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Category: Canada

  • Trump puts 35% tariff on Canada, eyes 15%-20% tariffs for others

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday the United States would impose a 35% tariff on imports from Canada next month and planned to impose blanket tariffs of 15% or 20% on most other trading partners.

    In a letter released on his social media platform, Trump told Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney the new rate would go into effect on August 1 and would go up if Canada retaliated.

    The 35% tariff is an increase from the current 25% rate that Trump had assigned to Canada and is a blow to Carney, who was seeking to agree a trade pact with Washington.

    An exclusion for goods covered by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) on trade was expected to stay in place, and 10% tariffs on energy and fertilizer were also not set to change, though Trump had not made a final decision on those issues, an administration official said.

    Trump complained in his letter about what he referred to as the flow of fentanyl from Canada as well as the country’s tariff- and non-tariff trade barriers that hurt U.S. dairy farmers and others. He said the trade deficit was a threat to the U.S. economy and national security.

    Canadian officials say a miniscule amount of fentanyl originates from Canada but they have taken measures to strengthen the border.

    “If Canada works with me to stop the flow of Fentanyl, we will, perhaps, consider an adjustment to this letter,” Trump wrote.

    Carney’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The prime minister said last month that he and Trump had agreed to wrap up a new economic and security deal within 30 days.

    Trump has broadened his trade war in recent days, setting new tariffs on a number of countries, including allies Japan and South Korea, along with a 50% tariff on copper.

    In an interview with NBC News published on Thursday, Trump said other trading partners that had not yet received such letters would likely face blanket tariffs.

    “Not everybody has to get a letter. You know that. We’re just setting our tariffs,” Trump said in the interview.

    “We’re just going to say all of the remaining countries are going to pay, whether it’s 20% or 15%. We’ll work that out now,” Trump was quoted as saying by the network.

    Canada is the second-largest U.S. trading partner after Mexico, and the largest buyer of U.S. exports. It bought $349.4 billion of U.S. goods last year and exported $412.7 billion to the U.S., according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

    Carney, who led his Liberal Party to a comeback election victory earlier this year with a pledge to tackle trade challenges with the U.S., had been aiming to negotiate a trade deal with its key trading partner by July 21.

    Trump, in his letter, did not specifically address how trade negotiations were proceeding, but he said the “tariffs may be modified, upward or downward, depending on our relationship with your Country.”

    Last month, the Carney government scrapped a planned digital services tax targeting U.S. technology firms after Trump abruptly called off trade talks saying the tax was a “blatant attack.”

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Russia: International Symposium on the History and Modernity of the South China Sea Held in Beijing

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, July 11 (Xinhua) — The International Symposium on the History and Modernity of the South China Sea was held in Beijing on Thursday.

    Participants held in-depth discussions on topics such as the international order formed after World War II, China’s sovereignty over the South China Sea islands and nearby maritime areas, etc.

    Wu Shitsun, chairman of the Huayang Center for Maritime Cooperation and Ocean Governance, said China’s sovereignty over the islands in the South China Sea and their adjacent waters has solid historical and legal foundations, as China has governed the region since ancient times and in accordance with the international order formed after World War II.

    “China’s defense of its sovereignty over islands in the South China Sea is about upholding international order, not undermining international rules,” he told the symposium.

    Referring to the illegal arbitration award in the South China Sea in July 2016, he stressed that China and ASEAN should step up consultations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea and jointly safeguard peace and stability in the region.

    Rommel Banlaoi, president of the Philippine Society for International Security Studies, said the arbitration ruling had damaged Philippine-Chinese relations and complicated the geopolitical situation in the South China Sea.

    The symposium brought together more than 150 experts, scholars and representatives of organizations from more than 10 countries and regions around the world, including China, Indonesia, the Philippines, the United Kingdom and Canada. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Global experts call for peace, dialogue to handle South China Sea disputes

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    An aerial drone photo taken on April 9, 2024 shows the scenery of Huangyan Dao in the South China Sea. [Photo/Xinhua]

    An international symposium on the history and reality of the South China Sea was held in Beijing on Thursday, calling for peace and dialogue in the region.

    Participants from around the world engaged in in-depth discussions on topics including the post-World War II international order, sovereignty over Nanhai Zhudao — known in English as the South China Sea islands — and the re-evaluation of the South China Sea arbitration award in 2016.

    Wu Shicun, chairman of the Huayang Center for Maritime Cooperation and Ocean Governance, said that China’s sovereignty over Nanhai Zhudao and adjacent waters has ample historical and legal basis, as China has managed the region since ancient times and in accordance with the post-WWII international order.

    “China’s safeguarding of its sovereignty of Nanhai Zhudao is maintaining international order, rather than undermining international rules,” said Wu in his opening remarks at the symposium.

    “China and ASEAN should advance the consultations of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC), and work together to safeguard peace and stability in the region,” Wu said when speaking about the illegal award of the South China Sea arbitration in July 2016.

    Rommel Banlaoi, president of the Philippine Society for International Security Studies, said the award has jeopardized Philippine relations with China and complicated the geopolitical situation in the South China Sea.

    “The South China Sea should not be the source of our division. In ancient times, the sea linked and united Filipinos and Chinese,” Banlaoi said. “The best way to settle disputes is through dialogue and consultations. The key factor for that is to rebuild confidence.”

    Held by the National Institute for South China Sea Studies and the Huayang Center for Maritime Cooperation and Ocean Governance, the event attracted over 150 experts, scholars and other representatives of more than 10 countries and regions, including China, Indonesia, the Philippines, the United Kingdom and Canada.

    The Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), signed in 2002 by China and ASEAN member states, outlines the most important principles in the management of disputes over the South China Sea. Consultations on the COC were launched between the two sides in 2013. Both the DOC and the COC are aimed at safeguarding peace and stability in the region.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: 21st Iteration of Pacific Partnership Prepares for Indo-Pacific Mission Aboard USS Pearl Harbor

    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

    JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii – Pacific Partnership 2025 (PP-25) officially kicks off with the arrival of the Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, led by Rear Admiral Todd F. Cimicata, U.S. Pacific Fleet Executive Agent for Pacific Partnership, and the mission commander, U.S. Navy Captain Mark B. Stefanik.

    The PP-25 team, embarked aboard the Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52), arrived at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam to make final preparations ahead of its upcoming port visits throughout the Indo-Pacific region. The PP-25 team will conduct medical exchanges, engineering projects, community outreach, and disaster preparedness engagements with host nation partners.

    “Pacific Partnership is a testament to what we can achieve together,” said Cimicata. “By working alongside our allies and partners, we strengthen regional capacity and resilience and lay the foundation for a collective response to crises. It’s about preparing in calm to respond in crisis.”

    This year’s PP-25 mission will include mission stops in Papua New Guinea, Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, Samoa, and Vanuatu. Prior to the USS Pearl Harbor’s departure, separate fly-in missions were conducted in the Philippines, Fiji, and Tonga in June.

    “This enduring mission provides us the opportunity to build on our relationships, share expertise, and learn from one another,” said Stefanik. “Our shared experiences help create more resilient communities, and I’m proud to lead a team committed to strengthening partnerships across the Indo-Pacific.”

    Pacific Partnership brings together more than 1,500 personnel from the United States and participating nations including Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. Activities will include engineering projects at schools and clinics, medical subject matter expert exchanges, and performances by the Pacific Partnership Band, composed of musicians from the U.S. Pacific Fleet and partner nations.

    The mission team will work alongside allies and partners to strengthen relationships, bolster host nation capacity to provide essential humanitarian services, and support efforts to reduce the risk of, prepare for, and respond to disasters.

    Every day, the U.S. Pacific Fleet operates to protect the security, freedom, and prosperity for the U.S. and our allies and partners. The U.S. Pacific Fleet continues to advance a shared vision, alongside our allies and partners, of a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific.

    Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership works collaboratively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific.

    For updates and multimedia from Pacific Partnership 2025, follow #PacificPartnership, #PP25, and #PacificPartnership25 on social media or visit: https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/PacificPartnership

    Date Taken: 07.09.2025
    Date Posted: 07.10.2025 20:57
    Story ID: 542493
    Location: JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, HAWAII, US
    Web Views: 3
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    PUBLIC DOMAIN  

    This work, 21st Iteration of Pacific Partnership Prepares for Indo-Pacific Mission Aboard USS Pearl Harbor, by LCDR Andrew Bertucci, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s innovative solutions propel global shifts toward smarter, greener industries

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    A staff member sets parameters before welding at Guangdong Lyric Robot Automation Co., Ltd. in Huizhou, south China’s Guangdong Province, June 27, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    As global industries accelerate their transition toward intelligence and sustainability, China’s innovative solutions form vital components of international supply chains, driving cross-sector transformation.

    Smarter factories 

    At Guangdong Lyric Robot Automation’s Huizhou facility in south China, an automated warehouse operates efficiently with only two staff members. Materials glide autonomously through storage systems, arriving precisely at workstations as needed. A central control screen displays real-time inventory levels, material usage frequency, and shelf capacity.

    “This system cuts operational costs by over 30 percent while boosting productivity by 40 percent,” said Duan Yajie, general manager of Lyric subsidiary Shunchu Intelligence. Overseas orders for such integrated solutions now constitute over 40 percent of the subsidiary’s total business.

    Lyric’s intelligent factories serve industry leaders across six countries. From battery plants in North America to a comprehensive automotive logistics center in Hungary, as well as sectors like renewable energy and AI computing, Lyric has supported clients in establishing digital factories using technologies such as intelligent sensing, precision control and execution systems.

    With subsidiaries in 14 countries, including the United Kingdom, Poland, France, Switzerland, Germany, Canada, and the United States, Lyric has navigated cross-cultural challenges through co-developed standards. “Building consensus during the design phase helps prevent conflicts during implementation,” Lyric’s co-founder Lu Jiahong said.

    “Once rare on European streets, electric vehicles are now increasingly common, reflecting the combined efforts of Chinese equipment, battery and auto manufacturers,” she added.

    Powering energy revolution 

    EVE Energy Co., Ltd., a leading Chinese lithium battery company headquartered in Huizhou, Guangdong Province, is advancing its global manufacturing strategy with a new battery production base in Hungary’s Debrecen.

    The facility represents a transformative industrial upgrade for the region, introducing advanced manufacturing systems where agricultural production once dominated the local economy.

    “We’re bringing advanced industrial production to this region, creating employment while accelerating the energy transition,” stated EVE vice president Jiang Min. He added that the Debrecen base is scheduled to begin production in late 2026, while their overseas facility in Malaysia is already operational.

    Ranked fourth globally in cylindrical battery shipments and second in energy storage capacity for 2024, EVE Energy operates 12 production bases across Asia, Europe and North America. Its power batteries supply premier global automakers including Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Jaguar Land Rover.

    According to Jiang, the company continues to expand investments in carbon-reduction technologies. It has recently established a comprehensive resource recovery ecosystem with over 10 partners. “Collaborative expansion across the industrial chain creates mutual benefits,” Jiang said.

    A staff member operates a robot to perform synchronous action at a provincial embodied artificial intelligence robot innovation center in Shenzhen, south China’s Guangdong Province, June 25, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Vision for intelligent machines 

    At Orbbec’s Shenzhen exhibition hall, a food-delivery robot navigates through display areas, skillfully avoiding obstacles.

    This agility comes from its 3D vision sensors, powered by the proprietary “MX6600” chip, which measures about 9 square millimeters. This chip processes depth-sensing data to enable high-precision spatial mapping.

    Currently, 7 out of 10 service robots in China use Orbbec sensors, while international clients grew by 77 percent year on year to 1,469 in 2024, including major companies like Nvidia and Microsoft.

    “We concentrate on foundational technologies,” said Huang Yuanhao, founder of Orbbec. “We are one of the few companies worldwide to cover all major 3D vision perception technology approaches, serving global robotics enterprises across various sectors, such as smart factories, warehouse logistics, construction automation, and intelligent inspection,” he added.

    Orbbec also offers rapid technical support to better serve its global users. “Some of our products have demanding technical service requirements, and excellent service is a major factor why overseas users choose us,” said Orbbec’s CFO Chen Bin.

    China’s global engagement is transitioning from manufacturing exports to integrated technological empowerment, said Yang Boru, professor at the School of Electronics and Information Technology, Sun Yat-sen University in Guangdong. As these innovative solutions expand worldwide, they have become key drivers of intelligent and sustainable industrialization, he added.  

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Schiff, Booker, Vargas, Peters Announce Bicameral Bill to Clean Up Tijuana River

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    Padilla, Schiff, Booker, Vargas, Peters Announce Bicameral Bill to Clean Up Tijuana River

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.), along with Representatives Juan Vargas (D-Calif.-52) and Scott Peters (D-Calif.-50), introduced bicameral legislation to help combat the ongoing Tijuana River sewage pollution crisis across the U.S.-Mexico border.

    The Border Water Quality Restoration and Protection Act of 2025 would designate the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as the lead agency to coordinate all federal, state, Tribal, and local agencies to build and maintain critical infrastructure projects to address long-standing, systemic water infrastructure and pollution issues in the Tijuana River and New River watersheds. The bill would create a new Geographic Program within EPA to manage each watershed through a comprehensive water quality management plan. These provisions and other key components of the bill follow the findings and recommendations of the Government Accountability Office’s February 2020 Report, “International Boundary and Water Commission: Opportunities Exist to Address Water Quality Problems.” The bill also directs EPA to consider projects based on new research examining how wastewater pollutants get into the air, harming air quality and public health.

    “Raw sewage and toxic waste from the Tijuana River are still shutting down public beaches, threatening the health of our families, and jeopardizing the readiness of our military and border personnel,” said Senator Padilla. “By assigning the Environmental Protection Agency with the clear role of coordinating with federal, state, local, and tribal leaders to maintain the health of the watershed, we’re bringing the full weight and commitment of the federal government to address the Tijuana River pollution crisis.”

    “The Tijuana River pollution crisis is one of the worst ongoing ecological crises in this country, posing serious environmental and public health risks to Californians living and working near the U.S.-Mexico border and nearby beaches. We must work quickly on a resolution, and this bill would provide clear direction and authority to EPA to work with state and local partners on a plan to give this crisis the focused attention it demands,” said Senator Schiff.

    “For too long, communities along both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border have suffered the consequences of untreated sewage and toxic waste flowing into the Tijuana River,” said Senator Booker. “What I observed during my visit to Imperial Beach in May was unacceptable. This public health crisis, with growing economic and environmental impacts, would never be tolerated in Malibu or Mar-a-Lago and it shouldn’t be tolerated here. This bicameral legislation will ensure the EPA leads a comprehensive effort in coordination with local, state, and federal officials to clean up the Tijuana River and New River watersheds, and finally deliver clean air and water to the San Diego community.”

    “This horrible pollution has harmed the health of our communities, our local businesses, and our environment,” said Representative Vargas. “It’s absolutely critical that we have a streamlined response from the federal government. But right now, there is no one agency in charge of addressing the pollution. There are too many cooks in the kitchen. Our legislation would finally change that and charge the EPA with coordinating the whole-of-government effort needed to combat this pollution.”

    “This is an environmental crisis, a public health crisis, and an economic crisis for San Diegans. The federal government should treat it as such,” said Representative Peters. “Our legislation institutes a whole-of-government approach for resolving this disaster. This is the same type of program you see in the San Francisco Bay, Chesapeake Bay, and Great Lakes; San Diego is no less deserving.”

    Since 2018, more than 200 billion gallons of toxic sewage, trash, and unmanaged stormwater have flowed across the United States-Mexico border into the Tijuana River Valley and neighboring communities, forcing long-lasting beach closures and causing harmful impacts on public health, the environment, and water quality. U.S. military personnel, border patrol agents, and the local economy have also suffered harmful impacts from airborne and waterborne transboundary sewage flows. In 2023, sewage flowed across the border at the highest volume in a quarter century, exceeding 44 billion gallons.

    The Tijuana River pollution crisis has disproportionately harmed underserved communities along San Diego’s southern border for decades. U.S. military personnel, border patrol agents, and the local environment and economy have also suffered harmful impacts from waterborne and airborne transboundary sewage flows.

    To address these long-standing issues, the Border Water Quality Restoration and Protection Act of 2025 would:

    • Direct EPA, in coordination with relevant federal, state, Tribal, and local governments, to implement a comprehensive water quality management program for the Tijuana River and New River watersheds within 180 days;
    • Require EPA and its partners to identify a consensus list of priority projects, including incorporating a comprehensive suite of water quality projects identified by EPA and IBWC in the 2022 United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement implementation plan, as well as the construction and operations and maintenance costs associated with them;
    • Provide transfer authority to EPA to accept and distribute funds to federal, state, Tribal, and local partners to construct, operate, and maintain the identified priority projects;
    • Provide technical assistance for restoration and protection activities to federal, state, Tribal, and local stakeholders;
    • Codify the U.S.-Mexico Border Water Infrastructure Program (BWIP) to fund water infrastructure projects that benefit U.S. communities;
    • Require the IBWC Commissioner to participate in the construction of projects identified in the Tijuana and New River comprehensive plans; and
    • Authorize the IBWC to address stormwater quality and accept funding made available by the bill.

    EPA currently administers 12 Geographic Programs that help protect local ecosystems through water quality improvement, ecosystem and habitat restoration, environmental education, and local capacity building. Establishing such a program for the Tijuana River and New River is important for the long-term improvement and monitoring of the watersheds during and after the expansion of the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant (SBIWTP).

    Representatives Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.-51), Mike Levin (D-Calif.-49), and Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.-25) are cosponsoring the bill in the House of Representatives.

    The legislation is endorsed by the City of San Diego, City of Coronado, County of Imperial, Imperial Beach Mayor Paloma Aguirre, Rural Community Assistance Corporation, SANDAG, San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and Surfrider.

    Senator Padilla has prioritized addressing the Tijuana River pollution crisis since he first came to the Senate, working with the San Diego Congressional delegation to secure $250 million in the federal disaster relief package last year to clean up the Tijuana River. This marked the final tranche of funding required to complete the SBIWTP upgrade project. The SBIWTP project broke ground in October 2024, and over the coming years, the SBIWTP will double in capacity, reducing transboundary flows by 90 percent. Crucially, Mexico’s rehabilitated San Antonio de los Buenos wastewater treatment plant is now operational, which will help further reduce flows to California communities.

    In response to a request from Padilla and the San Diego Congressional delegation, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently opened an investigation into the public health impacts of air pollution caused by the ongoing Tijuana River transboundary pollution crisis. Senator Padilla and the delegation also secured a $200 million authorization for the Tijuana River Valley Watershed and San Diego County through the Water Resources Development Act of 2024 to help address the ongoing transboundary sewage crisis through stormwater conveyance, environmental and ecosystem restoration, and water quality protection projects. They also delivered over $103 million in additional funding for the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) in the bipartisan FY 2024 appropriations package. Padilla previously successfully secured language in the FY 2023 appropriations package to allow the EPA to unlock $300 million previously secured in the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement to the IBWC for water infrastructure projects.

    A one-pager on the bill is available here.

    Full text of the bill is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: American Politicians Try to Shift Their Employment Problems to China — Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Moscow, July 10 /Xinhua/ — The rhetoric of American politicians about “China depriving Americans of manufacturing jobs” is essentially an attempt to attribute the internal structural economic problems of the United States to other countries, Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui said in an opinion piece published in the Russian newspaper Argumenty i Fakty on Thursday.

    As Zhang Hanhui noted in an article titled “Who ‘stole’ American manufacturing jobs?”, in recent years, American politicians have often promoted the thesis of “China taking away American manufacturing jobs.” From US President Donald Trump’s statement that “China has taken more jobs from the United States than any other country” to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s unfounded claim of a “China shock,” the US leadership has continued to try to shift responsibility for its own problems to other countries.

    According to the Chinese ambassador, the decline in employment in manufacturing is a global trend in developed economies. “Research by the Groningen Growth and Development Center (GGDC) in the Netherlands shows that employment in manufacturing typically follows an inverted U-shaped trajectory: during the industrialization stage, labor moves from agriculture to industry, but as socio-economic development progresses, consumer spending shifts from finished goods to services, and the labor force accordingly moves from industry to services,” the article notes.

    The United States has long since transitioned to a service-based economy, with manufacturing providing only 10 percent of all jobs in the country. Some experts point out that the process of gradual reduction in manufacturing in developed countries began even before China joined the World Trade Organization (WTO). From 1977 to 2001, manufacturing employment in the United States fell by 41 percent, while in 10 other developed countries, including Japan, Great Britain, France, and Canada, it fell by 20 to 50 percent.

    As Zhang Hanhui pointed out, the main reason for the decline in industrial employment is the technological revolution. For example, some experts point out that from 2001 to 2023, US manufacturing employment fell by 22 percent, while output grew by 50 percent, which convincingly proves how automation and technological progress are replacing a significant part of the workforce. The Chinese diplomat also cites research from the US Brookings Institution, according to which it took 25 jobs to create $1 million in manufacturing in 1980, while today it only takes 6.5.

    The ambassador is confident that the US’s own problems have accelerated the erosion of its industrial potential. First, the negative gap in labor costs in the United States is virtually insurmountable. For example, the hourly wage of a garment worker in the US is about $22, which is many times higher than $2.8 in Bangladesh, while the productivity of an American worker is only about 60 percent of that of a Bangladeshi worker.

    The diplomat also points out the aging US infrastructure, which seriously limits the competitiveness of American industry. Much of the US electrical grid was built in the 1960s and 1970s and has reached or is approaching the end of its useful life; a third of the country’s bridges require major repairs or reconstruction.

    In addition, the unilateral imposition of tariffs on many imported goods has hit American industry hard. The long-term shift of the American economy toward the financial sector has led to a shortage of skilled labor in the labor market, Zhang Hanhui noted.

    “China calls on the United States to immediately stop the erroneous practice of ‘slinging mud at China’, to return to the mainstream of multilateral cooperation and, together with the Chinese side, on an equal basis, to find ways of mutually beneficial cooperation,” the head of the Chinese diplomatic mission in Russia emphasized.

    In a changing world, China and Russia, with their comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination in the new era, will jointly advance bilateral cooperation along the designated path, uphold the multilateral trading system led by the WTO, and promote the safe, stable and smooth operation of global industrial and supply chains through in-depth cooperation, he said.

    “We will consistently promote an equitable and orderly multipolar world and inclusive economic globalization to inject strong impetus and new hope into global development,” Zhang Hanhui concluded. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Arts – New work by talented writers win NZSA manuscript assessments

    Source: New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi O Aotearoa (PEN NZ) Inc

    The New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi O Aotearoa (PEN NZ) Inc announce the writers who will receive manuscript guidance through this year’s CompleteMS programme.

    Powerful manuscripts crafted by these accomplished writers, have been chosen to be part of this year’s programme. Writers spend months polishing their stories for entry into this competitive and successful programme (open to NZSA members). 

    The thirteen successful writers receive a detailed assessment of their manuscript from one of Aotearoa / New Zealand’s leading writers and approved assessors, followed by a Q+A session with follow-up support.
    Our congratulations to the NZSA CompleteMS 2025 recipients: Anna Zam (Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland), Annabel Wilson (Swannanoa), Lisa Slavich (Whangārei), Barbara Scrivens (Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland), Tōrea Scott-Fyfe (Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington), Sarah Pratt (Ōtautahi Christchurch), Gráinne Patterson (Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai Lower Hutt), Bede Ngaruko (Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland), Shelly McNee (Hokitika), Kaye McLaren (Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington), Jacqui Gregory (Turangi), Denise Harrison Flett (Quebec, Canada), and Virginia Green(Whakatū Nelson).

    Always fiercely contested, this year’s CompleteMS programme received a record number of applications with 98 advanced and completed manuscripts submitted for the programme. 

    The highly skilled judging panel of convenor Harriet Allan (independent editor and ex-senior Penguin Random House editor), Lee Murray (multi award-winning speculative fiction writer and poet) and Melinda Szymanik(multi award-winning writer of picture books, short stories and novels for children and young adults) had a complex judging task to complete and commented: ‘The huge number of applications was daunting, the selection challenging but cheering, for so many people are keen to hone their manuscripts and develop their skills. 
    And so many of the manuscripts showed such promise that there was a lot of jostling for the thirteen places available. 
    The judging panel would have loved to have had the capacity to award more assessments. Those who missed out should feel confident that their works are still close to completion, as the quality of manuscripts submitted was high.’ – Harriet Allan.

    NZSA would also like to congratulate shortlisted writers: Penelope Scott, Keryn Powell, Nikki Crutchley, Janine Williams and Carolyn Cossey.

    Many past recipients have produced final manuscripts that have achieved publication and acclaim.

    CompleteMS Manuscript Assessments are offered by The NZ Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi o Aotearoa (Pen NZ) Inc every year with the intent of fostering and developing emerging talent with the support of established practitioners.

    The NZSA has run highly successful manuscript assessment and mentoring programmes for writers since 1999 and our programmes are supported by funding from Creative New Zealand.

    The New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi o Aotearoa PEN NZ Inc is the principal organisation representing writers in Aotearoa.

    Founded in 1934, it advocates for the right to fair reward and creative rights, administers prizes and awards, works closely with the literary sector, and runs professional development programmes for writers.    

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: Seeley Holdings Ltd. News Release

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, July 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Seeley Holdings Ltd. (the “Company”) announces that the Company has entered into an agreement with Pasinex Resources Limited (the “Issuer”) to convert an aggregate principal amount of $1,116,636.85 of debt (the “Settlement Amount”) owing by the Issuer to the Company into common shares of the Issuer (the “Common Shares”) on a non-brokered private placement basis pursuant to the accredited investor exemption in section 2.3 of National Instrument 45-106 – Prospectus and Registration Exemptions (the “Debt Settlement Transaction”). The Company will acquire ownership and control of 14,888,491 Common Shares (the “Settlement Shares”) in exchange for the settlement of the Settlement Amount at a price of $0.075 per Settlement Share.

    Prior to acquiring the Settlement Shares, the Company and its president Kevin Seeley owned and controlled 7,630,776 Common Shares, representing approximately 5.3% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares as of June 30, 2025, on a non-diluted basis. Following the Debt Settlement Transaction, Kevin Seeley and the Company will own 22,519,267 Common Shares representing approximately 13.0% of the outstanding Common Shares of the Issuer on a non-diluted basis, assuming the simultaneous issuance of Common Shares by the Issuer to other acquirors under similar debt settlement agreements.

    The Settlement Shares were acquired by the Company for investment purposes and the Company intends to evaluate its investment and to increase or decrease holdings in the future as circumstances warrant. The Settlement Shares were not acquired on a market.

    This news release is issued pursuant to National Instrument 62-103 – The Early Warning System and Related Take-Over Bids and Insider Reporting Issues, which also requires a report to be filed with regulatory authorities in each of the jurisdictions in which the Issuer is a reporting issuer containing information with respect to the foregoing matters (“Early Warning Report“). The Early Warning Report will be filed and made available under the SEDAR+ profile of the Issuer at www.sedarplus.ca. To obtain a copy of the Early Warning Report directly, please contact Kevin Seeley at 1 (705) 737 7303.

    The head office of the Issuer is 550 Burrard Street, Suite 2900, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6C 0A3.

    Seeley Holdings Ltd.

    “Kevin Seeley”

    ___________________________

    Kevin Seeley, President

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: B.C., First Nations advance long-term water planning for Nicola watershed

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    The Province and the Coldwater, Lower Nicola, Nooaitch, Shackan and Upper Nicola Indian Bands (the Nicola 5 First Nations) are taking the next step to protect healthy and abundant water for people, fish and ecosystems in the Nicola watershed.

    The Nicola watershed, which includes the Nicola River and its tributaries, has been affected by drought, water shortages and shrinking salmon runs in recent years. In response, the Province and the Nicola 5 First Nations are strengthening their shared efforts and have committed to leading the development of a water sustainability plan under B.C.’s Water Sustainability Act.

    “This work reflects a deep commitment to reconciliation, healthy rivers and salmon, and to practical, long-term solutions for the people who live and rely on this watershed,” said Randene Neill, Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship. “By shifting from short-term, crisis-driven decisions to long-term, community-informed water management, we are taking the next step in a long journey of working together toward lasting water security.”

    The plan will be developed in phases and shaped by input from all major water users in the region, including farmers, ranchers, local governments and community members. Establishing shared priorities and clear expectations early reduces the need for emergency measures, such as temporary protection orders.

    The value of this kind of collaborative approach and open communication was clear in 2023, when ranchers and other water users in the region voluntarily reduced their water usage during a dry summer, avoiding stricter regulations.

    This work aims to address long-standing challenges in the watershed, including water shortages, declining salmon populations and threats to aquatic ecosystems, through Indigenous-led governance and integrated decision-making across sectors.

    The Nicola Watershed Water Sustainability Plan will also support several key provincial priorities, including:

    • advancing reconciliation with First Nations;
    • strengthening watershed security in partnership with First Nations and local governments;
    • modernizing land-use and water planning with community input;
    • improving drought preparedness; and
    • creating more opportunities for local agricultural producers to be involved in water sustainability planning.

    This is the first step in a multi-year planning process. The Province will work with the Nicola 5 First Nations to engage local communities throughout the development of the plan.

    Quotes:

    Stuart Jackson, Chief, Lower Nicola Indian Band –

    “Today marks an important milestone for the Nicola Watershed Governance Partnership. By entering into this water sustainability planning process with the Province, we are fulfilling a vision our Nations set out years ago: to work together in true partnership to protect the water, land and all living things that depend on the Nicola watershed. This agreement is a clear step forward in shared decision-making and reconciliation. It builds on the trust, collaboration and innovation we’ve built through the Nicola Watershed Governance Partnership, where we braid together western and Indigenous laws, science, knowledge and values to care for these lands and waters for the benefit of present and future generations. Water is life. It connects our communities, our languages, our cultures and all living things. We look forward to continuing this work with the Province, guided by our Elders, our communities and our shared responsibility to support a healthy and resilient Nicola watershed for all.”

    Mike Goetz, mayor, Merritt –

    “Merritt is a progressive and growing community that is very focused on conservation of water, from setting new standards for water usage year-round to installing water meters. As such we look forward to working collaboratively with the Nicola Watershed Governance Partnership on planning for water in the Nicola watershed.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI: Churchill Resources Announces Completion of $700,000 Private Placement

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, July 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Further to its news release of June 26, 2025, Churchill Resources Inc. (“Churchill” or the “Company“) (TSXV: CRI) is pleased to announce the closing of its previously announced non-brokered private placement, consisting of the sale of 14,000,000 common shares of the Company (the “Shares”) at a price of $0.05 per Share for gross proceeds of $700,000 (the “Private Placement”).

    The Company intends to use the proceeds from the Private Placement on the advancement of exploration activities at the Company’s key projects and for general corporate purposes.

    No agency fees, finder’s fees or similar fees were paid in connection with the Private Placement.

    The Share issued pursuant to the Private Placement will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day. The Private Placement remains subject to the final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the “TSXV”).

    Certain insiders of the Company acquired an aggregate of 3,000,000 Shares in the Private Placement. Participation by such insiders in the Private Placement was considered a “related party transaction” pursuant to Multilateral Instrument 61- 101 – Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (“MI 61-101“). The Company is exempt from the requirements to obtain a formal valuation or minority shareholder approval in connection with the insiders’ participation in the Offering in reliance of sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101. The Company did not file a material change report less than 21 days in advance of the closing of the Private Placement as the participation of the insiders had not been confirmed at that time.

    About Churchill Resources Inc.

    Churchill Resources Inc. is a Canadian exploration company focused on strategic, critical minerals in Canada, principally at its prospective Black Raven, Taylor Brook and Florence Lake properties in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Company’s flagship Black Raven property features a polymetallic metal assemblage with evidence of historical production, representing a unique exploration opportunity as the site of past producers that has never been systematically drilled using modern techniques. The Churchill management team, board, and advisors have decades of combined experience in mineral exploration and in the establishment of successful publicly listed mining companies, both in Canada and around the world. Churchill’s Newfoundland and Labrador projects have the potential to benefit from the province’s large and diversified minerals industry, which includes world class mines and processing facilities, and a well-developed mineral exploration sector with locally based drilling and geological expertise.

    Further Information

    For further information regarding Churchill, please contact:

    Churchill Resources Inc.
    Conan McIntyre, Chief Executive Officer
    Tel. +1 416.272.4738
    Email: cmcintyre@churchillresources.com

    Paul Sobie, President
    Tel. +1 416.365.0930 (o); +1 647.988.0930
    Email: psobie@churchillresources.com

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Information
    This news release contains “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as “expects”, or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, “plans”, “proposed”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “forecasts”, “estimates”, “believes” or “intends” or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results “may” or “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements.

    In this news release, forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, the proposed use of proceeds of the Private Placement; the receipt of all applicable regulatory approvals; the Company’s objectives, goals and exploration activities conducted and proposed to be conducted at the Company’s properties; future growth potential of the Company, including whether any proposed exploration programs at any of the Company’s properties will be successful; exploration results; potential value to be unlocked at the Company’s properties, the potential for resource discovery and expansion; and future exploration plans and costs and financing availability.

    These forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions and estimates of management of the Company at the time such statements were made. Actual future results may differ materially as forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to materially differ from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors, among other things, include: risks related to the completion of the private placement and management changes; the expected benefits to the Company relating to the exploration conducted and proposed to be conducted at the Company’s properties; failure to identify any mineral resources or significant mineralization; uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, including to fund any exploration programs on the Company’s properties; fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions; fluctuations in securities markets; fluctuations in spot and forward prices of gold, silver, base metals or certain other commodities; fluctuations in currency markets (such as the Canadian dollar to United States dollar exchange rate); change in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations pressures, cave-ins and flooding); inability to obtain adequate insurance to cover risks and hazards; the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining and mineral exploration; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations; availability of increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); the unlikelihood that properties that are explored are ultimately developed into producing mines; geological factors; actual results of current and future exploration; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be evaluated; title to properties; and those factors described in the most recently filed management’s discussion and analysis of the Company.

    Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the Company believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure shareholders that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and information. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information, or the material factors or assumptions used to develop such forward-looking information, will prove to be accurate. The Company does not undertake to release publicly any revisions for updating any voluntary forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable securities law.

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: TC Energy to issue second quarter 2025 results on July 31

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, July 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — News Release – TC Energy Corporation (TSX, NYSE: TRP) (TC Energy or the Company) will hold a teleconference and webcast on Thursday, July 31, 2025, to discuss its second quarter financial results.

    François Poirier, TC Energy President and Chief Executive Officer, Sean O’Donnell, Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer and other members of the executive leadership team will discuss the financial results and Company developments at 6:30 a.m. MT / 8:30 a.m. ET.

    Members of the investment community and other interested parties are invited to participate by calling 1-833-752-3826 (Canada/U.S. toll free) or 1-647-846-8864 (International toll). No passcode is required. Please dial in 15 minutes prior to the start of the call. Alternatively, participants may pre-register for the call here. Upon registering, you will receive a calendar booking by email with dial in details and a unique PIN. This process will bypass the operator and avoid the queue. Registration will remain open until the end of the conference call.

    A live webcast of the teleconference will be available on TC Energy’s website at TC Energy — Events and presentations or via the following URL: https://www.gowebcasting.com/13943. The webcast will be available for replay following the meeting.

    A replay of the teleconference will be available two hours after the conclusion of the call until midnight ET on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025. Please call 1-855-669-9658 (Canada/U.S. toll free) or 1-412-317-0088 (International toll) and enter passcode 6101975.

    About TC Energy
    We’re a team of 6,500+ energy problem solvers connecting the world to the energy it needs. Our extensive network of natural gas infrastructure assets is one-of-a-kind. We seamlessly move, generate and store energy and deliver it to where it is needed most, to homes and businesses in North America and across the globe through LNG exports. Our natural gas assets are complemented by our strategic ownership and low-risk investments in power generation.

    TC Energy’s common shares trade on the Toronto (TSX) and New York (NYSE) stock exchanges under the symbol TRP. To learn more, visit us at TCEnergy.com.

    FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
    This release contains certain information that is forward-looking and is subject to important risks and uncertainties (such statements are usually accompanied by words such as “anticipate”, “expect”, “believe”, “may”, “will”, “should”, “estimate”, “intend” or other similar words). Forward-looking statements in this document are intended to provide TC Energy security holders and potential investors with information regarding TC Energy and its subsidiaries, including management’s assessment of TC Energy’s and its subsidiaries’ future plans and financial outlook. All forward-looking statements reflect TC Energy’s beliefs and assumptions based on information available at the time the statements were made and as such are not guarantees of future performance. As actual results could vary significantly from the forward-looking information, you should not put undue reliance on forward-looking information and should not use future-oriented information or financial outlooks for anything other than their intended purpose. We do not update our forward-looking information due to new information or future events, unless we are required to by law. For additional information on the assumptions made, and the risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ from the anticipated results, refer to the most recent Quarterly Report to Shareholders and Annual Report filed under TC Energy’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov.

    -30-

    Media Inquiries:
    Media Relations
    media@tcenergy.com
    403-920-7859 or 800-608-7859

    Investor & Analyst Inquiries:
    Gavin Wylie / Hunter Mau
    investor_relations@tcenergy.com
    403-920-7911 or 800-361-6522

    PDF available: http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/9883a09a-817e-428f-898f-974a220e2e55 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: TC Energy to issue second quarter 2025 results on July 31

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, July 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — News Release – TC Energy Corporation (TSX, NYSE: TRP) (TC Energy or the Company) will hold a teleconference and webcast on Thursday, July 31, 2025, to discuss its second quarter financial results.

    François Poirier, TC Energy President and Chief Executive Officer, Sean O’Donnell, Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer and other members of the executive leadership team will discuss the financial results and Company developments at 6:30 a.m. MT / 8:30 a.m. ET.

    Members of the investment community and other interested parties are invited to participate by calling 1-833-752-3826 (Canada/U.S. toll free) or 1-647-846-8864 (International toll). No passcode is required. Please dial in 15 minutes prior to the start of the call. Alternatively, participants may pre-register for the call here. Upon registering, you will receive a calendar booking by email with dial in details and a unique PIN. This process will bypass the operator and avoid the queue. Registration will remain open until the end of the conference call.

    A live webcast of the teleconference will be available on TC Energy’s website at TC Energy — Events and presentations or via the following URL: https://www.gowebcasting.com/13943. The webcast will be available for replay following the meeting.

    A replay of the teleconference will be available two hours after the conclusion of the call until midnight ET on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025. Please call 1-855-669-9658 (Canada/U.S. toll free) or 1-412-317-0088 (International toll) and enter passcode 6101975.

    About TC Energy
    We’re a team of 6,500+ energy problem solvers connecting the world to the energy it needs. Our extensive network of natural gas infrastructure assets is one-of-a-kind. We seamlessly move, generate and store energy and deliver it to where it is needed most, to homes and businesses in North America and across the globe through LNG exports. Our natural gas assets are complemented by our strategic ownership and low-risk investments in power generation.

    TC Energy’s common shares trade on the Toronto (TSX) and New York (NYSE) stock exchanges under the symbol TRP. To learn more, visit us at TCEnergy.com.

    FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
    This release contains certain information that is forward-looking and is subject to important risks and uncertainties (such statements are usually accompanied by words such as “anticipate”, “expect”, “believe”, “may”, “will”, “should”, “estimate”, “intend” or other similar words). Forward-looking statements in this document are intended to provide TC Energy security holders and potential investors with information regarding TC Energy and its subsidiaries, including management’s assessment of TC Energy’s and its subsidiaries’ future plans and financial outlook. All forward-looking statements reflect TC Energy’s beliefs and assumptions based on information available at the time the statements were made and as such are not guarantees of future performance. As actual results could vary significantly from the forward-looking information, you should not put undue reliance on forward-looking information and should not use future-oriented information or financial outlooks for anything other than their intended purpose. We do not update our forward-looking information due to new information or future events, unless we are required to by law. For additional information on the assumptions made, and the risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ from the anticipated results, refer to the most recent Quarterly Report to Shareholders and Annual Report filed under TC Energy’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov.

    -30-

    Media Inquiries:
    Media Relations
    media@tcenergy.com
    403-920-7859 or 800-608-7859

    Investor & Analyst Inquiries:
    Gavin Wylie / Hunter Mau
    investor_relations@tcenergy.com
    403-920-7911 or 800-361-6522

    PDF available: http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/9883a09a-817e-428f-898f-974a220e2e55 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Albanese’s China mission – managing a complex relationship in a world of shifting alliances

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James Laurenceson, Director and Professor, Australia-China Relations Institute (UTS:ACRI), University of Technology Sydney

    Prime Minister Anthony Albanese leaves for China on Saturday, confident most Australians back the government’s handling of relations with our most important economic partner and the leading strategic power in Asia.

    Albanese’s domestic critics have lambasted him for meeting Chinese leader Xi Jinping before United States President Donald Trump. They are also aggrieved at his refusal to label China a security threat.

    But neither criticism really stacks up.

    An Albanese-Trump meeting would have happened last month on the sidelines of a G7 gathering in Canada. It was Trump who left early, standing up more leaders than just Albanese.

    Nor is Albanese the first Australian prime minister to meet a Chinese president before an American one. His predecessor Tony Abbott caught up with Xi a few weeks after coming to office in 2013, before he had a chance to meet President Barack Obama.

    ‘Friends, not foes’

    Meanwhile, polling indicates just one in five Australians see the relationship with China first and foremost as “a threat to be confronted”. Rather, a clear two-thirds majority see it as “a complex relationship to be managed”.

    Albanese is also regarded as more competent than his opposition counterpart in handling Australia’s foreign policy generally – and better at managing the China relationship specifically.

    The prime minister’s Chinese hosts also have an incentive to ensure his visit is a successful one.

    In the past fortnight, China’s ambassador in Canberra, Xiao Qian, has penned opinion pieces in two of Australia’s biggest media outlets, insisting Australia and China are “friends, not foes” and touting the “comprehensive turnaround” in bilateral ties since Labor won government in May 2022.

    Beijing and Washington view each other as their geopolitical priority. Beijing can make it harder for Washington to enlist security allies such as Canberra in this rivalry by maintaining its own strong and constructive bilateral ties with Australia.

    And quite apart from the competition with the US, China relied on Australia last year as its fifth largest import source.

    Plenty of complaints

    None of this is to say Albanese’s visit will be easy, because Australia-China relations are rarely smooth.

    Canberra continues to have many complaints about China’s international behaviour.

    For example, Foreign Minister Penny Wong recently signed a joint statement with her counterparts in Washington, Tokyo and New Delhi expressing “serious concerns regarding dangerous and provocative actions” by China in the East and South China Seas, and the “abrupt constriction […] of key supply chains”.

    Wong has also said the government remains “appalled” by the treatment of Australians imprisoned in China, including Dr Yang Jun, who is facing espionage charges he strongly denies.

    Defence Minister Richard Marles has voiced Canberra’s alarm at Beijing’s “no limits agreement” with Moscow, and claimed China has

    engaged in the biggest conventional military build-up since the end of the second world war.

    However, this assessment is contested by independent Australian analysts.

    Beijing also has plenty of complaints. They include Canberra’s ongoing pursuit of closer military cooperation with the US and UK through the AUKUS pact.

    There is also the commitment to forcing the sale of the lease to operate the Port of Darwin that is currently held by a Chinese company.

    Reliable trading partner

    Albanese has already made clear his visit to China will have a strong economic focus.

    While grappling with security challenges, any Australian government, Labor or Coalition, must face the reality that last year, local companies sold more to China – worth A$196 billion – than our next four largest markets combined.

    China is also, by far, Australia’s biggest supplier, putting downward pressure on the cost of living.

    Research produced by Curtin University, commissioned by the Australia-China Business Council, finds trade with China increases disposable income of the average Australian household by $2,600, or 4.6% per person.

    In an ideal world, Australia would have a more diversified trading mix.

    But again, any Australian government or business must grapple with the reality that obvious major alternative markets, like the US, are not only less interested in local goods and services, but are walking away from their past trade commitments.

    Under the Australia-US Free Trade Agreement signed two decades ago, Australian exporters selling to the US faced an average tariff of just 0.1%. But nowadays Washington applies a baseline tariff of 10% on most Australian imports.

    Meanwhile, owing to the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement struck in 2015, Beijing applies an average tariff of just 1.1%.

    No wonder more Australians now say China is a more reliable trading partner than the US.

    This also explains Alabese’s response when he was asked in April if he would support Trump’s trade war against China:

    It would be extraordinary if the Australian response was “thank you” and we will help to further hurt our economy

    Likewise, Trade Minister Don Farrell is adamant Australia’s interests will determine the Albanese government’s choices, not “what the Americans may or may not want”.

    We don’t want to do less business with China, we want to do more business with China.

    Deeper trade ties with Asia, including China, are not just about making a buck. Wong has stressed the national security implications of a strong economic relationship:

    [It is] an investment in our security. Stability and prosperity are mutually reinforcing.

    All of this means Albanese’s six-day visit to China is shaping up to be time well spent.

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

    – ref. Albanese’s China mission – managing a complex relationship in a world of shifting alliances – https://theconversation.com/albaneses-china-mission-managing-a-complex-relationship-in-a-world-of-shifting-alliances-260404

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Tribunal Issues Determination of Reasonable Indication of Injury—Steel Strapping from China, South Korea, Türkiye and Vietnam

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    Ottawa, Ontario, July 10, 2025—The Canadian International Trade Tribunal today determined that there is a reasonable indication that the dumping of steel strapping from China, South Korea, Türkiye and Vietnam, and subsidizing of steel strapping from China have caused injury or are threatening to cause injury to the domestic industry.

    The Tribunal’s inquiry was conducted pursuant to the Special Import Measures Act as a result of the initiation of dumping and subsidizing investigations by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). The CBSA will continue its investigations and, by August 8, 2025, will issue preliminary determinations.

    The Tribunal is an independent quasi-judicial body that reports to Parliament through the Minister of Finance. It hears cases on dumped and subsidized imports, safeguard complaints, complaints about federal government procurement and appeals of customs and excise tax rulings. When requested by the federal government, the Tribunal also provides advice on other economic, trade and tariff matters.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Prime Minister Carney participates in a virtual meeting in support of Ukraine

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, participated in a virtual meeting of the Coalition of the Willing.

    The meeting was co-chaired by the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Sir Keir Starmer, and the President of France, Emmanuel Macron. It was also attended by many of Canada’s closest allies and partners, including the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and representatives of the United States – senators Lindsay Graham and Richard Blumenthal as well as U.S. Special Envoy General Keith Kellogg.

    The Coalition unequivocally condemned Russia’s latest strikes against Ukraine. They affirmed collective efforts to exert pressure on Russia, including through further sanctions as well as military and financial assistance to Ukraine. Prime Minister Carney raised Canada’s robust support to Ukraine, most recently through a major sanctions package targeting Russia’s shadow fleet and energy revenues; an additional $2 billion in new military support, with funding for drones, ammunition, and armoured vehicles, among other capabilities; and the disbursement of a $2.3 billion loan, to help rebuild Ukraine’s infrastructure and public systems.

    The Coalition underscored their steadfast support for Ukraine’s long-term security and sovereignty, and actions to establish a post-ceasefire force. To advance a just and lasting peace, the Coalition of the Willing will have new permanent headquarters in Paris, with plans in place for a future co-ordination cell in Kyiv.

    Associated link

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Backgrounder on Employment Insurance measures introduced to support Canadian workers and employers

    Source: Government of Canada News

    On March 21, 2025, the Government of Canada introduced three temporary Employment Insurance (EI) measures designed to improve access and entitlement to income supports for workers whose jobs are affected by the continued threat of tariffs.  The three measures, in place until October 11, 2025, are:

    • Waiving the one-week EI waiting period;
    • Suspending the treatment of monies paid on separation; and
    • Artificially adjusting the EI unemployment rate by one percentage point in all EI regions, up to a maximum of 13.1%, with no region seeing less than 7.1%. This temporary measure will reduce the hours required to qualify for regular benefits to no higher than 630 hours and increase the weeks of entitlement by up to four additional weeks.

    Waiving the waiting period:

    Temporarily waiving the standard one-week waiting period means that some EI claimants could receive an extra week of benefits. This also helps workers adjust more easily to a drop in income after a layoff. This temporary measure applies to all EI claims, including regular, special and fishing benefits. This measure applies to claims with a benefit period that begins on or after March 30, 2025, but no later than October 11, 2025
    .
    Allowing claimants to receive EI benefits sooner by suspending the rules around treatment of severance:

    Suspending the rules around treatment of severance, vacation, and other monies paid upon separation means that monies paid or payable by reason of a lay-off or separation from employment (severance, vacation) are not considered earnings for EI benefit purposes. Because of this, EI claimants do not need to exhaust those payments before they are able to start receiving EI benefits, allowing them to receive benefits sooner.  This measure applies to claims with a benefit period that begins on or after March 30, 2025, but no later than October 11, 2025.

    Artificially adjusting the regional EI unemployment rates

    Across Canada, regional unemployment rates determine the number of hours or earnings required to access EI regular or fishing benefits, the number of weeks of regular benefit entitlement that a worker can receive, and the weekly benefit rate that they can receive. Each EI region’s unemployment rate is updated monthly, using the average of the last three or twelve months, based on data from Statistics Canada.

    When there is an increase in the regional rate of unemployment, the number of hours a worker in that region needs to qualify for regular benefits decreases and the number of weeks of regular benefit entitlement increases.

    The new temporary measure increases the EI unemployment rate by one percentage point in all EI regions, to a maximum of 13.1%, with no region seeing less than 7.1%. The new temporary regional unemployment rates better reflect the regional labour market conditions after tariffs have been imposed, including job losses. The new temporary rates are designed to increase access to EI regular and fishing benefits, increase the duration of EI regular benefits, and increase the benefit rate for all benefit types for those eligible.

    Additional details:
     

    • Claimants require no more than 630 hours of insurable employment in their qualifying period to qualify for regular benefits (in comparison with up to 700 hours normally.)
    • EI fishing benefit claimants require no more than $3,800 in earnings to qualify for EI fishing benefits (in comparison to up to $4,200 normally).
    • The minimum number of weeks of regular benefit entitlement on a claim is at least 17 weeks (in comparison to a minimum of 14 weeks in some regions normally). For some claimants, it will result in up to four additional weeks of EI regular benefit entitlement.
    • Establishing a minimum unemployment rate also means that the benefit rate of an EI regular or special benefit claimant is calculated using no more than their 20 best weeks of earnings in their qualifying period (in comparison to up to 22 weeks normally).
    • Similarly, for EI fishing benefit claimants, the benefit rate is calculated using a divisor no higher than 20 (in comparison to up to 22 normally).

    This measure applies to claims that begin on or after April 6, 2025, but no later than October 11, 2025.

    Work-Sharing Program

    The Work-Sharing Program is a component of the Employment Insurance (EI) program. When employers face difficulties beyond their control and are temporarily reducing their company’s activities, they may be eligible to participate in a Work-Sharing agreement to help avoid laying off employees.

    Under a Work-Sharing agreement, employers can reduce the employees’ working hours by between 10% and 60%. To help compensate for the days or time not worked, eligible employees may receive Employment Insurance (EI) benefits. 

    By participating in Work-Sharing, employers benefit from: retaining skilled employees and avoiding the expense of hiring and training new employees when work activity returns to normal. 

    Employees benefit from: avoiding the hardship of being laid off; maintaining their work skills and connection to the labour market; and receiving EI benefits for the days not worked. 

    On March 7, 2025, the Government of Canada announced temporary special measures to the Work-Sharing Program to help make the program more accessible to employers and workers. With these special measures, employer eligibility under the Program is expanded to include:  
     

    • businesses that have been in operation in Canada for 1 year;  
    • non-profit and charitable organizations experiencing a reduction in revenue levels as a direct or indirect result of the tariffs;  
    • cyclical or seasonal employers; and,  
    • employers experiencing a decrease in work activity over the past six months of less than 10% and allowing utilization of Work-Sharing to exceed 60%.  

    In addition, employee eligibility has also been expanded to include workers who are:  
     

    • not year-round, permanent, full-time or part-time employees, specifically seasonal or cyclical employees; and   
    • assisting the employer recovery efforts.  

    Under the new temporary Work-Sharing special measures, the maximum duration of a Work-Sharing agreement is also extended from 38 weeks to up to 76 weeks. Additionally, while temporary special measures are in place, the requirement to serve a cooling-off period between successive Work Sharing agreements is being waived. As well, recovery measures can focus on maintaining business viability in the face of tariffs (rather than a return to normal business).  

    These measures are in place from March 7, 2025, until March 6, 2026.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Federal government extends Employment Insurance temporary measure to help workers impacted by U.S. tariffs

    Source: Government of Canada News

    July 10, 2025                 Gatineau, Quebec                Employment and Social Development Canada 

    Tariffs imposed on Canadian goods by the United States and other trading partners continue to hurt Canadian workers and employers. In response, the federal government introduced measures to support workers with timely and reliable access to Employment Insurance (EI) benefits, particularly those in sectors and regions heavily impacted by US tariffs.

    Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, and the Honourable John Zerucelli, Secretary of State (Labour), announced the extension of the temporary adjustment to EI regional unemployment rates until October 11, 2025.

    This decision continues to reduce the hours required to qualify for regular benefits to no higher than 630 hours and increases the weeks of entitlement by up to four additional weeks.

    The Government continues to be engaged in negotiations on a broader trading arrangement with the United States with a primary focus on getting the best deal for Canadian workers and businesses. At the same time, it is equally important to help affected Canadian workers access the income support they need during this difficult and uncertain time.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI: TrustCo to Release Second Quarter 2025 Results on July 21, 2025; Conference Call on July 22, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    GLENVILLE, N.Y., July 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TrustCo Bank Corp NY (TrustCo, Nasdaq: TRST) today announced that it will release second quarter 2025 results after the market close on July 21, 2025. Results are released on the 21st of the reporting months (January, April, July and October), or on the next day that equity markets are open if the 21st falls on a Friday, weekend or holiday. A conference call to discuss the results will be held at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time on July 22, 2025. Those wishing to participate in the call may dial toll-free for the United States at 1-833-470-1428, and for Canada at 1-833-950-0062, Access code 258501.   A replay of the call will be available for thirty days by dialing toll-free for the United States at 1-866-813-9403, Access code 410483.

    The call will also be audio webcast at https://events.q4inc.com/attendee/979003710, and will be available for one year. The earnings press release will be posted on the Company’s Investor Relations website at: https://trustcobank.q4ir.com/corporate-overview/corporate-profile/default.aspx. Other information, including the Company’s most recent annual report, proxy statement and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission can also be found at this website.

    TrustCo Bank Corp NY is a $6.3 billion savings and loan holding company and through its subsidiary, Trustco Bank, operates 136 offices in New York, New Jersey, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Florida. For more information, visit www.trustcobank.com.

    In addition, the Bank’s Wealth Management Department offers a full range of investment services, retirement planning and trust and estate administration services.

    The common shares of TrustCo are traded on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol TRST.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    All statements in this news release that are not historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “goal,” “seek,” “believe,” “project,” “estimate,” “expect,” “strategy,” “future,” “likely,” “may,” “should,” “will” and similar references to future developments, results or periods. TrustCo wishes to caution readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made, and such forward-looking statements are subject to factors and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially for TrustCo from the views, beliefs and projections expressed in such statements. Examples of these include, but are not limited to: volatility in financial markets and the soundness of other financial institutions; U.S. government shutdowns, credit rating downgrades, or failure to increase the debt ceiling; changes in interest rates; the effects of inflation and inflationary pressures and changes in monetary and fiscal policies and laws, including changes in the Federal funds target rate by, and interest rate policies of, the Federal Reserve Board; ongoing armed conflicts (including the Russia/Ukraine conflict and the conflict in Israel and surrounding areas); the risks and uncertainties under the heading “Risk Factors” in our most recent annual report on Form 10-K and, if any, in our subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q; the other financial, operational and legal risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in TrustCo’s cautionary statements contained in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission; and the effect of all of such items on our operations, liquidity and capital position, and on the financial condition of our borrowers and other customers. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release represent TrustCo management’s judgment as of the date of this news release. TrustCo disclaims, however, any intent or obligation to update forward-looking statements, either as a result of future developments, new information or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

    Subsidiary: Trustco Bank

    Contact:     Robert Leonard
    Executive Vice President
    (518) 381-3693
         

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Canada and European Commission to discuss launching industrial dialogue

    Source: Government of Canada News

    July 10, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario 

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, will hold a joint media availability with Stéphane Séjourné, the visiting European Commission Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy.

    Date: Friday, July 11, 2025

    Time: 1:15 pm (ET)

    Location: Ottawa, Ontario

    Members of the media are asked to contact ISED Media Relations at media@ised-isde.gc.ca to receive event location details and confirm their attendance.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA’s Webb Scratches Beyond Surface of Cat’s Paw for 3rd Anniversary

    Source: NASA

    It’s the cat’s meow! To celebrate its third year of revealing stunning scenes of the cosmos in infrared light, NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has “clawed” back the thick, dusty layers of a section within the Cat’s Paw Nebula (NGC 6334). Focusing Webb’s NIRCam (Near-Infrared Camera) on a single “toe bean” within this active star-forming region revealed a subset of mini toe beans, which appear to contain young stars shaping the surrounding gas and dust.
    Webb’s look at this particular area of the Cat’s Paw Nebula just scratches the surface of the telescope’s three years of groundbreaking science.
    “Three years into its mission, Webb continues to deliver on its design – revealing previously hidden aspects of the universe, from the star formation process to some of the earliest galaxies,” said Shawn Domagal-Goldman, acting director of the Astrophysics Division at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “As it repeatedly breaks its own records, Webb is also uncovering unknowns for new generations of flagship missions to tackle. Whether it’s following up on the mysteries of dark matter with NASA’s nearly complete Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, or narrowing our search for life to Earth-like planets with the Habitable Worlds Observatory, the questions Webb has raised are just as exciting as the answers it’s giving us.”

    The progression from a large molecular cloud to massive stars entails multiple steps, some of which are still not well understood by astronomers. Located approximately 4,000 light-years away in the constellation Scorpius, the Cat’s Paw Nebula offers scientists the opportunity to study the turbulent cloud-to-star process in great detail. Webb’s observation of the nebula in near-infrared light builds upon previous studies by NASA’s Hubble and retired Spitzer Space Telescope in visible- and infrared-light, respectively.
    With its sharp resolution, Webb shows never-before-seen structural details and features: Massive young stars are carving away at nearby gas and dust, while their bright starlight is producing a bright nebulous glow represented in blue. It’s a temporary scene where the disruptive young stars, with their relatively short lives and luminosity, have a brief but important role in the region’s larger story. As a consequence of these massive stars’ lively behavior, the local star formation process will eventually come to a stop.

    Start with the toe bean at top center, which is nicknamed the “Opera House” for its circular, tiered-like structure. The primary drivers for the area’s cloudy blue glow are most likely toward its bottom: either the light from the bright yellowish stars or from a nearby source still hidden behind the dense, dark brown dust.
    Just below the orange-brown tiers of dust is a bright yellow star with diffraction spikes. While this massive star has carved away at its immediate surroundings, it has been unable to push the gas and dust away to greater distances, creating a compact shell of surrounding material.
    Look closely to notice small patches, like the tuning fork-shaped area to the Opera House’s immediate left, that contain fewer stars. These seemingly vacant zones indicate the presence of dense foreground filaments of dust that are home to still-forming stars and block the light of stars in the background.

    Toward the image’s center are small, fiery red clumps scattered amongst the brown dust. These glowing red sources mark regions where massive star formation is underway, albeit in an obscured manner.
    Some massive blue-white stars, like the one in the lower left toe bean, seem to be more sharply resolved than others. This is because any intervening material between the star and the telescope has been dissipated by stellar radiation.
    Near the bottom of that toe bean are small, dense filaments of dust. These tiny clumps of dust have managed to remain despite the intense radiation, suggesting that they are dense enough to form protostars. A small section of yellow at the right notes the location of a still-enshrouded massive star that has managed to shine through intervening material.
    Across this entire scene are many small yellow stars with diffraction spikes. Bright blue-white stars are in the foreground of this Webb image, but some may be a part of the more expansive Cat’s Paw Nebula area.
    One eye-catching aspect of this Webb image is the bright, red-orange oval at top right. Its low count of background stars implies it is a dense area just beginning its star-formation process. A couple of visible and still-veiled stars are scattered throughout this region, which are contributing to the illumination of the material in the middle. Some still-enveloped stars leave hints of their presence, like a bow shock at the bottom left, which indicates an energetic ejection of gas and dust from a bright source.
    Further explore this subset of toe beans by embarking on a narrated tour or getting closer to the image. We also invite you to reminisce about Webb’s three years of science observations.

    [embedded content]
    This visualization explores a subset of toe bean-reminiscent structures within a section of the Cat’s Paw Nebula, a massive, local star-forming region located approximately 4,000 light-years away in the constellation Scorpius.This image by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope in near-infrared light was released in honor of the telescope’s third science operations anniversary. Since it began science operations in July 2022, Webb’s observations of our universe have wowed scientists and the public alike.Glide into the lower left toe bean, moving past many small yellow stars along the way, where filaments of gas and dust frame the cavernous area. The region’s nebulous glow, represented in blue, is from the bright light of massive young stars.Float toward the top toe bean, which is nicknamed the “Opera House” for its circular, tiered-like structure. As you move, you’ll pass plumes of orange-brown dust that vary in density and small, fiery red clumps where star formation is occurring, albeit in an obscured manner.Credits: Producers: Greg Bacon (STScI), Frank Summers (STScI); Image Processing: Joe DePasquale (STScI); Music: Joe DePasquale (STScI); Designers: Ralf Crawford (STScI), Leah Hustak (STScI), Christian Nieves (STScI), Alyssa Pagan (STScI); Images: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI; ESO/VISTA.

    [embedded content]
    This zoom-in video shows the location of the Cat’s Paw Nebula on the sky. It begins with a ground-based photo by the late astrophotographer Akira Fujii, then shows views from the Digitized Sky Survey. The video then hones in on a select portion of the sky to reveal a European Southern Observatory image of the Cat’s Paw Nebula in visible light. The video continues to zoom in on a section of the Cat’s Paw, which gradually transitions to the stunning image captured by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope in near-infrared light. Credits: Video: NASA, ESA, CSA, Danielle Kirshenblat (STScI); Acknowledgement: Akira Fujii, DSS, VISTA.

    The James Webb Space Telescope is the world’s premier space science observatory. Webb is solving mysteries in our solar system, looking beyond to distant worlds around other stars, and probing the mysterious structures and origins of our universe and our place in it. Webb is an international program led by NASA with its partners, ESA (European Space Agency) and CSA (Canadian Space Agency).
    To learn more about Webb, visit:
    https://science.nasa.gov/webb
    Downloads
    Click any image to open a larger version.
    View/Download all image products at all resolutions for this article from the Space Telescope Science Institute.

    Laura Betz – laura.e.betz@nasa.govNASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.
    Abigail Major – amajor@stsci.eduSpace Telescope Science Institute, Baltimore, Md.
    Hannah Braun – hbraun@stsci.eduSpace Telescope Science Institute, Baltimore, Md.

    View other images of the Cat’s Paw Nebula
    Animation Video: “How Dense Pillars Form in Molecular Clouds”
    Explore a larger view of the Cat’s Paw Nebula: ViewSpace Video
    Read more: Webb Star Formation Discoveries
    More Webb News
    More Webb Images
    Webb Science Themes
    Webb Mission Page

    What is the Webb Telescope?
    SpacePlace for Kids
    En Español
    Este artículo en español
    Ciencia de la NASA
    NASA en español 
    Space Place para niños

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Sheriffs shut down drug house in Edmonton

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Engagement begins to support implementation of Infrastructure Projects Act

    Public engagement is open to support implementation of the Infrastructure Projects Act, which aims to get shovels in the ground quicker for critical projects that people need in their communities.

    The act received royal assent in May 2025.

    First Nations, members of the public and interest-holders, such as municipalities, business organizations, environmental groups and construction partners, are invited to share their thoughts on the development of two key parts of the legislation over the summer:

    1. Provincially significant projects criteria – a regulation to establish the minimum criteria for projects to be designated as provincially significant, so they can access streamlining tools that will help reach decisions quicker.
    2. Qualified professional certifications – a regulation to develop a qualified professional-reliance model to create permitting efficiencies, while maintaining accountability and high standards.

    Methods of engagement will include:

    • online surveys;
    • opportunities to provide written submissions;
    • meetings; and
    • advisory groups.

    In addition, engagement on the expedited environmental-assessment process is planned to start in fall 2025.

    For more information and to get to involved, visit: https://engage.gov.bc.ca/infrastructure

    Learn More:

    To read the news release about the introduction of the legislation, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025PREM0018-000403

    To read the Infrastructure Projects Act, visit:
    https://www.leg.bc.ca/parliamentary-business/overview/43rd-parliament/1st-session/bills/3rd_read/gov15-3.htm

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minimum Wage Set to Increase October 1

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on July 10, 2025

    On October 1, 2025, minimum wage in Saskatchewan will increase to $15.35 per hour.

    Saskatchewan’s minimum wage is calculated using an indexation formula, which gives equal weight to changes to the Consumer Price Index and Average Hourly Wage for Saskatchewan.

    “By raising the minimum wage, we are continuing to support workers and deliver on our commitment to affordability,” Deputy Premier and Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Minister Jim Reiter said. “Saskatchewan’s low personal tax rates continue to make our province a great place to live, work and raise a family.”

    In 2022, the Government of Saskatchewan indicated it would make incremental increases to minimum wage which resulted in a 27 per cent increase from $11.81 per hour to $15 per hour by 2024. With that commitment having been met, the indexation formula is again in place.

    In addition to indexation, the 2025-26 Budget delivered on 13 affordability commitments which included reducing income taxes for every resident, family and small business in our province.

    “We know the benefits that increasing the minimum wage will have for employees, but we also want to create a balance for employers,” Reiter said. “Over the next few months, we will be working together with the Chambers of Commerce and other key stakeholders to understand the implications of increasing minimum wage for the business community and the impact on Saskatchewan’s economy.”

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    Gladys Wasylenchuk
    Labour Relations and Workplace Safety
    Regina
    Phone: 306-787-2411
    Email: gladys.wasylenchuk@gov.sk.ca 

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Regional health councils give Albertans a voice

    Albertans want a health care system that reflects where they live and adapts to the unique needs of their communities. As part of the province’s health care refocus, Alberta’s government committed to strengthening community voices by providing more opportunities for Albertans to bring forward their local priorities and offer input on how to improve the system. 

    The regional advisory councils, made up of 150 members from 71 communities, will advise Alberta’s four health ministries and the newly refocused health agencies: Primary Care Alberta, Acute Care Alberta, Assisted Living Alberta and Recovery Alberta. Each council will explore solutions to local challenges and identify opportunities for the health system to better support community decision-making.

    “By hearing first-hand community feedback directly, we can build a system that is more responsive, more inclusive and ultimately more effective for everyone. I am looking forward to hearing the councils’ insights, perspectives and solutions to improve health care in all corners of our province.”

    Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services

    “Regional advisory councils will strengthen acute care by giving communities a direct voice. Their insights will help us address local needs, improve patient outcomes and ensure timely access to hospital services.”

    Matt Jones, Minister of Hospital and Surgical Health Services

    “A ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach does not address unique regional needs when it comes to mental health and addiction challenges. These councils will help us hear directly from communities, allowing us to tailor supports and services to meet the needs of Albertans where they are.”

    Rick Wilson, Minister of Mental Health and Addiction

    “Every community has unique needs, especially when it comes to seniors and vulnerable populations. These regional advisory councils will help us better understand those needs and ensure that assisted living services are shaped by the people who rely on them.”

    Jason Nixon, Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services

    Members include Albertans from all walks of life, health care workers, community leaders, Indigenous and municipal representatives, and others with a strong tie to their region. About one-third of members work in health care, and more than half of the council chairs are health professionals. Almost one-quarter are elected municipal officials, including 10 serving as chairs or vice-chairs. Ten councils also include a representative from a local health foundation.

    Council members will share local and regional perspectives on health care services, planning and priorities to help ensure decisions reflect the realities of their communities. By engaging with residents, providers and organizations, they will gather feedback, identify challenges and bring forward ideas that may not otherwise reach government.

    Through collaboration and community-informed solutions, members will help make the health system more responsive, accessible and better able to meet the needs of Albertans across the province.

    “As Primary Care Alberta works to improve access to primary health care services and programs across Alberta, we are grateful to have the opportunity to tap into a dedicated group of community leaders and representatives. These people know their communities and local needs, and we look forward to learning from their experiences and knowledge as we shape the future of primary care in Alberta.”

    Kim Simmonds, CEO, Primary Care Alberta

    “The regional advisory councils will help to bring forward the voices of patients, families and front-line providers from every corner of Alberta. Their insights will help us plan smarter and deliver care that’s timely, effective and truly local. We look forward to working closely with them to strengthen hospital and surgical services across the province.”

    Dr. Chris Eagle, interim CEO, Acute Care Alberta

    “Nobody understands the health care challenges unique to a community better than the people who live there. The regional health advisory councils are made up of those living and working on the front lines across the province, ensuring we are getting the perspective of Albertans most affected by our health care system.”

    Dr. Sayeh Zielke, CEO, Assisted Living Alberta

    “Alongside Recovery Alberta’s staff and physician team, these regional advisory councils will build upon the high standard of mental health, addiction and correctional health services delivered in Alberta.”

    Kerry Bales, CEO, Recovery Alberta

    Indigenous Advisory Council

    Alberta’s government continues to work directly with Indigenous leaders across the province to establish the Indigenous Advisory Council to strengthen health care services for First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities.

    With up to 22 members, including Indigenous health care workers, community leaders and individuals receiving health care services, the council will represent diverse perspectives across Alberta. Members will provide community perspectives about clinical service planning, capital projects, workforce development and cultural integration in health care.

    Related information

    • Advisory councils – Health
    • Terms of Reference: Regional Advisory Councils
    • Member Handbook

    Related news

    • Ensuring a successfully refocused health system (Nov. 18, 2024)
    • Get involved in Alberta’s health advisory councils (April 16, 2024)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Update on measles cases in B.C., ensuring people remain protected

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Measles is an extremely contagious virus that can cause severe disease and complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and even death. It can spread through air. People can pass the virus to others before they show symptoms, and the virus can stay suspended in the air in a room for several hours.

    Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose and conjunctivitis. Three to four days after the onset of fever, a rash develops. It generally begins on the face, then spreads rapidly to the rest of the body.

    There has been a resurgence of measles activity in Canada in recent years, with several thousand confirmed cases reported nationally in 2025, after 146 cases were reported in 2024. Cases occur largely in people who were unimmunized or under-immunized (only received one dose). There is also significant measles transmission in other parts of the world, including Europe, Asia and Africa. This is usually the source of cases seen in Canada.

    Measles vaccines have been part of B.C.’s immunization program since 1969, with a second dose (and a comprehensive catch-up campaign for children, youth, and young adults) added to the schedule in 1996.

    In B.C., measles vaccine is provided as measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine for the first dose and is recommended for children beginning at their first birthday. A second dose, generally with measles, mumps, rubella and varicella vaccine (MMRV), is given at school entry (age 4-6 years).

    How to check your immunization records:

    • Check immunization records for adults and children through the Health Gateway.
    • If the records are not in the Health Gateway:
      • Adults and children may have received a paper record at the time of immunization. For example, in B.C., immunizations may be recorded in the Child Health Passport.
      • If the immunization record is incomplete in Health Gateway and people have a paper record, they can submit the record.
      • If people don’t have a paper record, they can:
        • Contact the health-care provider that gave the vaccines.
        • Contact the community health nurse if the vaccines were given in a First Nations community.
        • If people have moved to B.C. from another province or country, contact the immunization provider or local public health unit and ask to have the records sent to them.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: New Fine for Illegal Parking in Some Hospital Lots in Halifax

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Drivers who park illegally in Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre (Halifax Infirmary and Victoria General sites) and IWK Health Centre parking lots can be fined $500 starting today, July 10.

    “Free on-site parking at health facilities is for patients, visitors and authorized staff. We want to discourage drivers from parking at these sites without a valid reason and crowding out legitimate users,” said Michelle Thompson, Minister of Health and Wellness. “We hope this step will be a strong deterrent for anyone considering parking at a hospital or healthcare facility who is not seeking or providing care.”

    The Province has created new regulations under the Motor Vehicle Act that allow parking enforcement officers to issue tickets to drivers of vehicles parked illegally in designated hospital parking lots in Halifax.

    The Health Authority Parking Lots Pilot Project Regulations:

    • impose a fine of $500 for parking in specific hospital parking lots if not attending a Queen Elizabeth II or IWK facility
    • list authorized users, including patients, healthcare providers, health authority employees, visitors, volunteers and service providers
    • list documents that can be used to show the person is properly parking in the lot (e.g. a health authority exit pass, health authority ID, etc.).

    Parking tickets will be issued by a peace officer or a special constable. Both health authorities – Nova Scotia Health and IWK Health – will have special constables authorized to issue parking tickets.

    Quick Facts:

    • the ticket amount is $536.60, but will be reduced to $500 if it is paid during the first 60 days after it is issued, in accordance with the Summary Offence Tickets Regulations
    • the QEII Health Sciences Centre includes buildings on two sites in Halifax – the Halifax Infirmary site includes Camp Hill Veterans Memorial, Abbie J. Lane Memorial and the Halifax Infirmary; the Victoria General site includes the Nova Scotia Rehabilitation Centre, the Centre for Clinical Research, and the Bethune, Mackenzie, Dickson, Victoria and Centennial buildings

    Additional Resources:

    Health Authority Parking Lots Pilot Project Regulations: https://novascotia.ca/just/regulations/regs/2025-129.pdf

    News release – Free Parking at Hospitals, Healthcare Facilities: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2025/04/30/free-parking-hospitals-healthcare-facilities

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

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: New standards for school libraries

    [. However, in the absence of a consistent standard for selecting age-appropriate library materials, school boards have taken different approaches, leading to concerns about safeguards in place.

    In response to these concerns, and informed by feedback from education partners and the public, Alberta’s government has created standards to provide school boards with clear direction on the selection, availability and access to school library materials, such as books.

    “Our actions to ensure that materials in school libraries don’t expose children to sexual content were never about banning books. These new standards are to ensure that school boards have clear guidance to ensure age-appropriate access to school library materials, while reflecting the values and priorities of Albertans.”

    Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Education and Childcare

    The new standards set clear expectations for school library materials with regard to sexual content and require school boards to implement policies to support these standards.

    Standards for school library materials

    Under the new standards, school libraries are not permitted to include library materials containing explicit sexual content. Non-explicit sexual content may be accessible to students in Grade 10 and above, provided it is age-appropriate.

    “Protecting kids from explicit content is common sense. LGBTQ youth, like all children, deserve to see themselves in stories that are age-appropriate, supportive and affirming – not in material that sexualizes or confuses them.”

    Blaine Badiuk, education and LGBTQ advocate

    School boards must also regularly review their school library collections, publish a full list of available materials and ensure that a staff member supervises students’ access to school library materials. School boards will have to remove any materials with explicit sexual content from their school libraries by October 1.

    School board policies and procedures

    All school boards must have publicly available policies that align with the new standards for selecting and managing library materials by January 1, 2026. School boards can either create new policies or update existing ones to meet these requirements.

    These policies must outline how school library materials are selected and reviewed, how staff supervise students’ access throughout the school day, and how a student, parent, school board employee or other member of the school community can request a review or removal of materials in the school library. School boards are also required to clearly communicate these policies to employees, students and parents before January 2026.

    “A robust, grade- and age-appropriate library catalogue is vital for student success. We welcome the ministry’s initiative to establish consistent standards and appreciate the ongoing consultation to help craft a plan that will serve our families and communities well.”

    Holly Bilton, trustee, Chinook’s Edge School Division

    “Red Deer Public Schools welcomes the new provincial standards for school library materials. Our division is committed to maintaining welcoming, respectful learning spaces where students can grow and thrive. Under the new standards for school libraries, we remain dedicated to providing learning resources that reflect our values and support student success.”

    Nicole Buchanan, chair, Red Deer Public Schools

    Quick facts

    • The new standards will apply to public, separate, francophone, charter and independent schools.
    • The ministerial order does not apply to municipal libraries located within schools or materials selected for use by teachers as learning and teaching resources.
    • From May 26 to June 6, almost 80,000 people completed an online survey to provide feedback on the creation of consistent standards to ensure the age-appropriateness of materials available to students in school libraries.

    Related information

    • Ministerial Order
    • School library standards engagement
    • Reference Materials: Content warning: this document contains graphic content that may be disturbing to viewers and is not appropriate for young viewers. Viewer discretion is advised.

    Related news

    • Strong support for school library policy (June 20, 2025)
    • Ensuring age-appropriate books in school libraries (May 26, 2025)

    Multimedia

    • Watch the news conference

    Le gouvernement de l’Alberta a présenté de nouvelles normes pour veiller à ce que les ressources des bibliothèques scolaires soient adaptées à l’âge des élèves.

    Les bibliothèques scolaires devraient être des endroits sécuritaires et bienveillants où les élèves peuvent apprendre et explorer sans être exposés à du contenu sexuel inapproprié. Cependant, en l’absence d’une norme uniforme pour choisir des ressources de bibliothèque qui sont adaptées à l’âge des élèves, les autorités scolaires ont adopté différentes approches, ce qui a suscité des inquiétudes quant aux mesures de protection mises en place.

    Donnant suite à ces préoccupations et s’appuyant sur les commentaires des partenaires en éducation et du public, le gouvernement de l’Alberta a établi des normes qui fournissent aux autorités scolaires des directives claires sur la sélection, l’accès et la disponibilité des ressources – dont les livres – dans les bibliothèques scolaires.

    « Dans nos démarches pour éviter que les enfants soient exposés à des ressources à contenu sexuel dans les bibliothèques scolaires, il n’a jamais été question d’interdire de livres. Tout en reflétant les valeurs et les priorités de la population albertaine, ces nouvelles normes offrent aux autorités scolaires une orientation claire pour s’assurer que les enfants ont accès à des ressources adaptées à leur âge dans les bibliothèques scolaires. »

    Demetrios Nicolaides, ministre de l’Éducation et de la Garde d’enfants

    Les nouvelles normes définissent des attentes claires en ce qui concerne les ressources à contenu sexuel dans les bibliothèques scolaires et exigent que les autorités scolaires mettent en œuvre des politiques en appui à ces normes.

    Des normes relatives aux ressources dans les bibliothèques scolaires

    Les nouvelles normes interdisent aux bibliothèques scolaires de conserver des ressources à contenu sexuellement explicite sur leurs étagères. Les élèves de 10e année et plus peuvent avoir accès à des ressources dont le contenu n’est pas sexuellement explicite, à condition que ces ressources soient adaptées à leur âge.

    « Cela relève du gros bon sens de vouloir protéger les enfants des contenus explicites. Les jeunes LGBTQ, comme tous les enfants, doivent pouvoir se reconnaitre dans des histoires adaptées à leur âge, bienveillantes et valorisantes, et non dans du contenu qui les sexualise ou les perturbe. »

    Blaine Badiuk, défenseur des LGBTQ et de l’éducation

    Les autorités scolaires doivent aussi vérifier régulièrement les collections de leurs bibliothèques scolaires, publier une liste complète des ressources disponibles et s’assurer qu’un membre du personnel supervise l’accès des élèves aux ressources des bibliothèques scolaires.

    Les autorités scolaires devront retirer toute ressource à contenu sexuellement explicite de leurs bibliothèques scolaires au plus tard le 1er octobre 2025.

    Les politiques et procédures des autorités scolaires

    D’ici le 1er janvier 2026, toutes les autorités scolaires devront avoir des politiques conformes aux nouvelles normes pour la sélection et la gestion des ressources de bibliothèque. À cet effet, les autorités scolaires peuvent élaborer de nouvelles politiques ou modifier celles qui existent déjà. Dans tous les cas, ces politiques devront être accessibles au public.

    Ces politiques doivent préciser les processus de sélection et de vérification des ressources pour les bibliothèques scolaires, la façon dont le personnel encadrera l’accès aux ressources pendant la journée scolaire, ainsi que la procédure que doit suivre tout membre de la communauté scolaire, incluant les élèves, les parents et les employés, pour demander la révision ou le retrait de ressources d’une bibliothèque scolaire. Les autorités scolaires doivent également communiquer clairement ces politiques à leur personnel, aux élèves et aux parents d’ici janvier 2026.

    « Un vaste catalogue de bibliothèque adapté au niveau scolaire et à l’âge des élèves est essentiel à la réussite scolaire. Nous accueillons favorablement l’initiative du ministère d’établir des normes uniformes et nous apprécions la consultation qui se poursuit en vue d’élaborer un plan qui profitera à nos familles et à nos communautés. »

    Holly Bilton, conseillère scolaire, Chinook’s Edge School Division 

    « Red Deer Public Schools salue la mise en œuvre de nouvelles normes provinciales relatives aux ressources des bibliothèques scolaires. Nous nous engageons à maintenir des environnements d’apprentissage accueillants et respectueux où les élèves peuvent grandir et s’épanouir. Conformément aux nouvelles normes sur les bibliothèques scolaires, nous continuerons à fournir des ressources d’apprentissage qui reflètent nos valeurs et favorisent la réussite des élèves. »

    Nicole Buchanan, présidente, Red Deer Public Schools

    En bref

    • Les nouvelles normes s’appliqueront aux écoles publiques, séparées, francophones, à charte et indépendantes.
    • L’arrêté ministériel ne s’applique pas aux bibliothèques municipales situées dans les écoles ni aux ressources sélectionnées pour être utilisées par les enseignants à des fins d’apprentissage et d’enseignement.
    • Du 26 mai au 6 juin, près de 80 000 personnes ont rempli le sondage en ligne et ainsi donné leur avis sur l’élaboration de normes uniformes pour veiller à ce que les ressources accessibles dans les bibliothèques scolaires soient adaptées à l’âge des élèves.

    Renseignements connexes

    • Arrêté ministériel
    • Consultation sur les normes pour les bibliothèques scolaires
    • Document de référence (en anglais seulement) – Avertissement : Ce document contient des images pouvant heurter la sensibilité des lecteurs. Il est donc réservé à un auditoire averti.

    Nouvelles connexes

    • Un fort appui pour une politique sur les bibliothèques scolaires (20 juin 2025)
    • Ensuring age-appropriate books in school libraries (26 mai 2025)

    Multimédias

    • Regarder la conférence de presse

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Investor Alert: Bitget and Captex Are Not Registered

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on July 10, 2025

    The Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority of Saskatchewan (FCAA) warns investors of the online entities Bitget also known as Canada Bitget Limited, and CapTex.

    “The FCAA urges Saskatchewan residents to always check an entity’s registration status at aretheyregistered.ca before making an investment,” FCAA Securities Division Executive Director Dean Murrison said. “Registration status indicates if a business is legitimate. Only dealing with registered entities is an easy way to protect yourself and keep your investments safe.”

    Bitget claims to operate a cryptocurrency exchange platform and offers Saskatchewan residents trading opportunities in cryptocurrencies via margin trading and futures contracts. CapTex claims to offer Saskatchewan residents trading opportunities, including stocks, cryptocurrencies, indices, commodities, forex and precious metals.

    This alert applies to the online entities using the websites “bitget com” and “cap-tex io” (these URLs have been manually altered so as not to be interactive).

    Bitget and CapTex are not registered with the FCAA to trade or sell securities or derivatives in Saskatchewan. The FCAA cautions investors and consumers not to send money to companies that are not registered in Saskatchewan, as they may not be legitimate businesses. 

    If you have invested with Bitget, CapTex or anyone claiming to be acting on their behalf, contact the FCAA’s Securities Division at 306-787-5936.

    In Saskatchewan, individuals or companies need to be registered with the FCAA to trade or sell securities or derivatives. The registration provisions of The Securities Act, 1988, and accompanying regulations are intended to ensure that only honest and knowledgeable people are registered to sell securities and derivatives and that their businesses are financially stable.

    Tips to protect yourself:

    • Always verify that the person or company is registered in Saskatchewan to sell or advise about securities or derivatives. To check registration, visit The Canadian Securities Administrators’ National Registration Search at aretheyregistered.ca.
    • Know exactly what you are investing in. Make sure you understand how the investment, product or service works.
    • Get a second opinion and seek professional advice about the investment.
    • Do not allow unknown or unverified individuals to remotely access your computer.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI: Northfield Capital Completes Acquisition of Additional Interest in Juno Corp. and Issuance of Class B Multiple Voting Shares

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Not for distribution to U.S. Newswire Services or for release, publication, distribution or dissemination directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, in or into the United States.

    TORONTO, July 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Northfield Capital Corporation (TSX-V: NFD.A) (“Northfield” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that it has completed its previously announced transaction (the “Juno Share Acquisition”) to acquire an aggregate of 5,123,044 common shares (“Juno Shares”) of Juno Corp. (“Juno”), in accordance with the terms of the share purchase agreements entered into with five shareholders of Juno. In consideration for the Juno Shares acquired, the Company issued to such shareholders an aggregate of 3,725,848 class A restricted voting shares in the capital of the Company (the “Class A Shares”). The Company also announces that it has issued an aggregate of 4,968 Class B multiple voting shares of the Company (the “Class B Shares”) to Mr. Robert Cudney, the President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of the Company, on a non-brokered private placement basis at a price of $6.00 per Class B Share, for aggregate gross proceeds of $29,808‬ (the “Class B Share Issue”).

    For further details of the Juno Share Acquisition and the Class B Share Issue (together, the “Transactions”), please refer to the Company’s news release dated May 27, 2025.

    As a result of the share acquisition announced today, Northfield’s ownership interest in Juno increases from 16.8% to approximately 24%.

    About Juno Corp.

    Juno is a private Ontario-based exploration company and the largest mineral claimholder in the Ring of Fire, controlling over 4,600 km²— representing more than 55% of the district’s mineral claims. Juno’s 2025 exploration campaign is underway, with further drilling and data analytics aimed at expanding known mineralized zones and unlocking new targets. Backed by a strong treasury, experienced leadership, and established relationships with First Nations communities, Juno is uniquely positioned to lead the next generation of mineral exploration in the Ring of Fire.

    Class B Share Issue

    The Class B Share Issue was completed in order for Mr. Cudney to maintain his pro rata voting interest in respect of the Class B Shares following the completion of the Juno Share Acquisition and the Company’s previously completed acquisition of all of the shares of Northfield Aviation Group Inc. (as announced in the Company’s news releases of May 5, 2025 and May 27, 2025). The Class B Shares were issued in accordance with the resolutions of the shareholders of the Company passed at the meeting of shareholders of the Company held in December 1986, which authorized the board of directors of the Company (the “Board”) to issue additional Class B Shares to Mr. Cudney at an issue price equal to the market price of the Class A restricted voting shares of the Company on the day before the Board approves such issuance. The Class B Shares issued to Mr. Cudney are subject to a hold period of four months plus one day from the date of closing of the Class B Share Issue.

    Early Warning Disclosure

    Mr. Cudney, an insider of the Company and an individual with beneficial ownership of, or control or direction over, securities of the Company carrying more than 10% of the voting rights attached to all the outstanding voting securities of the Company, participated in (i) the Juno Share Acquisition as a vendor and sold and transferred to the Company an aggregate of 1,798,044 Juno Shares (in consideration for which, the Company issued to Mr. Cudney an aggregate of 1,307,668 Class A Shares), and (ii) acquired an aggregate of 4,968 Class B Shares pursuant to the Class B Share Issue.

    Immediately prior to the closing of the Transactions (the “Closing”), Mr. Cudney beneficially owned and exercised control and direction over an aggregate of 3,923,010 Class A Shares (of which an aggregate of 2,428,280 Class A Shares were owned by Mr. Cudney directly and an aggregate of 1,494,730 Class A Shares were owned by Cudney Stables Inc. (“Cudney Stables”), an entity owned by Mr. Cudney), an aggregate of 18,600 Class B Shares, and convertible securities of Northfield entitling Mr. Cudney to acquire an additional 437,500 Class A Shares, representing approximately 27.5% of the issued and outstanding Class A Shares and 100% of the Class B Shares immediately prior to the Closing (or approximately 29.64% of the issued and outstanding Class A Shares, calculated on a partially diluted basis, assuming the exercise of the 437,500 convertible securities only).

    Immediately following the Closing, Mr. Cudney, together with Cudney Stables, beneficially own and exercise control and direction over an aggregate of 5,230,678 Class A Shares (of which an aggregate of 3,735,948 Class A Shares are beneficially owned by Mr. Cudney, and an aggregate of 1,494,730 Class A Shares are beneficially owned by Cudney Stables), an aggregate of 23,568 Class B Shares, and convertible securities entitling Mr. Cudney to acquire an additional 437,500 Class A Shares, representing approximately 29.1% of the issued and outstanding Class A Shares and 100% of the Class B Shares on Closing (or approximately 30.7% of the issued and outstanding Class A Shares on Closing, calculated on a partially diluted basis, assuming the exercise of the 437,500 convertible securities only).

    The Class A Shares acquired pursuant to the Juno Share Acquisition were not acquired through the facilities of any marketplace for the Company’s securities. Mr. Cudney may increase or decrease his investments in the Company at any time, or continue to maintain his current investment position, depending on market conditions or any other relevant factor. The Class A Shares were acquired for aggregate consideration of 1,798,044 Juno Shares held by Mr. Cudney, having a deemed value of C$3.71 per Juno Share or approximately C$6,669,108.65 in the aggregate, pursuant to the exemption contained in Section 2.16 of National Instrument 45-106 – Prospectus Exemptions (the take-over bid and issuer bid transaction exemption).

    This portion of this news release is issued pursuant to National Instrument 62-103 – The Early Warning System and Related Take-Over Bid and Insider Reporting Issues, which also requires an early warning report to be filed on the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval+ (“SEDAR+”), accessible at www.sedarplus.ca, containing additional information with respect to the foregoing matters. A copy of the related early warning report may be obtained, following its filing, on the Company’s SEDAR+ profile or by contacting the Company at 141 Adelaide Street West, Suite 301, Toronto, Ontario M5H 3L5, Attention: Michael Leskovec, Chief Financial Officer, Northfield Capital Corporation, Tel: (416) 628-5940.

    About Northfield Capital Corporation

    Northfield Capital Corporation is a publicly traded, leading Canadian investment firm with deep roots in resources, mining, aviation, and premium alcoholic beverages. Founded in 1981 by Robert D. Cudney, Northfield combines decades of experience with forward-thinking strategies to unlock opportunities across its diverse portfolio. Northfield is dedicated to fostering growth and innovation in businesses that drive economic prosperity in Canada. For more information, visit www.northfieldcapital.com.

    For further information, please contact:

    Michael G. Leskovec, CPA, CA
    Chief Financial Officer
    Telephone: (416) 628-5940

    Forward-Looking Information and Other Disclaimers

    This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, “forward-looking information”) within the meaning of applicable securities laws including, but not limited to, statements with respect to Mr. Cudney’s intentions with respect to his current and future investments in the Company, and Juno’s 2025 exploration campaign and its exploration in the Ring of Fire (and expectations with respect thereto). The use of any of the words “expect”, “anticipate”, “continue”, “estimate”, “objective”, “ongoing”, “may”, “will”, “project”, “should”, “believe”, “plans”, “intends” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the Company. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking information are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct.

    Since forward-looking information address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. Factors which could materially affect such forward-looking information are described in the risk factors in the Company’s most recent annual management’s discussion and analysis that is available on the Company’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. The forward-looking information included in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws.

    The securities offered will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent a registration statement or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. The news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any State in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

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

    The MIL Network –