects that increase participation, ownership and decision making by Indigenous Peoples. 

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: National Poison Prevention Week, 2025

    Source: The White House

    class=”has-text-align-center”>By the President of the United States of America

    A Proclamation

    During National Poison Prevention Week, my Administration is addressing the threat of overdose deaths in our Nation from accidental poisoning.  By increasing community awareness, strengthening safety measures, and taking decisive action, we are building a new era of American strength, safety, security, and wellness.

    Among the most serious threats facing our Nation is the rise of fentanyl, which is being trafficked illegally across our borders — a crisis of unimaginable proportions that escalated under the previous administration.  Fentanyl and other deadly drugs flooded into our towns and cities, falling into the hands of our children, siblings, parents, friends, and neighbors.  Fentanyl is the leading cause of death for Americans ages 18 to 45, with overdoses quickly becoming a leading cause of death for American teens — robbing countless innocent victims of their lives, futures, and dreams.

    We cannot allow this devastation and vicious assault on the American people to continue.  That is why, on my first day back in office, I directed the designation of cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, ensuring they are treated as a national security threat.  I have imposed tariffs on China, Mexico, and Canada — sending a clear message that those fueling this crisis will be held accountable.  United States Customs and Border Protection, along with United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, are on the frontlines of this fight, having seized more than 1,600 pounds of fentanyl in my first 30 days in office.  I will continue to do everything in my power to protect children and families, end drug addiction, and keep lethal substances out of our communities.

    Every day, American families endure the devastating impact of preventable poisoning, whether from household chemicals, improper medication use, or the perilous danger of opioids like fentanyl.  This week, my Administration urges all Americans to stay informed about the dangers of poisoning and take steps to protect their families.  The Poison Help Line, 800-222-1222, is available around the clock, providing free, confidential guidance from medical experts.  We will never stop fighting to achieve a future that protects its citizens, defends its communities, and ensures that the American people are happy, healthy, and free.

    To encourage Americans to learn more about the dangers of unintentional poisonings and to take appropriate preventative measures, on September 26, 1961, the Congress, by joint resolution (75 Stat. 681), authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation designating the third week of March each year as “National Poison Prevention Week.”

    NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim March 16, 2025, through March 22, 2025, to be National Poison Prevention Week.  I call upon all Americans to observe this week by taking actions to safeguard their families from poisonous products, chemicals, medicines, and drugs found in their homes, and to raise awareness about these dangers in order to prevent accidental injuries and deaths.

    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.

    DONALD J. TRUMP

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Purpose Investments Inc. Announces Payouts Relating to the Termination of Purpose Marijuana Opportunities Fund

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Purpose Investments Inc. (“Purpose”) announced today additional information regarding the termination of Purpose Marijuana Opportunities Fund (the “Fund”), which was announced on December 27, 2024.

    On March 14, 2025, Purpose redeemed all of the issued and outstanding ETF shares, Series A shares and Series F shares of Purpose Marijuana Opportunities Fund. The ETF shares of Purpose Marijuana Opportunities Fund were voluntarily delisted from the CBOE Exchange at the close of business on March 12, 2025.

    Fund securityholders will receive the following amounts on or about March 18, 2025, in connection with the termination of the Fund. No action is required to be taken by securityholders to receive such amounts. Purpose confirms that there are no distributions of income or capital gains included in the redemption amount.

    Fund Class / Series of share/unit Ticker / FundSERV Redemption Amount (per Share)1
    Purpose Marijuana Opportunities Fund ETF Shares MJJ $2.6593
    Series A Shares PFC4200 $2.4573
    Series F Shares PFC4201 $2.6787

    1In Canadian Dollars (CAD) unless stated otherwise.

    About Purpose Investments

    Purpose Investments is an asset management company with over $23 billion in assets under management. Purpose Investments has an unrelenting focus on client-centric innovation and offers a range of managed and quantitative investment products. Purpose Investments is led by well-known entrepreneur Som Seif and is a division of Purpose Unlimited, an independent technology-driven financial services company.

    For further information, please email us at info@purposeinvest.com

    Media inquiries:
    Keera Hart
    keera.hart@kaiserpartners.com
    905-580-1257

    Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investment fund investments. The prospectus contains important detailed information about the investment fund. Please read the prospectus before investing. There is no assurance that any fund will achieve its investment objective, and its net asset value, yield, and investment return will fluctuate from time to time with market conditions. Investment funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently, and past performance may not be repeated.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Middlefield Announces Intention to Change Primary Exchange for Innovation Dividend ETF

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Middlefield Limited (the “Manager”), the manager of Middlefield Innovation Dividend ETF (TSX:MINN), is pleased to announce its intention to change the primary exchange on which the securities of MINN are listed from the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) to Cboe Canada Inc. (“Cboe Canada”), effective on or about April 7th. The Manager has received conditional approval from Cboe Canada to list the Units on its exchange.

    It is important to note that the ticker symbol for Middlefield Innovation Dividend ETF will remain unchanged as MINN. Unitholders are assured that no action is required on their part for this listing change to take effect. All investment holdings will continue seamlessly without any disruption to trading activities or the value of the ETF.

    About Middlefield

    Founded in 1979, Middlefield is a specialist equity income asset manager with offices in Toronto, Canada and London, England. Our investment team utilizes active management to select high-quality, global companies across a variety of sectors and themes. Our product offerings include proven dividend-focused strategies that span real estate, healthcare, innovation, infrastructure, energy, diversified income and more. We offer these solutions in a variety of product types including ETFs, Mutual Funds, Split-Share Funds, Closed-End Funds and Flow-through LPs.

    For further information, please visit our website at www.middlefield.com or contact Nancy Tham in our Sales and Marketing Department at 1.888.890.1868.

    This press release contains forward-looking information. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, intentions, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as “expects”, “is expected”, “anticipates”, “plans”, “estimates” or “intends” (or negative or grammatical variations thereof), or stating that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Statements which may constitute forward-looking statements relate to: the proposed timing of the name, objectives and strategies changes and completion thereof; the potential benefits of such changes; and the holding of the unitholder meeting. Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements including as a result of changes in the general economic and political environment, changes in applicable legislation, and the performance of each fund. Additional risks, uncertainties and other factors that could influence actual results are described under “Risk Factors” in the ETFs’ prospectus and other documents filed by the ETFs with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities. The forward-looking information contained in this press release constitutes the ETFs’ current estimate, as of the date of this press release, with respect to the matters covered hereby. Investors and others should not assume that any forward-looking statement contained in this press release represents the ETFs’ estimate as of any date other than the date of this press release.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Putin makes paltry concession to Ukraine in Trump’s self-aggrandizing ceasefire effort

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By James Horncastle, Assistant Professor and Edward and Emily McWhinney Professor in International Relations, Simon Fraser University

    Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to a proposal by United States President Donald Trump for Russia and Ukraine to stop attacking each other’s energy infrastructure for 30 days, according to statements by both the White House and the Kremlin.

    The deal, however, falls short of an unconditional 30-day ceasefire proposed by U.S. and Ukrainian officials earlier this month.

    Russia’s response to the initial U.S. ceasefire proposal has been predictable. Putin has argued that considerable changes need to be made to the original proposal, though he didn’t outright reject it.

    Given the earlier proposal is highly vague, this leads to one conclusion. Russia is playing for time to maximize its negotiating position.

    Trump’s latest phone call with Putin seemingly didn’t amount to any substantive changes, except for Russia’s agreement to refrain from targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure — a concession that might actually benefit Russia.

    The winter, when Ukraine is most vulnerable to Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure, is almost done. Russia’s dependence on energy exports to support its war effort, however, remains constant, and any Ukrainian attacks on Russian energy facilities will be framed as a breach by Russian authorities.

    Russia exploiting Trump’s desire for peace at any cost will probably be an ongoing trend.

    Trump’s goal

    The U.S. is playing an important role in peace negotiations. Under former president Joe Biden, this was due to the fact that the U.S. provided Ukraine with arms and moral support.

    Like most aspects of American policy, however, Trump dramatically pivoted, even attacking Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy in an infamous White House meeting in February. Now Trump is seeking a ceasefire, no matter what form it takes, to build a reputation as a statesman and distract Americans from domestic policy issues.



    Read more:
    What the U.S. ceasefire proposal means for Ukraine, Russia, Europe – and Donald Trump

    This development places Zelenskyy in a political bind. The U.S. in the past provided most of the military aid to Ukraine and the relationship between the Ukrainian leader and Trump is acrimonious.

    As such, even if Zelenskyy doesn’t agree with American ceasefire proposals, he must give the appearance of agreement or risk permanently alienating the mercurial Trump. Putin, in the meantime, will exploit any Ukrainian-American tensions.

    Current military situation

    The first year of the current phase of the Ukraine-Russia war was marked by mobility as both Russia and Ukraine made considerable advances and counteroffensives.

    Since the start of 2023, however, the conflict is increasingly defined as a war of attrition and a stalemate.

    Many analysts argue that such a war favours Russia. Wars of attrition are defined by slow, grinding advances whereby large casualties are a necessary byproduct for success. Given Russia’s material and personnel advantages, it can afford to suffer higher casualties.

    For the past several months, Russian forces have been making slow, steady advances against Ukrainian positions. Russia has suffered significant casualties in these advances, and they may not be sustainable over the long term.

    Putin is gambling that Ukraine’s and the international community’s will to fight will be broken by the time this is an issue. Trump’s push for a ceasefire at any cost suggests Putin may have a point.

    Any immediate ceasefire agreement between Russia and Ukraine would leave Ukraine occupying Russian soil in the Kursk region, which Russia cannot accept.

    Russia’s immediate goal

    Ukraine’s 2024 incursion into the Kursk region provided the country and its people with a necessary respite from the war of attrition. Ukrainian forces, attacking an under-defended and unprepared part of the Russian front line, made significant advances into Russia.

    Ukraine’s ability to maintain territory around Kursk has also proven to be an embarrassment for Putin and the Russian establishment.

    Putin recently said Russian forces encircled Ukrainian forces in the salient, although Ukraine denies it. Regardless of the statement’s validity, it speaks to the importance both parties attach to the battle.

    Russia’s reputation

    This issue highlights a particular problem for the Russian leadership. Russia has done its utmost to frame its so-called “special military operation” in Ukraine as a success. An example is Russia’s formal annexation of four Ukrainian areas in 2022, despite not actually possessing the territory at the time.

    Any perception of the invasion of Ukraine as a failure is a non-starter for a Russian government concerned about its domestic standing.

    Ukraine possessing Russian territory, however, leads to questions in Russia about the war’s success. Ukraine, in exchange for relinquishing any Russian territory it seized during the war, would undoubtedly seek the return of Ukrainian territory.

    Russia has not even achieved its minimal goals of seizing the four Ukrainian regions it’s officially annexed. Therefore, it’s unlikely Putin would ever agree to the exchange of the territory it has actually already seized in exchange for the Kursk salient.

    Putin is following the Russian playbook of negotiating from strength. So long as Ukraine maintains Kursk, Russia will not negotiate in good faith.

    While Kursk is the most prominent area of Russia concern, there are other conditions that will become important in the future as Putin seeks to improve Russia’s negotiating position.

    It’s a lesson that Trump will soon learn, despite any and all efforts he or his administration make to frame things positively.

    James Horncastle does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Putin makes paltry concession to Ukraine in Trump’s self-aggrandizing ceasefire effort – https://theconversation.com/putin-makes-paltry-concession-to-ukraine-in-trumps-self-aggrandizing-ceasefire-effort-252368

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Spring Weight Restrictions on Secondary Highways Begin March 21

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on March 18, 2025

    With spring thaw beginning, weight restrictions start March 21 on secondary highways to protect key links of Saskatchewan’s road network.

    “This annual measure keeps key transportation infrastructure ship shape for the long run so that our highways can move goods to support our export-based economy, which helps sustain our quality of life,” Highways Minister David Marit said. 

    The 2025 restrictions go into effect at 12:01 a.m., Friday, March 21 in southwest Saskatchewan. They are expected to be phased in throughout the province as it gets warmer. The spring restrictions will remain in place for up to six weeks.

    These restrictions protect the surface and ground beneath these roads, which become wet and soften with spring thaw. This reduces allowable vehicle weights on rural municipal roads and secondary-weight provincial highways by 10 to 15 per cent.

    For the latest available information about which highways have spring weight restrictions, please visit:

    https://www.saskatchewan.ca/business/transportation-and-road-construction/information-for-truckers-and-commercial-trucking-companies/regulations-and-road-restrictions/increased-weights-and-road-restrictions.

    The newest order will be under the Spring Road Bans heading. Truckers and shippers are reminded to check regularly.

    Technical and regulatory information is also available through the Trucking Inquiry Line at 1-866-933-5290 or outside of Saskatchewan at 306-933-5290.

    Rural municipalities are responsible for their own roads and set their own weight limits.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: B.C. supporting food manufacturing, food security

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    New support for food and beverage manufacturers throughout the province will create jobs, strengthen local supply chains, establish new B.C.-made products and increase food security for people in British Columbia.

    “We are all working together to create new opportunities for B.C.-based food manufacturers that will strengthen our province,” said Diana Gibson, B.C.’s Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation. “Improving food security and increasing sustainable, local food production is critical for people and families as we continue facing unjustified tariffs from our neighbour to the south.”

    Through the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund (BCMJF), the Province is contributing as much as $6.6 million toward the growth of seven food manufacturing companies in communities throughout the province. These expansion projects are enabling B.C. producers to remain competitive by scaling up and adding new product lines, while creating more than 165 sustainable jobs throughout the province.

    Located in Kelowna, Farming Karma Fruit Company Ltd. is a family-owned-and-operated business that manufactures value-added fruit products, such as sparkling fruit beverages, using Okanagan-grown fruit. It will receive as much as $2 million to support the purchase of advanced manufacturing equipment that will bring primary processing in house, increase production and expand its product lines. This investment will help create 32 jobs and strengthen the company’s distribution of made-in-B.C. fruit products across Canada.

    “Supporting food manufacturing in B.C. strengthens the economy, creates jobs and builds a resilient food system,” said Avi Gill, CEO and co-founder, Farming Karma Fruit Company. “We’re grateful for the B.C. government’s support in expanding our manufacturing operation and the opportunities it brings. As next-generation farmers, our vision is to lead in creating value-added fruit products, support local farmers, and innovate for the future of farming.”

    Operating in the Fraser Valley, One Degree Organic Foods is a family-run organic food producer, specializing in oats, granola, cereals and flours made from organic, non-GMO ingredients sourced from Canadian and international farmers. It will receive as much as $2 million to consolidate its four smaller locations into one larger, centralized facility in Mission, purchase new equipment that will double production capacity to meet growing customer demand and establish new product lines, while creating 32 jobs.

    “With the support of the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund, we are enhancing operational efficiency through a consolidated facility allowing us to better serve our customers,” said Greg Dengin, CFO, One Degree Organic Foods Inc. “This investment increases our capacity and accelerates One Degree Organic Foods’ ability to provide traceable organic products, while strengthening our connection to the Mission community and continuing to support job growth in British Columbia.”

    BCMJF funding for food manufacturing projects builds on recent work by the Province to support B.C.’s agriculture and food sector and strengthen food security. A new Premier’s task force, led by leaders representing the food supply chain from farm to table, is looking at ways to enhance B.C.’s agricultural and food economic growth and competitiveness.

    Additionally, government continues to support innovation in farming through the BC Centre for Agritech Innovation with 19 new projects, representing nearly 200 new jobs, while creating more sustainable and efficient food production.

    “The food and beverage sector is a core part of B.C.’s manufacturing industry, generating over $13 billion in revenue and over 40,000 jobs,” said Lana Popham, B.C.’s Minister of Agriculture and Food. “Through smart investments of equipment, infrastructure and technology, the delicious harvest we reap each year can also be transformed into made-in-B.C. products, keeping jobs and dollars in the province. That’s smart economics, especially in the face of ongoing threats to B.C.’s well-being from the United States.”

    Clean and Competitive: A Blueprint for B.C.’s Industrial Future lays out the Province’s work to drive new investment, create new jobs and seize new opportunities in growing clean-energy and sustainable industries. Supporting local manufacturing sectors helps leverage B.C.’s strengths to create good jobs and opportunities in every community and will improve the quality of life for people, while strengthening B.C.’s diverse economy.

    Quick Facts:

    • The BCMJF supports high-value industrial and manufacturing capital projects across all sectors that create and protect well-paying jobs.
    • The BCMJF has committed $146 million toward 132 projects to date, unlocking more than $1 billion in private-sector and other public investment.
      • Every $1 million invested results in $7 million in total direct capital investments in B.C., $590,000 in tax revenue to the Province, and $5.3 million in provincial GDP during the capital construction phase.
    • Funded projects will create and protect more than 4,700 jobs throughout B.C. 

    Learn More:

    To learn about the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund, such as a list of recipients and updated application deadline information, visit: 
    https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/economic-development/support-organizations-community-partners/rural-economic-development/manufacturing-jobs-fund

    To learn more about the economic impact of B.C.’s food and beverage manufacturing sector, visit: 
    https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/statistics/agriculture-and-seafood-statistics-publications

    To learn more about Clean and Competitive: A Blueprint for B.C.’s Industrial Future, visit: 
    https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/Clean_and_Competitive.pdf

    Two backgrounders follow.

    Project descriptions and funding amounts for the five additional BCMJF projects in this batch are listed in Backgrounder 1.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Update on Calgary’s Green Line LRT project: Minister Dreeshen

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Investing nearly $5B in Alberta’s north

    [. In the province’s latest budget, $4.4 billion is being allocated in operating expenses and $475 million for capital expenses to Alberta’s north region.

    Alberta’s northern communities are vital to the province’s identity, prosperity and success. There is no question, Alberta’s northern communities face unique opportunities and challenges that must be addressed today. Budget 2025, if passed, is meeting the challenges faced by Alberta with continued investments in economic development, education, health, transportation and more.

    Jobs, Economy and Trade:

    If passed, Budget 2025 strengthens northern Alberta’s workforce and regional economies through strategic supports and investments, including $9 million over the next three years through the Northern and Regional Economic Development Program (NRED) and $1.5 million allocated over three years for the Northern Alberta Development Bursary, to attract and retain skilled professionals to grow and diversify northern economies. Alberta’s government is also investing $111 million in affordability and wage-top-up grants to child care operators in northern Alberta so northern families can access quality child care.

    Regarding regional supports, $45 million is being allocated over three years to the Investment and Growth Fund to increase Alberta’s competitiveness and attract investment across the province, including in the north. Budget 2025 invests $3 million in the Alberta Export Expansion Program over three years to enhance access for Alberta-based businesses to international markets for export-ready organizations. Alberta’s government is also investing $235 million in the Alberta Film and Television Tax Credit over the next three years to grow the film and television sector in Alberta, with 30 per cent tax credits available for qualifying northern and rural productions.

    “By driving strategic economic development, attracting investment with a business-friendly environment and empowering our northern workforce, our government is ensuring Alberta’s north remains an economic engine, fueling growth and industry diversification for years to come.”

    Matt Jones, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade

    Northern Development:

    Alberta’s government has engaged with business owners, municipalities and economic development organizations from communities across northern Alberta who shared their specific barriers to economic growth, such as workforce retention and attraction, transportation, infrastructure and affordable housing. If passed, Budget 2025 makes important investments to address those challenges and create more opportunities for Albertan workers and business owners based in the north.

    “Northern Alberta has limitless opportunity. Investing in much-needed supports today, like the Northern and Regional Economic Development Program and Northern Alberta Development Bursary, will empower communities to succeed, setting the foundation for northern communities to thrive for generations to come.”

    Tany Yao, parliamentary secretary for small business and northern development

    Education:

    Last fall, Alberta’s government announced a program to accelerate school construction and build new classroom spaces. If passed, Budget 2025 would invest $225 million over three years for school projects across Alberta, including for planning and design of five new school projects in the north. Alberta’s government is investing in Cold Lake, Fairview, Grand Prairie and two schools in Fort McMurray. In Cold Lake, a new school will replace the Art Smith Aviation Academy, North Star Elementary School and Cold Lake Junior High. An addition to the Grande Prairie Composite High School will make room for more students in the community, while families in Fairview can look forward to new schools to replace existing and aging ones. In Fort McMurray, families can look forward to an addition to Holy Trinity Catholic High School and a modernization of École Dickinsfield School which will accommodate growing student populations.

    “Budget 2025, if passed, will provide five new schools and the teachers and staff needed to support them to northern Alberta communities. Alberta’s government remains committed to providing a world-class education to students in every corner of the province.”

    Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Education

    Health:

    If passed, Budget 2025 includes $15 million in planning funds for eight new urgent care centres, including in Cold Lake and Fort McMurray. It also includes an increase of $12 million for the existing Rural Remote Northern Program and $12 million annually for physician support programs. Alberta’s government is also upgrading hospitals and facilities across the province and is investing in innovation to make Alberta an in-demand destination for researchers. Capital projects include $80 million over three years for the La Crete Maternity and Community Health Centre, and $18 million over two years to fund furnishings, equipment and IT infrastructure for the new Mountview Health Complex in the town of Beaverlodge, as well as a $170-million capital lease to operate the new facility. Additionally, Budget 2025 includes funding to complete the expansion of the town of Slave Lake’s EMS station.

    “Budget 2025 prioritizes the health of people in northern Alberta with investments in urgent care centres and vital infrastructure upgrades. These initiatives will help strengthen communities, improve access to care and support sustainable growth across the region.”

    Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Health

    Transportation and Economic Corridors:

    If passed, Budget 2025 also includes funding for multiple highways and bridges, with funding already announced earlier this month. Alberta’s northern communities are vital to our province’s identity and success, and that is why Budget 2025 invests $1.25 billion in the north to expand emergency routes in northern Alberta – because when disaster strikes, every second counts.

    “Alberta’s rapid growth demands bold action. That’s why we are making historic investments in transportation and water infrastructure to keep our communities thriving, businesses competitive and families supported. These projects will create jobs, boost trade and ensure Alberta remains the best place to live, work and build a future.”

    Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors

    Advanced Education:

    If passed, Budget 2025 also invests $2 million in 2025-26 for the expansion and upgrades of Keyano College in Fort McMurray to provide an enhanced learning environment for in-demand programs like nursing and paramedicine to help address labour needs in Alberta’s health care system. Budget 2025 also invests $1 million towards planning for the skilled trades expansion at Northwestern Polytechnic in Grande Prairie, which will help meet demand for skilled tradespeople to build Alberta’s growing economy. Further, Budget 2025 allocates a total of almost $9 million for capital maintenance and renewal projects at the following northern Alberta post-secondary institutions:

    • Athabasca University
    • Keyano College
    • Lakeland College
    • Northern Lakes College
    • Portage College
    • Northwestern Polytechnic

    “Alberta’s government is ensuring students in northern Alberta and across the province have access to high-quality post-secondary education. That is why we are making significant investments in northern Alberta through Budget 2025 that will upgrade facilities and create more seats in high-demand programs.”

    Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Advanced Education

    Other Supports:

    As extra support for the 2024-2025 Northern and Regional Economic Development (NRED) program, Alberta’s government is pleased to announce an additional $7 million will be allocated towards last year’s grant intake. For 2024-25, NRED will provide over 80 grants worth approximately $10 million.

    “The Northern and Regional Economic Development grant supports business growth in Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo. More than 100 local businesses have benefited from programs funded through this grant so far – and we’re very excited to continue the success in 2025.”

    Melonie Doucette, director of entrepreneurship and innovation, Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic Development and Tourism

    “The 2025 Alberta provincial budget provides continuing support for the work of regional economic development and continues to support the growth of rural Alberta. Investments in infrastructure are key to ensure our commodities move to market and our rural economy continues to grow and provide for the needs of all Albertans today and into the future.”

    Gerald S. Aalbers, mayor, City of Lloydminster and chair, Northeast Alberta Information HUB

    “The province’s investment in northern Alberta is good news for supporting the region’s continued economic growth and acknowledging the unique difficulties of maintaining infrastructure and delivering services in the rural north. Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) is hopeful that government will work with the region’s rural municipalities to ensure the investments are targeted for maximum community and regional benefit.”

    Kara Westerlund, president, RMA

    Through strategic investments in the north, Alberta’s government is tackling challenges head-on, laying the foundation for long-term prosperity and success.

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

    Quick facts:

    If passed, Budget 2025 invests:

    • $264 million in new funding for highway projects across northern Alberta, including:
      • Paving Highway 58 to improve mobility for more than 5,500 local residents, boost economic activity and allow unimpeded access for emergency vehicles.
      • Paving Highway 686 between Peerless Lake and Trout Lake and commencing design work to extend the highway from Fort McMurray to Peerless Lake.
      • Detailed design work to improve safety on Highway 28, a critical transportation route serving the Cold Lake oil sands deposits and the Cold Lake 4th Wing Air Base.
    • $225 million over three years for school projects across Alberta, including for planning and design of five new school projects in the north
    • $189 million over three years for the Beaverlodge Health Centre replacement
    • $111 million is being provided for affordability and wage-top-up grants to child care operators in northern Alberta.
    • $101 million over three years to twin Highway 63 North of Fort McMurray
    • $87 million over three years for the La Crete bridge
    • $80 million over three years for the La Crete Maternity and Community Health Centre
    • $2 million in 2025-26 for the expansion and upgrades of Keyano College in Fort McMurray to provide an enhanced learning environment for in-demand programs like nursing and paramedicine to help address labour needs in Alberta’s health care system.

    Related information

    • NRED Program
    • NADB
    • Northern Alberta Development Council (NADC)
    • Film and Television Tax Credit

    Related news

    • Enhancing safety and economic growth in the north (March 4, 2025)
    • Cultivating economic growth in rural Alberta (May 3, 2024)

    Multimedia

    • Watch the news conference

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Sipekne’katik — UPDATE: Missing man found safe

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    The 43-year-old man who was reported missing on February 28 and last seen at a mall in Truro has been found safe.

    The RCMP thanks Nova Scotians for assisting with missing persons files through social media shares and offering tips.

    File #: 2025-266545

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: PIMCO Canada Corp. Announces Special Reinvested Distribution for PIMCO Global Income Opportunities Fund for 2024 Year-End

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for dissemination in the United States

    TORONTO, March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PIMCO Canada Corp. (“PIMCO Canada”) announced today that a special reinvested income distribution on the Class A Units (the “Units”) of PIMCO Global Income Opportunities Fund (TSX: PGI.UN) (the “Fund”) in the amount of $0.25496 per Unit was paid on January 15, 2025, to the holders of record at the close of business on December 31, 2024. This amount is for the reinvested distribution only, and does not include the ongoing monthly cash distribution amount, which was announced in a separate press release on December 18, 2024.

    The reinvested distribution was reinvested in Units of the Fund and the resulting Units were immediately consolidated, so that the number of Units held by each unitholder did not change. Unitholders holding their Units outside registered plans will have taxable amounts to report and an increase in the adjusted cost base of their Units.

    The Manager, PIMCO Canada, retains Pacific Investment Management Company LLC (“PIMCO”), to provide investment management services to the Fund.

    About PIMCO

    PIMCO was founded in 1971 in Newport Beach, California and is one of the world’s premier fixed income investment managers. Today we have offices across the globe and 3,000+ professionals united by a single purpose: creating opportunities for investors in every environment. PIMCO is owned by Allianz S.E., a leading global diversified financial services provider.

    This is not an offer to sell Units and not a solicitation of an offer to buy Units in any region where the offer or sale is not permitted. Before you invest, you should carefully read the Fund’s disclosure documents and consider carefully the risks you assume when you invest in the Units. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objectives or be able to structure its investment portfolio as anticipated. Copies of the Fund’s disclosure documents may be obtained from your financial advisor.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain statements included in this news release constitute forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, those identified by the expressions “expect”, “intend”, “will” and similar expressions to the extent they relate to the Fund. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts but reflect the Fund, PIMCO Canada and/or PIMCO’s current expectations regarding future results or events. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations, including, but not limited to, market factors. Although the Fund, PIMCO Canada and/or PIMCO believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and, accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein. The Fund, PIMCO Canada and/or PIMCO undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statement or information whether as a result of new information, future events or other factors which affect this information, except as required by law.

    You will usually pay brokerage fees to your dealer if you purchase or sell Units on the Toronto Stock Exchange (the “TSX”). If the Units are purchased or sold on the TSX, investors may pay more than the current net asset value when buying Units and may receive less than the current net asset value when selling them. There are ongoing fees and expenses associated with owning Units. An investment fund must prepare disclosure documents that contain key information about the fund. You can find more detailed information about the Fund in these documents. Investment funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently, and past performance may not be repeated.

    The Fund is a closed end exchange traded investment fund. Closed end funds, unlike open end funds, are not continuously offered. After the initial public offering, shares of closed end funds are sold on the open market through a stock exchange. For additional information, contact your financial advisor.

    For a summary of the risks of an investment in the Fund, please see the Principal Risks of the Fund section of the prospectus. Units of closed end funds frequently trade at a discount to their net asset value, which may increase risk of loss. Distributions are not guaranteed and are subject to change and/or elimination.

    PIMCO as a general matter provides services to qualified institutions, financial intermediaries and institutional investors. Individual investors should contact their own financial professional to determine the most appropriate investment options for their financial situation. This material contains the current opinions of the manager, and such opinions are subject to change without notice. This material has been distributed for informational purposes only and should not be considered as investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security, strategy or investment product. Information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable but not guaranteed. No part of this material may be reproduced in any form, or referred to in any other publication, without express written permission. PIMCO is a trademark of Allianz Asset Management of America L.P. in the United States and throughout the world. ©2025, PIMCO

    The products and services provided by PIMCO Canada Corp. may only be available in certain provinces or territories of Canada and only through dealers authorized for that purpose.

    PIMCO Canada has retained PIMCO LLC as sub-adviser. PIMCO Canada will remain responsible for any loss that arises out of the failure of its sub-adviser.

    PIMCO Canada Corp. 199 Bay Street, Suite 2050, Commerce Court Station, P.O. Box 363, Toronto, ON, M5L 1G2, 416-368-3350

    Contact:
    Agnes Crane
    PIMCO – Media Relations
    Phone: +212 597.1054

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Canadian Net REIT Announces 2024 Fourth-Quarter Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MONTRÉAL, March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Canadian Net Real Estate Investment Trust (“Canadian Net” or the “REIT”) (TSX-V: NET.UN) today reported its results for the quarter ended December 31st, 2024 (“Q4 2024”). The REIT also announced distributions for the months of April, May and June 2025.

    “We are very pleased with the achievements we made with our capital recycling initiatives during the year, which will materialize in 2025″ said Kevin Henley, President and CEO of the REIT. “As we close the year, we can clearly state that 2024 was a pivot year for CNET. The proceeds from the sale of five gas station properties in 2024 were successfully reinvested into four high-quality, necessity-based retail properties leased to national triple-A tenants. Three of these acquisitions were completed shortly after year-end, and all are immediately accretive to FFO per unit1 while enhancing the quality and resilience of our portfolio. As we move into 2025, our portfolio remains at 100% occupancy and is well positioned to weather today’s macroeconomic environment.”

    RESULTS FOR Q4 2024

    Canadian Net reported Funds from operations1 (“FFO”) of $3.25 million, or $0.158 per unit compared to $3.34 million, or $0.162 per unit for the quarter ended December 31, 2023 (“Q3 2023”). Normalized FFO1 for the quarter was in line with FFO and FFO per unit.

    Rental income was $6.8 million in Q4 2024, a decrease of 6.4% from Q4 2023. Net Operating Income (“NOI”)1 in Q4 2024 was $4.8 million, a decrease of 2.8% from Q4 2023, reflecting a decline in rental income due to property dispositions as part of our capital recycling initiative.

    The REIT generated a net income attributable to unitholders of $1.8 million in Q4 2024 compared to net income of $4.3 million in Q4 2023.

    RESULTS FOR THE TWELVE-MONTH PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2024

    Canadian Net reported FFO1 of $12.36 million, or $0.601 per unit compared to $13.06 million, or $0.635 per unit for the 12-month period ended December 31, 2023. Normalized FFO1 was $12.56 million, or $0.611 per unit compared to $13.06 million, or $0.635 per unit for the same period in 2023.

    Rental income was $26.1 million for the 12-month period ended December 31, 2024, a decrease of 1.6% from the same period in 2023. NOI1 over the 12-month period ended December 31, 2024 was $18.9 million, a decrease of 2.6% from the same period in 2023, reflecting a decline in rental income due to property dispositions as part of our capital recycling initiative.

    The REIT generated a net income attributable to unitholders of $7.1 million for the 12-month period ended December 31, 2024 compared to net income of $18.2 million for the same period last year.

    The decrease in FFO1 and Normalized FFO1 is derived from higher interest charges on mortgage renewals, decreases in rental income due to property dispositions and straight-line rent adjustments associated with the property dispositions. The decrease is partially offset by lower interest charges on credit facilities, convertible debentures, mortgages associated with the dispositions, and rental income from a property acquisition in Q4. The decrease in NOI1 primarily reflects the sale of properties in 2023 and 2024. Finally, the variance in net income attributable to unitholders is primarily attributable to the change in the fair value of investment properties.

    DISTRIBUTIONS

    Canadian Net announced that it will make monthly cash distributions of $0.02875 per unit, representing $0.345 per unit on an annualized basis, on April 30th, May 29th and June 30th, 2025, to unitholders of record on April 15th, May 15th and June 15th, 2025, respectively.

    The tables below represent other financial highlights and the reconciliations of certain non-IFRS measures for Q4 2024 and Q4 2023. This information should be read in conjunction with the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements and Management’s Discussion & Analysis (“MD&A”) for the quarters ended December 31st, 2024 and December 31st, 2023.

    SUMMARY OF SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

      12 months
    		     
    Periods ended December 31 2024   2023   Δ %
    Financial info            
    Property rental income 26,123,869   26,550,527   (426,658 ) (2 %)
    Net income and comprehensive income 7,103,541   18,221,826   (11,118,285 ) (61 %)
    NOI (1) 18,917,202   19,431,563   (514,361 ) (3 %)
    FFO (1) 12,355,243   13,059,460   (704,217 ) (5 %)
    Normalized FFO (1) 12,563,157   13,059,460   (496,303 ) (4 %)
    AFFO (1) 11,593,473   11,723,180   (129,707 ) (1 %)
    EBITDA (1) 13,939,769   25,493,840   (11,554,071 ) (45 %)
    Adjusted EBITDA (1) 18,519,338   19,764,765   (1,245,427 ) (6 %)
    Investment properties 275,478,504   277,842,384   (2,363,880 ) (1 %)
    Adjusted investment properties (1) 325,032,772   331,142,874   (6,110,102 ) (2 %)
    Total assets 301,321,985   308,350,346   (7,028,361 ) (2 %)
    Mortgages 132,194,629   134,689,255   (2,494,626 ) (2 %)
    Long-term debt –   30,000   (30,000 ) (100 %)
    Current portion of mortgages, long term-debt and convertible debentures 16,179,507   13,804,643   2,374,864   17 %
    Mortgages on investment properties held for sale –   2,780,439   (2,780,439 ) (100 %)
    Credit facilities 13,240,000   15,965,362   (2,725,362 ) (17 %)
    Total convertible debentures 5,898,927   7,436,529   (1,537,602 ) (21 %)
    Total equity 129,440,950   129,487,381   (46,431 ) –  
    Weighted average units o/s – basic 20,553,943   20,566,316   (12,373 ) –  
    Amounts on a per unit basis            
    FFO(1) 0.601   0.635   (0.034 ) (5 %)
    Normalized FFO(1) 0.611   0.635   (0.024 ) (4 %)
    AFFO(1) 0.564   0.570   (0.006 ) (1 %)
    Distributions 0.345   0.345   –   –  
    (1) This is a non-IFRS financial measure with no standardized IFRS meaning and may not be comparable to other issuers. Refer to the sections “Non-IFRS financial measures”.
     

    NON-IFRS FINANCIAL MEASURES

    The Trust’s consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). In this press release, as a complement to results provided in accordance with IFRS, the Trust discloses and discusses certain non-IFRS financial measures: FFO, Normalized FFO, FFO per unit, Normalized FFO per unit, AFFO, AFFO per unit, NOI, and Adjusted Investment Properties. These non-IFRS measures are not defined by IFRS, do not have a standardized meaning, and may not be comparable with similar measures presented by other issuers. Canadian Net has presented such non-IFRS measures as management of the Trust believes they are relevant measures of Canadian Net’s underlying operating performance and debt management. Non-IFRS measures should not be considered as alternatives to net income, cash generated from (utilized in) operating activities, or comparable metrics determined in accordance with IFRS as indicators of the Trust’s performance, liquidity, cash flow, and profitability. Information appearing in this news release is a select summary of results. This news release should be read in conjunction with the condensed consolidated financial statements and MD&A for the Trust. Please refer to the “Non IFRS Financial Measures” section in Canadian Net’s management’s discussion and analysis for the period ended December 31, 2024, available under Canadian Net’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca for a full description of these measures and, where applicable, a reconciliation to the most directly comparable measure calculated in accordance with IFRS. Such explanation is incorporated by reference herein.

    In addition, below are the reconciling tables for the non-IFRS measures used in this press release.

    Reconciliation of Investment Properties to Adjusted Investment Properties                

    As at December 31 2024   2023   Δ
    Investment Properties          
    Developed properties 275,478,504   277,842,384   (1 %)
    Investment properties held for sale –   5,035,094   (100 %)
    Joint Venture Ownership(1)          
    Developed properties 47,909,829   45,765,604   5 %
    Properties under development 1,644,439   2,499,792   (34 %)
    Adjusted Investment Properties(2) 325,032,772   331,142,874   (2 %)
    (1) Represents Canadian Net’s proportionate share
    (2) This is a non-IFRS financial measure with no standardized IFRS meaning and may not be comparable to other issuers. Refer to the section “Non-IFRS financial measures”
     

    Results of Operations

      3 months
    		       12 months  
    Periods ended December 31 2024  2023  Δ   2024  2023  Δ
    Rental Income 6,786,773   7,249,338   (462,565)     26,123,869   26,550,527   (426,658)  
    Operating expenses (2,035,883)   (2,360,559)   324,676     (7,206,667)   (7,118,964)   (87,703)  
    Net Operating Income(1) 4,750,890   4,888,779   (137,889)     18,917,202   19,431,563   (514,361)  
    Share of net income from investments in joint ventures 284,362   1,187,923   (903,561)     1,862,241   3,077,438   (1,215,197)  
    Change in fair values of investment properties (1,342,261)   437,292   (1,779,553)     (4,755,298)   4,319,072   (9,074,370)  
    Unit-based compensation (53,920)   (114,500)   60,580     (769,457)   (541,875)   (227,582)  
    Administrative expenses (285,448)   (258,971)   (26,477)     (1,245,935)   (1,020,738)   (225,197)  
    Financial expenses (1,662,745)   (1,790,431)   127,686     (7,002,536)   (7,037,539)   35,003  
    Income taxes 97,324   (6,095)   103,419     97,324   (6,095)   103,419  
    Net income attributable to unitholders 1,788,202   4,343,997   (2,555,795)     7,103,541   18,221,826   (11,118,285)  
    FFO(1) 3,252,599   3,335,581   (3%)     12,355,243   13,059,460   (5%)  
    FFO per unit(1) 0.158   0.162   (3%)     0.601   0.635   (5%)  
    Normalized FFO(1) 3,252,599   3,335,581   (3%)     12,563,157   13,059,460   (4%)  
    Normalized FFO per unit(1) 0.158   0.162   (3%)     0.611   0.635   (4%)  
    Weighted avg. units o/s              
    Basic 20,561,060   20,528,502   32,558     20,553,943   20,566,316   (12,373)  
    (1) This is a non-IFRS financial measure that does not have any standardized IFRS meaning and as such may not be comparable to other issuers. Refer to section “Non-IFRS financial measures”
     

    Reconciliation of Net Income to Funds from Operations

      3 months     12 months  
    Periods ended December 31 2024 2023 Δ   2024 2023 Δ
    Net income attributable to unitholders 1,788,202   4,343,997   (2,555,795)     7,103,541   18,221,826   (11,118,285)  
    Δ in value of investment properties 1,342,261   (437,292)   1,779,553     4,755,298   (4,319,072)   9,074,370  
    Δ in value of investment properties in joint ventures 180,446   (684,851)   865,297     (145,151)   (1,185,278)   1,040,127  
    Unit-based compensation 53,920   114,500   (60,580)     769,457   541,875   227,582  
    Δ fair value adjustments on derivative financial instruments (12,278)   (21,168)   8,890     (30,578)   (224,725)   194,147  
    Income taxes (99,952)   20,395   (120,347)     (97,324)   24,834   (122,158)  
    FFO(1) 3,252,599   3,335,581   (3%)     12,355,243   13,059,460   (5%)  
    Sales tax expense(2) –   –   –     117,150   –   117,150  
    Mortgage early repayment fee –   –   –     90,764   –   90,764  
    Normalized FFO(1) 3,252,599   3,335,581   (3%)     12,563,157   13,059,460   (4%)  
    FFO per unit(1) 0.158   0.162   (3%)     0.601   0.635   (5%)  
    Normalized FFO per unit(1) 0.158   0.162   (3%)     0.611   0.635   (4%)  
    Distributions 1,773,436   1,770,629   2,807     7,091,138   7,095,010   (3,872)  
    Distributions per unit 0.086   0.086   –     0.345   0.345   –  
    FFO per unit(1) – after distributions 0.072   0.076   (5%)     0.256   0.290   (12%)  
    Normalized FFO per unit(1) – after distributions 0.072   0.076   (5%)     0.266   0.290   (8%)  
    Distributions as a % of FFO(1) 54%   53%   1%     57%   54%   3%  
    Distributions as a % of Normalized FFO(1) 54%   53%   1%     56%   54%   2%  
    Weighted avg. units o/s              
    Basic 20,561,060   20,528,502   32,558     20,553,943   20,566,316   (12,373)  
    (1) This is a non-IFRS financial measure with no standardized IFRS meaning and may not be comparable to other issuers. Refer to the section “Non-IFRS financial measures”
    (2) Sales tax expense related to input tax credits previously claimed on certain payments as well as related interest and penalties. Refer to Risks related to certain tax matters section.
     

    Adjusted Funds from Operations

      3 months     12 months  
    Periods ended December 31 2024 2023 Δ   2024 2023 Δ
    FFO (1) 3,252,599   3,335,581   (82,982)     12,355,243   13,059,460   (704,217)  
    Straight-line rent adjustment(2) (35,414)   (53,466)   18,052     (123,278)   (347,316)   224,038  
    Maintenance/cap-ex on existing properties(3) (282,562)   (164,469)   (118,093)     (638,492)   (988,964)   350,472  
    AFFO(1) 2,934,623   3,117,646   (6%)     11,593,473   11,723,180   (1%)  
    AFFO per unit(1) 0.143   0.152   (6%)     0.564   0.570   (1%)  
    Distributions per unit 0.086   0.086   –     0.345   0.345   –  
    AFFO per unit(1) – after distributions 0.057   0.066   (14%)     0.219   0.225   (3%)  
    Distributions as a % of AFFO(1) 60%   57%   3%     61%   61%   –  
    Weighted avg. units o/s              
    Basic 20,561,060   20,528,502   32,558     20,553,943   20,566,316   (12,373)  
    (1) This is a non-IFRS financial measure with no standardized IFRS meaning and may not be comparable to other issuers. Refer to the section “Non-IFRS financial measures”
    (2) Adjusted for the proportionate share of equity-accounted investments
    (3) The maintenance/cap-ex on existing properties for 2024 includes a charge of $118,890 (2023: $805,000) that will generate additional income for the Trust
     

    Reconciliation of Net Income to EBITDA

      3 months
    		       12 months  
    Periods ended December 31 2024 2023 Δ   2024 2023 Δ
    Net income attributable to unitholders 1,788,202   4,343,997   (2,555,795)     7,103,541   18,221,826   (11,118,285)  
    Net interest expense 1,671,806   1,807,805   (135,999)     6,933,552   7,247,180   (313,628)  
    Income taxes (99,952)   20,395   (120,347)     (97,324)   24,834   (122,158)  
    EBITDA(1) 3,360,056   6,172,197   (2,812,141)     13,939,769   25,493,840   (11,554,071)  
    Δ in value of investment properties 1,342,261   (437,292)   1,779,553     4,755,298   (4,319,072)   9,074,370  
    Δ in value of investment properties in joint ventures 180,446   (684,851)   865,297     (145,151)   (1,185,278)   1,040,127  
    Δ in value of convertible debentures (12,278)   (21,168)   8,890     (30,578)   (224,725)   194,147  
    Adjusted EBITDA(1) 4,870,485   5,028,886   (3%)     18,519,338   19,764,765   (6%)  
    Interest expense 1,753,732   1,897,508   (143,776)     7,322,675   7,640,203   (317,528)  
    Principal repayments 1,157,941   1,176,301   (18,360)     4,664,354   4,602,073   62,281  
    Debt service requirements 2,911,673   3,073,809   (5%)     11,987,029   12,242,276   (2%)  
    Interest coverage ratio based on adjusted EBITDA(1) 2.8x   2.7x   0.1x     2.5x   2.6x   (0.1x)  
    Debt service coverage based on adjusted EBITDA(1) 1.7x   1.6x   0.1x     1.5x   1.6x   (0.1x)  
    (1) This is a non-IFRS financial measure that does not have any standardized IFRS meaning and as such may not be comparable to other issuers. Refer to section “Non-IFRS financial measures”
     

    EARNINGS WEBCAST
    Canadian Net will host a webcast on March 19, at 9:00 a.m. (EST) to discuss the results.

    The link to join the webcast is the following: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/pvftp69n

    About Canadian Net – Canadian Net Real Estate Investment Trust is an open-ended trust that acquires and owns high-quality triple net and management-free commercial real estate properties.

    Forward-Looking Statements – This press release contains forward-looking statements and information as defined by applicable securities laws. Canadian Net warns the reader that actual events may differ materially from current expectations due to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results anticipated in such statements. Among these include the risks related to economic conditions, the risks associated with the local real estate market, the dependence on the financial condition of tenants, the uncertainties related to real estate activities, the changes in interest rates, the availability of financing in the form of debt or equity, the effects related to the adoption of new IFRS standards, as well as other risks and factors described from time to time in the documents filed by Canadian Net with securities regulators, including the management report. Canadian Net does not update or modify its forward-looking statements even if future events occur or for any other reason unless required by law or any regulatory authority.

    Neither the TSX Venture Exchange Inc. nor its Regulatory Services Provider (as that term is defined in the Policy of the TSX Venture Exchange and its Regulatory Services Provider) accepts any responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    The December 31, 2024, financial statements and management discussion & analysis of Canadian Net may be viewed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

    For further information please contact Kevin Henley at (450) 536-5328.

    1 Non-IFRS financial measure with no standardized IFRS meaning and may not be comparable to other issuers. Refer to the section “Non-IFRS financial measures”.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Universities – Research finds significant shortfalls in early intervention psychosis services – Vic

    Source: Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

    A survey of early intervention services for people suffering from psychosis has found medical care is not being provided early enough, with many patients not seen until after they have been hospitalised. Researchers say these shortfalls are linked to a lack of resources.

    “A key purpose of early intervention is to provide care before a person’s condition worsens and they need hospital treatment. However, we found the ‘early’ part of early psychosis care is significantly lacking in New Zealand,” said Dr Rebecca Grattan, lead author of the study and a psychology lecturer at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.

    The study surveyed all 12 early intervention psychosis services in New Zealand, assessing them against international standards for care. These services were set up to provide treatment for people suffering from psychosis symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions, in the first two years of symptoms occurring.

    “One of the accepted international standards for early psychosis care is that at least 80 percent of patients are seen before their symptoms are so severe they end up in hospital. However, just one of the 12 services we surveyed was able to meet this standard,” said Dr Grattan.

    The study also found most services restricted access by setting age limits for treatment.

    “Age limits for care differed across the services. The lower end of the age range varied from 13 to 18 years and the upper end from 25 to 30 years. While younger people are more at risk of psychosis, people in older age groups can also experience symptoms. Age restrictions mean there will be at-risk people who won’t be eligible to receive care.”

    A lack of services in some areas, particularly rural areas, was also identified by the study.

    “Some areas don’t have a dedicated early intervention psychosis service. This is more likely to affect people living in rural areas, including rural areas with a high Māori population, which are not well-served.”

    When early intervention services can be accessed, the survey results suggest the care patients receive is comparable to that in Canada and California where similar studies have been done, said Dr Grattan.  

    “Services in New Zealand appear to be meeting many of the standards considered to be best practice, such as completing comprehensive initial assessments and providing care for up to two years. The big problem they face is having the resources to provide care early enough to everyone who needs it,” she said.

    Results of the study have been published in the journal Early Intervention in Psychiatry. The study was carried out from 2022 to 2024.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Changes to Canada’s Debt Distribution Framework

    Source: Bank of Canada

    Following a review of the Government of Canada’s Debt Distribution Framework (DDF) in 2024, the Bank of Canada and the Government of Canada (GoC) are announcing upcoming adjustments to the DDF. These changes will take effect in fiscal year 2025–26. A subsequent market notice will announce the effective implementation date, which will reflect a three-month period to allow market participants time to review and adapt to these changes.

    • All government securities distributors (GSDs) will be required to each achieve one winning competitive or non-competitive bid each month on behalf of either itself or its customers. Further, all GSDs must each achieve allocations of at least $50 million of GoC securities, on behalf of itself or its customers, every calendar quarter.
    • GSDs that are not primary dealers (PDs) will no longer be required to have their core Canadian fixed-income operations located within Canada or to be members of the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO). However, prospective GSDs will need to demonstrate that they are regulated to a standard equivalent to CIRO and to submit reports on their Canadian fixed-income trading to CIRO.
    • The use of calculated values for the purposes of determining bidding limits and PD minimum bidding requirements (MBRs) will be discontinued. PDs may submit competitive bids for up to 25% of the total auctioned amount for their own account and customer accounts for both bond and treasury bill auctions; the remaining GSDs will have a maximum competitive bidding limit of 10% for their own account and customer accounts for both bond and treasury bill auctions. PD MBRs will be calculated on a pro rata basis, where each PD must bid competitively for its equivalent share of an auction’s amount (e.g., 10 PDs for bonds would each have a MBR for 10% of a bond auction; 8 PDs for treasury bills would each have a MBR of 12.5% of a treasury bill auction).
    • Each PD’s aggregate bidding limit, meaning the cumulative amount of bids a PD can submit for its own account and on behalf of its customers, will be increased to 50% of the auction amount for both bond and treasury bill auctions, from the current 40%.
    • Non-competitive bidding limits will be changed to 0.5% of the auction amount per auction bidder. All bidders may submit only one non-competitive bid per auction. Customers may not submit competitive bids at an auction if they submit a non-competitive bid, and vice versa.
    • The Bank of Canada Auction System (BCAS) has been upgraded, and once the DDF changes are effective, BCAS users will be divided into either those who can see and enter bids for only the GSD’s own account or those who can see and enter bids for only the GSD’s customers.
    • A new facility will be created for reopening off-the-run GoC securities which the Bank of Canada and the Government of Canada view as requiring additional supply for markets to function well. This facility will be operationalized by the Bank of Canada, have publicly available Terms and Conditions, and be implemented with the same auction rules as nominal bond auctions. Details of the facility will be announced in a subsequent market notice that will also announce the facility’s effective date.
    • PDs will be subject to MBRs for non-fungible as well as fungible Cash Management Bill auctions.
    • Individual persons will not be eligible to apply for Bidder Identification Numbers.
    • New information for the results of the auctions of GoC securities will be made available on the Bank of Canada’s website following every auction. Namely, the percentage of the auctioned amount allocated between customers and GSDs, as well as between Canadian accounts and foreign accounts, will be included in auction result data.

    The Bank of Canada and the Government of Canada will coordinate with the GSDs over the coming months to implement these updates to the DDF in an orderly manner.

    For further information, please contact:

    Director
    Financial Markets Department
    Bank of Canada
    343‑573‑4846

    Director
    Funds Management Division
    Department of Finance Canada
    343‑549‑3651

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Media Advisory: Infrastructure Announcement in Montréal-Nord

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Montréal, Quebec, March 18, 2025 — Members of the media are invited to an infrastructure announcement with Emmanuel Dubourg, Member of Parliament for Bourassa, Caroline Bourgeois, Mayor of Rivière-des-Prairies–Pointe-aux-Trembles, responsible for Sports and Recreation and for East Montreal on the Executive Committee of the City of Montreal and Christine Black, Mayor of Montréal-Nord.

    Date:
    Wednesday, March 19, 2025

    Time:
    11:00 a.m. EDT

    Location:
    Arena Garon
    11212 Garon Avenue
    Montréal, Quebec H1H 3T6

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: New call for proposals to invest in skilled trades apprenticeships

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    March 18, 2025                    Gatineau, Quebec             Employment and Social Development Canada

    Skilled trades jobs are essential to ensure our homes, businesses and public spaces are safe, functional and well maintained. The Government of Canada is investing in apprenticeship training to grow a larger, certified, diverse and inclusive trades workforce.

    That is why the Minister of Jobs and Families, Steven MacKinnon, today announced that the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy’s Investments in the Training Equipment stream will open for proposals on March 19, for Canadian organizations to submit applications.

    Through funded projects, the Government of Canada will be supporting the purchase of modern, up-to-date training equipment and materials that meet industry standards, and will help improve the quality of training for apprenticeships in Red Seal trades.  Eligible organizations include unions representing Red Seal trades workers, organizations managing their own training funds, and training providers that provide technical training to apprentices as part of a recognized apprenticeship program or a Red Seal trade.

    Organizations interested in applying can submit their applications electronically on the Grants and Contributions Online Services (GCOS) portal starting on March 19. Creating a GCOS account is a one-time process that allows organizations to apply for various funding opportunities with Employment and Social Development Canada in a secure web environment.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Backgrounder: Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy (Investments in Training Equipment) 

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy

    The Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy (CAS) aims to support a trades workforce that is skilled, inclusive, certified and productive. The CAS funds projects that aim to:

    • promote the skilled trades as a good career option;
    • develop initiatives that help Canadians explore, prepare for, participate and succeed in apprenticeship;
    • facilitate the participation of employers and unions in apprenticeship; and
    • encourage innovative tools and approaches to better prepare pre-apprentices, apprentices and journeypersons for the jobs of tomorrow.

    CAS Investments in Training Equipment

    The CAS Investments in Training Equipment funding stream helps eligible organizations improve the quality of training through the purchase of equipment and materials that meet the latest industry standards or through investments in new technology needed to train workers in the Red Seal trades.

    Eligible organizations include unions representing Red Seal trades workers, organizations managing their own training funds, and training providers that deliver technical training to apprentices as part of a recognized curriculum for a Red Seal trade.

    This funding stream helps training providers improve the quality of training through investments in equipment and materials. It provides recipients with up to 50% of the cost of new, up-to-date equipment and materials, to train pre-apprentices and apprentices in the Red Seal trades. The 50% leveraging requirement reflects the benefit to the recipient of a capital purchase.

    This year, the Government is implementing a continuous intake to receive and assess project applications. This will allow for faster application assessment and allocation of funding. There is no application end date to this call for proposals.

    Organizations in Quebec are not eligible for the proposed Investments in Training Equipment continuous intake.  In Quebec apprenticeship training happens in the education system prior to registering with an employer as an apprentice. The Government of Canada supports the important goals of training apprentices through a separate funding agreement.  

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Convenes International Business Leaders near Northern Border to Discuss Impacts of Trump’s Trade War 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    Welch: “I’m very disturbed about what is happening…how it’s affecting our families here in Vermont, how it’s affecting our businesses here in Vermont, and how it’s affecting the mutual cooperation that we had the blessing of enjoying for generations—between us and Canada. I am opposed to tariffs against our Canadian allies.”
    NEWPORT, VT — Today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, convened Vermont and Canadian business leaders for a roundtable in Newport, Vermont —near the U.S.-Canada border—to discuss President Trump’s Trade War and how the Trump Administration’s reckless tariffs are hurting workers, families, and farmers.
    Senator Welch’s remarks from the beginning of the roundtable are included in-full below:  
    “We in Vermont really value both our friendship with Canadians, and our economic partnerships with Canada. I believe what’s happening here with the rhetoric from the Trump Administration and from these tariffs is very destructive—for you and for us.  
    “I don’t want to be a part of it. I want to be a part of doing everything we can to maintain the very cordial, friendly, economically mutually-beneficial relationships that we have. I can understand an appropriate place for a tariff, and Canada can make its own decisions about where it would be appropriate for you to have a tariff. I cannot think of why we would be having a tariff or trade war with our best neighbor. Your environmental standards — your labor standards — match or exceed ours, and that’s really important to you and it’s important to us.  
    “What I’m seeing with the tariffs is that they’re being imposed in a very arbitrary way. Not to mention that they’re on again, they’re off again.  
    “Every time I speak to any anybody in business on our side (and it’s really nice that we’re going to hear from the Canadian side of the border) one of the things that’s really essential is stability. No business, and frankly no family, can deal with, ‘yes, we’re on no, we’re off.’ Nobody can do that. And it is not, in my view, good for international relationships. It’s not good for business relationships. And it’s not even good for family, where there’s constant instability. You don’t know what the rules are—they keep changing.  
    “I’m very disturbed about what is happening from [the Trump] Administration and I’m disturbed from the perspective of how it’s affecting our families here in Vermont, how it’s affecting our businesses here in Vermont and how it’s affecting the mutual cooperation that we had the blessing of enjoying for generations, between us and Canada. I am opposed to tariffs against our Canadian allies. 
    “That’s just to set the stage of where I’m coming from, and it’s why I am so grateful that we have this joint meeting where we can talk about the real problems that are caused as a result of these tariffs. And mobilize as much support as we can to renewing that friendship, that business relationship, that economic relationship that we’ve had. So, thank you all for coming and [the Hon. Marie-Claude] Bibeau, I’m so, so delighted that you’re here. I want to turn it over to you after I expressed my gratitude for all the work you’ve done and your willingness to be here deep in the south reaches of Newport, Vermont.”
    Photos of the event are included below:
    Senator Welch was joined by the Hon. Marie-Claude Bibeau, Member of Parliament for Compton-Stanstead, and Vermont and Canadian business owners. Attendees included representatives from Newport Downtown Development; Built By Newport; Columbia Forest Products; Kingdom Brewing; Morrison Custom Feeds, Inc.; Kingdom Trails Association; Hill Farmstead Brewery; Vermont Brewers Association; Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development; Northeastern Vermont Development Association; Caledonia Spirits; Vermont Maple Sugar Makers Association; Judd’s Wayeeses Farm; Khrome Product-Transport; Weidmann Electrical Technology; TRACK, Inc.; Larue; Motrec International; UTV Internationale; Ville de Sherbrooke; and the Sherbrooke Chamber of Commerce.  
    Nearly half of all U.S. imports—more than $1.3 trillion—come from Canada, China, and Mexico. Canada is the largest trading partner for 34 U.S. states, including Vermont. In 2024 alone, trade with Canada accounted for 35% of Vermont exports, 67% of our imports, and 56% of its total trade. One in four businesses in Vermont relies on trade with Canada.  
    In many cases, Vermont manufacturers buy imports from Canada to manufacture into products. Tariffs on Canada threaten business closures and job layoffs, higher homebuilding costs, increased costs of grain for farmers, and more expensive equipment for maple producers—among other costs that will get passed on to working families. 
    Senator Welch has blasted Trump’s tariffs and trade war, and shared stories from constituents about how President Trump’s economic policies have impacted their businesses, farms, and communities. This event follows a roundtable Senator Welch held in St. Albans in January and virtually in February where he heard from businesses and state and local leaders about the President’s threats to reignite a trade war. 
    Vermonters are invited to share how these tariffs will impact their lives and businesses by sharing their story on Senator Welch’s website. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Sipekne’katik — Missing person: Help the RCMP find Godfrey Maloney

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Sipekne’katik RCMP Detachment is asking for the public’s assistance in locating 43-year-old Godfrey Charles Maloney, who was reported missing on February 28, 2025.

    Godfrey is described as 5-foot-4, 150lbs, brown eyes, and has medium length brown hair. His last clothing description is unknown.

    Godfrey was last seen at a mall in Truro in mid-February. He is known to spend time in Indian Brook, Millbrook, Truro, Pictou Landing, and the Halifax area.

    When someone goes missing, it has deep and far-reaching impacts for the person and those who know them. We ask that people spread the word through respectfully.

    Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Godfrey Maloney is asked to contact Sipekne’katik RCMP Detachment at 902-758-3388 or local police. To remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-Evening Report: First Nations Australians are more likely to present to hospital with asthma and allergies – new research

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Desalegn Markos Shifti, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Child Health Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland

    Nils Versemann/Shutterstock

    Australia is often called the allergy capital of the world. Allergic diseases – such as allergic asthma, hay fever, eczema and food allergies – affect almost one in five people. And this figure is expected to rise in the years to come.

    An allergy happens when the body’s immune system mistakenly reacts to certain foods or other substances as if they were dangerous.

    But do allergies affect all Australians equally?

    In a recent study, we looked at emergency department (ED) presentations related to asthma and other allergic diseases in central Queensland. The region has a population of 228,246 according to the most recent Census data, and 7.2% of residents identify as First Nations.

    We found First Nations Australians were almost twice as likely to present to hospital with asthma or other allergy-related illnesses compared to other Australians.

    What we did and found

    We analysed 813,112 ED presentations from 12 public hospitals in central Queensland from 2018 to 2023. The hospitals were spread across regional and remote areas.

    Of the conditions we looked at, asthma was the most likely to bring patients to the ED. This was followed by unspecified allergies, atopic dermatitis (or eczema) and anaphylaxis (a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction). First Nations people were more likely than other Australians to present with each of these conditions.

    Overall, we found First Nations people were almost twice as likely to visit an ED for asthma or allergic diseases compared to other Australians. It should be noted that asthma is not always caused by allergies, and in this study we looked at all presentations for asthma, regardless of the cause.

    Our study also found ED visits for allergic diseases among First Nations people increased over time. They were around 1.5 times more common in 2023 compared to 2018.

    Further, we found a notable peak in asthma-related visits to the ED among First Nations people in 2019. This increase may have been partly due to Australia’s Black Summer bushfires during 2019–20.

    Other research has shown ED visits and hospitalisations for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease increased during the Black Summer bushfires. Exposure to bushfire smoke significantly increases the risk of breathing problems and other health issues.

    The increase in asthma-related ED visits could also be linked to the severe flu season in 2019, as flu is known to trigger asthma attacks.

    We looked at ED presentations for allergic conditions such as eczema and anaphylaxis.
    Ternavskaia Olga Alibec/Shutterstock

    Are these findings surprising?

    National data shows asthma is one of the most commonly reported chronic illnesses for First Nations Australians. More than 16% of First Nations Australians reported they had asthma in 2022–23 compared to 10.8% of the general Australian population.

    So it’s not entirely surprising that hospital presentations for asthma were higher among First Nations people.

    However, we were surprised to find First Nations people visited the ED more often for other allergic diseases. Allergies have not necessarily been recognised as an important concern among First Nations people, particularly in remote areas.

    That said, international studies have reported a higher burden of allergic and atopic diseases (eczema, hay fever and asthma) among the Indigenous peoples of Canada.

    How about food allergies?

    Interestingly, we didn’t find any food allergy cases in our data. But some of the “unspecified” allergies could be linked to food allergies, as could some of the cases of anaphylaxis.

    Australian researchers have found differences in the prevalence of food allergies among different groups, but they lacked specific data on First Nations populations. We know little about how common food allergies are in First Nations Australians.

    In a recent national survey, 12% of First Nations people self-reported an allergy to a food, drug, or other substance (compared to 14% in the overall population). But some cases might go unrecognised or unreported, and these data were not broken down into different types of allergies.

    Allergies have not necessarily been recognised as an important concern among First Nations people.
    Bobbi Lockyer/Refinery29 Australia – We Are Many Image Gallery/Getty Images

    Some limitations

    This is the first comprehensive study, to our knowledge, that looks at asthma and allergic disease-related ED visits among both First Nations people and other Australians in an under-researched part of Australia.

    However, we only looked at asthma and allergic diseases treated in the ED, which doesn’t encompass all cases. For example, some people might visit other health services such as GPs when they’re having a less severe allergic episode.

    Ultimately, we need more research to better understand how common allergies and allergic diseases are among First Nations Australians.

    Why do these gaps exist?

    We don’t know exactly why there are disparities in ED presentations for allergic diseases between First Nations people and other Australians.

    One possibility is that asthma and allergic diseases might be more severe in First Nations people, leading to more hospital visits, even if they’re not more common.

    Another reason could be limited access to specialists, especially in rural and remote First Nations communities. Long wait lists to see allergy doctors and their limited availability in some areas could lead to delays in care and make it harder to get the right treatment. This can worsen asthma and allergic disease symptoms, causing patients to seek ED care instead.

    We want to learn more about how allergies affect First Nations people, especially in regional and remote areas, and whether people have unmet needs. In initial conversations with First Nations Australians living with a food allergy, we’ve heard allergies might not be well understood in rural areas. This could be because they’re rare or because traditional lifestyles offer some protection.

    We’re interested in finding out more, especially whether allergies are a concern for First Nations people, and, if so, how we can support communities to develop targeted and culturally respectful strategies to address them.

    Desalegn Markos Shifti is supported by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)-funded Centre for Food and Allergy Research (CFAR) Postdoctoral Funding.

    Jennifer Koplin receives funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia. She is a member of the Executive Committee for the National Allergy Centre of Excellence (NACE), which is supported by funding from the Australian government.

    Renarta Whitcombe does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. First Nations Australians are more likely to present to hospital with asthma and allergies – new research – https://theconversation.com/first-nations-australians-are-more-likely-to-present-to-hospital-with-asthma-and-allergies-new-research-251720

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Joint statement of the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Charlevoix

    Source: France-Diplomatie – Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development

    We the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union, met in Charlevoix on March 12 to 14, 2025.

    Ukraine’s long-term prosperity and security

    We reaffirmed our unwavering support for Ukraine in defending its territorial integrity and right to exist, and its freedom, sovereignty and independence.

    We welcomed ongoing efforts to achieve a ceasefire, and in particular the meeting on March 11 between the U.S. and Ukraine in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We applauded Ukraine’s commitment to an immediate ceasefire, which is an essential step towards a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in line with the Charter of the United Nations.

    We called for Russia to reciprocate by agreeing to a ceasefire on equal terms and implementing it fully. We discussed imposing further costs on Russia in case such a ceasefire is not agreed, including through further sanctions, caps on oil prices, as well as additional support for Ukraine, and other means. This includes the use of extraordinary revenues stemming from immobilized Russian Sovereign Assets. We underlined the importance of confidence-building measures under a ceasefire including the release of prisoners of war and detainees—both military and civilian—and the return of Ukrainian children.

    We emphasized that any ceasefire must be respected and underscored the need for robust and credible security arrangements to ensure that Ukraine can deter and defend against any renewed acts of aggression. We stated that we will continue to coordinate economic and humanitarian support to promote the early recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine, including at the Ukraine Recovery Conference which will take place in Rome on July 10-11, 2025.

    We condemned the provision to Russia of military assistance by DPRK and Iran, and the provision of weapons and dual-use components by China, a decisive enabler of Russia’s war and of the reconstitution of Russia’s armed forces. We reiterated our intention to continue to take action against such third countries.

    We expressed alarm about the impacts of the war, especially on civilians and on civilian infrastructure. We discussed the importance of accountability and reaffirmed our commitment to work together to achieve a durable peace and to ensure that Ukraine remains democratic, free, strong and prosperous.

    Regional peace and stability in the Middle East

    We called for the release of all hostages and for the hostages’ remains held by Hamas in Gaza to be returned to their loved ones. We reaffirmed our support for the resumption of unhindered humanitarian aid into Gaza and for a permanent ceasefire. We underscored the imperative of a political horizon for the Palestinian people, achieved through a negotiated solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that meets the legitimate needs and aspirations of both peoples and advances comprehensive Middle East peace, stability and prosperity. We noted serious concern over the growing tensions and hostilities in the West Bank and calls for de-escalation.

    We recognized Israel’s inherent right to defend itself consistent with international law. We unequivocally condemned Hamas, including for its brutal and unjustified terror attacks on October 7, 2023, and the harm inflicted on the hostages during their captivity and the violation of their dignity through the use of ‘handover ceremonies’ during their release. We reiterated that Hamas can have no role in Gaza’s future and must never again be a threat to Israel. We affirmed our readiness to engage with Arab partners on their proposals to chart a way forward on reconstruction in Gaza and build a lasting Israeli-Palestinian peace.

    We expressed our support for the people of Syria and Lebanon, as both countries work towards peaceful and stable political futures. At this critical juncture, we reiterated the importance of Syria’s and Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We called unequivocally for the rejection of terrorism in Syria. We condemned strongly the recent escalation of violence in the coastal regions of Syria, and called for the protection of civilians and for perpetrators of atrocities to be held accountable. We stressed the critical importance of an inclusive and Syrian-led political process. We welcomed the commitment by the Syrian interim government to work with the OPCW in eliminating all remaining chemical weapons.

    We stressed that Iran is the principal source of regional instability and must never be allowed to develop and acquire a nuclear weapon. We emphasized that Iran must now change course, de-escalate and choose diplomacy. We underscored the threat of Iran’s growing use of arbitrary detention and foreign assassination attempts as a tool of coercion.

    Cooperation to increase security and resilience across the Indo-Pacific

    We reiterated our commitment to upholding a free, open, prosperous and secure Indo-Pacific, based on sovereignty, territorial integrity, peaceful resolution of disputes, fundamental freedoms and human rights.

    We remain seriously concerned by the situations in the East China Sea as well as the South China Sea and continue to oppose strongly unilateral attempts to change the status quo, in particular by force and coercion. We expressed concern over the increasing use of dangerous maneuvers and water cannons against Philippines and Vietnamese vessels as well as efforts to restrict freedom of navigation and overflight through militarization and coercion in the South China Sea, in violation of international law. We emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. We encouraged the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues and reiterated our opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion. We also expressed support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in appropriate international organizations.

    We remain concerned with China’s military build-up and the continued, rapid increase in China’s nuclear weapons arsenal. We called on China to engage in strategic risk reduction discussions and promote stability through transparency.

    We emphasized that China should not conduct or condone activities aimed at undermining the security and safety of our communities and the integrity of our democratic institutions.16. We expressed concerns about China’s non-market policies and practices that are leading to harmful overcapacity and market distortions. We further called on China to refrain from adopting export control measures that could lead to significant supply chain disruptions. We reiterated that we are not trying to harm China or thwart its economic growth, indeed a growing China that plays by international rules and norms would be of global interest.

    We demanded that the DPRK abandon all its nuclear weapons and any other weapons of mass destruction as well as ballistic missile programs in accordance with all relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. We expressed our serious concerns over, and the need to address together, the DPRK’s cryptocurrency thefts. We called on DPRK to resolve the abductions issue immediately.

    We denounced the brutal repression of the people of Myanmar by the military regime and called for an end to all violence and for unhindered humanitarian access.

    Building stability and resilience in Haiti and Venezuela

    We strongly denounced the ongoing horrifying violence that continues to be perpetrated by gangs in Haiti in their efforts to seize control of the government. We reaffirmed our commitment to helping the Haitian people restore democracy, security and stability, including through support to the Haitian National Police and Kenya-led Multinational Security Support Mission and an increased role for the UN. We expressed support for Haitian authorities’ efforts to create a specialized anti-corruption jurisdiction that complies with the highest international standards.

    We reiterated our call for the restoration of democracy in Venezuela in line with the aspirations of the Venezuelan people who peacefully voted on July 28, 2024, for change, the cessation of repression and arbitrary or unjust detentions of peaceful protestors including youth by Nicolas Maduro’s regime, as well as the unconditional and immediate release of all political prisoners. We also agreed Venezuelan naval vessels threatening Guyana’s commercial vessels is unacceptable and an infringement of Guyana’s internationally recognized sovereign rights. We reaffirmed respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations as an enduring value.

    Supporting lasting peace in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo

    We unequivocally denounced the ongoing fighting and atrocities in Sudan, including sexual violence against women and girls, which have led to the world’s largest humanitarian crisis and the spread of famine. We called for the warring parties to protect civilians, cease hostilities, and ensure unhindered humanitarian access, and urged external actors to end their support fueling the conflict.

    We condemned the Rwanda-backed M23 offensive in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the resulting violence, displacement and grave human rights and international humanitarian law violations. This offensive constitutes a flagrant disregard of the territorial integrity of the DRC. We reiterated our call for M23 and the Rwanda Defence Force to withdraw from all controlled areas. We urged all parties to support the mediation led by the East African Community and the Southern African Development Community, to promote accountability for human rights abuses by all armed actors, including M23 and the FDLR, and to commit to a peaceful and negotiated resolution of the conflict, including the meaningful participation of women and youth.

    Strengthening sanctions and countering hybrid warfare and sabotage

    We welcomed efforts to strengthen the Sanctions Working Group focused on listings and enforcement. We also welcomed discussions on the establishment of a Hybrid Warfare and Sabotage Working Group, and of a Latin America Working Group.

    MIL OSI Europe News –