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Category: Canada

  • MIL-OSI Global: A basic income can be a strong investment in mental health

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Tracy Smith-Carrier, Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair (Tier 2) in Advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Royal Roads University

    To eradicate poverty, we need policy actions that address the root of financial hardship. A basic income does just that. (Shutterstock)

    Over half of Canadians feel “financially paralyzed” by the cost-of-living crisis, according to a recent poll. As life becomes more unaffordable for more people, we need governments to create policies that will improve public health and well-being.

    One such policy is a basic income guarantee: an unconditional cash transfer from government to ensure people can meet their basic needs and live with dignity.

    A basic income guarantee differs from the universal basic income (UBI) model often discussed. While a UBI is set at the same amount and made available to everyone, a basic income guarantee is targeted to those need it, through a benefit that rises as income declines.

    Our recently published research looks into one basic income program, the Ontario Basic Income Pilot that was launched in 2017 but abruptly ended the following year. We conducted a study to understand how Ontario’s pilot impacted the lives of those who participated in it.

    We interviewed 46 participants across four cities included in the pilot. We asked about their experiences before the pilot, during their participation in it and after its abrupt end.



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    Ontario’s basic income pilot

    In 2017, the Ontario government, under then-premier Kathleen Wynne, launched the Ontario Basic Income Pilot to test the efficacy of an unconditional cash transfer. A total of 4,000 people were enrolled, and the pilot was slated to run in Hamilton, Lindsay, Brantford and Thunder Bay over a three-year period.

    Set at 75 per cent of the low-income measure (one of Statistics Canada’s three poverty lines), the pilot provided $1,415 monthly for single people and an additional $500 for people with disabilities (up to $1,915 monthly), with every dollar earned subject to a 50 per cent claw-back.

    Despite a campaign promise to complete the pilot, incoming premier Doug Ford abandoned it in 2018. Participants weren’t forewarned but learned of its cancellation like everyone else — on the news or through social media.

    The government claimed the pilot did not help people become “independent contributors to the economy.” The lack of evidence to justify this claim, along with other government statements, suggests the pilot’s premature cancellation was an ideological decision.



    Read more:
    Implementing a basic income means overcoming myths about the ‘undeserving poor’

    Impact on participants’ mental health

    The pilot’s guiding principles, written by the late-Senator Hugh Segal, affirmed that “no individual will be made worse off during or after the pilot, as a result of participation in the pilot.” Our study, however, indicates that the mental health of many participants was demonstrably worsened in the pilot’s demise.

    With a three-year promise of stable income, participants told us of being able to plan better for their futures. Some pursued higher education, others found better paying and more stable jobs or started their own businesses. Some moved into better housing, leaving behind mold-infested or poorly maintained dwellings, only to plead with their landlords to break their new leases after the pilot was cancelled.

    We found that increased income security improved participants’ mental health, reduced their stress and allowed them to improve diets with healthier food options. Some spoke of no longer having to rely on food charity as they could go the grocery store like everyone else.

    Interviewees described what life is like in poverty: not being able to go out for a cup of coffee with friends or buy gifts for your children on their birthdays, not being able to entertain family over the holidays or go out and socialize.

    Some had not disclosed their financial situation to family or friends because their sense of shame was so profound. Yet, feeling unable to discuss their situation essentially cut them off from valuable sources of social support.

    Structural violence

    Ontario’s premature cancellation of the pilot was an act of structural violence — a policy decision that caused needless and avoidable harm and suffering. Anthropologist Nancy Scheper-Hughes explains that structural violence refers to “the invisible social machinery of inequality that reproduces social relations of exclusion and marginalization.”

    Structural violence upholds the poverty, racism, sexism and other social inequities that lead to higher rates of illness, suffering and premature death. It is often invisible and can result from policy omissions, but the termination of the pilot was a public, deliberate decision.

    By throwing participants’ lives and carefully laid plans into chaos, and thrusting them back into poverty, our research shows the Ontario government’s policy decision caused significant harm.

    Our research is consistent with a larger body of evidence demonstrating that unconditional cash transfer programs, like basic income, can improve mental well-being. As young people are more vulnerable to the mental stress resulting from financial insecurity, these programs provide the necessary protection to mitigate the lifelong damaging impacts of childhood poverty.

    We also know that welfare systems are associated with poor health outcomes and increase recipients’ psychological distress. These haven’t been subject to the rigorous experimentation that a basic income has, yet they persist, despite the voluminous research documenting their harms.



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    The cost of mental illness in Canada already amounts to over $50 billion annually (in direct health-care costs and lost productivity) but without intervention could increase to $291 billion by 2041.

    Research shows how poor mental health is a direct consequence of poverty. Money not only helps meet people’s material needs but also alleviates their worries. Reducing poverty translates into significant savings for the economy and the public purse. Canada could save $4 to $10 for every dollar spent on mental health supports.

    Eradicating poverty

    Poverty is not caused by personal failings. It is the social environment people live in that has the greatest impact on life trajectories.

    To eradicate poverty, we need policies that address the root of financial hardship. A basic income does just that. The Parliamentary Budget Officer of Canada recently released estimates that show a basic income, using parameters similar to the Ontario pilot’s, could cut poverty by up to 40 per cent. This is an affordable option with the potential for broad positive effects.

    We already have the Canada Child Benefit for families and the Guaranteed Income Supplement for older adults that provide forms of a basic income guarantee, although these benefits must be enlarged to be truly adequate. What we need now is a program that provides a robust income floor beneath which no one can fall.

    As citizens, we have few ways to hold leaders accountable for acts of structural violence, like cancelling the pilot. A class-action lawsuit lodged against the Ontario government for breach of contract is ongoing; it remains to be seen whether this will prove successful.

    Whatever their ideological leanings, politicians have a duty to advance policies that bolster public health and well-being. Improving mental health through a basic income is a wise investment, one that will prevent the needless suffering of generations to come.

    Tracy Smith-Carrier has received funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and from the Canada Research Chairs program.

    Elaine Power has received funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and the Canadian Institutes for Health Research.

    – ref. A basic income can be a strong investment in mental health – https://theconversation.com/a-basic-income-can-be-a-strong-investment-in-mental-health-250018

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: It’s important to protect trans athletes on campuses, and this benefits all students

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Daniel Del Gobbo, Assistant Professor and Chair in Law, Gender & Sexual Justice, Faculty of Law, University of Windsor

    United States President Donald Trump’s executive order banning transgender and gender diverse (trans) women athletes from competing in women’s sports, at the beginning of his presidential term on Feb. 5, showed the president accelerating a long-standing moral panic about queer and trans people.

    Bearing the offensive title “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,” the executive order misinterprets a U.S. law called Title IX to suggest falsely that trans-inclusive policies in collegiate and elite-level sports are somehow harmful to cisgender women. The force of this claim is backed by a threat: ban trans women, or face having your funding rescinded. The order came following a flurry of political moves entrenching transphobia in U.S. law and society.

    The moral panic around trans women athletes can be seen in Canada as well. In both countries, the issue has emerged as fundamental to a right-wing strategy that positions trans women athletes as scapegoats, fuelling social anxieties about trans inclusion and gender equality more broadly. As leading trans scholar and professor of political science, women’s and gender studies Paisley Currah puts it, “the situation is dire — an unrelenting assault on our ability to go about our daily lives.”

    Canadian universities must take action to protect trans students as part of a comprehensive strategy to promote gender equality on campuses.

    Myths about trans women athletes, debunked

    Right-wing commentators rely on two main arguments in support of banning trans women athletes.

    The first argument is the so-called “lost opportunity” argument, which holds that trans women athletes prevent cisgender women from participating by taking up limited spots reserved for women. This claim is based on a misapprehension.

    The number of trans athletes competing in women’s sports at the collegiate and elite levels is extremely small. In 2024, NCAA President Charlie Baker told a U.S. Senate panel that, to his knowledge, fewer than 10 of the 510,000 student athletes competing in NCAA schools were trans. It is unclear how many identify as trans women, a group that is systemically underrepresented in every level of sports, both in terms of participation and results in competitions.



    Read more:
    Transgender athletes face an uncertain future at the Olympics as reactionary policies gain ground

    The second argument is the so-called “unfair advantage” argument, which roots itself in the idea that “natural” biological sex-based differences exist that give trans women a competitive edge. This claim is equally problematic.

    In 2024, the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport released a review of research that summarized the data on trans women athletes. It found that research in this area is limited, often methodologically flawed and inconclusive in its results. Evidence indicates that trans athletes who have undergone testosterone suppression, for example, have no clear advantages over cisgender women.

    Even if certain advantages exist, however — and that’s a big “if” — the fact remains that cisgender male athletes like Michael Phelps, an American swimmer and 23-time Olympic gold medalist, are celebrated for their physiological differences from other athletes. The choice to ban trans athletes is based on a pretext, not principle.

    Harms of excluding trans people

    Trans women athletes have faced backlash. A notable target of these attacks is Lia Thomas, a trans swimmer at the University of Pennsylvania and the NCAA Division I champion who was banned from competing at the 2024 U.S. Olympic trials.

    As of February 2025, Fox News had published over 3,200 stories about Thomas, many of which contain dehumanizing language about trans people.

    Racialized and Indigenous athletes face additional obstacles, particularly when they fail to meet racial and gender stereotypes about women. The barriers are often greatest in colonial sporting cultures where whiteness is upheld as a standard of femininity.

    At the 2024 Olympics, right-wing commentators singled out Imane Khelif, a cisgender woman from Algeria who won the gold medal in women’s 66 kg boxing, based on false claims that she was trans. President Trump repeatedly misgendered Khelif, feeding the fire of racist, misogynistic and transphobic attacks that scrutinized Khelif’s appearance and behaviour to assess her gender conformity.

    Effects on campus

    Myths about trans athletes have turned Canadian universities into battlegrounds. In 2024, Harriette Mackenzie, a trans basketball player at Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo, B.C. spoke out about her mistreatment, saying she was physically targeted by an opposing team after their coach said she should not have been allowed to compete against cisgender women.

    Cases like Mackenzie’s affect not only trans students who experience discrimination on campus at disproportionate rates. They affect everyone because transphobia reinforces the gender binary and its assumptions about how people should look, act and compete in sports. The problem extends to broader academic climate and culture at universities, given that escalating rhetoric and hatefulness can amplify risks of gender-based violence on campuses.



    Read more:
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    How universities can lead the change

    Every province has passed human rights legislation providing that students have the right to be free from discrimination on the grounds of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. Canadian universities have a legal and moral responsibility to provide trans women athletes with equal opportunities to participate in campus life.

    As a first step, universities should protect trans athletes in their non-discrimination and gender-based violence policies, many of which have been criticized on equality grounds. Through needs assessments studies (like the one conducted at University of British Columbia focussed on trans, two-spirit and gender diversity, completed in 2023), universities can identify gaps in their policies and programming and make recommendations.

    Consider the issue of access. Many universities continue to show men’s and women’s bathrooms and locker rooms on campus maps without highlighting the location of trans-inclusive facilities. Research confirms that trans students are more likely to feel isolated and marginalized when campus services exclude them.

    Additionally, universities should expand their athletics programs, improve training for coaches and staff, and create gender and sexuality support and affinity centres to celebrate the achievements of trans athletes and foster acceptance of trans students generally. These efforts should form part of a comprehensive strategy to promote equality, diversity, inclusion and decolonization on campuses, particularly in the face of right-wing pressure to curb these initiatives without good reason.

    Finally, it bears mentioning that for many trans athletes, particularly those who face barriers to inclusion in other family and community spaces, the opportunity to participate in sports is more than a human right — it can be life-saving for them. Athletics provide an important outlet for trans people’s self-expression, discovery and community building at a formative time in their lives. Gender equality is not a game for these students. Universities must recognize that.

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

    – ref. It’s important to protect trans athletes on campuses, and this benefits all students – https://theconversation.com/its-important-to-protect-trans-athletes-on-campuses-and-this-benefits-all-students-249664

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Beyond blame: The role of malfunctioning fat tissue in the disease of obesity

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Muhammad Ilyas Nadeem, PhD Candidate in Obesity & Diabetes | Public Scholar (2024-2025), Concordia University

    For too long, societal attitudes have focused on blaming individuals for poor lifestyle choices, ignoring the deeper, multifaceted causes of obesity. (Shutterstock)

    Many people who have struggled with their weight have been told to “eat less and move more.” Others have spent years juggling trendy diets, from keto to fasting, with minimal results. Despite their best efforts, what they often hear from physicians, friends, family and even strangers, is that they lack discipline. However, for many people with obesity, their bodies are fighting against them — a battle dictated by biological mechanisms beyond sheer willpower.

    Millions struggle under the weight of societal blame for a condition rooted in complex metabolic science.

    Obesity is a critical public health concern affecting millions worldwide. Yet, it is often oversimplified as an issue of personal choice. Canadian data highlights the staggering prevalence of obesity (26.6 per cent) and diabetes (8.1 per cent). For too long, societal attitudes have focused on blaming individuals for poor lifestyle choices, ignoring the deeper, multifaceted causes of the condition.



    Read more:
    Stop asking me if I’ve tried keto: Why weight stigma is more than just being mean to fat people

    The need to understand obesity beyond lifestyle changes is urgent — particularly through scientific inquiry into its genetic, environmental and physiological roots. It is beyond the simple equation of calories in versus calories out; this perspective only serves to create stigma by oversimplifying the science.

    Malfunctioning fat tissue

    The reality lies within the fat in our bodies. Body fat, particularly fat under the skin, known as subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), plays a crucial role in energy regulation and metabolic health. When fat accumulates, SAT malfunctions. This seemingly adds to excessive fat storage in organs like the liver and muscles, increasing the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

    Through identifying these specific dysfunctions, researchers can work towards therapies that restore SAT function rather than simply reducing body weight.

    Researchers are exploring the cellular and genetic aspects of these different fat depots, and their link with obesity and diabetes.
    (Shutterstock)

    Research from our metabolism, nutrition and obesity (MON) lab at Concordia University focuses on understanding the adipose tissue (fat tissue) environment to uncover how these complex mechanisms and their interactions can lead to the development of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The goal is to eventually use our discoveries to provide more effective treatment approaches based on individual differences.

    One aspect that can contribute to individual differences is where fat is stored in the body. SAT from the lower body, around the hips and thighs, seems to function differently from SAT around the belly in the upper body. We are exploring the cellular and genetic aspects of these different fat depots, and their link with obesity and diabetes.

    Obesity is not just about extra weight — it’s about how the body stores and processes fat. Our research also shows that external factors may come into play in how SAT behaves. For example, different SAT depots behave differently depending on sex. Whether a person is male, or female makes a difference to how their fat tissue handles fat.

    A closer look at fat tissue under a microscope shows that the tissue is made up of different types of cells including fat cells or adipocytes, and immune cells. Fat cells, or adipocytes, are not passive storage units; they regulate energy, produce hormones, and interact with other systems in the body. However, when these cells become dysfunctional, they can trigger inflammation, insulin resistance and other metabolic disturbances.

    We have found that not only is sex a factor in fat cell characteristics of different depots but fat cell characteristics are also affected by whether obesity develops during childhood compared to adulthood. Immune cells are also important components of fat tissue that also play a role in inflammation and metabolic disturbances.

    Shifting the conversation

    Instead of blaming individuals, we need to shift the conversation towards understanding these pathophysiological mechanisms. By doing so, we can develop targeted treatments that address the root causes of obesity rather than relying on generic, often ineffective solutions.

    The need to shift our perspective on obesity is not solely a medical necessity but a societal one.
    (Shutterstock)

    Obesity Canada reports that failing to treat obesity costs Canada $5.9 billion in health care and $21.7 billion in lost workplace productivity annually, with a $5.1 billion hit to government revenue from premature deaths and reduced workforce participation. Women with obesity face disproportionate impacts, earning four per cent less and being 5.3 per cent less likely to be employed than those with a healthy weight.

    In 2023, obesity-related diseases placed over 10,000 seniors in long-term care, costing $639 million. Yet, fewer than 20 per cent of privately insured Canadians have access to approved treatments, and bariatric surgery wait times stretch up to eight years — reinforcing harmful stigma and delaying essential care.

    The challenge is that our health-care system still leans toward tried and tested weight-loss approaches, such as medication, exercise and nutrition, often to the exclusion of how individual bodies respond biologically. Personalized medicine is a potential replacement. By matching treatment to each patient’s metabolic profile, we can move away from one-size-fits-all approaches and toward more effective interventions.

    The need to shift our perspective on obesity is not solely a medical necessity but a societal one. The stigma attached to excess weight and obesity prevents people from receiving medical treatment, drives mental illness and perpetuates damaging myths. A more empathetic, science-based approach could help reshape public attitudes and clinical practices.

    Millions of people have been misled by the myth that self-control can cure obesity. Seeing obesity as a chronic metabolic disease rather than a moral one is a way forward for effective remedies. The future of obesity treatment depends on research-driven, personalized interventions — ones that substitute blame with knowledge and stigma with support. Only then can we fully address this global public health crisis.

    Sylvia Santosa receives/has received funding from NSERC, CIHR, CRC, MITACS, CFDR, QBIN, HSF. She is affiliated with Obesity Canada, and Canadian Nutrition Society.

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

    – ref. Beyond blame: The role of malfunctioning fat tissue in the disease of obesity – https://theconversation.com/beyond-blame-the-role-of-malfunctioning-fat-tissue-in-the-disease-of-obesity-249264

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: Blueprint Digital Marketing and Trusted Experts Unveil Tips to Safely Choose Home Services & Wellness Providers

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, March 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Blueprint Digital Marketing, in collaboration with Trusted Experts, today unveiled key tips to help consumers safely choose home services and wellness providers. With scam reports on the rise in these industries, many homeowners and renters have fallen victim to fraudulent builders, unlicensed movers, and unqualified repair technicians. To address these concerns, industry experts from across North America have shared essential questions consumers should ask to ensure they hire reputable and trustworthy service providers.

    A photo that says people should ask an expert 

    These practical tips from experienced professionals in home building, moving, appliance repair, and wellness services will help you spot potential scams before they happen. By knowing exactly which questions to ask—and recognizing when something doesn’t seem right—you can feel confident that you’re choosing a legitimate service provider, whether you’re moving across the country, repairing your appliances, buying a new home, or booking your next massage.

    Fifth Avenue Homes (Calgary, Alberta)

    Expert Tip: Always confirm a builder’s license and recent project references.

    Detailed Advice:
    “Homebuyers often believe that once a project starts, it’s automatically guaranteed to be completed, but unfortunately, this isn’t always the case,” says a representative from Fifth Avenue Homes. “To safeguard yourself, always verify that your builder holds proper licensing, request examples or tours of recent projects, and check their registration with organizations like the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) or Alberta’s New Home Warranty Program. Speaking directly with past clients about their experiences is also strongly recommended.”

    M&M Best Movers (Edmonton, Alberta)

    Expert Tip: Avoid paying large deposits up front. Legitimate movers typically ask for minimal deposits of 10% or less.

    Detailed Advice:
    “One common scam involves movers asking for 50% or more as a deposit,” says M&M Movers. “A legitimate moving company won’t ask for significant sums up front. Unfortunately, we’ve encountered situations where customers lost over $1,000 to fraudulent movers.”

    Pro Tips to Avoid Scams:

    • Insist on paying most of the bill upon job completion.
    • Always obtain a written contract detailing costs, inventory, and delivery timelines.
    • Walk away if the mover refuses to provide clear documentation. 

    Household Refrigeration & Appliance Service (Calgary, Alberta)

    Expert Tip: Verify technician certifications and insist on a detailed work order before repairs start.

    Detailed Advice:
    “A credible technician always provides a clear work order outlining required parts and labor before beginning work,” advises a representative from Household Refrigeration & Appliance Service. “Be cautious of ‘technicians’ who offer quotes over the phone without inspecting the appliance in person. Scammers frequently insist on cash payments to avoid accountability.”

    Pro Tips:

    • Always request proof of industry-recognized credentials like Red Seal certification or provincial trade licenses.
    • Be cautious of any technician insisting on cash-only payments or who refuses to offer a printed or emailed quote.  

    All Appliance Tech & Repair (Ottawa, Ontario)

    Expert Tip: Always require an in-person inspection before agreeing to a repair quote.

    Detailed Advice:
    “Legitimate appliance repair companies won’t provide a quote without inspecting the appliance firsthand,” explains a representative from All Appliance Tech & Repair. “Avoid businesses that quote over the phone without seeing the issue. In-person inspections ensure accuracy and protect against hidden costs.”

    Pro Tips:

    • Insist on clear explanations using simple, understandable language about the repairs required.
    • Request a written or emailed estimate detailing parts, labor, and costs before approving any repairs. 

    Maggie’s Therapeutic Massage (Calgary, Alberta)

    Expert Tip: Always ask massage therapists to provide proof of Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) certification before booking appointments.

    Detailed Advice:
    “Not every massage therapist is a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT),” says Maggie’s Therapeutic Massage. “Only certified RMTs are eligible for health insurance claims and adhere to professional quality standards.”

    Pro Tips:

    • Verify a therapist’s registration with regulatory bodies such as the Massage Therapy Association of Alberta (MTAA).
    • Be cautious if a therapist can’t or won’t provide proper certification, as this can impact insurance coverage and quality of care. 

    Stay Informed and Protected

    Knowledge is the most effective tool for avoiding scams. Awareness of common red flags—such as excessive upfront payments, reluctance to provide licenses or certifications, refusal to offer detailed written estimates, or an unwillingness to explain their process—can protect you from significant losses and frustration.

    If you encounter businesses or technicians who raise these concerns, trust your instincts and continue your search for a reputable provider.

    With expert insights from Fifth Avenue Homes, M&M Best Movers, Household Refrigeration, All Appliance Tech & Repair, and Maggie’s Therapeutic Massage, homeowners, renters, and consumers can confidently make safe and informed decisions. 

    About Blueprint Digital Marketing

    Blueprint Digital Marketing is a Calgary-based agency specializing in results-driven online growth strategies since 2012. With a flexible, no-contract model, the company adapts to evolving digital trends, helping businesses stay competitive and maximize opportunities in the local market.

    Media Contact:

    For media inquiries or interviews, please contact the experts directly:

     

    Homeowners working with an expert

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5251d020-ee62-47ea-88de-a8a32f3fe093

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e0943d35-8bdc-4309-b3aa-cae051a92e4a

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen Statement on President Trump Restarting His New Tax on Americans Buying Products from Mexico and Canada

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) released the following statement after President Trump resumed the implementation of his across-the-board tariffs on imported goods from Mexico and Canada. These 25 percent tariffs essentially amount to additional taxes on consumers who buy products coming into the United States from our biggest trading partners. Senator Rosen spoke up against these tariffs when they were originally announced, but they were paused for a month, expiring today.
    “Nevadans are already being squeezed by rising costs, and President Trump’s reckless actions are only going to drive prices up even more,” said Senator Rosen. “He has effectively enacted a new tax on American businesses and families for products imported from Canada and Mexico, which will be felt at the grocery store, at the gas pump, and when buying a home. I’ll do everything in my power to fight back against this action and help lower costs for Nevada families.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: In New Op-Ed, Warren Warns Trump, Republicans Could Cut Health Care for Millions

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    March 04, 2025
    “Should the government work for billionaires and giant corporations? Or should it work for working people, helping our friends, families, and neighbors get access to the medicine and doctors they need when they’re sick?”
    “Republicans may think they have the votes in Congress to cut health care, but if Americans ring the alarm bells and fight back, we can again save health care coverage for millions.” 
    Op-Ed in the Boston Globe
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, published an op-ed warning of the dangers of massive cuts to Medicaid to pay for tax breaks for billionaires and giant corporations. Senator Warren called for working people to fight back and participate in the tax fight by voicing their opposition to these cuts. 
    Read the full op-ed here and below: 
    Boston Globe – Senator Warren: Trump is targeting Medicaid. Don’t let him win.March 3, 2025 
    President Trump and Elon Musk have unleashed a sandstorm of chaos in the past six weeks — on purpose. From starting a trade war with Canada to renaming the Gulf of Mexico, Trump is trying to distract from his real agenda: more tax giveaways for billionaires and billionaire corporations, paid for on the backs of hard-working Americans. One of their top targets? Medicaid.
    Life carries lots of risk. No one knows if their grandmother will outlive her savings. No one knows if their baby will run up a million dollars in medical bills. No one knows if their sister will be in a catastrophic accident and need full-time caregivers.
    And that’s where Medicaid steps up. Medicaid is jointly funded by states and the federal government and covers more than 79 million people, including almost 2 million people in Massachusetts. If the program is cut, the harm will echo through nearly every home in America.
    About half of all births are covered by Medicaid. Over a third of all children have health care thanks to Medicaid. More than half of all nursing home residents are covered by Medicaid. Many people are counting on Medicaid to pay for medicine that treats their cancer, the hip replacement they need to walk, the prescription for their child’s inhaler, or the nursing home that takes care of their uncle with dementia.
    Cuts to health care programs would be devastating. In Massachusetts, nearly 2 in 3 seniors in nursing homes are covered by Medicaid. If that funding is cut, some of those nursing homes will be forced to cut back or close entirely, which could leave elderly people kicked to the curb.
    Around 92 percent of working-age adults receiving Medicaid coverage are either working — often two or even three low-wage or part-time jobs — or not working because they’re caregivers, have an illness or disability, or are in school. Cuts to Medicaid could mean they have to decide which medicines they will have to skip or whether they will need to cancel a trip to the doctor to have a cough checked out. Failing to treat medical conditions early will cost more money, both in higher long-term medical bills and in knocking more low-wage workers out of their jobs and jeopardizing their ability to support their families.
    For pregnant women, decisions about skipping visits to the doctor or forgoing prenatal vitamins can leave them and their babies at risk — again triggering greater costs in the long run for them and their babies. Denying health care to pregnant women could mean that their babies develop preventable conditions that could alter their entire lives.
    The consequences of cutting Medicaid will be felt in nearly every community. Massachusetts is rightly proud of its community health centers and network of local and regional hospitals. Without Medicaid, their business models simply wouldn’t work. About half of all revenues at our community health centers come from Medicaid. Significant cuts in funding will probably mean health centers will have to cut care — and may have to close pediatric wings, cancer treatment centers, and mental health services.
    All this misery so that a handful of billionaires and billionaire corporations can get another tax break.
    The legislative process is not glamorous, but it tells us a lot about our values as a country. Should the government work for billionaires and giant corporations? Or should it work for working people, helping our friends, families, and neighbors get access to the medicine and doctors they need when they’re sick?
    Trump, Musk, and Republicans in Congress have made it clear whose side they’re on: giant corporations and billionaires — the very people who don’t seem to understand what one bad medical diagnosis can cost a family. But they do understand that cutting health care for millions of people is unpopular everywhere, which is why they are probably hoping people will pay more attention to Trump’s bluster about buying Greenland than to the tax fight unfolding in Congress. Now is not the time to tune out — now is the time to fight back to save the health care program that helps millions of people in this country get health care.
    In 2017, Trump paired up with Republicans in Congress to slash Medicaid by $800 billion and gut health insurance protections. Democrats were in the minority in the House and Senate back then, just as they are today, but thanks to people raising their voices and shaking the ground under the feet of these Republican politicians, their efforts failed, and we managed to save health care for millions.
    Republicans may think they have the votes in Congress to cut health care, but if Americans ring the alarm bells and fight back, we can again save health care coverage for millions. We can win, but only if we fight back.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Alberta is ready for the 2025 wildfire season

    [. With increased wildfire activity in recent years, it is crucial that Alberta’s wildland firefighting teams and communities at risk are prepared for any challenge that may arise this season.

    If Budget 2025 is passed, the province will invest a new historic high of $160 million in base funding for wildfire personnel, equipment, training and contracts for aircraft, an additional night vision equipped helicopter, and heavy equipment. This investment is vital to ensure Alberta’s wildland firefighting teams have the equipment, training, and personnel needed to respond to wildfire threats and mitigate the impacts of catastrophic wildfires on Alberta’s communities.

    “There is nothing more critical than protecting Albertans, our homes and our communities from the effects of wildfires. Alberta is home to some of the best firefighting personnel in the world and through Budget 2025, we are making a major investment in our wildfire teams and communities, giving them the tools, training and support they need to prevent, mitigate and respond quickly to any challenge that may come up this wildfire season.”

    Todd Loewen, Minister Forestry and Parks

    “We thank our Alberta Wildfire team and first responders for their ongoing dedication to keeping people safe. The Alberta Emergency Management Agency (AEMA) aims to strengthen the province’s emergency preparedness and recovery efforts, collaborating with communities to enhance resilience and public safety. With a 2025-26 budget increase of $10 million for a total of $118 million, the AEMA will empower communities to turn challenges into opportunities for growth and safety.”

    Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services

    The Community Fireguard and FireSmart programs are critical to ensuring vulnerable communities in the Forest Protection Area have the tools needed to successfully mitigate the risks of wildfires. In addition to ongoing work on Fireguard projects across the province – including in the Bow Valley near Canmore, as well as Cypress Hills Provincial Park, Hinton, Whitecourt and Slave Lake, Budget 2025 would allocate an additional $15 million over three years to continue supporting projects being administered by the Forest Improvement Association of Alberta (FRIAA.)

    Alberta’s government would also allocate $10.8 million to ensure Albertans can easily access FireSmart resources to better protect their homes and properties.

    “FRIAA is pleased to help support Alberta Forestry and Parks as the province enters the 2025 wildfire season. We continue to strongly encourage all communities in Alberta that are exposed to risks of wildfire to participate in the Community Fireguard and FireSmart programs by developing plans and proposals to access funding. Wildfires pose a significant risk to Alberta’s communities, and it’s great to see the province is making wildfire management a priority.”

    Todd Nash, manager, Forest Improvement Association of Alberta

    “Alberta’s wildfire team remains fully prepared and is ready for the 2025 wildfire season. Each year we improve our ability to meet the challenge ahead and the investments we make in people, resources and new technology prove critical in our response efforts.”

    Trevor Lamabe, executive director, Wildfire Management Branch

    A key part of prevention efforts is stopping wildfires before they start. It is essential that every Albertan understands their role in wildfire prevention – every action counts in protecting our communities and natural resources. Last year, the province saw a significant decrease in human-caused wildfires. In 2024, there were 282 wildfires caused by residential and recreational fires, down from 385 in 2020, 395 in 2021, 399 in 2022, and 303 in 2023. This represents a nearly 30 per cent drop from the highest numbers Alberta saw in 2022. It is more important than ever to continue building on that progress to further reduce the risk of future wildfires. As part of these efforts, Alberta’s government is renewing its commitment to public awareness and education campaigns on safe practices, while also enforcing fire bans when necessary.

    “Wildfire is the hazard which poses the greatest risk to communities like Canmore. We are more prepared than we have ever been with work on the Bow Valley Community Fireguard ongoing, years of FireSmart work in the community and ongoing efforts to ensure we have the emergency resources we need in place. The support from the Government of Alberta has been instrumental in helping us advance these initiatives.”

    Sean Krausert, mayor, Town of Canmore

    “As a community surrounded by forests, fire hazard reduction and protection is a priority for the ongoing safety and security of our community.  With the ongoing support of the province, we are nearing completion of our internal community fireguard which will help break the path of a wildfire and keep it away from populated areas and vital infrastructure.”

    Tom Pickard, mayor, Town of Whitecourt

    In 2025, Alberta Wildfire is also launching a pilot project using hoist-equipped helicopters. These helicopters will enable rapid deployment of crews to remote, hard-to-reach areas and provide critical support for emergency evacuations if needed. One new helicopter is under contract and two specialized crews have been hired for this wildfire season. The results of this pilot will determine whether the program will be expanded and continue into 2026.

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

    Quick facts

    • Budget 2025 allocates more than $1.4 million over three years in additional capital investment to expand and enhance response capacity during the wildfire season.
    • Additional funding of $900,000 over three years for Alberta’s Fire Weather Network, ensures enhanced fire weather monitoring to support the wildfire response throughout the province.  
    • About 51 per cent of wildfires in 2024 were caused by people, down from the five-year average of 67 per cent.
    • In 2024, Alberta Wildfire responded to more than 1,210 wildfires with just over 705,000 hectares burned.
    • In 2023, there were 1,080 wildfires and more than 2.2 million hectares burned.
    • So far in 2025, there have been 21 wildfires, and 78 hectares burned, a dramatic reduction from the same time last year where there were 34 wildfires, and 306 hectares already burned.

    Related information

    • Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta
    • Bow Valley Community Fireguard

    Related news

    • Protecting the Bow Valley from wildfires (Jan. 13, 2025)

    Multimedia

    • Watch the news conference

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: IAM Union Condemns Trump’s 25% Tariffs on Canada

    Source: US GOIAM Union

    WASHINGTON, March 4, 2025 – Brian Bryant, International President of the 600,000-member IAM Union, and David Chartrand, IAM Canadian General Vice President, issued the following statement regarding President Trump’s 25% tariffs on Canada: 

    “The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Union strongly condemns the Trump administration’s reckless decision to impose a 25% tariff on all Canadian imports. This harmful action threatens jobs, raises prices, and undermines the long-standing economic partnership between the United States and Canada.

    “The IAM has always supported trade policies that protect and grow jobs in both nations. But these tariffs are an unjustified attack on a trusted ally.

    “Canada is not the enemy. Canada is committed to fair trade practices that support workers and communities. This decision will disrupt industries that rely on integrated supply chains, hurting workers on both sides of the border.

    “The IAM represents 600,000 workers, including tens of thousands in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing—industries that depend on strong U.S.-Canada cooperation. These tariffs will destabilize those sectors, putting livelihoods and our nations’ economies at risk.

    “As our union has said previously, tariffs should be used strategically to counter bad actors, like China, that manipulate markets and undermine fair trade. 

    “Targeting Canada with punitive tariffs is not only misguided, but dangerous. It weakens North American industry and puts working families in jeopardy.

    “We urge President Trump to immediately reconsider these tariffs and pursue trade policies that strengthen, rather than weaken, the economic relationship between the United States and Canada.”

    The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is one of North America’s largest and most diverse industrial trade unions, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries across the United States and Canada.

    goIAM.org | @MachinistsUnion

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Highway 4 near Cameron Lake closed Thursday for debris cleanup

    Drivers are advised Highway 4 near Angel Rock will be temporarily closed on Thursday, March 6, 2025, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. for debris cleanup.

    The work is in response to a minor rockslide on Feb. 26, 2025. The debris was intercepted by the rock-fall mitigation barrier and fencing, but the catchment that trapped the debris needs to be repaired. This requires removing the slide material and must be completed during good weather and daylight hours.

    The highway will reopen to traffic once work is complete. No further closures are planned.

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

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Nova Scotia Advancing Critical Mineral Opportunities

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Premier Tim Houston attended a major international mining conference to tell developers and investors that Nova Scotia is open for business and eager to advance critical minerals opportunities.

    The Premier spoke at the annual Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada conference in Toronto today, March 4.

    “Nova Scotia has the critical minerals that the world needs for clean energy, food production, defence, healthcare and more. We can be a reliable, ethical, sustainable source of these materials and reap the economic rewards for Nova Scotians,” said Premier Houston. “We are lifting bans, breaking down barriers and inviting good companies to come talk to us about investing in Nova Scotia. We’re also taking steps in the province to better understand the full potential of our critical mineral resources.”

    The Department of Natural Resources is using $1 million from Natural Resources Canada for two projects to learn more about how the province’s critical minerals can be developed.

    The Department will use half the funding to study how critical minerals can be extracted from greenfield and brownfield sites, such as historic mine tailings sites. The study will also look at opportunities for turning the raw materials into finished products. Keeping the full value chain in the province – from exploration and mining to finished products – means more jobs and other economic benefits for Nova Scotians.

    The Department will use the rest of the money to create a model of the critical mineral potential in Nova Scotia. It will be used to encourage investment and inform development decisions in the private sector. It will also help the Department with effective land management.

    Also at the conference today, Canada’s energy and mines ministers met to discuss the country’s opportunities with critical minerals. Natural Resources Minister Tory Rushton joined virtually. The ministers confirmed their commitment to working together to advance priority resource projects and to streamline regulatory processes while still upholding strong environmental and labour standards.

    Quotes:

    “The effective management of our natural resources starts with good data and ends with jobs for Nova Scotians. We are dedicated to understanding every opportunity to responsibly develop and use the critical minerals we have beneath our feet. We’re also committed to breaking down barriers within Nova Scotia and across the country to strengthen our position as we face the threat of tariffs. We’re at a pivotal moment in time where we can attract more good paying jobs, become more self-reliant and create a brighter future for everyone.”
    — Tory Rushton, Minister of Natural Resources

    “Nova Scotia has tremendous potential for the critical minerals that are essential to achieving climate goals, such as lithium copper, and many more. Premier Houston’s attendance at Canada’s biggest mining industry event will help us attract investment in our critical minerals sector, create more jobs for Nova Scotians and generate more government revenue to help pay for programs like health and education. It tells the world that the Government of Nova Scotia supports our industry, and the province is a good place to invest.”
    — Sean Kirby, Executive Director, Mining Association of Nova Scotia

    Quick Facts:

    • Nova Scotia launched its critical mineral strategy in 2024; it lists 16 critical minerals that are critical because of their importance to global supply chains
    • Nova Scotia has a long and rich history in mining; today’s regulatory frameworks keep people and the environment safe through responsible, sustainable mining practices
    • on average, jobs in Nova Scotia’s mining industry pay more than $100,000 in wages and benefits; the industry employs at least 2,500 people in the province
    • the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada conference attracts 130 mining companies and more than 30,000 delegates each year

    Additional Resources:

    Nova Scotia’s Critical Mineral Strategy: https://novascotia.ca/natr/meb/docs/critical-minerals-strategy.pdf

    Investing to Make Canada a Global Critical Minerals Superpower (Natural Resources Canada): https://www.canada.ca/en/natural-resources-canada/news/2025/03/investing-to-make-canada-a-global-critical-minerals-superpower.html

    Natural Resources on the X platform: https://x.com/NS_DNR

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Halifax — Nova Scotia Human Trafficking Unit charges man with multiple human trafficking-related offences

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    The Nova Scotia Human Trafficking Unit (HTU) has charged a man with offences related to human trafficking, including Procuring Person Under 18, Advertising Sexual Services, and Trafficking in Persons.

    In July 2023, the HTU received a report from a victim of human trafficking who was a youth at the time the offences began. Over the course of the investigation, the officers became aware of a second victim. Offences took place between 2017 and 2023, while the victims and the accused were in Nova Scotia.

    On February 22, 2025, officers from HTU travelled to British Columbia and arrested Simon McNamee, 31, as he was living in Vancouver at the time.

    He was transported back to Nova Scotia, where he was charged with a total of seventeen offences, including Receiving Material Benefit from Sexual Services, Procuring – Person Under 18, Advertising Sexual Services, and Trafficking in Persons.

    McNamee appeared in Halifax Provincial Court on February 26 and was released by the courts on conditions pending future court appearances.

    Cpl. Brianna Taker notes that police investigations can be guided by the needs of the victims.

    “We are here to support victims of human trafficking, which often includes laying charges and making arrests, however, we will only proceed if victims are comfortable with charges being laid,” says Cpl. Taker. “We collaborate with many other support organizations in Nova Scotia who provide resources for victims, and the Nova Scotia Human Trafficking Unit can be reached at anytime on our Hotline – 902-449-2425. As always, call 911 if you’re in immediate danger.”

    Nova Scotia HTU worked with Vancouver Police Department and RCMP in British Columbia to advance this investigation.

    More information about human trafficking is available here, including how to recognize the signs of human trafficking.

    Note: The Nova Scotia Human Trafficking Unit is comprised of members of the Nova Scotia RCMP, Halifax Regional Police, and New Glasgow Regional Police, and is supported by police officers from across the province.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney Announces Charges Against Seven Defendants in Armed Transnational Cocaine and Methamphetamine Distribution Conspiracies

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)

    Four Defendants Arrested in Three U.S. States, Along With the Seizure of More Than 350 Kilograms of Methamphetamine, 100 Kilograms of Cocaine, and Four Firearms

    Matthew Podolsky, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York; James E. Dennehy, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”); and Francis J. Russo, the Director of Field Operations for the New York Field Office of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, announced today the unsealing of an Indictment charging seven defendants with narcotics trafficking and firearms offenses. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Edgardo Ramos.

    Since at least in or about October 2023, SHEHNAZ SINGH, a/k/a “SHAWN,” along with his co-conspirators, AMRITPAL SINGH, a/k/a “AMRIT,” a/k/a “Bal,” AMRITPAL SINGH, a/k/a “CHEEMA,” TAKDIR SINGH, a/k/a “ROMY,” SARBSIT SINGH, a/k/a “SABI,” and GURLAL SINGH (“GURLAL”), operated a transnational conspiracy to import cocaine into the U.S. from Colombia and distribute the drug in cities across the U.S. and into Canada.  Beginning in or about April 2024, a subset of these conspirators—led by ROMY and SABI, and joined by co-conspirators including FERNANDO VALLADARES, a/k/a “FRANCO”—stole a cache of cocaine from their original co-conspirators and agreed to distribute it out of, among other places, hotels in New York City.  Members of the two armed drug trafficking conspiracies hunted each other down, brandished a firearm, and threatened the lives of each other and innocent family members. 

    Four defendants are in custody after arrests made on the morning of February 26, 2025.  Searches of various of the defendants’ residences and vehicles conducted at the time of arrest resulted in the seizure of four firearms, approximately 391 kilograms of methamphetamine, and approximately 109 kilograms of cocaine. CHEEMA was arrested in the Eastern District of California and was presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christopher D. Baker and detained; ROMY and SABI were arrested in the Northern District of Ohio and were presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge James E. Grimes Jr. and detained; and FRANCO was arrested in the Eastern District of New York, presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Henry J. Ricardo, and released on certain conditions.  AMRIT and GURLAL are in custody in Pennsylvania after prior arrests.  SHAWN remains at large. 

    Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky said: “For more than a year, Shehnaz Singh and his associates not only imported dangerous drugs to sell across the United States but also armed themselves with deadly weapons and endangered communities here in New York City and around the country.  This week, we and our law enforcement partners halted that dangerous activity and took drugs and guns off the street.  I commend the career prosecutors of the Southern District of New York, and our partners at the Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, for their tireless efforts to disrupt this dangerous distribution network and to keep communities safe for our country and our neighbors, too.  We hope that today’s charges bring accountability to those who push drugs and use violence to protect their criminal organizations.”

    CBP Director of Field Operations Francis J. Russo said: “Every day our CBP officers and law enforcement partners relentlessly pursue the most vicious and brutal criminal drug organizations in the world who do business globally and right here in our local communities and neighborhoods. We will not stop until networks such as this one and their criminal facilitators are off the street and brought to justice. CBP will continue its unwavering commitment to keeping Americans safe from the dangers of drugs and the violence they often bring.”

    According to the allegations contained in the Indictments, other court filings, and statements made during court proceedings:[1]

    Since at least in or about October 2023, a group of conspirators led by SHAWN—a Canada-based drug trafficker who holds himself out as a corrupt police officer—operated a drug trafficking organization that imported cocaine into the U.S., transported it to stash houses and other distribution sites using networks of trucking companies and drivers, and sold it in communities across the U.S. and into Canada (the “Original Cocaine Conspiracy”). AMRIT and CHEEMA, served as, among other things, SHAWN’s enforcers, and helped operated the drug trafficking organization by safekeeping and distributing cocaine while armed with guns.

    Members of the Original Cocaine Conspiracy imported cocaine into the U.S. from Colombia and delivered the drug to coconspirators in the midwestern U.S., including a vacant home used by AMRIT and others in Indiana. From there, the cocaine was distributed across the U.S. and to Canada, including through and to California, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York.  This cross-border trade, from Colombia to the U.S. and Canada, was lucrative. As AMRIT described it: “It costs roughly about two, four, or five thousand dollars per [kilo in Colombia]. When it reaches America, it’s worth twelve to thirteen thousand. When it reaches Canada, it’s thirty thousand.”  In total, this organization was moving more than 600 kilograms of cocaine and methamphetamine a week.

    Beginning in or about April 2024, a subset of the Original Cocaine Conspiracy’s members—ROMY and SABI—stole a large cache of cocaine from their co-conspirators in the Original Cocaine Conspiracy and worked with others, including FRANCO—to distribute the stolen cocaine from, among other places, two hotels in New York City (the “Stolen Cocaine Conspiracy”).  After a co-conspirator (“CC-1”) crashed a truck carrying approximately 10 kilograms of the group’s cocaine and abandoned his cargo, members of the Original Cocaine Conspiracy announced plans to travel to New York with weapons to reclaim their stolen drugs and serve vengeance on members of the Stolen Cocaine Conspiracy and their families.  As AMRIT put it: “We need our stuff.  We aren’t letting anyone go.  We are going to kill them all.”  The day before arriving in New York City, AMRIT and CHEEMA, took photos of themselves displaying weapons over a large cache of stacked cocaine.

    Once in New York, AMRIT and CHEEMA threatened members of the Stolen Cocaine Conspiracy and their family members with violence.  In just one such incident, at a meeting in front of a home on suburban Long Island, AMRIT thrust a handgun into CC-1’s teenage brother’s neck while demanding to know the location of the stolen cocaine.

    While executing arrests of certain of the defendants and searches of various residences and vehicles, law enforcement agents seized four firearms, approximately 391 kilograms of methamphetamine, and approximately 109 kilograms of cocaine.  CHEEMA was stopped while fleeing a residence in Bakersfield, California, and arrested in possession of a loaded handgun.  Three additional firearms were seized from residences or vehicles belonging to or controlled by ROMY and SABI in Cleveland, Ohio, where agents also seized approximately 391 kilograms of methamphetamine and approximately 109 kilograms of cocaine.  The seized firearms and narcotics are shown below.

    Cocaine intercepted en route to ROMY and SABI

    Methamphetamine seized from SABI’s residence

    *                *                *

    A chart containing the charges and minimum and maximum penalties each defendant faces is attached. The statutory minimum and maximum penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants would be determined by a judge.

    Mr. Podolsky praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and CBP. Mr. Podolsky further thanked the New York City Police Department, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio, the Cleveland Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (“OCDETF”) Strike Force, the Cleveland Division of Police, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California, the FBI’s Sacramento Field Office and Bakersfield Resident Agency, the FBI’s Cartel, Gang, Narcotics, & Laundering Task Force, the Cleveland Division of Police Coast Guard Investigative Service, and the Bakersfield (Calif.) Police Department, for their assistance and cooperation in the investigation.

    This prosecution is part of an OCDETF operation.  OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles criminal organizations using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach.  Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    This case is being handled by the Office’s Narcotics Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys William C. Kinder and Justin Horton are in charge of the prosecution.

    The charges in the Indictments are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    Defendant

    Age

    Charges

    Minimum and Maximum Sentences
    SHEHNAZ SINGH, a/k/a “Shawn”

    34

    		 Cocaine distribution conspiracy; using, carrying, and possessing firearms during and in relation to, or in furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime Minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison (cocaine distribution conspiracy); minimum of five consecutive years in prison and a maximum of life (firearms offense)
    AMRITPAL SINGH, a/k/a “Amrit,” a/k/a “Bal”

    30

    		 Cocaine distribution conspiracy; brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime Minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison (cocaine distribution conspiracy); minimum of seven consecutive years in prison and a maximum of life (firearms offense)
    AMRITPAL SINGH, a/k/a “Cheema”

    26

    		 Cocaine distribution conspiracy; using, carrying, and possessing firearms during and in relation to, or in furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime Minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison (cocaine distribution conspiracy); minimum of five consecutive years in prison and a maximum of life (firearms offense)
    TAKDIR SINGH, a/k/a “Romy”

    33

    		 Cocaine distribution conspiracy; using, carrying, and possessing firearms during and in relation to, or in furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime Minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison (cocaine distribution conspiracy); minimum of five consecutive years in prison and a maximum of life (firearms offense)
    SARBSIT SINGH, a/k/a “Sabi”

    32

    		 Cocaine distribution conspiracy; using, carrying, and possessing firearms during and in relation to, or in furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime Minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison (cocaine distribution conspiracy); minimum of five consecutive years in prison and a maximum of life (firearms offense)
    GURLAL SINGH

    29

    		 Cocaine distribution conspiracy; using, carrying, and possessing firearms during and in relation to, or in furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime Minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison (cocaine distribution conspiracy); minimum of five consecutive years in prison and a maximum of life (firearms offense)
    FERNANDO VALLADARES, a/k/a “Franco”

    36

    		 Cocaine distribution conspiracy Minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison

    [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictments and the description of the Indictments set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján: Trump’s Trade War Will Increase Costs for New Mexicans, Have Devastating Consequences for American Industries and Jobs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)
    WSJ: “Economists say American importers and businesses will likely pass along the cost of tariffs to consumers, meaning individuals are likely to see higher prices at grocery stores and car dealerships.”
    POLITICO: “The agriculture industry will take a major hit from the new 25 percent duties on Mexico and Canada that went into effect at midnight.”
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Committee on Finance, issued the following statement on President Trump imposing sweeping tariffs against Canada, Mexico, and China:
    “President Trump’s reckless Trade War will lead to higher prices for New Mexicans on groceries, energy, cars, electronics, and more. Instead of strengthening our economy, he’s putting American jobs and businesses at risk while pushing the Tax Scam 2.0 for the wealthy and gutting essential programs. These tariffs could cost American families up to $2,000 a year in higher prices.
    “We’ve seen this before. During his first term, President Trump’s tariffs cost the agriculture industry billions of dollars. Now, our farmers and ranchers are once again paying the price. Despite President Trump’s claims, it’s American families and businesses who will bear the brunt of these tariffs.
    “President Trump is doing nothing to lower costs for hardworking Americans.”  
    Fact sheets on New Mexico trade with Canada, Mexico, and China are available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: SIRT Concludes Investigation Into in Custody Death in Pelican Narrows

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on March 4, 2025

    On July 16, 2023, the Saskatchewan Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) was notified of an in-custody death at the Pelican Narrows RCMP Detachment. SIRT’s Civilian Executive Director accepted the notification as within SIRT’s mandate and directed SIRT to investigate.

    SIRT has completed its investigation into this matter and the Civilian Executive Director’s public report can now be accessed online: .

    SIRT’s mandate is to independently investigate incidents where an individual has died or suffered serious injury arising from the actions of on and off-duty police officers, or while in the custody of police, as well as allegations of sexual assault or interpersonal violence involving police.

    For additional information, visit: .

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Increased Tax Credit Provides Up to $24,000 to Support Post Secondary Graduates

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on March 4, 2025

    Post-secondary graduates building their careers in Saskatchewan can now benefit from up to $24,000 in tax credits from the Graduate Retention Program (GRP). Saskatchewan has increased the lifetime GRP maximum by 20 per cent for students who graduate on or after October 1, 2024.

    The GRP offers tuition rebates to graduates who live and file taxes in Saskatchewan after they complete their post-secondary program. Graduates receive the tax credits over a seven-year period and have up to 10 years after graduation to claim GRP or apply any unused credits.

    “The Graduate Retention Program has been supporting post-secondary graduates for over a decade and we are proud to increase this incentive,” Advanced Education Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said. “Post-secondary graduates play a pivotal role in supporting Saskatchewan’s Growth Plan and Labour Market Strategyand we encourage them to take advantage of this tax credit and build their lives here in Saskatchewan.”

    Eligible graduates will begin receiving the increased tax credit when they file their 2025 taxes in spring 2026.

    “Growing up in Saskatchewan has been a privilege, and as I prepare to graduate from USask’s College of Engineering, I am excited about the many opportunities available to my peers and me,” University of Saskatchewan student Arliss Sidloski said. “The 20 per cent increase to the Saskatchewan Graduate Retention Program is a fantastic incentive for graduates to build their careers and families here. I encourage my fellow graduates to take advantage of this program and contribute to strengthening Saskatchewan’s workforce and economy.”

    Individuals who graduated before October 1, 2024 may still be eligible to receive GRP up to the original $20,000 maximum. Individuals with a graduation date between October 1 and December 31, 2024, should claim GRP at the original maximum on their 2024 taxes and will receive a top-up certificate to file with their 2025 taxes. 

    For more information on the changes, visit saskatchewan.ca/grp. For questions on filing income taxes, contact the Canada Revenue Agency directly or talk to an accounting professional.

    The GRP is the most generous program of its kind in Canada and has provided over $801 million in tuition tax credits to more than 85,200 graduates since 2008. Saskatchewan employers also benefit from the GRP as the program incentivizes graduates from both inside and outside the province to live and work in Saskatchewan.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Saskatchewan Ice Shelter Removal Deadlines Approaching

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on March 4, 2025

    Shelters Must be Removed by March 15 and 31

    As winter winds down, the Government of Saskatchewan is reminding anglers to remove their ice fishing shelters from provincial waterways before warming temperatures create unsafe ice conditions. 

    Shelters must be taken off the ice by March 15 in all areas south of Highway 16 and by March 31 in northern regions of Saskatchewan. 

    Spring weather can be unpredictable, and deteriorating ice conditions can make it dangerous to retrieve shelters later in the season. It is the responsibility of all anglers to ensure they remove their structures and any associated debris before these deadlines.

    Failure to remove shelters by the deadlines can result in hefty fines and the confiscation of the structures and their contents. Abandoned shelters pose unnecessary risks to everyone who enjoys Saskatchewan lakes in the summer and to the wildlife who call our lakes home. Anglers are encouraged to properly dispose of waste and debris when dismantling shelters to help preserve Saskatchewan lakes. 

    Ice fishing shelters must be marked on the outside in legible letters of at least 2.5 cm high, displaying the owner’s complete name, address and phone number. Shelters cannot be left on the shore.

    Be extremely cautious when travelling on ice, as thickness and strength can vary. Signs of unsafe ice include slush, pressure ridges and thermal cracks.

    This year’s ice fishing season closes on March 31 in southern and central Saskatchewan and on April 15 in northern Saskatchewan. For more information, check the Anglers Guide online at saskatchewan.ca/fishing.

    If you suspect wildlife, fisheries, forestry or environmental violations, please call Saskatchewan’s toll-free Turn In Poachers and Polluters (TIPP) line at 1-800-667-7561 or report online at saskatchewan.ca/tipp. You don’t have to give your name and you may be eligible for a cash reward from the SaskTIP Reward Program.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI: iLobby Acquires Leading Logistics Management Provider SCLogic and Rebrands as FacilityOS

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, March 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — iLobby, a global leader in enterprise facility and visitor management solutions, today announced the acquisition of SCLogic, a leading logistics management solution provider, and its rebrand to FacilityOS.

    For over two decades, SCLogic has been at the forefront of last-yard logistics, delivering innovative solutions that enhance operational efficiency, reliability, and customer satisfaction. By integrating SCLogic’s proven technology and expertise into the FacilityOS platform, the combined company is now positioned as the most comprehensive solution for facility management.

    “Bringing SCLogic into FacilityOS is a game-changer for the industry,” said Ariel Mashiyev, Chairman and CEO of FacilityOS. “Facility management is evolving, and organizations need an integrated, intelligent platform to streamline operations and drive better outcomes. The addition of SCLogic’s expertise in logistics and asset management strengthens our ability to provide end-to-end solutions that improve efficiency, security, and compliance for our customers worldwide.”

    “This acquisition is a significant step forward in accelerating SCLogic’s growth and enhancing the value we deliver to our customers,” said Mike Saldi, CEO of SCLogic. “Integrating our Intra solution into the FacilityOS platform creates a more robust and comprehensive offering, allowing both existing and future customers to benefit from expanded capabilities.”

    A New Era: iLobby Rebrands as FacilityOS

    Alongside the acquisition, iLobby has officially rebranded as FacilityOS. Originally launched in 2022, the FacilityOS platform was designed to unify iLobby’s suite of products into a single, cohesive interface. Adopting FacilityOS as the company’s name marks a pivotal milestone, reinforcing its expanded vision of delivering end-to-end facility management solutions.

    “iLobby has experienced remarkable growth since its inception, evolving from a niche visitor management solution into a comprehensive, modular facility management platform,” said Mashiyev. “With offices in the United States, Canada, and Europe, we now serve over 25% of Fortune 500 companies. FacilityOS better reflects the breadth of our solutions and the dynamic, innovative company we’ve become.”

    Introducing LogisticsOS & ContractorOS

    Coinciding with the rebrand, FacilityOS has launched two new platform modules:

    • LogisticsOS – An evolution of SCLogic’s Intra platform, LogisticsOS streamlines operations across mailroom handling, central receiving, and asset management, enhancing transparency and eliminating inefficiencies.
    • ContractorOS – A contractor compliance management solution that centralizes documentation, automates key workflows, and ensures audit readiness, providing organizations with improved visibility and compliance confidence.

    New Website & Expanded Resources

    To support this transformation, the company has launched a new corporate website, www.facilityos.com. The new site provides a centralized resource for facility, asset, and visitor management, while also incorporating insights from the SCLogic acquisition.

    For more information, visit www.facilityos.com.

    About FacilityOS

    Deployed across more than 7,000 sites worldwide, FacilityOS powers complex work environments by optimizing and automating key facility processes to achieve regulatory compliance, enforce safety protocols, improve operational efficiencies, and drive site security requirements.

    The integrated FacilityOS platform is supported by robust reporting, turnkey onboarding, and extensive configurability that ensures a strong impact in many industries, such as manufacturing, industrial, healthcare, higher education, and other mission-critical environments. Each module within FacilityOS is designed to work standalone or together with other modules to maximize the impact of the platform.

    FacilityOS is a global company with offices in the United States, Canada, and Europe. Learn more at www.facilityos.com.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c4b5dbaf-5a93-4cc9-afd4-164b58fb1e10

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Grande Anse — RCMP continue to investigate the disappearance of Cody Duane MacDonald

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    March 4 marks one year since Cody Duane MacDonald was reported missing.

    On February 29, 2024, 29-year-old Cody MacDonald was last seen at a home on Campbell Rd. in Grande Anse.

    MacDonald is described as 5-foot-10, 145 lbs. He has brown hair and blue eyes.

    Initially it was believed he was wearing an orange survival suit at the time of his disappearance. However, information and evidence gathered indicates he was last seen wearing a grey hat and green fisherman boots. Additional clothing descriptors are not known at this time.

    A multi-day search of nearby areas, assisted by Strait Area Ground Search and Rescue, Sydney Ground Search and Rescue, RCMP Police Dog Services, and RCMP Air Services, was conducted in March of 2024.

    Over the past twelve months, investigators have followed up on numerous tips. Police have continued to receive and follow up on new information. At this time, investigators are asking specifically for information about the hours and days leading up to Cody’s disappearance.

    Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Cody Duane MacDonald is asked to contact Richmond County District RCMP at 902-535-2002. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips App.

    Note: Photos of Cody Duane MacDonald are attached. The photo labelled “C.MacDonald_01” was taken of him earlier in the day on February 29, 2024, before he was last seen at a home in Grande Anse.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Apple introduces iPad Air with powerful M3 chip and new Magic Keyboard

    Source: Apple

    Headline: Apple introduces iPad Air with powerful M3 chip and new Magic Keyboard

    March 4, 2025

    PRESS RELEASE

    Apple introduces iPad Air with powerful M3 chip and new Magic Keyboard

    CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA Apple today introduced the faster, more powerful iPad Air with the M3 chip and built for Apple Intelligence. iPad Air with M3 brings Apple’s advanced graphics architecture to iPad Air for the first time — taking its incredible combination of power-efficient performance and portability to a new level. iPad Air with M3 is nearly 2x faster compared to iPad Air with M1,1 and up to 3.5x faster than iPad Air with A14 Bionic.2 Users will feel the speed of M3 in everything they do, from creating engaging content faster than ever to playing demanding, graphics-intensive games. Available in two sizes and four gorgeous finishes that users love, the 11-inch iPad Air is super portable while on the go, and the 13-inch model provides an even larger display for more room to be creative and productive. Designed for iPad Air, the new Magic Keyboard enhances its versatility and delivers more capabilities at a lower price. With iPadOS 18, support for Apple Intelligence, advanced cameras, fast wireless 5G connectivity, and compatibility with Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C), the new iPad Air offers an unrivaled experience.

    With the same starting price of just $599 for the 11-inch model and $799 for the 13-inch model, the new iPad Air is a fantastic value. And for education, the 11-inch iPad Air starts at just $549, and the 13-inch model starts at just $749. Customers can pre-order the new iPad Air with M3 and Magic Keyboard for iPad Air starting today, with availability beginning Wednesday, March 12.

    “iPad Air is so popular because of its unmatched combination of powerful performance, portability, and support for advanced accessories, all at an affordable price,” said Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “For everyone from college students taking notes with Apple Pencil Pro, to travelers and content creators who need powerful productivity on the go, iPad Air with M3, Apple Intelligence, and the new Magic Keyboard take versatility and value to the next level.”

    Supercharged Performance with M3

    iPad Air with M3 empowers users to be productive and creative wherever they are, from aspiring creatives using demanding apps and working with large files, to travelers editing content on the go. The powerful M3 chip offers a number of improvements over M1 and previous-generation models. Featuring a more powerful 8-core CPU, M3 is up to 35 percent faster for multithreaded CPU workflows than iPad Air with M1. M3 features a 9-core GPU with up to 40 percent faster graphics performance over M1. M3 also brings Apple’s advanced graphics architecture to iPad Air for the first time with support for dynamic caching, along with hardware-accelerated mesh shading and ray tracing. For graphics-intensive rendering workflows, iPad Air with M3 offers up to 4x faster performance than iPad Air with M1, enabling more accurate lighting, reflections, shadows, and extremely realistic gaming experiences.3

    The faster Neural Engine in M3 means iPad Air users can enjoy even more AI capabilities in iPadOS. Compared to M1, the Neural Engine in M3 is up to 60 percent faster for AI-based workloads. Other improvements over iPad models with A-series chips include support for Apple Intelligence, the choice of 11- and 13-inch sizes, and support for advanced accessories, including the new Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro.

    iPad Air: Built for Apple Intelligence

    iPad Air is built for Apple Intelligence, the personal intelligence system that delivers helpful and relevant intelligence.4 In Photos, the Clean Up tool makes it easy to remove distracting elements in images, and natural language search allows users to search for just about any photo or video by simply describing what they are looking for. With Image Wand in the Notes app, users can make notes more visually engaging by turning rough sketches into delightful images, just by drawing a circle around the sketch with their Apple Pencil. Users can even circle empty space within a note, and Image Wand will gather context from the surrounding area to create a relevant image that complements the note and makes it more visual.

    Apple Intelligence helps users explore creative new ways to express themselves visually with Image Playground, create the perfect emoji with Genmoji, and make their writing even more dynamic with Writing Tools. Users can now type to Siri, and Siri is more conversational with the ability to follow along if users stumble over their words. Siri can also maintain context from one request to the next, and with extensive product knowledge, Siri can answer thousands of questions about the features and settings of Apple products, so users can learn how to do things like take a screen recording.

    With ChatGPT seamlessly integrated into Writing Tools and Siri, users can tap into ChatGPT’s expertise without jumping between applications, so they can get things done faster and easier than ever before. In addition, users can access ChatGPT for free without creating an account, and privacy protections are built in — their IP addresses are obscured and OpenAI won’t store requests. Users can choose whether to enable ChatGPT integration, and are in full control of when to use it and what information is shared with ChatGPT.

    Designed to protect users’ privacy at every step, Apple Intelligence uses on-device processing, meaning that many of the models that power it run entirely on device. For requests that require access to larger models, Private Cloud Compute extends the privacy and security of iPad into the cloud to unlock even more intelligence. When using Private Cloud Compute, users’ data is never stored or shared with Apple; it is used only to fulfill their request.

    All-New Magic Keyboard for iPad Air

    The all-new Magic Keyboard for iPad Air expands what users can do at an even lower price. The larger built-in trackpad brings greater precision for detail-oriented tasks, and a new 14-key function row allows easy access to features like screen brightness and volume controls. The new Magic Keyboard attaches magnetically, and the Smart Connector immediately connects power and data without the need for Bluetooth; a machined aluminum hinge also includes a USB-C connector for charging. Now starting at just $269 for the 11-inch model and $319 for the 13-inch model, the new Magic Keyboard for iPad Air features the magical floating design customers love and comes in white.

    iPad Updated with Double the Starting Storage and the A16 Chip

    Apple today also updated iPad with double the starting storage and the A16 chip, bringing even more value to customers. The A16 chip provides a jump in performance for everyday tasks and experiences in iPadOS, while still providing all-day battery life. Compared to the previous generation, the updated iPad with A16 is nearly 30 percent faster.5 In fact, compared to iPad with A13 Bionic, users will see up to a 50 percent improvement in overall performance,5 and A16 makes the updated iPad up to 6x faster than the best-selling Android tablet.6

    Powerful and Intelligent Features with iPadOS 18

    iPadOS 18 offers powerful features that enhance the iPad experience, making it more versatile and intelligent than ever:7

    • Designed for the unique capabilities of iPad, Calculator delivers an entirely new way to use Apple Pencil to solve expressions. With Math Notes, users are now able to write out mathematical expressions or type to see them instantly solved in handwriting like their own. They can also create and use variables, and add an equation to insert a graph. Users can access their Math Notes in the Notes app and use all of the math functionality in any of their other notes.
    • In Notes, handwritten notes become more fluid and flexible. Smart Script unleashes powerful new capabilities for users editing handwritten text, allowing them to easily add space or even paste typed text in their own handwriting. And as users write with Apple Pencil, their handwriting will be automatically refined in real time to be smoother, straighter, and more legible.
    • With new Audio Recording and Transcription, iPad can capture a lecture or conversation, and transcripts are synced with the audio, so users can search for an exact moment in the recording.
    • Users now have even more options to express themselves through the Home Screen. App icons and widgets can take on a new look with a dark or tinted effect, and users can make them appear larger to create the experience that’s perfect for them. A redesigned Control Center provides easier access to many of the things users do every day, including the option to organize new controls from third-party apps.

    Better for the Environment

    The new iPad Air and updated iPad are designed with the environment in mind. As part of Apple 2030, the company’s ambitious goal to be carbon neutral across its entire carbon footprint by the end of this decade, Apple is transitioning to renewable electricity for manufacturing, and investing in wind and solar projects around the world to address the electricity used to charge all Apple products, including the new iPad Air and iPad. Today, all Apple facilities run on 100 percent renewable electricity — including the data centers that power Apple Intelligence.

    To achieve Apple 2030, the company is designing products with more recycled and renewable materials, which further drives down the carbon footprint. The new iPad Air and iPad each feature at least 30 percent recycled content overall, including 100 percent recycled aluminum in the enclosure and 100 percent recycled rare earth elements in all magnets. The batteries contain 100 percent recycled cobalt and — in a first for iPad — over 95 percent recycled lithium. The new iPad Air and iPad meet Apple’s high standards for energy efficiency, and are free of mercury, brominated flame retardants, and PVC. The packaging is also entirely fiber-based, bringing Apple closer to its goal of removing plastic from its packaging by the end of this year.8

    Pricing and Availability

    • Customers can pre-order the new iPad Air with M3 starting today, March 4, on apple.com/store, and in the Apple Store app in 29 countries and regions, including the U.S. It will begin arriving to customers, and will be in Apple Store locations and Apple Authorized Resellers, starting March 12.
    • The 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air with M3 will be available in blue, purple, starlight, and space gray, with 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB configurations.
    • The 11-inch iPad Air starts at $599 (U.S.) for the Wi-Fi model, and $749 (U.S.) for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model. The 13-inch iPad Air starts at $799 (U.S.) for the Wi-Fi model, and $949 (U.S.) for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model.
    • For education, the new 11-inch iPad Air starts at $549 (U.S.), and the 13-inch model starts at $749 (U.S.). Education pricing is available to current and newly accepted college students and their parents, as well as faculty, staff, and home-school teachers of all grade levels. For more information, visit apple.com/us-hed/shop.
    • The new Magic Keyboard, available in white, is compatible with the 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air. The 11-inch Magic Keyboard is available for $269 (U.S.), and the 13-inch Magic Keyboard is available for $319 (U.S.). For education, the 11-inch Magic Keyboard is available for $249 (U.S.), and the 13-inch Magic Keyboard is available for $299 (U.S.).
    • Customers can pre-order the new iPad with A16 starting today, March 4, on apple.com/store, and in the Apple Store app in 29 countries and regions, including the U.S. It will begin arriving to customers, and will be in Apple Store locations and Apple Authorized Resellers, starting March 12.
    • The new iPad starts with 128GB of storage, and is also available in 256GB and a new 512GB configuration. Available in blue, pink, yellow, and silver, Wi-Fi models of the new iPad are available with a starting price of $349 (U.S.), and Wi-Fi + Cellular models start at $499 (U.S.). For education, Wi-Fi models of the new iPad are available with a starting price of $329 (U.S.), and Wi-Fi + Cellular models start at $479 (U.S.).
    • Magic Keyboard Folio for iPad is available for $249 (U.S.) and comes in white. For education, the Magic Keyboard Folio is available for $229 (U.S.).
    • Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C) are compatible with the new iPad Air. Apple Pencil (USB-C) and Apple Pencil (1st generation) are compatible with the new iPad. Apple Pencil Pro is available for $129 (U.S.), and $119 (U.S.) for education. Apple Pencil (USB-C) is available for $79 (U.S.), and $69 (U.S.) for education.
    • Apple offers great ways to save on the latest iPad. Customers can trade in their current iPad and get credit toward a new one by visiting the Apple Store online, the Apple Store app, or an Apple Store location. To see what their device is worth and for terms and conditions, customers can visit apple.com/shop/trade-in.
    • Customers in the U.S. who shop at Apple using Apple Card can pay monthly at 0 percent APR when they choose to check out with Apple Card Monthly Installments, and they’ll get 3 percent Daily Cash back — all up front. More information — including details on eligibility, exclusions, and Apple Card terms — is available at apple.com/apple-card/monthly-installments.

    About Apple Apple revolutionized personal technology with the introduction of the Macintosh in 1984. Today, Apple leads the world in innovation with iPhone, iPad, Mac, AirPods, Apple Watch, and Apple Vision Pro. Apple’s six software platforms — iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, visionOS, and tvOS — provide seamless experiences across all Apple devices and empower people with breakthrough services including the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay, iCloud, and Apple TV+. Apple’s more than 150,000 employees are dedicated to making the best products on earth and to leaving the world better than we found it.

    1. Testing conducted by Apple in January and February 2025. See apple.com/ipad-air for more information.
    2. Testing conducted by Apple in January and February 2025 using preproduction iPad Air 11-inch (M3) and iPad Air 13-inch (M3) units as well as production iPad Air (4th generation) units. Tested with Procreate Dreams v1.0.14 by exporting a 29-second project. Performance tests are conducted using specific iPad units and reflect the approximate performance of iPad Air.
    3. Testing conducted by Apple in January and February 2025 using preproduction iPad Air 11-inch (M3) and iPad Air 13-inch (M3) units as well as production iPad Air (5th generation) units. Octane X 2024.1.01 for iPad tested using a scene with 770,000 meshes and 8 million unique primitives, utilizing hardware-accelerated ray tracing on M3-based systems and software-based ray tracing on all other units. Performance tests are conducted using specific iPad units and reflect the approximate performance of iPad Air.
    4. Apple Intelligence is available on iPad mini (A17 Pro) and iPad models with M1 and later, in localized English for Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, the UK, and the U.S. Additional languages — including French, German, Italian, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Chinese (simplified), English (Singapore), and English (India) — will be available in April, with more languages coming over the course of the year, including Vietnamese. Some features, applications, and services may not be available in all regions or all languages.
    5. Testing conducted by Apple in January and February 2025 using preproduction iPad (A16) units as well as production iPad (10th generation) units. Tested with a selection of tasks using Microsoft Excel for iPad v2.93. Performance tests are conducted using specific iPad units and reflect the approximate performance of iPad.
    6. Testing conducted by Apple in January and February 2025 using preproduction iPad (A16) units with Apple A16, as well as production Qualcomm SM6375-based Android tablet units with the latest version of Android 14 available at the time of testing. Best-selling Android tablet based on publicly available sales data over the last 12 months. Tested with common tasks in commercial applications and select industry-standard benchmarks. Performance depends on device settings, usage, environment, and many other factors. Performance tests are conducted using specific systems and reflect the approximate performance of iPad.
    7. Some features may not be available for all countries or all areas. For more information on iPadOS 18, visit apple.com/ipados/ipados-18.
    8. Based on retail packaging as shipped by Apple. Breakdown of U.S. retail packaging by weight. Adhesives, inks, and coatings are excluded from calculations of plastic content and packaging weight.

    Press Contacts

    Tara Courtney

    Apple

    tcourtney@apple.com

    Skylar Eisenhart

    Apple

    s_eisenhart@apple.com

    Apple Media Helpline

    media.help@apple.com

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI: Introducing New Cloud-Based CorelDRAW Go, Creative and Workflow Enhancements in CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 2025, and Browser-Based Design with CorelDRAW Web

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CorelDRAW Go provides a beginner-friendly design experience, empowering creativity from anywhere.

    CorelDRAW Graphics Suite delivers Painterly Brush tool enhancements and streamlined print to PDF workflows, alongside flexible, online design with CorelDRAW Web.

    OTTAWA, Ontario, March 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Introducing CorelDRAW Go, a beginner-friendly online graphic design tool for creative enthusiasts and aspiring designers. This newest addition to the CorelDRAW family simplifies the creative process, equipping users with intuitive tools to design efficiently from anywhere.

    Alongside this, the latest updates to award-winning graphic design software, CorelDRAW Graphics Suite, are unveiled, including CorelDRAW Web, providing subscribers with a flexible, cloud-based design experience.

    “With CorelDRAW Go and CorelDRAW Web, we’re making creativity more accessible than ever,” said Prakash Channagiri, Senior Director of Product Management for CorelDRAW. “The flexibility of these new cloud-based tools combined with the latest creative and workflow enhancements in CorelDRAW Graphics Suite, reinforce our commitment to empowering design professionals and creative enthusiasts to work more efficiently and push the boundaries of what’s possible in graphic design.”

    CorelDRAW Go is a browser-based tool that makes design more intuitive and accessible, without the steep learning curve that comes with professional graphic design software. With an easy-to-use interface it delivers more advanced drawing and editing capabilities than many template-based alternatives.

    Here’s what’s available in CorelDRAW Go:

    Robust Design Tools

    • Interactive drawing tools
    • Realistic brushes
    • Straightforward node editing
    • User-friendly text tools
    • Easy-to-use masking controls
    • Essential image editing features

    Extensive Creative Assets

    • Fully customizable templates
    • Thousands of editable vector icons, illustrations, and clipart
    • More than 6 million royalty-free stock photos
    • Thousands of fonts

    In this latest release, CorelDRAW Graphics Suite customers get access to powerful tools and enhancements designed to elevate creativity and simplify workflows.

    Here’s what’s new in CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 2025:

    • NEW! CorelDRAW Web: CorelDRAW is more accessible than ever thanks to the introduction of CorelDRAW Web, a powerful browser-based version of the award-winning graphic design suite. Available exclusively to subscribers, CorelDRAW Web delivers a full CorelDRAW experience in the browser, allowing users to design seamlessly from any device.
    • NEW! Advanced Print to PDF capabilities: Streamline workflows and enjoy faster, more efficient output with new Print to PDF functionality, now integrated into CorelDRAW and Corel PHOTO-PAINT.
    • ENHANCED! Painterly Brush tool: Unleash creativity with the upgraded Painterly Brush tool, now featuring additional brush controls, and improved compatibility with other tools. Plus, subscribers get exclusive access to 50 additional free brushes, unlocking a world of new creative possibilities.
    • NEW! Simplified multi-seat license management: The redesigned Corel Customer Account Portal streamlines license administration, allowing businesses to assign licenses or deploy software without requiring individual user accounts.

    This latest release also includes performance and quality improvements, direct access to additional Google Fonts, and advanced security upgrades.

    Availability and Pricing

    CorelDRAW Graphics Suite is available on Windows, macOS, and web in English, German, Italian, French, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, Dutch, Polish, Czech, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Turkish, Swedish, and Japanese. Subscription is $269 USD / €369 / £319 per year. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 2025 is available for one-time purchase at the suggested retail price of $549 USD / €779 / £659. EUR and GBP prices include VAT.

    To compare purchase options of CorelDRAW Graphics Suite, please visit: https://www.coreldraw.com/coreldraw/#compare.

    For more information about business licenses, visit www.coreldraw.com/business, and for more information about education licenses, visit www.coreldraw.com/education.

    CorelDRAW Web is available to all CorelDRAW subscribers and active maintenance customers and is supported on the most recent versions of Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Firefox, on both Windows and macOS. To learn more about CorelDRAW Web, or to try a 15-day trial, visit: www.coreldraw.corel.com.

    CorelDRAW Go performs best with Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge, with the latest updates, on both Windows and macOS, and is available in English, German, Italian, French, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, Dutch, Polish, and Czech. A subscription is $9.99 USD / €9.99 / £8.99 monthly or $99 USD / €115 / £95 per year. EUR and GBP prices include VAT. To learn more about CorelDRAW Go, visit: www.go.corel.com.

    About Alludo

    Alludo is a global technology company helping people work better and live better. We’re the people behind award-winning, globally recognizable brands including Parallels, Corel, MindManager, and WinZip. Our professional-caliber graphics, virtualization, and productivity solutions are finely tuned for the digital remote workforce delivering the freedom to work when, where, and how you want.

    With a 35+ year legacy of innovation, Alludo empowers all you do, helping more than 2.5 million paying customers to enable, ideate, create, and share on any device, anywhere. To learn more, visit www.alludo.com. 

    © 2025 Cascade Parent Limited trading as Alludo. All rights reserved. Alludo, and the Alludo logo are trademarks of Cascade Parent Limited in Canada, the United States and/or elsewhere. Corel, CorelDRAW, Corel PHOTO-PAINT, Go, MindManager and WinZip are trademarks or registered trademarks of Corel Corporation. Parallels is a registered trademark of Parallels International GmbH. MacOS is a trademark of Apple Inc. Google and Chrome are trademarks of Google LLC. All other company, product and service names, logos, brands and any registered or unregistered trademarks mentioned are used for identification purposes only and remain the exclusive property of their respective owners. For all notices and legal information please visit www.alludo.com/en/legal and www.corel.com/en/legal-information/.

    Contact:
    Ashley Ruess
    ashley.ruess@alludo.com

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9c05058a-e856-498a-88b3-2330c0f33de1

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c0add386-97a5-490e-ad55-360995e05f1d

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/32ad5403-f765-41bd-8d7c-117c67db1399

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/94cf185e-48cb-4409-bd79-555aa6d1c49d

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Dartmouth — March is Fraud Prevention Month: learn more about common scams

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    This Fraud Prevention Month the Nova Scotia RCMP is reminding the public to always stay vigilant to help protect themselves against fraud, and sharing common scams to watch out for.

    Fraud can happen to anyone at anytime. Scammers use sophisticated ways to target individuals from across Nova Scotia. The best way to fight these types of crimes is through awareness and using educated caution when dealing with fraudulent calls, texts, emails and messages.

    The most common scams in Nova Scotia over the past year, include:

    • Extortion: Scammers unlawfully obtain money, property or services through intimidation. This is also done through sextortion, a form of blackmail that involves threats to distribute intimate images or videos if money isn’t paid to the fraudster.
    • Romance: Using fake profiles on social media and dating websites, scammers convince people to enter into a virtual relationship with the goal of having them send financial support. Often victims are asked to send compromising photos of themselves and are subsequently extorted for money.
    • Investment: Scammers solicit investments into false or deceptive investment companies that promise higher-than-normal returns.
    • Service: scammers offer services such as tech support, air duct cleaning, or new cellphone service plans, in attempt to steal personal information.
    • Vacation: Scammers call pretending to be a well-known airline, cruise company or vacation travel retailer. They share that you have won a free trip and that you have to pay taxes or fee associated with the free trip.
    • Spear phishing: Pretending to be from legitimate sources, and using what look to be legit email addresses, scammers try to get businesses or individuals to send them money.
    • Job: These scams involve online ads and fake job interviews; victims are often directed to purchase and send gift cards using fraudulent cheques.
    • Rental: Scammers will list a property that is not real or that they do not own. Next, they ask potential renters to pay deposits for the fake property.
    • Bank investigator: Scammers call and ask for help catching fraudulent bank employees or offer help in resolving suspicious account transactions.
    • Merchandise: Scammers create fake online ads online using resale sites, website pop-ups or fake company websites.
    • Emergency: Fraudsters prey on people’s fear of a loved one being hurt or in trouble and in need of financial support. (Also known as the ‘grandparent scam’).
    • Prize: Scammers contact people claiming they’ve won, or have a chance at winning, a prize or lottery; the winner is then asked to pay taxes or fees related to the fake winnings.

    If you or someone you know is a victim of a scam, report it to your local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. Learn more, visit: https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Fintech Cadence and Visa join forces to support payment innovation in Canada

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MONTREAL, Quebec, March 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Fintech Cadence, Canada’s leading fintech incubator and Visa, a global leader in digital payments, have announced an exciting collaboration to fuel fintech innovation across Canada. Through curated programming, events and education, Visa will support the development of Canadian fintech companies building products and services for the payment and remittance sector.

    In Canada, fintechs are transforming the payments ecosystem and are a vital driver of our economy. Globally, Visa works with more than 2,000 fintechs to solve the greatest challenges within payments and provide them with the expertise needed to navigate the complexities of digital commerce.

    “We are excited about this new collaboration and the trust Visa have put in us,” said Layial El-Hadi, Executive Director at Fintech Cadence. “We have always been strong proponents of fostering collaboration and helping bridge the gap with founders who break the norm daily and provide innovative solutions for Canadian consumers and businesses. Thanks to this collaboration, we are continuing our mission of helping advance the financial system to serve Canadians for the better.”

    Fintech Cadence has been a driving force of innovation within the Canadian fintech landscape for the past eight years. As the largest fintech incubator in the country, the organization has fostered a vibrant community. It focuses on raising awareness about the sector, supporting founders in their early stages and connecting fintechs with the financial industry to promote the sector’s growth.

    “At Visa, we understand the journey of innovation all too well. Like many of these companies, we started with a vision to solve a consumer pain point and now, we are deeply committed to supporting the next generation of innovators,” said Chris Ferron, Vice President of Enablers, Merchants and Fintechs at Visa. “Our work with Fintech Cadence is a testament to this commitment and we are thrilled to collaborate to empower bold ideas and drive meaningful change in the payment space.”

    As part of the overall collaboration, Visa is one of the Champion Sponsors of the 2025 Fintech Drinks Series with the first of 5 events kicking off in Montreal on March 26th, 2025 at Espace CDPQ. Subsequent events will be held in Halifax (May ’25), Calgary (June ’25), Toronto (Sept ’25) and again in Montreal (Nov ’25). Additional information and registration for the events can be found on Fintech Cadence’s website (www.fintechcadence.com/fintech-drinks/) and via their LinkedIn page.

    About Fintech Cadence

    Fintech Cadence is a non-profit organization established in 2017 dedicated to the Canadian fintech community by providing multiple initiatives from coast to coast. Their mission is to advance the financial system for the better through a three-tier mandate of educating fintech talent, supporting early-stage startups, and fostering collaboration amongst Canada’s fintech ecosystem of financial institutions, VCs, incubators, accelerators and universities.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e9f7a86a-8830-46ee-98dc-cd660b7359b2

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Statement on U.S. Tariffs

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    NOTE: The following is a statement from Premier Tim Houston.

    Donald Trump is a short-sighted man who wields his power just for the sake of it, not having any consideration for the destructive impact of his decisions on both Canadians and Americans.

    It is impossible to properly describe the uncertainty and chaos that President Trump’s threat of tariffs and now actually imposing tariffs has caused for Canadians.

    And now, as President Trump proceeds with his illegal 25 per cent tariffs, Nova Scotia will respond.

    We will immediately limit access to provincial procurement for American businesses. They can no longer bid on provincial business. We are also actively seeking options to cancel existing contracts and reject bids outright until President Trump removes his unlawful tariffs.

    We will double the cost of tolls at the Cobequid Pass for commercial vehicles from the United States, effective immediately.

    And we will direct the Nova Scotia Liquor Corp. to once again remove all alcohol from the United States from their shelves, effective today. We know this was an effective response the first time and hurt American producers who rely on Canadian markets.

    We will also take any step we can to support Nova Scotians through this incredibly difficult time. As part of Budget 2025-26, we added a contingency fund to respond to U.S. tariffs. It is too early to determine exactly what specific funding is necessary, but we will communicate to Nova Scotians as we better understand the economic impacts and the federal government’s plans to support Nova Scotians.

    We introduced legislation designed to break down barriers to interprovincial trade. We must be open for business in Canada. We hope all provinces and territories immediately endorse and pass corresponding legislation.

    We are also working on a trade action plan to help businesses engage in global trade, increase their global competitiveness and drive investment growth and have issued a call to action to develop our valuable natural resources.

    I can tell you that we worked hard to avoid a repeat of Trump’s tax. We know tariffs are bad for people and businesses on both sides of the border.

    Unfortunately, some people need to touch the hot stove to learn, and while we cannot control or predict their behaviour, we can control how we respond.

    I want to thank Nova Scotians who have already responded with your wallet. You’re choosing to be Nova Scotia loyal and support local and Canadian businesses. You’re choosing to travel in our beautiful province and country rather than south of the border. You’re cheering loudly and proudly for our Canadian teams and athletes.

    These choices and actions are significant. It is important that we stand together, united and strong.

    That’s why we will continue to work with the federal government as it designs and implements counter-tariffs.

    We are a government of action, and I continue to stand with you. My focus is entirely on protecting the interest of hard-working Nova Scotians and their families – in these times of uncertainty, that is one constant you can continue to count on.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitcoin Depot Schedules Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Conference Call for Tuesday, March 18th at 10:00 am ET

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ATLANTA, March 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitcoin Depot (“Bitcoin Depot” or the “Company”), a U.S.-based Bitcoin ATM operator and leading fintech company, will hold a conference call and live audio webcast on Tuesday, March 18th at 10:00 a.m. Eastern time (7:00 a.m. Pacific time) to discuss its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024. Bitcoin Depot plans to release results before the market open on the same day.

    Call Date: Tuesday, March 18, 2025  
    Time: 10:00 a.m. Eastern time (7:00 a.m. Pacific time)

    Phone Instructions
    U.S. and Canada (toll-free): 888-596-4144
    U.S. (toll): 646-968-2525
    Conference ID: 8224936

    Webcast Instructions
    Webcast link: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/8kgtbeme

    A replay of the call will be available beginning after 2:00 p.m. Eastern time through March 25, 2025.

    U.S. & Canada (toll-free) replay number: 800-770-2030
    U.S. toll number: 609-800-9909
    Conference ID: 8224936

    If you have any difficulty connecting with the conference call, please contact Bitcoin Depot’s investor relations team at 1-949-574-3860.

    About Bitcoin Depot
    Bitcoin Depot Inc. (Nasdaq: BTM) was founded in 2016 with the mission to connect those who prefer to use cash to the broader, digital financial system. Bitcoin Depot provides its users with simple, efficient and intuitive means of converting cash into Bitcoin, which users can deploy in the payments, spending and investing space. Users can convert cash to bitcoin at Bitcoin Depot kiosks in 48 states and at thousands of name-brand retail locations in 29 states through its BDCheckout product. The Company has the largest market share in North America with over 8,400 kiosk locations as of February 25, 2025. Learn more at www.bitcoindepot.com.

    Contacts:

    Investors
    Cody Slach
    Gateway Group, Inc.
    949-574-3860
    BTM@gateway-grp.com

    Media
    Brenlyn Motlagh, Ryan Deloney
    Gateway Group, Inc.
    949-574-3860
    BTM@gateway-grp.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Melissa Launches Integrated Datasets and Native Apps in Snowflake

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, Calif., March 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Melissa, a global leader in data quality and address management solutions, is now available on Snowflake Marketplace. Offering Melissa APIs as Snowflake native apps, and a selection of its comprehensive datasets, Melissa is supporting enterprise users worldwide with enriched customer data for better business intelligence and global customer engagement. This integration simplifies access to Melissa’s high-quality data and verification services, enabling businesses to enrich, validate, and leverage critical customer and location intelligence directly within the Snowflake AI Data Cloud.

    Melissa now offers 19 data products on Snowflake, including 17 datasets featuring phone, email, demographic, property, and geolocation information, and two Snowflake native apps designed to enhance data verification processes within the Snowflake environment. The newly integrated Personator Consumer and Global Address Verification native apps allow Snowflake users to validate customer addresses globally without exporting data, streamlining workflows and reducing errors.

    “With Melissa’s integration into Snowflake Marketplace, businesses can now access our trusted data and verification services natively within the Snowflake platform. Data workflows are optimized and eliminate the traditional complexities of data extraction, transfer, and integration,” said Daniel Kha Le, Chief Data Officer, Melissa. “This partnership ensures that organizations using Snowflake can seamlessly enhance their data quality—a critical value in improving operational efficiency and driving better decision-making.”

    Snowflake is a single, fully managed and integrated platform that businesses securely connect to globally across any type or scale of data to productize AI, applications, and more in the enterprise. This approach eliminates the data silos that lead to complexity and the need to move data to get business value. Snowflake users access all their data from a single platform, including data that is unstructured, in open formats, and from third parties.

    Through the Snowflake Marketplace, businesses can now easily tap into Melissa’s datasets to find information on:

    • 200 million U.S. consumers, including demographic, lifestyle, and contact data
    • 17+ U.S. million companies and organizations, including firmographic and contacts
    • New mover data updated with over 100,000 new records every week
    • New homeowner data updated with over 75,000 new records every week
    • ZIP+4, Carrier Route, Place Name, Congressional District, Lat&Long Coordinates, Parcel and Building Footprints data
    • Geo-referenced and phone data for the U.S. and Canada

    For more information, access Melissa’s Snowflake Marketplace Page, visit www.Melissa.com, or contact sales@Melissa.com.

    About Melissa
    Powering clean customer data for 40 years, Melissa is the Address Expert. Providing address validation, address autocomplete, and geo-verified address data for 240+ countries, Melissa supports global businesses with its offices in the U.S., U.K., Germany, India, Singapore, and Australia. Melissa’s suite of data quality, ID verification, and location data tools and services drives better decision-making, reduced costs, increased efficiency, and improved compliance. Our APIs, CRM and ecommerce integrations, and online tools help Melissa’s 10,000 customers worldwide process billions of addresses daily, fully capitalizing on the business value of customer data. For more information, visit www.Melissa.com or call 1-800-MELISSA (635-4772). 

    Media contacts
    Greg Brown
    Vice President, Global Marketing, Melissa
    greg.brown@Melissa.com
    +1-800-635-4772 x1130

    MPoweredPR for Melissa
    pr@mpoweredpr.com
    +1-877-794-6777

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/691aaa16-564c-4ea6-b103-0a489043b12b.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: NowVertical to Attend the 37th Annual ROTH Conference

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, March 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NowVertical Group Inc. (TSXV: NOW) (“NowVertical” or the “Company”), a leading data and AI solutions provider, today announced they will be attending the invite-only 37th Annual ROTH Conference.

    The 37th Annual ROTH Conference will take place on March 16-18, 2025, in Dana Point, CA, bringing together leading institutional investors and high-growth companies across multiple sectors. As a prestigious, invite-only event, the conference provides a valuable platform for innovative companies like NowVertical to engage directly with investors, industry leaders, and analysts. NowVertical’s inclusion in this exclusive event reflects its strong market position and continued growth in AI and data-driven solutions and services.

    The event will consist of 1-on-1 / small group meetings, analyst-selected fireside chats, industry keynotes and panels with executive management attending from approximately 450 private and public companies in a variety of growth sectors including: Business Services, Consumer, Healthcare, Industrial Growth, Insurance, Resources, Sustainability and Technology, Media & Entertainment.

    To learn more and submit a registration request, visit https://ibn.fm/Roth2025Registration

    About NowVertical Group Inc.

    The Company is a global data and analytics company which helps clients transform data into tangible business value with AI, fast. Offering a comprehensive suite of solutions and services the Company enables clients to quickly harness the full potential of their data, driving measurable outcomes and accelerating potential return on investment. Enterprises optimize decision-making, improve operational efficiency, and unlock long-term value from their data using the Company’s AI-Infused first party and third-party technologies. NowVertical is growing organically and through strategic acquisitions. For further details about NowVertical, please visit www.nowvertical.com.

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

    For more information, visit www.nowvertical.com.

    For further information, please contact:

    Andre Garber, CDO
    IR@nowvertical.com
    T: +1(647)947-0223

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This news release contains forward-looking information and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws (together “forward-looking statements“), including, the alignment of the Company’s leadership and shareholders, and the associated results of the transactions contemplated in this press release on NowVertical’s business, finances and operations. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties, and contingencies, certain of which are unknown. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “may”, “should”, “will”, “could”, “intend”, “estimate”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “expect”, “believe” or “continue”, or the negative thereof or similar variations. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause future results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the estimated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements and the forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by inherent risks and uncertainties, including: adverse market conditions; risks inherent in the data analytics and artificial intelligence sectors in general; regulatory and legislative changes; that future results may vary from historical results; inability to obtain any requisite future financing on suitable terms; any inability to realize the expected benefits and synergies of acquisitions or dispositions; that market competition may affect the business, results and financial condition of the Company and other risk factors identified in documents filed by the Company under its profile at www.sedarplus.com, including the Company’s management’s discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2023. Further, these forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and, except as expressly required by applicable law, the Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Port Saunders — Port Saunders RCMP responds to fatal snowmobile crash

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Port Saunders RCMP is investigating a fatal snowmobile incident that occurred over this past weekend. A 66-year-old man, who was traveling alone, was located deceased.

    Shortly before 6:30 p.m. on Friday, February 28, 2025, Port Saunders RCMP responded to a report of a snowmobile crash in a remote area of the back country, near Eddies Cove West. Two snowmobilers came upon an overturned snowmobile and discovered the body of an unresponsive individual underneath the machine.

    Only accessible by snowmobile, police attended the area with those who reported the incident. The man’s body was transported out of the wooded area and was further transported to Western Memorial Hospital in Corner Brook as part of the investigation.

    The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is engaged and the investigation is continuing.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Statement from Premier Pillai on Ramadan

    Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:

    “This weekend marks the start of Ramadan, a holy month of prayer, fasting, community and reflection for Muslims around the world.

    “Ramadan is a time of generosity and community, as Muslim families and friends come together to break their fasts, study the Quran and support those in need. For those of us who practice other religions, Ramadan is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about other faiths and connect over the values and beliefs that we share.

    “The values of compassion, resilience and gratitude that Ramadan inspires resonate across all cultures and faiths, here in the Yukon and around the world.

    “We are fortunate to live in a society that embraces diversity and inclusion. I would like to thank the Yukon Muslim Society for their work on behalf of the territory’s thriving Muslim population, whose dedication to their faith and to our community enriches us all.

    “To all those observing this sacred month, I hope that Ramadan brings you peace, health and fulfilment.

    “Ramadan Mubarak! رمضان مبارك”
     

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Statement from Premier Pillai on the Ontario election

    Statement from Premier Pillai on the Ontario election
    zaburke

    Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:

    “On behalf of the Government of Yukon, I would like to congratulate Premier Doug Ford on his government’s re-election in yesterday’s provincial election in Ontario.

    “Premier Ford has been given a renewed mandate to serve the people of Ontario. I look forward to continuing our collaboration and strengthening the relationship between our jurisdictions and our country. Strong partnerships between provinces and territories are essential to tackling the challenges and opportunities ahead.

    “I wish Premier Ford and his team success as they work on behalf of Ontarians and I look forward to continuing our work together around the Premiers’ table, in the spirit of cooperation and shared prosperity.”
     

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Computational Astrophysicist Daniel Anglés-Alcázar Awarded Sloan Research Fellowship

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Daniel Anglés-Alcázar, assistant professor of physics, has been awarded a 2025 Sloan Research Fellowship, one of the most competitive honors for early-career researchers in the United States and Canada.  

    Anglés-Alcázar was one of 126 scientists selected by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation for the fellowship, which recognizes researchers for their exceptional creativity and potential to lead in their fields. The fellowship provides a two-year, $75,000 grant to support research at the recipient’s discretion. 

    Daniel Anglés-Alcázar, assistant professor of physics and 2025 Sloan Research Fellow. (Photo courtesy of Daniel Anglés-Alcázar).

    “It’s a great honor to be selected as a Sloan Fellow,” says Anglés-Alcázar. “This is a significant recognition for our research program, and I am very grateful to the long-term collaborators and mentors that have supported me throughout my career.” 

    “The Sloan Research Fellows represent the very best of early-career science, embodying the creativity, ambition, and rigor that drive discovery forward,” says Adam F. Falk, president of the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. “These extraordinary scholars are already making significant contributions, and we are confident they will shape the future of their fields in remarkable ways.” 

    A computational astrophysicist, Anglés-Alcázar’s research focuses on developing simulations on supercomputers to understand how galaxies form and evolve. He uses theoretical models to interpret observations of galaxies, including how supermassive black holes impact galaxy evolution.  

    Observations suggest that when supermassive black holes grow, they release a huge amount of energy in the form of powerful winds or large-scale jets. However, the details of this process remain a mystery, according to Anglés-Alcázar.  

    “It’s still a big enigma,” he says. “In our models, we can make predictions of what happens when supermassive black holes at the center of galaxies power these large-scale winds or jets. Based on those models, we can infer that supermassive black holes indeed play a key role in how massive galaxies evolve, as well as the larger scale structures in the universe.” 

    Simulation modeling the evolution of a group of galaxies (left) and zooming in down to the nuclear region of the main galaxy (right), where the central supermassive black hole grows and affects its environment. (Photo courtesy of Daniel Anglés-Alcázar and the FIRE collaboration).

    Prior to joining UConn in 2019, Anglés-Alcázar was a research fellow with the Flatiron Institute from 2017 to 2019. In 2014, he was selected as a postdoctoral fellow with the Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics (CIERA) at Northwestern University. Most recently, he was one of 25 recipients of the 2023 Cottrell Scholar Awards from the Research Corporation for Science Advancement. 

    Anglés-Alcázar plans to use the funding to support student researchers, fund conference travel, and enhance computational resources for his work. 

    “Receiving this fellowship is really a great honor,” says Anglés-Alcázar. “I’m also very grateful to the students and postdocs in my group for the amazing work they do, and just excited that this award will enable us to continue pushing the frontiers of computational galaxy formation in new directions.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –